THRONES

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013

THRONES

For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.   Luke 22:29,30

King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon.
 He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.
 Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.Song of Solomon 3:9-11

But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Psalm 4:3

SERVING TOGETHER

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

SERVING TOGETHER

 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.   Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Luke 10:1

 Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee.
 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Song of Solomon 8:5,6

THE KINGDOM OF GOD HAS COME NIGH UNTO YOU

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

THE KINGDOM OF GOD HAS COME NIGH UNTO YOU

 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. Luke 10:8-11

 Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? Song of Solomon 6:10

Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether. Song of Solomon 2:17

A BODY BROKEN FOR ME?

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013

A BODY BROKEN FOR ME?

 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. I Corinthians 11:24

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Zechariah 12:10

 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. Matthew 26:26

 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Luke 22:19

 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 

  For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 

  For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 

  Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 

  For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: Hebrews 8:6-10

 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 

  In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 

 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 

  Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 

  Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. Hebrews 10:5-9

  I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. Song of Solomon 7:10

A PROMISE TO BE PERFECT

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2013

A PROMISE TO BE PERFECT

Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.  Deuteronomy 18:13
 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48

God truly expects us to be perfect.  And with such hope and heavenly promises ahead, we really should walk in this expectation. So here's a perfect 7 ways to walk in perfection.
1.  Be filled and flowing in the Spirit.  Eat Scriptures! (They really are sweet like honey!)  Drink in the presence of God through prayer and meditation.  Spend time with God in the Word...and worship Him. Listen to God and love Him.  Mostly, pray in the Spirit; speak in tongues.  Sing spiritual songs.
2.Have true FAITH.  Know that God has everything under control.  He is Sovereign over every situation, and nothing happens outside of his rule.  Pray believing-- and remember that all things shall work together for your good as you are called according to His purposes.  Always work out your faith, demonstrating the power and glory of God.
3.Repent.  Confess your sins.  Cleanse your heart.  Turn from your wicked ways.
4.Walk in Forgiveness.  There's so much to be upset about down here, but we must remember that Christ forgave us-- so we must forgive others.  Keep the cross in mind as you forgive trespasses and debts daily.  Pray the Lord's prayer.
5. Keep your word.  Honor your promises.
6.  Develop a life of Holiness, purity, love and obedience.
7.  Witness to the unbeliever; preach the Gospel; be Light in the world.

PRESERVING US ALIVE

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

PRESERVING US ALIVE


" And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day" (Deuteronomy 6:23,24).

God is the creator of all life, this the believer knows.  But we must also know that He is wholly interested in preserving life and making our life abundant.  God wants us to be abundant in good works, and abundant  in wisdom and honor, and abundant in spiritual blessing.  He desires for us to prosper materially and to be in good health, just as our soul prospers as we daily gain spiritual blessings.

Just as He separated Israel from heathen nations who served idols, He desires to separate us from the world and its corruption. He wants us to be peculiar people unto Himself.  He wants us to be His breath of fresh air in the world, and His salt that adds good flavor to the world, and His salt that preserves life in the world.

How will God use us to preserve life in the world?  I see two ways that I would like to share.  First, as God fills us with the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, we are to witness(share, testify) and preach this salvation.  This is the salvation which will save men and women from eternal damnation and give them hope and purpose in this life and a future with God.   How can the church not preach the good news of her Savior.  "Jesus Christ and Him Crucified!"  This is our message to the world and our Light to shine on those who sit in darkness.

Secondly, we will preserve much life as we fill up with the Holy Spirit.  It is not enough to simply let the Holy Spirit  wash over you ( though this is wonderful).  We must drink deeply of the Spirit, be filled up so that out of our belly will flow rivers of living water.  This river of water will act as a life preserver for those living and dying in a dry place.  Isaiah prophesied this in the Old Testament:  "And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land" (Isaiah 32:2)

Yes, God wants to preserve us alive in Christ Jesus.

FEAR THE LORD

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013

 FEAR THE LORD

And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Deuteronomy 10:12

O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.

Psalm 34: 9

If we fear the Lord, there will be no want in our lives.  Those consecrated to His service shall have every good thing.

ARE YOU INCREASING IN THIS?

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

ARE YOU INCREASING IN THIS?
STATURE

 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:52

This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes. Song of Solomon 7:7

The Merriam Webster definition for stature is the quality or status gained by growth, development or achievement.  Jesus is said to have increased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man.  This is said of him as he was growing into manhood, throughout his teen years, as he was submitted to his parent's authority, yet conscious that He belonged to and was called by His Heavenly Father.  The people began to see that Jesus had superior  understanding:  "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:  For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes"(Matthew 7:29). 

God wants us to increase in stature, but this is the work of the Holy Spirit.  The Scripture clearly asks the question: "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" ( Matthew 6:27).  The Holy Spirit moves on us, giving us revelation.  He gives us insight and wisdom.  He adds joy and blessedness.  He gives us favour and friends.  The Holy Spirit makes us fruitful in our work and a blessing in our influence.  

He teaches us the Law of the Spirit in Christ Jesus so that we can live in true liberty and abundance.  

In the book of Acts, we see the Apostles, Peter and John, moving in the Spirit as the Holy Spirit increases their stature:

  "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 

  And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 

 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 

  Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 

  But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 

 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 

  But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 

  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 

  So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 

  For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. 

  And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 

  And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 

  Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 

  The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 

  For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 

  For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 

  And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 

 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 

  And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 

  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 

 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all" (Acts 4:13-33).

IN A PERFECT WAY, WITH A PERFECT HEART

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

IN A PERFECT WAY, WITH A PERFECT HEART

  A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.
 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
  I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
  A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
  Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
  Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
  He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
  I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD. Psalm 101

ISRAEL AND HER KING

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

ISRAEL AND HER KING

I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. Isaiah 43:15

This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise. Isaiah 43:21

I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. Song of Solomon  7:10

FAVOR AND A CROWN

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY,NOVEMBER 4, 2013

FAVOR AND A CROWN

And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. Esther 2:17

 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 

 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. 

 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them. I Samuel 2:6-8

The pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them.  He decides what He decides.  Favor isn't fair, but it is God's blessing and grace upon the favored. 

To God be the glory!

MY VOICE SHALT THOU HEAR IN THE MORNING

 IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2013

MY VOICE SHALT THOU HEAR IN THE MORNING

 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.
 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward    thy holy temple.Psalm 5:3-7

The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills. Song 2:8

Our LORD treasures our voice, just as we treasure His.  He will hear my voice in the morning; in the beginning of my day will I direct my prayer to Him.

His voice is so sweet to me.  I am blessed by His voice and comforted by His Word. It is amazing how the Holy Spirit can speak right into our heart, teaching us, warning us, comforting us, loving us, leading us and inspiring us.

We speak to the Lord and He speaks back.  Mutual love.  We go into His house and we worship Him, and He blesses us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places.  Mutual love.  His voice is such a treasure!
So glad to hear it today, and always!
  

I AM HIS!

 IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2013

I AM HIS!

Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord GOD.
 And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD. Ezekiel 34:30,31

My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies. Song of Solomon 2:16

Throughout the Old Testament God professes his love to Israel.   He speaks through the prophet Isaiah these words of devotion:

"For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;
 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him" (Isaiah 43:3-7).

In the verses in Isaiah we see the powerful ways in which God loves Israel.  He loves Israel so much He declares that He is her Saviour and gladly gives "people for thy life."

Again in Deuteronomy we see this marvelous love of God professed to Israel:  " For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
  The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:
  But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
  Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations" Deuteronomy 7:6-9

So yes, we see God's love declared for Israel throughout the bible, but it is in the lovely Song of Solomon that we most clearly see Israel's intense love declared for her LORD.  Indeed, the love is mutual and they both know it.  "My beloved is mine, and I am his..."  This is the love that God has always desired and commands the blessing upon--mutual love.  We love God back.  We belong to Him.  We adore and treasure Him.  We follow His commands.  We are in love with Him.  We seek Him.  We know Him and are filled with Him.

What a heavenly blessing...