Psalm 79-80: Acts 28

Good Morning Truth Seekers! It has been a long time. Paul finishes his journey Rome and continues to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was relentless in his mission and reached many for the sake of Christ. Paul stayed faithful to the end. He knew he was called for this purpose. How about us? Do we take our calling seriously in that we let nothing sway us.

Psalm 79-80 is a petition for God to remove his wrath and restore peace to his people. However, the people want God to restore them to his good grace. God wants them to call upon his name to recieve his restoration. This is often the spiritual standoff we face. God is waiting on us to turn to him, and we are waiting of God to do more for us. Faith is doing without seeing. Do you have this type of faith to serve, honor and worship God trusting he will respond?

Jeremiah 51-52; Philippians 3

Hello Truth Seekers! Philippians 3 is Paul placing more value on his relationship and salvation with and through Jesus than on his Jewish heritage. He states that he consider what he has in belief and faith in Christ is better than what he had in Jewish law and tradition. He counts it as rubbish in comparison. He presses forward to reach the life and promises he has in Jesus, including the resurrection. I wonder often if we really value what we have in salvation, wisdom and eternity. Do we get excited about our faith. Do we treasure it more than any earthly thing we have or had?

Jeremiah 51-52 the end. Jeremiah continues with ultimate defeat and destruction to Babylon. the lesson is that even though God used the Babylonians to bring judgement on Judah, his justice and judgement will come them as the pagans they are. God is sovereign and can decide to use anyone at anytime for his purpose. But the responsibility to serve him only still remains and each person will be judged accordingly. There end comes with a promise to restore Israel and Judah. Thanks for a God of redemption!

Jeremiah 50: Phillipians 2

Hello Truth Seekers! Jeremiah 50 is about one thing and one thing only: the destruction of Babylon. There will come a day of recogning from God!

Phillipians 2: is about glorifying God in how we live, and die. Paul wants every person to bring glory to God. He speaks of living in such a way that we are blameless. This is to live without the need to apologize, which means no need for do overs. With out do overs we would rid ourselves of guilt that comes with sin. What a marvelous goal and life to present to God.

Jeremiah 48-49:Phillipians 1

Good morning Truth seekers! Philippians one is a greeting from Paul that primarily gives thanks for the saints at Phillipi, he rejoices because the gospel is preached and he states his desire to glorify God with his life by the power of the holy spirit in life or death. Furthermore, he encourages them to live in a way that glorifies God. Each of us should live in a way that brings glory to God. I think in order to do that you have to compartmentalize. Meaning in every role you play; son/daughter, husband/wife, sister/brother/ friend/foe and ask how can I glorify God in this role. Being at good father does not excuse one from honoring his mother and father. God wants to get glory from our entire lives. This approaches keeps the work in front of us and allow us to celebrate some victories too.

Jeremiah has a word of vengeance to all the countries who have turned against Judah and Israel. Punishment will come to each who deserve it.

Jeremiah 46-47:Matthew 26-28

Good Evening Truth Seekers! Jeremiah has had it rough. He has been left for dead and then tormented by the king asking him what else did the Lord God say about them. He has been forsaken by his people, and all because he has delivered the message that God was going to punish Judah for leaving Him for idols. He saw the fulfilment of the prophesy that Babylon would over take Judah, and kill Zedekiah. He stayed in the land just to see the person he stayed with killed. There is a promise of restoration of Judah, but not those who fled to Egypt.

Matthew 26-28 is the final chapter of Jesus earthly life and ministry. He was betrayed, hung, buried and resurrected. It was more the end of the beginning of his eternal reign. He arose with all power in heaven and earth. And on that authority he commissions his followers to evangelize the world. Will you believe and Obey Jesus?

Jeremiah 30-33: Matthew 26:1-50

Hello Truth Seekers! Jeremiah has the word from God that Israel will be destroyed and restored. He promised that Israel and Judah would return to Him. Once again they will be the pride of God. God tells Jeremiah to buy some land to encourage him that land will be bought and sold in Judah after the calamity falls upon them. He assures him that as day and night comes so will his word regarding the future of Israel and Judah. God is merciful. However, in order to be just he must chastise and restore. Thank God for restorative futures. That means that their is hope. Do you have it?

Matthew 26 is the beginning of the end. Jesus will be betrayed, handed over and left by disciples. He prays that if all possible the cup could pass, but the will of the father is most important. Judas betrays Jesus, but Jesus shows loyalty to the Father. All deeds will have consequences. Jesus and Judas will both receive the just response from God.

Jeremiah 24-29:Matthew 25:31-46

Hello Truth Seekers! I am encouraged that we are easing on down the road. If bible content was a goal of yours you are well on your way. I know that we are reading fast, but drop some markers so that you can make your way back. Do not be discouraged because you cannot remember it all. It will be what you know, not what you remember that will make a difference.

Jeremiah prophecy is fulfilled that Judah has been taken to Babylon. God will not forget them but they will be there for 70 years. Jeremiah continue to have his life threatened for preaching the words of God to Judah. God warned them and warned them, but no heed. My prayer is that the Lord will be patient with me, and that he helps me get it right before his wrath comes upon me. What is your response to this reality of God will not always withhold punishment?

Matthew 25: 1-46: Jesus wants us to treat everyone the same. Godly love is extended to everyone. The hungry, naked, imprisoned, and you get the picture. As we do to the least of our brothers we have done it to the Lord. Do not cherry pick. Treat everyone the same in kingdom building. God wants everyone to be saved.

Jeremiah 18-23: Matthew 23-24

Hello Truth Seekers! Jeremiah has been humiliated and beatened ed by the king. He was persecuted because of obedience to the Lord. Well the kings defiance to the Lord. He wished he was never born. Sometimes serving the Lord is not all glitz and glamor. Some people only see the glory but never know the whole story of servitude. Personally speaking I believe that it is worth it all, but sometime difficult in the midst of so much hardship to serve God. Jeremiah like you and I will not be judged by what others do or have done, but for what we do compared to what we have been asked by God. In the midst of that, he still has to tell the people that God will turn them over to defeat at the hands of the Babylonians and that they will be taken from the land.

Matthew 23-24 is about making sure that each of us is ready when the Lord returns. No man know that hour or day, therefore, we need to be ready.

Jeremiah 15-17: Matthew 23:1-22

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Jeremiah 15-17 is God releasing Judah. He has forsaken them and has cursed them to be without his presence, protection and provisions. He even will not allow mourning for their dead. And the reason is because they continued to live disobedient and defiant to the will and the word of God. When God removes his hand from you, utter destruction will follow. Where are you with God. Are you in his will or yours?

Matthew 23:1-22 is the woe to the Pharisees. They were out of touch with the will of God so fare that they did not even know it. Some people live wrong so long, that they would never recognize righteousness. Someone once said, He who is a fool and don't know it; avoid him. Don''t be lead astray by foolishness.

Jeremiah 12-14:Matthew 22:23-36

Hello Truth Seekers! Jeremiah is faced with the consequences of a people who turned away from God and prophets who lie to the people. They all will receive the wrath of God. They will all face exile from their land and fall slaves to another people and country. The people live disillusioned. They believe that there is no consequence to ignoring God. But there is!

In Matthew 22: we have the greatest commandment: love the Lord God with all your heart, mind and soul; love you neighbor as yourself. Sounds simple, but the pharisee will reject every word of Jesus and spend more time tyring to prove that they are right and Jesus is wrong. It is more than a missed opportunity; it is a missed eternity. Are you living in your own world without any consequence to misinformation and no judgement of sin? Many people will go to hell because of their choosing to reject the authority of Jesus, but what is worst is that they will never know the love, grace, mercy, joy and love of Christ.

Jeremiah 6-11: Matthew 21:23-22:22

Good Evening Truth Seekers! Jeremiah has a very difficult job in that he has to deliver the word of God to the people of God about the wrath of God. It is funny that in all the reading the message and covenant of God never changes: if you obey me, I will bless you. However, you forsake me you will be forsaken and punished. The punishment that would come to Judah is the same that Israel had to deal with. They too bowed to foreign Gods and worshipped to idols. God warns them to look at Israel to know not test or vex Him. My grandmother use to use a term; a hard head makes a soft butt. What she meant is that discipline will follow disobedience. This was the message that Jeremiah had to deliver. A hard head will bring the wrath of God.

Matthew 21:21-22:22 Is rich in the mind of Jesus. Jesus has authority and power. He requires obedience and when those chosen reject him, it makes room for others. He says in 21: 32 prostitutes and tax collectors are entering into the kingdom of God before the Jews, because the Jews rejected Jesus and the sinners did not. We all should get ready for the return of Jesus, for judgement is coming, we do not know when, but we should be ready. Those who are will enjoy the feast in his presence, those who are not will live eternity in hell, were there will be gnashing of teeth.

Hosea 1-14: Matthew 17-21: Jeremiah 1-6

Hello Truth Seekers! To tell the truth it has been a long time! Just caught on the readings. Had not blogged all week. This is the first stall since Jan 1 2009. Pray for me! I am going through a storm.

The prophets both Jeremiah and Hosea have the hard job of telling people that God is going to get them. Hosea was challenged and taught by God through his personal circumstance and Jeremiah live during the exile. God we know gets both Israel and Judah for ignoring him and dishonoring him by worshipping Baal and Beor.

Matthew 18-21 is rich with Jesus. Jesus prophecy is about what will happen to him, by speaking of John the baptist. And it will as he says.

2 Kings 17-19: Matthew 15:21-end

Good Evening Truth Seekers! It has been an interesting day. I started a new part time job today. I worked 11 hours, went to church and just now blogging. 2 Kings 17-19 is the story of how God spared Israel from the Assyrians. Hezekiah sought the Lord and prayed for his people and the Lord spared him. God did not spare him because he was perfect, but because he was faith filled and trusted God in his time of need. We never talk about the faith of Hezekiah, but it is noteworthy. Do you trust God in both good and bad times?

Matthew 15 closes out with more miracles from Jesus. He healed the lady's daughter without ever laying a hand or eye on her. WOW!

2 Kings 18: Matthew 15: 1-20

Good Morning Truth Seekers! 2 Kings 18 is Hezekiah's story. He was a good king in Judah and honored God in how he ruled. However, some of what he inherited was punishment for Judah's disobedience and turning from God. He faced a constant threat from Assyria, but he continued to trust in the Lord. (v5) There will always be trials in this life, and with every test a testimony. What will yours be? Will it be that you trusted God or yourself?

Matthew 15: expounds upon what is clean. Jesus teaches that it is not what goes into a man that makes him clean or unclean but what comes out of him. The Pharisees were worried about being ceremonial clean, but Jesus taught that it is not just about ceremony. Clean is a state of and the a matter of one's heart. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man unclean, but eating with unwashed hands doe not make him unclean. Do you get it?

2 Kings 15-17: Matthew 14:21-36

Good Night Truth Seekers! The kings of Israel and Judah failed to keep the commandments of God. It lead to destruction of both kingdoms and eventually their land. God commanded that they worship no other gods and not to make idols for themselves. Every king from Jeroboam strayed further away from God so that it seemed that they knew him not. Assyrians raided and took over Samaria, and caused the nation to produce offspring that were mixed with Assyrian men and Israelites women. To this day, Jews do not like Samaritans because they are half breeds.

Matthew 14: Jesus not only feeds five thousand, but he healed the sick of the land. Do not over look Peter's short walk on the water. He failed to keep his faith and eyes on Jesus and began to sink. Hint! Without Jesus there is no power.

2 Kings 13-14: Matthew 14:1-21

Good Evening Truth Seekers! 2 Kings feels like I need a score card of who is king and who got killed. Sometimes I have to admit I do not always understand God's justice, but I never question His mercy. I have concluded that it is hard to do right, if not more people would be righteous. The kings had to contend with flesh and power. Even the good kings did not eliminate the high places and it eventually lead to their down fall.

Matthew 14 is primarily about the death of John the Baptist. What a tragic ending to such a great man. John's life's purpose was live out; to God be the glory! Jesus feeds the five thousand out of a small lunch. I often time feel like Jesus feeds me the small out of such vast resource of his word. God has no limits to his power! Wow what if we lived right there?

2 Kings 7-12: Matthew 13

Hello Truth Seekers! We acknowledge the sacrifice made by our fallen soldiers and to those who voluntarily defend this country in every branch. Thank you! May God rich bless and protect you and your families. Amen!
2 Kings 7-12 is a host of kings who sat on the throne. some remembered the Lord and other continued to lead the people astray. God kept his word and dealt with each offender accordingly. He is a God who cannot lie. Every word that he spoke through the prophet came true. The grass may wither, and the flower fade, but the word of the Lord will stand forever and forever.

Matthew 13: Jesus spoke in parables to try to give a sense of what the kingdom of God is like. I believe that there is no way to really explain it but to compare it to things we can relate. Can you relate to the what the kingdom is like? One of my favorites is the parable of the weeds.

2 Kings 4-6: Matthew 12: 24-50

Good Evening Truth Seekers! Sorry for the delay! My service was down this morning. 2 Kings is full of my some of my favorites. The widow's oil, Naaman and the Shunammite woman's son brought back to life, and the ax head floats. Elisha is well into the ministry God has ordained in his life and he is serving to the glory of God. Elisha's life is meaningful because he gets to do something for God. I believe that your will be more fulfilled when you serve God. My life is fulfilled because I see God at work in me and through me. Come and join me in His service.

Matthew 12: 24-end is a strong rebuke to anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit. Jesus is wiser than Solomon, and more his preaching is more powerful than Jonah. Make no bones about it, Jesus is the Son of God and has power to heal, deliver and save in this life and the one to come. I hope you can answer this question correctly; To you who is Jesus?

2 Kings 1-3: Matthew 12: 1-21

Good Morning Truth Seekers! 2 Kings is really transitional. Elijah is taken up by God and Elisha gets a double portion of his spirit. He goes on to serve in the position ordained by God. This is why he burned his plow. Never to look backward but only to what God had ordained in his life. He had the good pleasure to learn from Elijah. Are you learning from anyone? Are you following the plan God has for your life? We see that the consequence of turning away from God is death. You might not die physically as the Kings of Israel did, but spiritually speaking there is no life without God.

Matthew 21 establishes that Jesus is the Lord of the sabbath. Life is more valuable to God than tradition. Jesus is more important than any sacred law or rule given. He has come to give life and he will not stop until salvation goes out to every one who is intended to receive it.

1 Kings 21-22: Matthew 11

Good Morning Truth Seekers! 1 Kings ends with Ahab's legacy being one of the most defiled king who reigned in Israel. He and his wife were more so lived in contempt for what was right in the eyes of the Lord. They both were cursed to die because of their misdeeds. Ahab ignored the wise counsel of Micaiah and did die. It comes down to will the kings follow God or Sin.

Matthew 11 primarily exalts John the Baptist as the greatest to live among men. Jesus proclaims that what John preached was prophetic and all who rejected it would be punished. Do you accept John's testimony about Jesus?

1 Kings 21-22: Matthew 10:21-42

Good Morning Truth Seekers! In 1 Kings 21-22 God speaks to Elijah in a still small voice. In my opinion God seems baffled by the prophets response to run and hide given the triumph he just experienced. Elijah is overwhelmed by fear and cannot go any further in his role as prophet of God. He puts the mantle on Elisha and a new day dawns for whom God uses. Ahab is the beneficiary of God's protection of his people even he is not deserving. He marries wrong, worships other God's and still God provides chance to repent. What a merciful God we serve. I love this God who is slow to anger and plenteous in mercy. I hope you know him as such.

In Matthew 10:21-42 Jesus instructs his disciples on what to do on the road. It really boils down to decision time in the life of this world. Every person must decide for him or herself. Families might be divided, but each person must decide if they will acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah or not. Jesus will reward each person accordingly to the course of action taken. Who is Jesus to you?

Matthew 9-10:20

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Jesus is establishing his authority and team on earth. He does so by showing great power to heal and deliver those in need. Heal the sick, raise the dead and give sight to the blind are just a sample of his power. He says that he harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few, and he then dispatch his twelve disciples to labor amongst a ripe field to be harvested. I want to note that he sent them to preach to Israel, that they might be saved first as the chosen people of God. As they go he says that he is sending them out as sheep among wolves, so to be as shrewd as a snake and as innocent as a dove. In other words, be crafty but not cocky, be smart, and be ready to move quickly if needed.

1 Kings 12-18

Good Morning Truth Seekers! I will create two posting to catch up, and I will separate 1 Kings from Matthew. 1 Kings 12-18 covers a lot of time in the kingdoms of both Israel and Judah. The Kingdom has split because the Lord God said it would. But what brought it on was that Solomon's son Rehoboam took the advice of his young friends and threatened to be more harsh toward the people. The people rejected him as king and crowned Jeroboam as Ahijah said. Please note that the writer refers in comparison each king to either David or Jeroboam. Those who followed the Lord were considered good kings, and those who ignored the commandments of God were considered to have followed Jeroboam. Because Jeroboam lead the people to idol worship and turned the people from God. This was a constant among Israels kings and they each reigned a short time and were punished for it. However, in Judah, even though no one returned to the devotion David had there were some who loved God and followed his commandments. The Kingdom was divided and the people fought against each other and that was the beginning of the end of Israel as it was under David and Solomon. Ahab who was the worst king married Jezebel and began to worship Baal, Elijah opposed him he and Jezebel and killed the prophets of Baal. (A must read!)

1 Kings 10-11:Matthew 8:18-34

Good Afternoon Truth Seekers! 1 Kings 10-11: Queen of Sheba's visit is quite flattering to any man. However, Solomon seems to lose his way in women. It is sad to read about how he went down due to his uncontrollable desire for so many women. God forbid the intermarriage of a Israelite and a foreigner, but Solomon ignored God. It eventually cost him everything compared to what he could have had for his family. God was clear. Keep my ways and I will bless you. Stray and pay. I know this spirit of failure in Solomon. We all suffer by our own hand or behaviour. We live in the consequences of all of our decisions. If you want a better life, make better decisions.

Matthew 18: 19-end Why do we not have enough faith in Jesus to heal, rescue, deliver and save? Jesus saves and delivers. The question is, "Will we allow him to save us?"

1 Kings 8-9: Matthew 8: 1-17

Good Morning Truth Seekers! What a powerful passage of scripture from the heart and prayer of Solomon. I am moved by the kings prayer. His adoration and respect for God is evident by his sacrificial offerings. Solomon knew where his blessings came from, and the more he gave to God, the more God gave to him. His gratitude is unmatched, and that might be because he received more than any. What if we worshipped God like Solomon? What if we dedicated all that we do as Solomon did unto the Lord God? I believe that if we did God would keep his promise to us; if we follow his commands and keep his decrees he would bless us beyond our imagination. I want this type of blessing. How about you?

Matthew 8: 1-17 Jesus heals! Only our faith limits what Christ can do in our life. Jesus surely is able to heal from afar. We see that in Centurion's story. He says to Jesus I believe if you just say the words my servant will be healed. I know he can do more than we can imagine or think. My prayer is that God will stretch my imagination and my faith, thus increasing his movement in my life.

1 Kings 6-7: Matthew 7

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Solomon built the Temple for the Lord and a palace for himself. Solomon sets priority by serving God first. He sacrificed his want or need to honor God. Additionally he spared nothing to insure that everyone knew that he loved and honored God. In return God shows the world that he loved Solomon. Oswald Chambers wrote a daily devotional that speaks to Solomon's approach to God, "My Utmost for His Highest." It will forever be how we should serve, and honor God.

Matthew provides many lessons in chapter seven: Judging others; do not judge others, for in the same way you shall be judged. Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you shall find, and knock and the door will be opened to you. This speaks of spiritual truths and desires to know God. Everyone is welcomed to Him. However, only a few find their way, is what "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Lastly, words will not suffice in proving you found life, but your fruit will speak for you. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree will never bear good fruit. Check your tree and your what your house is built on!

1 Kings 3-5: Matthew 6:19-36

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Solomon asked for a discerning spirit to rule God's people and was made the wisest to ever live. But what struck me was that God gave him what he did not ask for, and that was wealth, honor and long life. I know that if we put the most important thing first (God) we never have to worry about the rest. That is what he promised in Matthew 6, there is no need to worry as long as God is on the throne in heaven. He takes care of his responsibility, if we give the authority in our lives. It all adds up to peace: no worries. I hope you have it, the peace of God. It is a by-product of righteousness and God centered living.

Jonah, 1 Kings 1&2, Matthew 3-6:18

Good Evening Truth Seekers! I have fallen into a nasty regarding my reading and blogging. Pray that I will get back on track tomorrow. Jonah was fascinating reading again. God shows Jonah all people mattered to him. He teaches Jonah this lesson by highlighting his feelings about something that he neither created or cared for. God loves everyone, and want them to receive the salvation he provides.

1 Kings 1-2 are wonder narrative about how Solomon became king. God was in the plan and so it was, snatched right out of the wrong hand of Adonijah. David rejoices in see his son succeed him, and finishes his business and passes away. We each get just a little while to handle the business of this life. I hope you about your father's business.

Matthew 5-6:18 is a continuation of how Jesus wants us to live and pray. Jesus establishes his kingdom and his rules for living both on earth and in heaven. If we asked WW JD? The answer would be found in these passages called the 'Be Attitudes.'

Numbers 29-36: Matthew 3-5:26

Good Evening Truth Seekers! It has been a busy two days. Today we took the young people to six flags for Gospel Festival and Kirk Franklin performed. It was a glorious time and I enjoyed it. Numbers 29- 36 is the end of Moses ministry and life. Matthew 3-5 begin the ministry of Jesus. They both had the favor of God upon them. They both honored their post as priest and leaders. Will you do the same? As a Father, Mother, Brother or Sister? Follow up and follow through with what God calls you to do.

Numbers 26-28: Matthew 2

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Numbers 26-29: The census being retaken to establish those who would go into the promised land. Don't forget that anyone over twenty at the first census would suffer death because of lack of faith in the spying assignment. God establishes that Joshua will lead, but not with all the authority that Moses had. Notice that he then ties his leadership to the Priest who would inquire of the Lord on his behalf. Being in relationship with God requires sacrifice. The offerings required by the Lord represented value to those offering them. I notice that they gave out of what they had, and that meant that there was no shortage. There is a song that says, "You can't beat God giving no matter how you try; the more you give the more he'll give to you, so keep on giving"

Matthew 2 is the birth of Christ. I have often overlooked the killing of the babies in Bethlehem. Christ's birth threatens all kings of the world and they were trying to stop his kingdom before it started. The other thing noteworthy is that Jesus receive offerings at his birth. His family went to Egypt at did the children of Israel, and was brought out on God's command. This was no coincidence. Joseph was lead and saved by God. Will you allow the Lord to lead you? It comes with great benefits; provisions and prevention.

Numbers 23-25: Matthew 1

Good Evening Truth Seekers! Numbers 23-25 is the courageous story of Balaam to be obedient to God. Balaak wants him to curse the Israelites but he does not because that is not what God says. I pray for this type of courage, to do what God wants regardless of the circumstance. Lastly, the race is not given to the swift, but to the one who can endure. The Israelites get caught up in the Midianite women and caused a plague to come upon them from God. What a fascinating story of how it ends. Don't miss it.

Matthew 1 is the lineage of Jesus and the story of his immaculate conception. It would be incorrect to say his beginning because he was and foretold long before. What a privilege and honor for Mary and Joseph to be used like this by God. A wonderful blessing to all for his name Immanuel means God with us. Believe it or not this story impacts the world including believers and non believers. Which are you?

Numbers 20-22:Revelation 22

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Revelation has come and gone! 22 is the signature of God upon this vision and revelation. Do not add to it or take away from it. I receive John's prayer for the people of God. Will you?

Numbers 20-22 Israel goes on the move and to war. God movers his people and moves with and for them. But like Balaak and Balaam found out we should move and speak on God's command. I often wonder will it take a donkey to get our attention regarding God and what he is doing in our lives. Say it ain't so Joe!

Numbers 15-19: Revelation 20--21

Good Afternoon Truth Seekers! Numbers 15-19 establishes the protocol when it comes to tabernacle positioning and work. God selected Moses and Aaron to be his leaders and it was non negotiable. We dishonor God when we go against his appointed leadership and organization. If and when there is any problem with the man of God, God will not only hold them accountable but will judge all. We would have a different church if all of us honored God and his church/tabernacle as prescribed in Numbers.

Revelation 20-21 brings about the judgement and a new heaven. Ultimate honor and glory belongs to the lamb of God (Jesus) who died for the sins of the world and whose reward is power to judge everyone. Don't wait to call upon his name, for all who do will be saved from the second death.

Numbers 11-14: Revelation 19

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Numbers 11-14 marks a rebellious time in Israels history. They almost moaned themselves to death. They complained about meat, Miriam complained about Moses, and they failed to believe in the Lord's might. It all added it up to a self fulfilling prophecy. The Lord punished them with their own words. They were sentenced to unfulfilled lives in the desert and would see the promised land. God is able to do exceedingly more than we can imagine, I pray that we are not talking our ways out of blessings. Do you believe God can do what he promises? If not, he won't. In Hebrews 11:6 it teaches us, without faith it is impossible to please God. Do you have God pleasing faith?

Revelation 19 is the continuation of the beginning of Christ reign. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. His kingdom has come and all will bow down in due time. He has earned all power on earth and in heaven. Bow down to the King or suffer later the consequence.

Numbers 9-10:Revelation 18

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Numbers 9 establishes the passover meal as an ordinance in Israel. They are to par take in in annually and follow the instructions given by the Lord God. The passover is to remind them of how God passed over every first born of Israel and killed the firstborn of Egypt in his delivering them out. None of us should forget how God has rescued us. Our lives should be a constant offering unto him. What we say, how we live, how we love, forgive, and treat others. Being children of the most high comes with responsibility and as a result we get rewarded with his grace, mercy and countless blessings. As the Lord God lead the people by the cloud he will lead us in every aspect of life. He knows the way, we have to be willing to follow. The trumpets are tools God used to assemble his people. When the trumpets sounds again, the end, and it will be a gathering of God's people. Will you be in that number?

Revelation 18: the end of Babylon as a nation of sin. Sin will be wiped from the earth and will have no place in God's holy city.

Numbers 7-8: Revelation 17

Good Night Truth Seekers! What a day! I am preparing for Sunday and try not to co-mingle my thoughts while writing, thus the delay. Numbers 7-8 are the dedication of the tent of meeting and the offering of the leaders. It again shows the responsibility to worship God with an offering. These leaders lead the way in making sure that the tabernacle can function. So many times today the people of God fail to honor God in giving to him sacrificially. We do not have to bring a burnt offering but we should give regularly and sacrificially to God.

Revelation 17 tells the destruction of the woman on the beast, and the beast. There will be a day of reckoning for all who do not call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. She will suffer greatly at the hand of the beast and the ten horns. Make sure you do not fall prey to her abominations of adulteries. Lord please have mercy upon our souls!

Numbers 5-6: Revelation 16

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Revelation 16 rolls out the wrath of God from the seven angels. It is judgement against those who worship the beast and it is a just judgement. I hope that whoever reads this passage of scripture repent and turn to God through his Son. Profess faith in Jesus and receive salvation. There is only one name that men might be saved and that is the name of Jesus. Have you received the gift of salvation by faith through Jesus?

Numbers 5-6 begin to get into regulations for holy living. God is holy and no unclean person shall be in his presence. Restitution is made for wrong to a person, and a man can have his wife tested for cheating. All these things are a reminder that we should confess our sin and seek forgiveness from God. The Nazirite should maintain his oath and vow by maintaining his cleanliness, because it is a vow unto the Lord God. The NT teaches that we should not swear, but to be honest by letting our no's be no and yes be yes. This vow of the Nazirite represents the same fidelity to God.

Numbers 3-4 Revelation 15

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Numbers 3-4 are about work and responsibility. God has taken the Levites for himself. They represent the firstborn in Israel who belong to the Lord; God said that because the death angel passed over the first born of Israel that they belonged to Him. The Levites were assigned task to work with Aaron and his sons. Particularly they were employed to different part of the tabernacle. They did what was the obligation of the Israelites. Each person saved by God or in the family of God is required to serve him in worship. Rights come with responsibility. Stop expecting everything from God without offering him something from you. His love, redemption, and salvation for you will cost you something. David said I will not offer God that which cost me nothing. There is no free lunch in salvation. His blood, and sacrifice requires our sacrifice; What shall we render?

Revelation 15: the last of the wrath of God is in the seven bowls carried by the seven angels. Please do not miss the worship that was going on by the saints. We will worship the Lamb. Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess.

Numbers 1-2: Revelation 14

Good Evening Truth Seekers! Revelation 14 opens with the 144,000 who praising God. They followed the lamb praising him. Three angels spread the gospel, tormented the beast followers and harvested the earth. What does it means? In the end the judgement of God will come and each person and being will get what is deserved. At the end of the day, judgement will come from God and he is a just God. I trust that every person will give account once for all.

Numbers one and two are about how many men twenty and older in Israel and their camping around the tabernacle. I think that this is to show how God multiplied them while in Egypt, but no doubt their strength was in the Lord not in their number. So is yours and mine.

Ecclesiastes 7-12:Revelation 12-13 Sat-Sun

Good Evening Truth Seekers! Ecclesiastes 7-12 is summarized in 12:5 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing whether it is good or evil. At the end of the day, everything else is meaningless.

Revelation 12-13 When I read Revelation I have to set aside the imagery and remind myself that we win in the end. The mark of the Beast in 13 will be no match for faith in Jesus. Our enemy will be hurled to the earth and destroyed, but we will be lifted up to heaven with the Lord Jesus. Victory in Jesus!

Ecclesiastes 4-6: Revelation 11

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Ecclesiastes 4-6 continues the theme of it like the chasing of the wind. The writer has concluded that life is meaningless. He takes a shot at advancement, and money: As a man comes he departs, taking nothing with him. He grieves that all that a man accomplishes remains here after death. It brings new meaning to keeping your priorities. Often times we chase things that surmount to nothing. The writer says stand in awe of God, which simply means get your house in order with your creator, because when this life ends you and I will stand before him and be judged.

Revelation 11 the two witnesses are a force to be reckoned. I do not fully understand their place, but I conclude that each of us have an assignment from God and a set period to do it. And if done to his glory, he will reward us on high for it. The clock is ticking, are you completing your assignment and bringing glory to God in the office he has assigned you?

Eccleciastes 1-3: Revelation 10

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Eccleciastes 1-3 concludes that everything is meaningless. The writer has lived a wonderful life and has come to realized that he cannot take any of his stuff with him, and that every one will meet the same end; death. He exhorts that we live to please God for in the appointed time God will judge every deed.

Revelation 10: Serving God can be bitter sweet. Just like the scroll in this chapter is sweet in your mouth and sours the belly. The joy that comes with serving God is wonderful and fulfilling but likewise it carries with it heaviness and difficulties that come with it. Just like the sour belly, many things I have to experience comes with both joy and pain, both bitterness and sweetness. Simple things like being asked to assist a person or family in need. It is a part of the job, but it is no easy feat. Having to ask for help is no comparison to seeing God deliver that help needed. Bitter sweet.! The joy of seeing an addiction overcome, is far from the pain of trying to get them to that first meeting. But at the end I remember that it is God's responsibility to take care of his children, and giving him the authority to do it produces less burden and pressure. My job is to ask and see where God is working, and through whom. Praise God for all that he has done and for what he is doing?

Daniel 11-12:Revelation 9

Good Afternoon Truth Seekers! The end times are difficult to understand, and the imagery does not help us fully comprehend what God has in store. However, both Daniel and Revelation speaks of what is to come in the future. I trust as Daniel was told that if I live an obedient life God will provide and protect me. My prayer is that God will use my life to spread that word so many will not avoid suffering by their own hand.

Daniel 8-10; Revelation 8

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Daniel is has the curse of blessings. He is esteemed such that God gives him insight into the future, however, it is a terrifying event. He receives the plight of the kingdoms and his people. Daniel sought God and found Him. I encourage you to do like wise. God is available to those who earnestly seek Him?

Revelation 8: The trumpets sounds and great tragedy happens on the earth, and there is a warning about what is to come in the next trumpets to sound.

Daniel 3-7; Revelation 6-7

Good Night Truth Seekers! Daniel 3-7 are full of great moments in God. He saved the three Hebrew boys from the fiery furnace and Daniel from the lion's den. What a mighty God we serve. Both feats lead to conversion of Kings to believe in the one true God of Daniel. However, Belshazzar did not follow suit and had his life and kingdom taken away from him for offending God. After all that he knew about God, how could he not serve him. What a good question! All that we know about God; how can we not serve Him?

Revelation 6-7 reveals what each seal holds, and the 144,000 sealed from the tribes of Israel. Salvation belongs to the God of Israel and who sits on the throne. God will receive much praise in heaven from those who are His. Where will you be?

Daniel 1-2: Revelation 5

Good Evening Truth Seekers! Beginning Daniel is indeed exciting! Out of ruins and tragedy God way produces fruit for Daniel and his friends. Going against the tide for God will never be easy but comes with the promise of fruit. Daniel seeks God and gives him the glory for all he produces. I pray that you give God his glory for everything.

Revelation 5 Jesus is the slain lamb that bought with his blood God children. He is worthy of all the praise and honor from all saints. His reward is power to open the seal and the privilege to judge. Don't miss Jesus now, and miss him in eternity.

Leviticus 26-27: Revelation 4

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Praise God! I am celebrating my Birthday today!
Leviticus 26-27 closes out Leviticus and you know somehow the more I read the shorter each book becomes. Inch by inch is cinch: yard by yard is hard! Leviticus ends with the rewards of obedience and consequences of disobedience. First of all there are no take backs when it comes to the Lord. Anything dedicated to him is not up for grabs anytime we want or feel like it. The NT speaks of being double minded and warns that man will not recieve anything of God. I guess this is spiritual dissonance; or remorse in giving to God. This in and out gets us nowhere spiritually. Life in the Lord is simple; you obey you get blessed,; you disobey you get cursed. Which might include God withdrawing his hand from you; leaving you without his provision, guidance, and protection. I worked with a guy who used to say, "My momma did not raise a fool." and then he would ask, "Did yours?"

Revelation 4 The throne room of heaven is too much for most to grasp; but get this, it is worship all day and night to the one who is worthy of all of the praise. Praise to the one who is, was and to come and every knee will bow. The real question is where will you be when you bow to God? Heaven or Hell.

Leviticus 25: Revelation 3

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Leviticus 25 is about the sabbath rest and the year of Jubilee. The sabbath rest is a provision for the earth to rest and to be restored in a year when no crops are planted. It is required every seven years and after seven of them then Jubilee. It is the year of redemption for Israel. God has instructed them to redeem all that has been sold or lost in Israel. Israel belongs to God therefore, all people and property should be redeemed by his people for his name sake. What a concept; all things belong to God. How about in your life?

Revelation 3 continues the instruction to churches and the star scripture is 3:20 I stand at the door and knock, whoever lets me in I will eat with them and them with me. What a summary: God does not impose himself on anyone, but for those who answers his call will be blessed. The blessing includes provisions, protection (prevention), guidance and eternity with him. Will you answer the door and let the King of Glory come in?

Leviticus 23-23: Revelation 2

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Leviticus 23-24 list all of the feast to be celebrated by Israel. These feast are designed to keep God at the center of all life. Israel is to be a holy nation and its ruler is to be God. Anyone who leads people against or away from the Lord will be cut off or killed. 24 ends in a litany of what I call an eye for an eye. We would do anything to people if everything we do would be done to us.

Revelation 2 is a list of churches and warnings from the Lord. He warns them against paganism, and Nicolatian practices within the body of believers or the church of God. Each church is called to be holy fully and completely. Reward will be given to those who honor God and destruction will be the end for those who continue to disobey.

Leviticus 21-22; Revelation 1

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Leviticus 21-22 turns toward the rule for the priest and family. His office supercedes his family, for he represents all of the families to God. He has to maintain his ceremonial cleanliness in order to intercede on behalf of the people to their God. His being rendered unclean would hinder sacrifices made to the Lord and therefore, people would continue to live without forgiveness and in guilt. Futhermore, God wants only what is of value to us for restitution. We cannot present that which means nothing to God in exchange for mercy. Remember the guilt and burnt offering are substitute for our life and blood on the altar. David said once, that he would not offer God that which cost him nothing. A perfect God wants a sacrifice like the one he makes; a lamb without blemish, spot or wrinkle. No throw aways for God, therefore, we should offer or throw at God as an after thought our worship, adoration, praise or money. God wants to be first in our lives. Is he first when it comes to your life?

Revelation of Christ is a better name for this book. John wrote this book while in exile on an island called Patmos. He was told by Jesus to write what he sees, has seen and those to come. he writes to the 7 churches names in the Roman empire. This book is full of imagery and you will need a good score card to sort it all out. Pray that the Lord Jesus will give you understanding of these things.

Leviticus 17-20;Hebrews 13

Good morning truth seekers! Leviticus 17-20 covers a lot of ground regarding what to do and what not to do when it comes to being holy and clean. I often acknowledge that God has thought of everything. What to eat, what to wear, and how to live. But these four chapters are so eloquently summized in 19: 1 Be holy for I the Lord am holy. God who is holy must be approached with reverence for His holiness. Meaning that we cannot live any way we want and expect the God to deal with us as if we were. There are a lot of rules here, but loving God and honoring his commandments make us better and our lives are free from what sin brings; death. Which is separation from God his provisions, guidance and preventions. You do not want to live that way! It is not living at all.

Hebrews 13: Paul wraps up his letter with be faithful; God is with you. Do not be turned back toward making animal sacrifices. Jesus has established a new covenant and has become the sacrifice that cleanses all sin. He requires praise and honor given to his name, and actions like taking care of one another and the poor. In verse 17 he instructs them to obey the leaders and submit to their authority. He says they will be held accountable by God, but their behavior could make their work enjoyable rather than burdensome. I get this, parents have peace according to how their kids live, if a parent has to constantly worry about a child it hinders their joy and work. Pastors are the same, if the flock constantly lives disobediently, it takes away joy and bring a need for constant rebuke. No one wants to always be the heavy, and even God wants to share in our good times, happy times and our celebration of peace.

Hebrews 12

Good Evening Truth Seekers! I hope that you had a wonderful Resurrection Sunday! I started this day off with a call from my aunt who was informing of a death in the family, and tonight on the way home from the movie we stopped to try to assist a man and his dog who were struck by a car. I do not know whether the man died or not, but it is irony that the day to celebrate life is full of death. Live strong, pray hard and love God and your family.

Hebrews 12: God chastens those he loves. The discipline of God is evidence of his love. Be careful not to reject God, for the consequences will not be favorable.

Leviticus 15-16: Hebrews 11:20-40

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Leviticus 15-16 continues to focus on approaching God for the sake of asking forgiveness and making a sin offering. It is necessary for us to confess our sins and to ask God for forgiveness. The offerings of the burnt and sin offering reminds us that the wage of sin is death. Meaning that when we sin against God we deserve death. 16 is atonement for an entire people. Israel is one nation under one God. He is holy and thus we are called to maintain holiness in order to be in obedient fellowship.

Hebrews 11 speaks of the faith of the many servants who God has used. Verse 6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God. I pray that faith produces pleasing service unto God. Does yours?

Leviticus 14: Hebrews 11: 1-19

Good Night Truth Seekers! It is Good Friday! Christ was wrongly accused, crucified, buried in a borrowed tomb. I pray that you have received his sin offering on your behalf!

Leviticus 13: Hebrews 10-19-39

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Leviticus 13 is about being in a state that would allow you to approach a holy God and his people. Whether infectious skin or mildew I believe that this is about how we approach God. He is holy and is concerned that we understand His holiness. This is about being ceremonially ready to present your offering and entering the place of worship, and everything has been anointed and blessed and contamination would make it unfit for a pure hearted God.

Hebrew 10:19-end is about holding on to our faith and to the faithful one. The message is clear; it will be prosperous in the end.

Leviticus 11-12: Hebrews 10:1-18

Good Evening Truth Seekers! Leviticus 11-12 speaks about cleanliness. Eleven is about food that is proper diet for the children of God. Twelve speaks of ceremonially clean for a woman after childbirth. The point is that God has thought about everything in his creation and has provided adequately for those that are his. Furthermore, a holy God requires a holy people and what is eaten matters. A woman has to separate herself from God ceremonially before she can approach even to worship. There is truly a time for everything and I would add a mode too. Do you think about how you are and how you approach God? It is about Him being holy and our needing the holy one.

Hebrews 10:1-18 speaks of Christ's sacrifice for us and what it does for us once and for all. Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind and all sin. There is no need to do it over. Will you accept his gift of life through his death?

Leviticus 8-10:Hebrews 9

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Leviticus 8-10 culminates in ordination of Aaron and his sons as priest. and ends in the death of Nadab and Abihu two of the sons. Every thing in God's house has purpose and order. Aaron was the high priest, his sons are subordinate to him, they were killed because they tried to usurp the order God has in place. In the world it is called pecking order, in the church it is divine order. God honors the offices and officers. A deacon has no business acting in the roll of a pastor. Why? He can do the same thing but never will he have a pastor's heart or authority; those things come from God. Destruction will follow when order is not followed according to divine order. God was not playing about how the sacrifices should be made. He is the authority and the worship leader, and only He can make the rules.

Hebrews 9 speaks of the divine order regarding the Holy place. There must be divine order in sacrifice and service unto to the Lord. Christ's blood cleanses us because of the order in which it was given. Jesus was the offering and the presenter of Himself as the unblemished offering, whose blood made restitution of all sin.

Leviticus 6-7:Hebrews 8

Good Morning Truth Seekers! This week we approach Resurrection Sunday, and remember was Jesus did through this Holy Week. Govern yourselves accordingly! Leviticus 6-7 establishes regulations for the sin, guilt and fellowship offerings. Additionally, it regulates the portion the priest shall have from the offerings. This is clear that God has provided for the priest through those in which they provided spiritual leadership and service. Most people see no responsibility to provide for the man of God. They fail to think about the consequence of robbing God. It in essence rob the man of God of provisions for himself and his family. When Gods says bring the tithe so that it will be meat in His house, is to support those who serve there, and who come with need.
Hebrews 8 establishes the concept that not only is Jesus a better high priest and from a different line. He also ministers in a new covenant that is superior to the old one. That covenant will be made in the hearts and minds of people, not of stone. Worship to God will come from love and adoration, not ritual and obligation. I hope you are worshipping God because of your love for him. When that happens nothing is held back from him; our life, our time, or resources become His.

Leviticus 4-6: Hebrews 7

Good Evening Truth Seekers! Happy Palm Sunday! Leviticus continues to instruct Israel in how to approach God. Sin requires confession and restitution. The punishment for sin is death. God has so graciously created the sin offering to substitute for the life of the offender. More importantly, sin requires us to appear before God and offer repentance and sacrifice something for his grace. Live stock was valuable. Unblemished signifies our very best for God. Put it together it adds up that we should offer God what means most to us. Our utmost for his highest. In order to approach God we need to be without guilt or holy. God who is holy and just will not over look our sin, therefore, he want s us to confess, acknowledge his authority and ask for forgiveness.

Hebrews 7 establishes that Christ came as a better high priest than Aaron lineage could provide for us who needed forgiveness. Melchizedek represents a line of priest that is higher than the Levitical line. Jesus is bigger and better than all who come in human capacity. He is perfect.

Leviticus 1-3:Hebrews 6

Good Evening Truth Seekers! It has been a wonderful day in the "Fellowship" We spent the morning cleaning up God's house. I was encouraged to see new members cleaning their place of worship. It give ownership, it says this is my church. True fellowship happens shoulder to shoulder on the mission field, in the battle and in service to the Holy One!

That is what Leviticus is all about; worship, service and dedication to a holy God. This book is to teach God people how to approach him. It begins with sacrifice, and sanctification of the worshipper by way of offering to the God who redeems. I hope you are experiencing those things in your life. 1-3 is the beginning of how to worship a God who saves.

Hebrews 6 is encouraging believers to mature. The truth is there is no stagnating. A saint is either growing or falling backwards spiritually. The writer warns that falling back is a disgrace to Christ, but to hold fast comes with assurance of blessings. What do you want for your life?

Proverbs 30-31: Hebrews 5

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Proverbs has been a rich sourche of energy and wisdom. I hope you have enjoyed it.

Hebrews 5: Introduces Jesus as greater than any other high priest. He is a high priest in the order of Mechizadek. Which means he greater than the Levitical line of priest and Aaronodical line, because he was before any of them. Furthermore, Jesus will reign as intercessor forever, and has no need for atoning his own sin. The writer will explain further, but hesitates because of the lack of maturity of his readers. He proposes that they should be mature enough to understand Christ's priestly significance.

I know this frustration, and it compare faintly to what God must feel about each of us. It is said that God loves us enough to accept us as we are, but too much to let us stay that way. I believe that transformation is expected of us to grow in the knowledge of God and his deity. Are you growing? Can you have a mature conversation about your faith? Is your understanding deeper than it was when you first believed?

Proverbs 27-29: Hebrews 4

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Read Proverbs for yourself there is nothing I can add to it.
Hebrews 4 is a warning against disbelief and an invitation to enter into the rest that comes with faith in Jesus. The invitation an warning comes in the form of, Today, if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts. It is essentially up to you if you believe or not. Therefore, God gives each person who hears the gospel the opportunity to chose life or death, rest or turmoil now and for eternity. We can enter into this place of peace with God because of Jesus who intercedes on our behalf. Will you approach the throne of grace and accept his offering to you and on your behalf?

Proverbs 25-26: Hebrews 3

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Hebrews 3 is straight forward. Christ is greater than the prophet Moses. Remember the writer is trying to encourage those converted Jews not to recant their profession. He is laying the foundation for a brighter future verses a dead past, meaning returning to the law of Moses. He believes the Jesus was the way to salvation and warned them against disbelief. His warning included the tragic end of those who died in the wilderness and cited that their sin was disbelief. They were scared of being persecuted and no doubt martyred. But the writer of Hebrews exhorts them to continue in the faith. Sometimes life is so hard that we question our faith. Christianity is not easy, but its promise is to be worth whatever struggle we endure. Don't quit! Don't give up! Don't be over come by fear, but live in the promises of God.

Proverbs 22-24: Hebrews 2

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Proverbs 22-24 are words of the wise! Please read and become wiser.

Hebrews 2 continues the theme that Jesus is better. In particular he is better than the angels and the prophets of God. The writer warns the readers not to miss or overlook how important Jesus is to salvation. He has been established by signs, wonders, miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is over the household of God and everything in heaven and earth has been placed under his authority. He earned it by dying for all. His humanity enables him to relate to all who will be tempted and who will be saved. His overcoming death for our sake makes him better than any other high priest because he was made like those whom he would minister to and die for. Don't miss this gift in your life. Whatever, you are going through, stop and ask Jesus to help you. He will!

Read Proverbs 19-21: Hebrews 1

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Note: I will not attempt to blog about the Proverbs! Please and gain wisdom and insight.

Hebrews 1 lays the ground work for the greatness of Jesus. He is greater than the prophets and angels. The writer is trying to give encouragement to Jews who left the synagogue and where scared of being persecuted by their countrymen. The writer is trying to encourage them to mature their faith instead of abandoning it. Many times I think that people get on board without full understanding, however, believing has to be accompanied by "Be Growing" in order to get the full benefits of it. Some suffer from no progress because of no commitment to learn. Not learning will eventually frustrate most and they are likely to go do something else. Are you maturing your faith? Are you a disciple?

Titus 3

Good Evening Truth Seekers! Titus 3 is a reminder to do good. Christian living is found in the doing. Faith without works is dead. Paul tells Titus to tell the people to be humble in obedience to authority. He seems to prescribe a been there done that attitude. Saying before Christ and his spirit in him he lived a riotousness life. However, warn divisive behavior once, no more than twice, before moving on.

Proverbs 13-15: Titus 2

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Read Proverbs 13-15. 13: 20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
Titus 2 gives proof that every person in the family of God plays a role. We truly are one body and many members. The question is not do you play a role?; it is, "How are you playing your role?" Are we using the grace given us to build the team or tear it down?

Proverbs 10-12: Titus 1

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Titus is Paul's letter instructing him to do a couple of things; organize the churches, put in good leaders and deal with trouble makers among them. Chapter one is primarily about choosing good men to lead. Paul lays out the criteria for elders. He calls them bishops, that means overseer. My understanding of the difference is elder is a title and bishop is the function: overseer. Cretan were known to be liars and Paul instructs Titus to deal with them as such. They were ruining entire households. We see two distinct reputations in the text and I hope we are more like overseers rather than the Cretans!

Proverbs 8-9: 1 Corinthians 16

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Hurray! We have finished 1 Corinthians! Proverbs 8-9 read it and become wiser!

1 Corinthians 16 is a great finish. I particularly like verse 13: Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage, be strong. 14. Do everything in love. Paul warns them to stay steadfast in the work that they are doing. However, he prescribes love as the constant. Strength and love adds up to compassion, without love it is ruthlessness. We are called to serve with compassion in all that we do. I pray you have the strength to do so.

Proverbs 6-7: 1 Corinthians 15

Good Morning Truth Seekers! I have concluded that I cannot add anything to the insight giving to the readers of Proverbs 6 & 7.

1 Corinthians 15 is primarily about the resurrection of the dead. Is there such a thing? Paul's case begin with Jesus who showed himself to many after the his death. He believes that Christ is the first of many who will become alive in the resurrection. Paul lays out a case that our natural bodies cannot inherit the kingdom of God. We have to die (35) in order to inherit our heavenly bodies. In the day of Christ's coming he will claim those have fallen first then those who believe who are alive. And all of us will be clothed in our heavenly attire/bodies. Paul is committed to this, and encourages us to hold on to it with out doubt. He says that if there is no resurrection then we have wasted our times in believing in Jesus. Since his resurrection seals his sovereignty.

Proverbs 3-5 1 Corinthians 15:1-28

Good Evening Truth Seekers! I apologize for my tardiness today, but I had to travel to support my daughter in KY! She is the leading lady in a children's play. She was marvelous!
Proverbs 3-5 is too rich and too much and I could only say too little and not justify what I would leave out. It would be unwise for me to try to add to it. Read it for yourself.

1 Corinthians 15: 1-28 speaks to the resurrection of the dead. I think that we need the whole thought to appreciate any reflection. In other words, "No comment"

Proverbs 1-2: 1 Corinthians 14: 21-40

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Proverbs 1 tells us that the these writing is for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life.
According to Prov. 2 wisdom can be found by those searching for it. It will save you from the ways of wicked men, but direct you toward the way of good men. I hope you are searching for it.

1 Corinthians 14: 20-40 concludes the discussion on speaking in tongues. Paul is set that without an interpreter it is inappropriate in worship. He also says that women are not to speak in church. I am compelled to say that the women were limited in many ways when it came to faith. I really do not know when we changed by way of the role women play in church, but I do know that in my life time it has always been a part of my church experience. I am perplexed to say the least about culture and time and this scripture regarding women. I believe that time brings about a change, and this is one of them. Women play a huge role in church, however we have limited their role not to include pastoral leadership. What are your thoughts?

Job 40-41: 1 Corinthians 14:1-20

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Job ends with a tremendous blast from God but also his blessing Job. God chastises Job in such a way to make it clear that he was out of line in his tone and questions to the Almighty. Job finally repents for it and the Lord blesses him and restore his reputation with his friends and gives Job twice as much wealth as before. I love this, and strive for this in my life. Job second half was better than the first. Praise God! This is legacy living.

1 Corinthians 14:1-20 primarily is about speaking in tongues. It recognized tongues as speaking to God and a manifestation of the spirit. However, it is clear that without an interpreter it has no value in church. This is an age old debate in the faith. But Paul is clear that prayer is a language from God and needs interpretation for the full benefit.

Job 38-39: 1 Corinthian 13

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Congrats to LaTasha and Jose who will be married today! Job 38-39: The Lord Speaks! God now speaks to Job in a way that only would silence him. God puts Job's life, wisdom, righteousness and his claims against God to shame. Romans 12 teaches us that we should not think more highly of ourselves than we should. This is God's message to Job. Stay in your place. You are not that wise, that righteous, or that blameless. Ultimately, we all will answer to God for the life we live. Job is no exception, and neither are we.

1 Corinthians 13: Love! It does not matter what good you do, if it is without love it is for nothing. Love is necessary as is faith to please God. God is love. Love is patient, kind ....do you have it? God's love completes us, and when we come into his perfect love we become whole. I dare you to pursue love as God prescribes it.

Job 36-37: 1 Corinthians 12

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Happy Spring! Job continues to listen to Elihu. He is determined to get his say in to defend God. He creates a litany of what God who is just will do and will not do. His imagery suggest that God even speaks through thunder and lightening. God is mighty and we are no match for his might. Elihu wants to know can Job know how God does certain acts like control the clouds.

1 Corinthians Paul speaks of gifts being distributed throughout the body of Christ. He teaches that each gift is given by the same spirit. Regardless the gift working together with other members of the body gets the mission done. He teaches that each person is important to the body of Christ as each part of the human body is vital to its function and survival. God has given each person the gift he intended for them to have for his glory. I think this means that each of us have the responsibility to know/identify our gift and mature it. God gave us gifts to produce fruit for him. Are you using your gift for God's glory?

Job 34-35: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Elihu is having his time to speak. But the truth is that it is the same old song. He is defending God and rebuking Job. He contends that never would God who loves justice punish a righteous man. He is correct! Job is being tested and tempted by Satan to see if Job will turn away from God. That is the test for each of us. Satan wants us to turn back to self reliance, self centered-ness and self worthiness. In James we learn that when we stand the trials we will receive the crown of righteousness. I challenge you today to not to box God in. His ways are not our ways, and when we have reached the end of our imagination God can and will do more than we can imagine and even think about.

1 Corinthians 11:17 is about honoring the Lord in the memorial set aside for believers. Paul taught them to occasionally memorialize the lord death by faith that he will return. Some of them were eating and drinking in a disrespectful way. He warns them that this was not appropriate and that certain behavior is not respectful of God or His church. I am with Paul we should not come to the communion table with common thought, heart and mind. The mode is eating but the heart should be exalting and honoring the gift of Jesus, which was to give his body and shed his blood for our salvation.

Job 32-33 :1 Corinthians 11:1-16

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Job has one more accuser. I want to tell you that there will always be a critic in your life.

1 Corinthians 11: 1-16 Paul is holding them to the standard of worship that He believes is best. For a woman to cover her head if she prays. He is contending that it is honorable to God. Her hair should be cover if she is a woman. And if she act like a man then cut her hair off. Honoring God should be the goal, not oneself.

Job 31-32: 1 Corinthians 10:19-33

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Job laments his status he once held. He gives a litany of how good things were and then how good he has been. Job relents that he has been godly to all; the poor, the servant, the widow and the stranger. He goes to far in calling God out to present his case against him. Additionally, he seems boastful, more so than humble. One of the things we can learn from Job is to leave room for our sins of omission. Meaning those things that we did not intend to do, or even know that they were sins. Sometimes it is our attitude; like arrogance. Pray that God will forgive your sin of omission. Paul writes in Romans there is no one perfect no not one. He then writes all have fallen short of God's glory.

1 Corinthians 10: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Job 25-29: 1 Corinthians 9-10

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Job reaches the point in which God said he would arrive. He profoundly declares that he will never speak evil or deny his integrity as long as he has the breath of God in him. Praise the Lord! God saw this loyalty and resolve in Job. We have all heard that there is strength in numbers; I say sometimes there is stupidity in numbers too. Meaning the majority does not equal right. Job is innocent and it does not matter how many of his friends think differently. Lastly, Job is asking in my opinion, why does he not get the benefit of the doubt? He reminds his friends of how they saw him living. He reminded them of what they knew for themselves, but sometimes a lie is easier to believe than the truth. Do not be like that! Many times people are judging you based on what they do not know, rather than what they have experience with you. Will anyone speak up for a righteous man? Not as long as it is unpopular. None of them could say Job wronged them or no witnesses came forth to accuse him. Their accusations were based on what they did not know.

1 Corinthian 9-10; Paul writes in 9 to clarify that even though he does not accept pay or honorarium he is still entitled. He has chosen to preach without requiring care from the church. His needs do not exempt him from what he rightfully could receive. Many times people struggle with this type of generosity from preachers. It is polite to offer some monetary reward if some provides a service of help. Even thought people might not accept it, it does not mean we should not offer it genuinely. Some servants have the ability to sustain themselves, but the responsibility does not cease to be the congregation to make sure they are providing support to their preacher/pastors/teachers. Lastly 10 warns them not to fall into the same sin their forefathers did, particularly idolatry. Paul warns that one cannot worship Jesus and demons, God and Satan. Meaning that their eating communion with Saints, should devote them heart, mind and soul. They should live in every way and in everything to the glory of God. So should we!

Job 22-24: 1 Corinthians 8

Good Morning Truth Seekers! I want to begin the morning by acknowledging the wonderful job Cindy Winters and the First Baptist Maryville family did in celebrating Pastor Fred Winters' life. It was a send off fitting for the son of a king.

Job 22-24 Eliphaz instructs Job to turn back to God and be at peace with Him. This is an encouraging rebuke to any in the sense that it assures that God will restore us if we repent and follow him. But Job said in 23:11 that he has stayed with God all along. Furthermore at the end of this test he will come forth as gold. I pray that I may boast in righteousness from a more humble offering as a witness to God, not opposing him. But Job stands on it, that he would stand the review against the judgement of God for righteousness. He said that he treasured Gods words more than his daily bread. Go and do likewise.

! Corinthians 8 : I will begin at the end of the chapter; Paul states that we should not do anything that will cause another to stumble spiritually. He contends that the mature shares responsibility for the immature and weak. Whether it be eating food dedicated to idols or whatever. Paul's message is that first; idols are nothing, therefore, eating food dedicatied to them means nothing, but to someone less knowledgeable might not over come our strength displayed on such an occassion. Therefore, do not do anythng that might cause such awe and shock to them.

Job 20-21 :1 Corinthians 7:20-40

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Job 20 & 21 reminds me that two people who argue both think they are right. Job and Zophar both believe they are right. The truth is that they both are. Job is being accused of having done some sin to deserve his circumstance. But he is innocent of willful sin. God has allowed the devil to test Job because of his righteousness, not his wickedness. Zophar list a litany of what happens to those who live an unrighteous life. He is right about that, but wrong about his friend. Be careful in passing judgement on someone, God might be doing a new thing and it does not mean we understand it or know about it. Job on the other hand questions God, and there are consequences to such behavior. God really does not have to explain himself to Job. Job is in utter anguish, he has lost his family, possession and his health. I would hope for friends who would deal with my suffering instead of my punishment.

1 Corinthians 7: 20-end. Is quite confusing if you do not have a score card. Paul is completing his thought of where ever God finds you he is calling you as you are to reach people based on that positioning. You do not have to become free if you became a believer as a slave. No hoops to serve God. God is looking for relationship; not religion. Paul seemingly is thinking that the end is near. Therefore, he is speaking of marriage and such when it comes to the end. His thought is not to encumber yourself with the concerns of another in such times. But be devoted to God. A single person would have different responsibility and availability to serve, over a married person. This is more about devotion to God given such a short time. I guess we all should live like Paul is thinking. Anything else is a spirit of entitlement. God does not owe us a another day, and we do not know which is our last. Live Righteously devoted to God!

Job 17-19:1 Corinthians 7:1-19

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Job continues to hold fast to his righteousness. His friends plead with him to be sensible. Job relents that God has wrongly judged him and that he would prefer death. He gives hope to 19:25 I know my redeemer lives. And that he will see God's face after this life and suffering ends.

1 Corinthians 7:Paul deal with Marriage. Unmarried himself he believes that is better for those who are serving God. However, he gives way to marriage if one cannot control sexual self. Paul gives instruction to married couples to fulfill each other sexually and not to withhold their bodies from one another except for prayer and a time of mutual consent. His warning is that the Devil will tempt them sexually to seek satisfaction elsewhere. Paul is of the conviction that divorce should not be for difference in religion. But if a non believer wants to honor the marriage then stay in it, who knows conversion might come. Nothing is more important than obeying the commands of God. This speaks to the concept of conversion and calling. One does not have to jump through hoops to serve God. He can use anyone he chooses.

Job 14-16: 1 Corinthian 6

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Job continues to defend himself against his friends who are there to console him. Job begin in 14 with Man born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He laments continually that he is not getting better and cannot die. He ask God to just hide him in the grave to conceal him until His anger passes. Job prefers death, and says that he is going to wait on his change to come. Meaning that he would have more hope in death and less pain. Eliphaz challenges that Job would be better to confess his sin and stop offending God with proclaiming his own righteousness. Job calls them miserable comforters. Job is worn out and is in agony. But prophetically he says that his intercessor is in heaven, and pleads on behalf of man. He speaks of the Jesus and looks upwardly to his judgement and vindication.

1 Corinthians 6 is Paul's clear dissatisfaction about public lawsuits among believers. Paul is concerned with the witness of the church and frowns on going outside for such disputes. Furthermore, he denounces sin. Sexual sins is sin. No hierarchy of sin nor sinner. Meaning slanderer is not higher than the homosexual. We need to stop trying to pass judgement on anyone, but pray for everyone including ourselves to honor God even in our bodies. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit and that should inspire us to behave different. When I was a little boy I was advised when I was away from home to act like my mom was there watching me, and ask myself would I do whatever it was if that was the case. God is due more respect than our mothers. So let us all govern ourselves accordingly.

Job 11-13: 1 Corinthians 5

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Job 11-13 is a continuation of the debate between Job and his friends. Jobs position is that he has the right to speak to God. Whatever their fear is for him, I believe that Job's position is "What else could God do to him?" Job's friends continue to warn him against what seems like arrogance. They advise him to repent and confess his sin, and encourage him in that then God will relent this attack against him. They are outraged that Job holds on to his innocence. Job asked God to turn away from him, give him his day of court and tell him what he has done wrong or his sin.

1 Corinthian 5: Paul is stern in his demands of the saints at Corinth regarding the sexually immoral brother who is sleeping with his father's wife. Paul believe that allowing such to go without harsh discipline will effect the entire body. Paul is clear that the right thing to do is to have nothing to do with such a person. Paul names the sexually immoral, swindlers and idolaters together to clarify earlier instruction, but now say treat them as wicked and expel them.

Job 8-10: 1 Corinthians 4

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Job 8-10 continues the accusations from his friends and Job defense. Job relents that he is innocent of any sin, and is in turmoil because he does not know why God is punishing him. Finally at the encouragement of one of Bildad Job questions God. Mistake! Especially after he give argument to why he should not take God on. I think that many times we all rush to judgement about why some is suffering. Suffering is not always a consequence of misdeeds. Good men suffer sometimes. Christ who was without sin is the poster child for that one. God is sovereign and if he deems it, so be it. I pray for the strength and faith to endure every trial and testing.

1 Corinthians 4 Paul makes it clear that the apostles are servants of God entrusted with the secret things of God. Therefore, the only thing he cares about is proving faithful to his calling to carry forth the good news. Paul accepts his imperfections and advise that God will judge him and all other men and only then will we know their hearts and motives. Paul's message to the saints at Corinth is that they have it much better than apostles. The apostles are under the microscope of the world and extreme hardship. I think that Paul is saying don;t envy him, he is suffering for the cause of Christ and that comes with a high price of sacrifice. Paul saves that he will deal with the gossips personally when he gets there.

I believe that with leadership comes criticism. Paul is pointing to the work and suffering as to say would anyone consider this gain. However, follow him and see his lifestyle and conviction to what he is preaching. I am discouraged at the number of people who can be so easily swayed against a good man by lies. Have not people heard of Stephen who was a honest man, but his enemies lied on him to justify their own desires? A lie is still a lie regardless of how many people repeat it.

Job 5-7: Corinthians 3

Good Evening Truth Seekers! Today I lost my friend and he gained his reward. Dr. Fred Winters was brutally shot down in church today. Two years ago when I was searching for fellowship, Fred invited me to join his Joshua Men's Group. I will be forever grateful and changed due to his generosity and wisdom. Thank you Fred for investing your life in me! I ask that you pray for Cindy and her two girls. Pray that they will live out their purpose as Fred did and endure with strength until God calls them home to be with their husband and father. Job story is one of God using him and a part of his story was pain. Fred is still being used by God, and today I saw his friends and church family lift up the name of Jesus in stead of run anybody down. To God be the glory!

Job 3-4 1 Corinthinians 2

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Job has been tested by the devil; He has lost his family, wealth and now his health. His friends have come to be by his side and in 3 Job speaks: Job wishes that he would not have born. He wished that day to have never come and now wants it to be cursed. Agony is evident in jobs despair. He seaches for answers he reveals in 25 that deep down he feared these things happening to him. I know we talk about Job's patience but we often time overlook his fear. Many times we gained what is feared; fear and Job's trouble are both from the devil. The Bible teaches us the God did not give us a spirit of fear. Don't walk in fear, but live in God. In 4 Eliphaz condemns job. He challenges Job to use the advice he has given so many. He asked, "Should not your blameless ways be hope to you?" When have you known the upright to suffer? Many times people will rush to judge you based on circumstance. God allowed Job to be tested because of his righteousness. Job's friend will never convince Job that he has sinned and deserve this. This is a type of Christ in that the righteous will suffer. Do not be so quick to judge. Leave room for God's sovereignty even in the midst of turmoil. Somethings are done so that God can get glory such as this. Do you remember the blind man? The disciples asked who sinned? Jesus said this is done so that God could be glorified.

1 Corinthians 2: Paul speaks of the Spirit of God and it being revealed to those who believe. God gives his spirit to every believer, and with it comes wisdom from on high. You have to be in the family of God to be included in on family business. Many times people try to read the word or understand it, but until one comes to surrender life to Jesus, they will never get the spirit that brings life, wisdom and revelation. Have you asked God to forgive you of your sin and asked that he lead your life? God is a first things first God and this is the business at hand if you have not. Ask god to forgive you of your sin and ask that he will come into your life and lead you. He will if you ask Him.

Job 1-2: 1 Corinthians 1

Good Morning Trth Seekers! Job 1-2 tells in many ways what God thinks of Job. Job is seen in the eyes of God as a righteous man. It brings me to believe that often we think that when things happen to us it is because God has forgotten us, but through Job's story we can believe that our testing is a testimony of what God believes we can handle and who we are. Job's strength was not his wealth, but it was his belief and devotion to God. It is said many times that trials will reveal who you are. Well we will soon see who Job was.

1 Corinthians 1 is one of my favorite readings, I particularly like the part that says, God's foolishness is wiser than man's wisdom and his weakness is stronger than man's strength. Paul begins this Chapter with encouragement for the brothers to united under the Lordship of Jesus. He reminds them that Jesus is the center of any boasting. He says to them in so many words that we owe it to God who sent Jesus for all that we have become. Especially, since most of them were nothing before Christ enlisted them to His service. Therefore, if any one wanted to boast then boast on Jesus. I realize each day that it is because of my weaknesses that Christ uses me. It is so that his strength can be magnified in who I am not, and his glory realized in who I become.

Exodus 39-40:James 5

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Exodus flew by like the first two months of this year. This plan for reading is great. We have covered a great deal of ground with much more to come. I know that if you have read one day it has been a blessing. Now multiply that blessing by making time daily to read.
Exodus is complete with the final preparation and the erection of the tabernacle. Many times in our pursuit of righteousness we never see completion. I believe that it is good to see thing come together according to God's plan. Moses and the people now have a place of worship. It is a place that they could encounter God's presence individually and collectively. I pray you have a place and a people to experience God.

James 5 is a warning to the rich. He is stern about the punishment to come for their self seeking lifestyles. He also encourages the faithful to wait patiently on the Lord. He also warns not to turn on each other. I think sometimes we need a reminder that we all have the same enemy. Furthermore, one God and in all things we should seek him in prayer, by faith and he will answer.

Exodus 36-38:James 4

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Exodus 36-38 is a testimony that if the people of God follow his instructions they will get exactly what he promised they would. The tabernacle was equipped by those who had willing heart to give to God. And behold, Moses had to ask the people to stop giving because they gave more than enough. Could you imagine a church like this where the people with a heart for God and to be asked not to give anymore. Our God is sufficient to meet all needs; that is the good news, but the bad is it is in our possession.

James 4 is a call to righteousness. James writes that trouble starts in our selfish desires. But we each should submit ourselves to God . Submitting to God comes with a two fold response; knowing his will and doing it. Anything short of what God commands is sin. (17) Are you following worldliness or Godliness? Are you doing your will or God's will?

Exodus 34-35 : James 3

Good Morning Truth Seekers! In Exodus 34-35 God gives new tablets of stones to Moses. You will remember Moses broke the other set upon discovering the golden calf. (32) In scribed was the laws of God for worship, living and the tent of meetings. All this happened on Mt. Sinai and when Moses came down his face was radiant. We all need a Mt Sinai in our lives. A place that we can meet God and get instruction. It is called a quiet time. I pray that you find time to sit before God and let Him give direction to you. This is the foundation of the sabbath. A day of rest and being restored. I am convinced that if people do not spend time with God they will not give to him anything he is due; not honor, they won't tithe, and sure will not attend Sunday School. Why would they? Are you one of those people?

James 3 is about taming the tongue or lack there of. The point is that faith produce right behavior and words, because both of these come from the heart. The tongue if not tamed will lead to ungodly talk and behavior. Be careful of what comes out of your mouth. Lastly, wisdom from on high is peace -loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, it is impartial and sincere. This wisdom will produce a harvest of righteousness through peacemaking.

Exodus 31-33: James 2

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Exodus 31-33 is quite shocking in the sense that the people who have seen the work of God turn back to worshipping an idol. The familiar call each of us back to the life we knew before we professed faith in Jesus. In a time of panic or distress people will reveal who they really are. Moses takes a sword to his rebellious people and makes it clear that anyone who opposes God is his enemy. Sin cannot be eliminated, it has to be eradicated. God became so disappointed that he threatened to be finish with them. I think stiff necked speaks to the his frustration and his amazement that changing their hearts was so difficult. But thanks be to God that Moses intervene for the people. Remember we have an intercessor who continues to God on our behalf.

James 2 starts off with treat everyone the same. Do not discriminate against anyone. The word and work of God is available to all; poor and rich. Love everyone. A follow up to chapter one in two is summed up in, :Faith without works is dead. Bob Buford says, faith with out work dies. What you believe along with what you do equals faith.

Exodus 29-30 :James 1

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Exodus 29-30 is the continuation of God preparing a place of meeting for Him and His people. Everything in it has to be consecrated in order for it to be holy and that holiness will extend to the generations to come. God would provide the place and the persons (priest) to serve. However, what he could not do is provide the attitude in which people approached Him. Devotion to God means that we surrender ourselves to do what he says, with what he says. There were no room for negotiations in what had to happen to make the meeting place and its equipment holy. Any deviation would change it all. It is the same in James, he writes that we who are God has to hear the word, and do it. No modifications, anything short of what God says is sin. Lastly, the word of God is true and should be lived regardless of circumstances. The temple equipment had rings for mobility it is indicative that they were to worship God the same regardless of where they went. It would be from now on that the expectation would be upon them to worship God with sacrifices and to honor him with their lives.