Saturday, October 5, 2013

What to say...

I began this blog October of  2010 - and am extremely grateful for the discipline and outlet it has allowed me as I study our Father's Word.

Thank you for those who have read, shared, commented and/or given feedback.

I don't know that its saying goodbye necessarily, but rather, a change in venue, focus, outlook or output.  :-)  Future posts will be on my other blog Kastle Keeper.  ~ Blessings!



Thursday, October 3, 2013

Days 274-276 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.

Days 274-276

John the Baptist introduces Christ
- His appearance - Matthew 3:1-6; Luke 3:1-6; John 1:6-18
- His message - Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 3:7-14
- His introduction of Christ - Matthew 3:11-12; Mark 1:7-8; Luke 3:15-18; John 1:19-28
- Baptism of Jesus - Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22
- John declares HIM to be the Messiah - John 1:29-34
- Temptations in the wilderness - Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13
- The first three disciples - John 1:35-42
- Philip and Nathanael - John 1:43-51
- Turning the water into wine (M-1) - John 2:1-11 (Mary's trust and command)
- Sojourned in Capernaum - John 2:12

Early Judean Ministry
- Temple cleansing, Jesus' first Passover - John 2:13-22 (note Passover - NOT easter, a pagan holiday)
- Jesus and Nicodemus discuss the new birth (D-1) - John 2:23-25; John 3:1-21
- Christ baptizing in Judea - John 3:22-24
- John's testimony about Christ at Aenon - John 3:25-36
- Imprisonment of John the Baptist - Luke 3:19-20
- From Judea to Galilee - Matthew 4:12; John 4:1-3
- Discourse with woman of Samaria about the water of life (D-2) - John 4:4-26
- Gospel in Sychar - John 4:27-42

************
John 1:17 - For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

“John Berridge wrote:
Run, John, and work, the law commands,
Yet finds me neither feet nor hands;
But sweeter news the gospel brings,
It bids me fly and lends me wings!”

A more current version has it modified thus: Run and work, the law demands; but gives me neither feet nor hands. A better song the Gospel sings, it bids me fly, and give me wings.

Matthew and Luke chapter 3, verse 8 - "Bring forth therefore FRUITS worthy of repentance..." - I just noticed as I typed this that each reference was from the 3rd chapter (3 = resurrection, divine completeness and perfection) and verse 8 (8 = new birth, new creation or new beginning). Fruit?

Gal 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

We, as born again Christians, should show forth fruit - tangible evidence of the regenerating work done by Father. This verse came to mind:

Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

We may study and acquire knowledge, but if it results in no visible manifestion, what benefit? Will knowledge be tested? or our work?

Co 3:13-14 - Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

Matthew 3:11, Mark 3:8 and Luke 3:16 - baptized with the Holy Ghost. The infilling of the Spirit of the Living God - which enables us to step up to the high calling of being an ambassador for our Lord and Savior. To endure, to sacrifice, to love, even those who hate and spitefully use us. If they hated HIM, they will hate us. Are we 'prepared' to suffer as our Lord did, all to give glory and honor to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

John 11:20-21 - He was not the Christ, Elias (Elijah) or the prophet. The prophet? Referenced in Deuteronomy 18:15...but not the same as the Messiah? This is a topic I would love to camp and study upon...but alas and alack, not sufficient time...yet.

IT IS WRITTEN - used 4x in Matthew and 3x in Luke...with the last Jesus uttering it is said.

Written - G1125 - A primary verb; to "grave", especially to write; figuratively to describe.

Said - G2046 - Probably a fuller form of G4483; an alternate for G2036 in certain tenses; to utter, that is, speak or say.

An interesting observation...written versus said...as if directly from the mouth of God, alive, vibrant - not just written.

John 2 - the marriage feast - I happened to catch that Mary trusted that Jesus could and would be able to assist - and that she obviously had some authority for she told the servants: "Whatsoever HE saith unto you, do it."

John 3:27 - John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Receive - to take it, not reach out for. Nothing - physical or spiritual.

Nothing G3762 - From G3761 and G1520; not even one (man, woman or thing), that is, none, nobody, nothing.

Which would include a new heart, regeneration, being born again, etc. We can not, in and of ourselves, ever bring about what only a Sovereign Father gives birth to...we receive, we are not active in the process...anything we have, whether a new life, wealth, health, family is all given to us by a Sovereign, Holy and Merciful God...not because of who we are, but because of HIS grace and mercy, on the just and unjust.

John 3:36 - He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the WRATH of God abideth on him.

Wrath versus persecution, what is the difference?

Wrath - G3709 - From G3713; properly desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), that is, (by analogy) violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence); by implication punishment.

Persecution - G4778 - From G4862 and G2558; to maltreat in company with, that is, (passively) endure persecution together. (Used 1x in Heb 11:25).

Wrath versus persecution, an interesting study - a definitely a topic which would require more time than I currently have to research. However, I find this verse and others about wrath to be of comfort...for while the church as a body and saints as individuals have, do and will suffer persecution, I do not believe the wrath of God is an object of our salvation or sanctification.

Beloved, my fervent prayer and hope for each of you reading is that you will be spending more and more time with your heavenly lover - the one who stepped down from majesty on high to purchase you from the slave market of sin. Who was the spotless sacrificial Passover lamb sacrificed to purchase those who are His. If HE gave so much, what is this life (a vapor) that we can not offer it back to Him.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Day 272-273 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.

Days 272-273

XVI The Life of our Lord - 5 B.C. - A.D. 29

Introduction

- Prefaces to synoptic gospels - Matthew 1:1; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:-4

- Preface to John's gospel - John 1:1

- Two genealogies of Jesus Christ - Matthew 1:2-17; Luke 3:23-38

- Caesar Augustus rules Roman empire - 27 B.C. - A.D. 14

Announcements

- Annunciation to Zacharias about John the Baptist - Luke 1:5-25

- Annunciation to Mary about Jesus Christ - Luke 1:26-38

- Song of Elisabeth to Mary - Luke 1:39-45

- The magnificat of Mary - Luke 1:4656

- Birth and childhood of John the Baptist - Luke 1:57-80

- Annunciation to Joseph of coming Messiah by angel - Matthew 1:18-24

Birth and Childhood of Jesus

- Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:1-7; Matthew 1:25

- Praise of angels and homage of shepherds to babe in manger - Luke 2:8-20

- Circumcision of Jesus - Luke 2:21

- Presentation in the temple - Luke 2:22-38

- Visit of the wise men - Matthew 2:1-12

- Flight to Egypt (and death of Herod the Great) - Matthew 2:13-20

- From Egypt to Nazareth - Matthew 2:21-23; Luke 2:39

- Childhood at Nazareth - Luke 2:40

- Jesus to Jerusalem at age twelve - Luke 2:41-50

- Eighteen years spent at Nazareth - Luke 2:51-52

- Birth of Paul - A.D. 10-15

- Caesar Augustus dies - Tiberius now reigns - A.D. 14

*~*~*~*~*
Genealogy - I searched for a chart which would show the genealogy of Christ - thought I had found one - absolutely awesome. Had the outline of a man, at the head were Adam and Eve and their offspring...down through to Noah and his 3 sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth....down to David...through to Jesus Christ....then onward...as first perusal I thought it okay, even downloaded it...then realized as I looked at it more closely...**gasp** it appeared to be Islamic...looking for that 12th Inman...(note to self...do not download w/out first thoroughly checking!)

The sad conclusion is, there were no easy, simple genealogies laid out in chart or graph form...at a glace type...if I had the time, I would enjoy drawing out something similar to the one mentioned above, abet from a Christian perspective! If someone comes across something, please share.

As I began to read the lineage of Jesus, I remembered someone once stating how each gospel presented a facet of Jesus - a little digging gave me this:

Matthew - written to the Jews to show the Messianic prophetic fulfillment of Jesus Christ

Mark - written to the Romans to show him as an obedient servant - hence no lineage - slaves aren't worthy of such.

Luke - written to a Gentile audience showing Jesus as the Son of Man or a Savior for all mankind.

John - God incarnate - shows Jesus before time began - numerous I AM statements.

Reese in his introduction to the NT mentions that Zacharias was a high priest - however, my research does not seem to substantiate that position. Specifically, a high priest was to enter once a year to offer a blood atonement for the national sin of the people. This passage clearly states that Zacharias was burning incense. Burning incense appears to have happened daily, which was to be indicative of the peoples prayers ascending to the Lord. A priest could only be picked for this particular honor once in his lifetime. Once he had performed the function, he was 'retired' from performing it again. God's sovereign appointment for Zacharias - some commentaries fault his unbelief, stating he 'blew it' - and for which he was chastised. God had blessed an older couple previously - this was not a 'new' miracle. He did speak unadvisedly, but perhaps a more chilling observation to this scenario would be to ask ourselves, where stand I? When have I spoken unadvisedly and not trusted the Lord, nor remembered HIS previous goodness to me, others or mankind in general?

Mary's question on the other hand...received no rebuke...a woman pregnant without having sexual relations? Never heard of that...yes a prophecy was given...but no previous incidence and never another one.

Luke 1:17 - in the spirit and power of Elias - not resurrected Elijah, how could it be? Elijah was translated...the commentaries I consulted affirm that John was a type of Elijah - bold in speaking the truth, rebuking kings, hanging out in the desert, not afraid of what man would or would do to them as they proclaimed the Truth of God's Word. How much do we reflect our brother's in being bold for the Lord?

I wondered if the 6th month reference was a Jewish calendar or if they had adopted the Roman calendar dating system...and a note, Father specifically did not give dates regarding Jesus' birth. Nor was there ever any 'do this in remembrance' of me injunction as there was to keep the breaking of bread. If you have never researched the topic of Jesus' birth, the date currently assigned, who assigned it, where that date came from, please be encouraged to do an in-depth study.

Remember we all will give an account - our works being tried by fire - I trembled inwardly with the thought that I may be engaging in activities or 'works' which I think pleasing to my heavenly Father, only to find that they will be nothing but vapor in HIS sight as they are tried. What wood, hay, stubble are we keeping in our lives?

I noticed the word, Israel used several times in these days readings...specifically "He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;" Luke 1:54 and "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people." Luke 1:68 and "A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Luke 2:32 - God was doing something specific for Israel in sending HIS son. He fulfilled prophecy - He provided a light to the Gentiles - but just because Father opened up the doors to the Gentiles in no way mitigates the prophecies yet to be fulfilled for Israel. If Father chose a nation as HIS own, can HE un-choose them? If so, what does that say about the doctrine of election?

Joseph - a gentle, loving man. Chosen by God to raise HIS son. What an awesome calling. Father spoke to Joseph through dreams and he was immediately obedient. "Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:" Matthew 1:24. No hesitation, no arguing, no doubting, nothing but immediate obedience. Oh that the servants of the most high God were to be that obedient in all matters which HE corrects, guides and/or directs. What would be the result?

Servants of God - the shepherds were glorifying and praising God, Simeon was blessing God - what adoration for a sovereign and bountiful God. Lord, help us, Your people, to give you all the glory, praise and bless Your holy name. Show us to be steadfast as Your servants of old - standing firm in the midst of a wicked and adulterous generation.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Day 271 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.

Day 271 - 400 Years of Silence?

A short journey today...3 pages...none of which is 'scriptural'.

I have been browsing through websites about the 400 silent years...why were they considered silent? It sure was not a peaceful time! Silent, in that there were no prophets on the scene speaking forth the Word of Truth. Nothing. All those previous hundreds and hundreds of years of prophets foretelling, admonishing, cajoling, rebuking, exhorting to people, who for the most part, did not want to listen.

Some listened, just as some will listen to the expository on the Word today, but the majority of people are on the wide road.

As I was pondering on the prophets and who they were speaking to...for the most part the people of the nation that Father chose - Israel - or some semblance thereof. Many of the prophecies have been fulfilled...but many have not...and it is interesting to watch as Father's prophetic timeline continues to unfold.

One of the websites I visited used the analogy of the old testament coming to a close as being similar to a play - the curtain closes - then opens to a new stage. The OT closes with Persia as the dominant world power. When the 'curtain' opens in the NT, it is Rome that is on the world stage.

*~*~*~*~*

XV - The History between the testaments - C 400 - 5 B.C.

- Persian reign weakens - 400-333 B.C.

- Greece is the world power 333 - 63 B.C. - (Daniel's third world empire)

- Rome is the world power - 63 B.C - A.D. 476 (Daniel's fourth world empire)

*~*~*~*~

There is quite a bit out there on the world wide web about the 400 silent years...here is a sampling of some of what I found:

I can not remember which site - or if it is even one of those listed below - too much data intake - but there was a comment on how when Alexander the Great was going to invade Jerusalem and the priests went out and showed him the prophecy of Daniel and how he fulfilled it...thus, for a time, leaving Jerusalem intact. Now the Jewish nation suffered greatly after Alexander died...his 4 generals squabbled with one another and guess who sat smack dab in the middle of their marching trail? Israel...got spanked time and again by the marauding armies.

I have not read all of this article - but have enjoyed it thus far: www.templemount.org/0240.html

Thought the brief overview offered by this site interesting: www.bibleteacher.org/Dm_os072.htm

During this time there were several institutions which came along:

-The Scribes - laymen who started out to help minister to the spiritual needs of Israel. Became cold in their work and bound up in tradition.

-The Synagogue - with the Temple destroyed the Jews created a place of meeting - 10 men required to start one.

-The Pharisees - conservative orthodox , straight laced, ultra conservative, Biblical literalists - Jewish tradition became their stumbling block.

-The Sadducees - liberal, Hellenistic Jews, go with the flow, wanted riches and fame.

-The Sanhedrin - made up mostly of Sadducees, with sprinkling of Pharisees - members were usually from the higher level of society.

-The Apocrypha - false scriptural writings - good historical data - but rejected for inclusion in the canon of Scripture.

As I was reading and absorbing...the Pharisee and Sadducee dynamics played through my mind...I can almost see some hyper-calvanists as our current day Pharisee or I've encountered a few Reformed folk who seem to think that since they have the doctrine of election down, they are the cat's meow. The attitude of "we've got our doctrine lined up and you don't" appears similar to those of the Pharisee "we've got Abraham as our Father."

While the Sadducee's could be considered the name it, claim it, blab it grab it group - or even the easy believism crowd...or perhaps the seeker friendly churches - those all want to get along, go with the flow, just invite them in - water down the gospel, make it palatable. Don't offend those in authority.

This blog was using the 400 years as a springboard for observing that during the 'silent' times in our lives, God is still at work, even when we do not see and/or perceive that HE is. jthelmsdeep.blogspot.com/2009/03/400-silent-years.html

NOTE - I do not vet websites for their doctrinal content - I am simply seeking information or reference items - it is each of our individual responsibilities to VET the information we take in - I did not perceive anything negative in the articles offered. Remember BE A BEREAN - Acts 17:11.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Day 268-270 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.
Days 268-270

Reformation comes

- Dedication of the wall - Nehemiah 12:27-43; Psalm 147, 148, 149, 150

- Temple defiled - Nehemiah 13:4-5

- Temple order restored - Nehemiah 12:44-47, 13:1-3; Psalm 119, 1

- Nehemiah revisits Babylon - Nehemiah 13:6

- Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem

*Cleanses the temple - Nehemiah 13:7-9

*Tithing re-established - Nehemiah 13:10-14

*Worship re-established - Nehemiah 13:11

*Sabbath keeping violated - Nehemiah 13:15-22

*Marriages to heathen - Nehemiah 13:23-29

* Priesthood cleanses - Nehemiah 13:30-31


Closing days of old testament era

- Birth of Plato - 429 B.C.

- Birth of Malachi - 424 B.C.

- Reign of Darius II of Persia - 423-404 B.C.

- Nehemiah wrote his book - 415 B.C.

- Death of Nehemiah - 405 B.C.


Malachi's prophecy

- The Lord's case against the priests - Malachi 1:1-14; 2:1-17; 3:1-18

- Coming day of the Lord - Malachi 4:1-6

- Death of Malachi - ends Old Testament era - 331 B.C.

*~*~*~*~*

Nehemiah 12:29 - '...for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem.' ~ An artistic community? That was an intriguing thought.

Psalm 147:11 - The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

In Psalm 148 and 149 - the word saint caught my eye...hmmm, HE referenced saints in the OT. What is a saint? E-sword to the rescue.

saints - H2623 - From H2616; properly kind, that is, (religiously) pious (a saint). The word saint is used in the Psalms 20 times...and while doing a search, I came across this verse:

Psa 106:16 They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.

Aaron is considered a saint of the Lord - this particular Hebrew word is H6918 - From H6942; sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) God (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary.

Again the beauty of the Psalms scattered throughout the OT...showing the praise and adoration of those saints to the Lord. Interestingly I noted that the first and last Psalm are contained in these readings.

Another word which caught my attention, praise. In 132 verses it is used 160 times - praise appears to have numerous definitions. In Psalm 150 the word is used 13 times...this particular word:

H1984 - A primitive root; to be clear (originally of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence to make a show; to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively to celebrate; also to stultify.

In Psalm 119:171 - praise H8416 - From H1984; laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn.

How oft do we praise our Lord and Creator? Daily? In our prayer time with Him, do we begin with a list of wants and needs, or praise and thanksgiving? O Lord, I fall woefully short of giving You all the praise, glory and honor that You deserve, forgive me for my inadequacies and selfishness. Help me Lord to praise You and give a proper estimate of You in our time together.

As I pondered the word praise...I reflected back upon David and the many instances of him crying out to the Lord. I looked up cry - used in the Psalms 30 times...weeping is used 3 times. Jesus was 30 when he began his ministry and did so for 3 years...just a reflection and remembrance.

Nehemiah 13:20 and 28 - I chuckled at Nehemiah's "I will lay hands on you." and "I chased him from me." In today's PC world someone would be suing him for threatening behavior, conduct or conversation. But what a man! Stands up and will not back down. He was going to hold to the standard, regardless. How about us? Do we swear to our own hurt and change not? Hide our light under a bushel. Not speak truth for fear of reprisals? Lord, please give boldness to Your saints to speak forth Your word with truth, compassion and clarity. Lord help each of us to not be frightened of what man can or might do to us...but fear and reverence You more.

Marriages to heathen? How long since Ezra dealt with this issue? Using Reese's dating system it had only been 25 years. One generation (according to general numbers research). One generation - let that sink in...Ezra whooped them for marrying strange wives and in one generation they are back to the same situation. What sins are we committing that God corrected in a previous generation? Are we learning from the mistakes of generation(s) before us?

And Nehemiah is plucking out their hair! That would be considered assault in today's world...they would be hauling him off! What vehemence for the Lord he displays.

Outlandish women - outlandish, what meaneth that? H5237 - From H5235 (second form); strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful). H5235 - From H5234; something strange, that is, unexpected calamity.

Coming day of the Lord - Malachi 4:5 - Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

I briefly discussed this passage with another saint and my understanding that SOME people think John the Baptist fulfilled this prophecy. I have googled (whatever did we do before google?) and looked at commentaries. Some of the commentaries state that John the Baptist was the fulfillment of this prophecy and the 'great day of the Lord' was his 1st advent. I am leaning towards the prophecy NOT being fulfilled by John the Baptist, because the day of the Lord is (as my understanding goes) the 2nd advent of Jesus Christ. Else why would it be a 'great' and 'dreadful' day.

At Jesus' second return it will be a chilling day of judgment - for those who are not elect - they will be cast into the lake of fire, for eternity.

dreadful - H3372 - A primitive root; to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten.

Here is a site which refutes John the Baptist as being Elijah - www.equip.org/articles/was-john-the-baptist-elijah-

Which is an interesting segue from the Old Testament (are we really done with the OT?) into the time frame preparing us for the coming of the Messiah, and his forerunner, John the Baptist.

May Father richly bless each of you as you take the time, effort and inclination to pray, read and study HIS word. Please be encouraged to stay the course and read, read, read. Also, prayerfully seek to encourage someone else to be in the Word. The time is short, the fields are ripe, we are to give an account for all the resources placed into our hands, including our time.

Blessings ~ Melissa

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Day 266-267 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.

Days 266-267

People are reformed
- Hanani and Hananiah to protect Jerusalem - Nehemiah 7:1-4
- Dwellers at Jerusalem - 1 Chronicles 9:2-34; Nehemiah 11:1-36

Reading of the law brings repentance - *
- Ezra reads the law - Nehemiah 7:73; 8:1-8
- People encouraged to rejoice - Nehemiah 8:9-12
- Feast law discovered - Nehemiah 8:13-15
- Feast of Tabernacles - Nehemiah 8:16-17**
- Day of solemn assembly - Nehemiah 8:18
- Fasting and repenting - Nehemiah 9:1-3***
- God's past goodness reviewed - Nehemiah 9:4-37****
- Covenant made, names sealed - Nehemiah 9:38; 10:1-39
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

*Reading of the law - what does hearing the law do? Brings guilt. If you have no thought of guilt, you can not fully understand grace. Recently Father has blessed me with the exhortation by several of HIS saints to be cognizant of how a guiltless grace is the predominant teaching of our day. This type of 'gospel' is detrimental to understanding the true nature of grace. To fully (or to the best or our ability) understand grace, the manifold, magnificence of it, one needs to understand WHY it is needed. If there is no guilt, no understanding of having trespassed against a Holy God and His standard, how can one embrace the beauty of grace...unmerited favor.

Grace - used 159x in the OT and NT -
H2580 - From H2603; graciousness, that is, subjectively (kindness, favor) or objectively (beauty). (First OT instance used Gen 6:8)

G5485 - From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude). (First NT instance Luke 2:40).

Webster's Dictionary - 3rd definition - (law) The prerogative of mercy exercised by the executive, as pardon. ~ The executive...GOD, mercy, stooping down, active.

This quote is from a sermon by Spurgeon - "The law never came to save men. It never was its intention at all. It came on purpose to make the evidence complete that salvation by works is impossible, and thus to drive the elect of God to rely wholly on the finished salvation of the gospel."

You can read it in its entirety here: www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0037.htm

G-R-A-C-E - God's Riches At Christ's Expense

In Nehemiah 8:1 - "...and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses..." - the people appear to be seeking.

8:3 - They read from the morning until midday - I am not sure what time 'morning' constitutes, but this would appear to be more than a 45 minute or hour long reading. What diligence! What delight!

"...and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law." Father opens the understanding...all the people were attentive. Lord, help those who are blessed to hear Your word being expounded, taught, preached, to hear, to desire to hear, to fervently seek You to understand Your Word.

8:7 - "...caused the people to understand the law:" - Faithful to explain to the people, to cause them to 'understand' what the Word of God was saying to them.

Understand - H995 - A primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish), that is, (generally) understand.

**Feast of Tabernacles - the last feast of the Autumn feasts - (TAT: Trumpets - Atonement - Tabernacles) - the Spring (3) and Summer (1) Feasts were fulfilled by Christ at HIS first coming. I am still intrigued by the Feasts - the richness and depth of how Christ is revealed and fulfilled and to fulfill them is a study that I continually come back to time and time again. Has Jesus, for the church (Jew and Gentile in one body) fulfilled the last 3? Or is the fulfillment to be when HE returns the 2nd time? Lots to learn and explore on that subject!

***Fasting - another interesting study...there is encouragement within the body to re-discover the benefits of fasting. I have not yet availed myself to study the issue...though it is known that Jesus did...and not as the Pharisees, in an attempt to garner the attention and admiration of the people. Can fasting be more than abstaining from food? Is it as pleasing in Father's sight? Benefits?

Fast - H6685 - From H6684; a fast. H6684 - A primitive root; to cover over (the mouth), that is, to fast.

****Nehemiah 9:21 - Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old and their feet swelled not.

- How oft do we 'remember' the goodness and blessings of our Father? Replaying them, telling them to our children, family, friends, etc? Giving HIM all the glory and honor for allowing us to have the trials, tribulations and testings and keeping us in and through them. I like Corrie Ten Boom's quote - "There is no pit so deep, that HE is not deeper still." 40 years of wandering...they were never without a light or cloudy pillar to guide them, food to eat, clothes to wear, and the physical stamina to endure. If HE kept them, HE will keep us. (Matthew 6:25-34).

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Days 263-264 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.

Days 263-264

Ezra's reforms at Jerusalem
- Arrives, establishes law and order - Ezra 7:6-10
- King's commission declared, reforms begin - Ezra 8:32-36

483 years elapse between time of Jerusalem's re-establishment and Messiah's appearance (baptism of Jesus) (Dan 9:25) - 458 B.C.

Ezra's reforms continue
- Marriage to heathen rebuked - Ezra 9:1-4
- Ezra's prayer and confession - Ezra 9:5-15
- Ezra plans national gathering - Ezra 10:1-8
- Ezra preaches and people repent - Ezra 10:9-15
- Strange wives rejected - Ezra 10:16-44

The building of the wall - Nehemiah goes to Jerusalem

Hanani reports wall's conditions - Nehemiah 1:1-3

Nehemiah's reaction
- Grief - Nehemiah 1:4
- Prayer - Nehemiah 1:5-11
- Sadness - Nehemiah 2:1-2
- Request - Nehemiah 2:3-6

Appointed governor of Judah - Nehemiah 5:14

Journey to Jerusalem
- Letters and escort - Nehemiah 2:7-9
- Sanballat and Tobiah disturbed - Nehemiah 2:10

Arrived at Jerusalem - Nehemiah 2:11

Inspects ruins at night - Nehemiah 2:12-16

Building of the wall begins
- Encourages rebuilding of the wall - Nehemiah 2:17-18
- Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem ridicule - Nehemiah 2:19-20
- List of builders - Nehemiah 3:1-32

~*~*~~*~
Ezra 9:3 - plucked out his hair and beard - ouch. This made me think of how our Lord's beard was plucked out...beards were a significant item for a Jewish man. Also, when David sent ambassadors to H? (whose name I can not locate - sorry!) - and they were to remain until their beards were grown.

astonied - H8079 - A primitive root; to stun (or intransitively grow numb), that is, devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense).

Strange wives - Ezra 10 - this appears to be for all the people.

strange - H5237 - From H5235 (second form); strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful).

This is, somewhat, heart retching...these women trusted the men to protect, provide and defend them...they traveled from Persia to Israel (4 months) only to be set aside once they are there. I wonder if they were entitled to the provision given by Father to 'not diminish' their allotment though they had been set aside. How hard it must have been for these men to set aside their wives and children. Were they ever able to interact with them? Obedience involves sacrifice. What 'strange' things do we have in our lives that Father wants us to put aside?

Nehemiah - cupbearer - weighty responsibility - if the wine was poisoned, guess who died! Nehemiah appears to have been a very trusted and valued servant.

Nehemiah 2:1-2 - Sad countenance, concerned king. The king notices that Nehemiah is downcast - which causes Nehemiah to be fearful. As someone tasked with ensuring that the king is NOT poisoned and being sad in his presence I can see why Nehemiah may have been somewhat fearful.

2:4 - prior to speaking to the king, Nehemiah prays, though he had already made petition prior to coming into the king's presence. O' Lord, forgive me for not being as diligent as my brother to be prayerful prior to speaking. Help each of us Lord to speak forth Your words of truth and light, prayerfully.

Tobiah, the servant - he is referenced this way several times...reminds me of Judas, the one who betrayed...wonder how people remember me?

Tobiah - H2900 - From H2896 and H3050; goodness of Jehovah; Tobijah, the name of three Israelites and of one Samaritan. ~ Well...I learned something! The goodness of Jehovah. Which is a reminder that Father can use anyone or anything to bring about HIS perfect plans and purposes, even when it involves our discomfort!

servant - H5650 - From H5647; a servant. H5647 - A primitive root; to work (in any sense); by implication to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc.

Walls - I was pondering the walls and how it was laid out...if I'd the time, I would enjoy sketching out the information. :( Instead check out this link for a graphic I found:


In Nehemiah 3:1-32 I noticed the specific reference in verse 5 "...but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord." I thought that intriguing...and as I read the rest of the passage it specifically states those who were in a position of authority, their names, and seems to indicate that they were working alongside their 'constituents.

In verse 25 in mentions the court of the prison - so if there is a court, there must be a prison. E-sword turned up prison numerous times...mostly with foreign nations. In God's decree for handling those who trespassed, He never specified a prison...there were cities of refuge, but no literal prison. I wonder if Israel implemented prisons because of what they saw in the nations around them.

prison - H4307 - From H5201; a jail (as a guard house); also an aim (as being closely watched).

Our fellow SGS - Rhys Mawr shared a link for a paper he wrote about the time frame of Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. Excellent overview. Reposting the link:

clinchmountain.net/uploads/Artaxerxes.pdf - The domain where this article was stored is no longer valid.

Only 100 days left in our Roman calendar read through...whoo hoo! Remember you can NOT be behind...unless you were with HIM in the beginning we are really all behind! If you have hit a slump or haven't even started...do it now. The beauty and majesty of our Father's Word is a delectable delight to the soul. May you richly enjoy the feast as you partake with your Savior.
~*~*~*~*~*~*

Construction opposed
- Ridicule - Nehemiah 4:1-6
- Conspiracy - Nehemiah 4:7-9
- Discouraged brethren - Nehemiah 4:10-23
- Greediness and heartlessness - Nehemiah 5:1-5

Nehemiah's indignation - Nehemiah 5:6 - "And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words."

Rebukes Usurers - Nehemiah 5:7-10

Restitution - Nehemiah 5:11-13

Example of generosity - Nehemiah 5:15-19

Craftiness - Nehemiah 6:1-14

Wall completed, despite Tobiah's interference - Nehemiah 6:15-19

~*~*~*~*~*~*
Shook out his lap - an interesting phrase...what meaneth it? I checked the commentaries and thoroughly enjoyed Matthew Henry's - it was too large to post - here is a link if you would like to read: www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/com...nfo=5&topic=Nehemiah

I specifically like the comparison between Ezra and Nehemiah as leaders - that they each administered in a different way. What a refreshing challenge for us to remember that each person is gifted with talents and abilities and can be a vessel of honor in the hand of our Father. Lord, help us to cherish each of the gifts as You have distributed them throughout the body.

Unselfish example of Nehemiah - willing to serve and sacrifice and not be burdensome to the people. Reminds me of Paul's comment that he was not burdensome to the believers, but worked as well as preached the gospel.

I noticed in my reading today that Tobiah is no longer referenced as a servant...and he seems to be the leader in attempting to cause upheaval. They sent 5 times to Nehemiah letters to try and discourage or dissuade him from the course Father had sent him to accomplish. 5 = grace. Father's grace is sufficient in every trial, tribulation and/or testing. Though it is difficult and the nagging instance of the world snaps at our feet, we can stay steadfast. Not because of who we are, but because of who HE is...always faithful.

:-) Which reminded me of this song:

Scare tactics - threatening mail - insistent encouragement to 'run and hide' in the temple...and yet Nehemiah stood firm..."Should such a man as I flee? and who is there that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in."

A man willing to swear to his own hurt and changeth not. O' Lord, continually raise up men who have a passion for You, Your Word and stand ready to lay down their lives for the sake of upholding Your righteous standard. Give them strength and courage to proclaim Your Word and truth in every season and situation. Raise up prayer warriors for them...Lord, raise up those who will call for repentance and a turning to You.

Walls - 52 days! That is an awesome building project. If all were in rubble and the doors burned with fire, the clean up alone would have been HUGE...with God nothing is impossible. Nothing. Luk 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Day 263-264 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.

Days 263-264

Ezra's reforms at Jerusalem
- Arrives, establishes law and order - Ezra 7:6-10
- King's commission declared, reforms begin - Ezra 8:32-36

483 years elapse between time of Jerusalem's re-establishment and Messiah's appearance (baptism of Jesus) (Dan 9:25) - 458 B.C.

Ezra's reforms continue
- Marriage to heathen rebuked - Ezra 9:1-4
- Ezra's prayer and confession - Ezra 9:5-15
- Ezra plans national gathering - Ezra 10:1-8
- Ezra preaches and people repent - Ezra 10:9-15
- Strange wives rejected - Ezra 10:16-44

The building of the wall - Nehemiah goes to Jerusalem

Hanani reports wall's conditions - Nehemiah 1:1-3

Nehemiah's reaction
- Grief - Nehemiah 1:4
- Prayer - Nehemiah 1:5-11
- Sadness - Nehemiah 2:1-2
- Request - Nehemiah 2:3-6

Appointed governor of Judah - Nehemiah 5:14

Journey to Jerusalem
- Letters and escort - Nehemiah 2:7-9
- Sanballat and Tobiah disturbed - Nehemiah 2:10

Arrived at Jerusalem - Nehemiah 2:11

Inspects ruins at night - Nehemiah 2:12-16

Building of the wall begins
- Encourages rebuilding of the wall - Nehemiah 2:17-18
- Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem ridicule - Nehemiah 2:19-20
- List of builders - Nehemiah 3:1-32

~*~*~~*~
Ezra 9:3 - plucked out his hair and beard - ouch. This made me think of how our Lord's beard was plucked out...beards were a significant item for a Jewish man. Also, when David sent ambassadors to H? (whose name I can not locate - sorry!) - and they were to remain until their beards were grown.

astonied - H8079 - A primitive root; to stun (or intransitively grow numb), that is, devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense).

Strange wives - Ezra 10 - this appears to be for all the people.

strange - H5237 - From H5235 (second form); strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful).

This is, somewhat, heart retching...these women trusted the men to protect, provide and defend them...they traveled from Persia to Israel (4 months) only to be set aside once they are there. I wonder if they were entitled to the provision given by Father to 'not diminish' their allotment though they had been set aside. How hard it must have been for these men to set aside their wives and children. Were they ever able to interact with them? Obedience involves sacrifice. What 'strange' things do we have in our lives that Father wants us to put aside?

Nehemiah - cupbearer - weighty responsibility - if the wine was poisoned, guess who died! Nehemiah appears to have been a very trusted and valued servant.

Nehemiah 2:1-2 - Sad countenance, concerned king. The king notices that Nehemiah is downcast - which causes Nehemiah to be fearful. As someone tasked with ensuring that the king is NOT poisoned and being sad in his presence I can see why Nehemiah may have been somewhat fearful.

2:4 - prior to speaking to the king, Nehemiah prays, though he had already made petition prior to coming into the king's presence. O' Lord, forgive me for not being as diligent as my brother to be prayerful prior to speaking. Help each of us Lord to speak forth Your words of truth and light, prayerfully.

Tobiah, the servant - he is referenced this way several times...reminds me of Judas, the one who betrayed...wonder how people remember me?

Tobiah - H2900 - From H2896 and H3050; goodness of Jehovah; Tobijah, the name of three Israelites and of one Samaritan. ~ Well...I learned something! The goodness of Jehovah. Which is a reminder that Father can use anyone or anything to bring about HIS perfect plans and purposes, even when it involves our discomfort!

servant - H5650 - From H5647; a servant. H5647 - A primitive root; to work (in any sense); by implication to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc.

Walls - I was pondering the walls and how it was laid out...if I'd the time, I would enjoy sketching out the information. :( Instead check out this link for a graphic I found:

www.gods-word-first.org/bible-maps/nehemiah-jerusalem-map.html

In Nehemiah 3:1-32 I noticed the specific reference in verse 5 "...but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord." I thought that intriguing...and as I read the rest of the passage it specifically states those who were in a position of authority, their names, and seems to indicate that they were working alongside their 'constituents.

In verse 25 in mentions the court of the prison - so if there is a court, there must be a prison. E-sword turned up prison numerous times...mostly with foreign nations. In God's decree for handling those who trespassed, He never specified a prison...there were cities of refuge, but no literal prison. I wonder if Israel implemented prisons because of what they saw in the nations around them.

prison - H4307 - From H5201; a jail (as a guard house); also an aim (as being closely watched).

Our fellow SGS - Rhys Mawr shared a link for a paper he wrote about the time frame of Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. Excellent overview. Reposting the link:

clinchmountain.net/uploads/Artaxerxes.pdf

Only 100 days left in our Roman calendar read through...whoo hoo! Remember you can NOT be behind...unless you were with HIM in the beginning we are really all behind! If you have hit a slump or haven't even started...do it now. The beauty and majesty of our Father's Word is a delectable delight to the soul. May you richly enjoy the feast as you partake with your Savior.
~*~*~*~*~*~*

Construction opposed
- Ridicule - Nehemiah 4:1-6
- Conspiracy - Nehemiah 4:7-9
- Discouraged brethren - Nehemiah 4:10-23
- Greediness and heartlessness - Nehemiah 5:1-5

Nehemiah's indignation - Nehemiah 5:6 - "And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words."

Rebukes Usurers - Nehemiah 5:7-10

Restitution - Nehemiah 5:11-13

Example of generosity - Nehemiah 5:15-19

Craftiness - Nehemiah 6:1-14

Wall completed, despite Tobiah's interference - Nehemiah 6:15-19

~*~*~*~*~*~*
Shook out his lap - an interesting phrase...what meaneth it? I checked the commentaries and thoroughly enjoyed Matthew Henry's - it was too large to post - here is a link if you would like to read: www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/com...nfo=5&topic=Nehemiah

I specifically like the comparison between Ezra and Nehemiah as leaders - that they each administered in a different way. What a refreshing challenge for us to remember that each person is gifted with talents and abilities and can be a vessel of honor in the hand of our Father. Lord, help us to cherish each of the gifts as You have distributed them throughout the body.

Unselfish example of Nehemiah - willing to serve and sacrifice and not be burdensome to the people. Reminds me of Paul's comment that he was not burdensome to the believers, but worked as well as preached the gospel.

I noticed in my reading today that Tobiah is no longer referenced as a servant...and he seems to be the leader in attempting to cause upheaval. They sent 5 times to Nehemiah letters to try and discourage or dissuade him from the course Father had sent him to accomplish. 5 = grace. Father's grace is sufficient in every trial, tribulation and/or testing. Though it is difficult and the nagging instance of the world snaps at our feet, we can stay steadfast. Not because of who we are, but because of who HE is...always faithful.

:-) Which reminded me of this song:

Scare tactics - threatening mail - insistent encouragement to 'run and hide' in the temple...and yet Nehemiah stood firm..."Should such a man as I flee? and who is there that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in."

A man willing to swear to his own hurt and changeth not. O' Lord, continually raise up men who have a passion for You, Your Word and stand ready to lay down their lives for the sake of upholding Your righteous standard. Give them strength and courage to proclaim Your Word and truth in every season and situation. Raise up prayer warriors for them...Lord, raise up those who will call for repentance and a turning to You.

Walls - 52 days! That is an awesome building project. If all were in rubble and the doors burned with fire, the clean up alone would have been HUGE...with God nothing is impossible. Nothing. Luk 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Day 262 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.

Day 262

Days of rejoicing called Feast of Purim - Esther 9:16-27

Feast day to be perpetual celebration - Esther 9:28-32

Mordecai made the prime minister - Esther 10:1-3

Other events of this time
- Birth of Socrates - 470 B.C.
- Birth of Abiud (11th Gen) - 467 B.C.
- Reign of Artaxerxes I, King of Persia - 464-424.B.C.

Ezra prepares to return to Jerusalem - 459 or 458 B.C.

Commissioned to go by Artaxerxes - Ezra 7:11-26

Ezra's thanksgiving - Ezra 7:27-28

Ezra's companions (about 2000) - Ezra 8:1-14

Preparation for journey - 458 B.C.

Company gathers at River Ahava - Ezra 7:9; Ezra 8:15 - (4 months of travel - whoosh - what a journey that must have been!)

Search for Levites - Ezra 8:16-20

Prayer and fasting - Ezra 8:21-23

Temple treasures entrusted to priests - Ezra 8:24-30; 8:31

~*~*~*~*~*

Est 9:19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

sending portions - From H4487; properly something weighed out, that is, (generally) a division; specifically (of food) a ration; also a lot. H4487 - A primitive root; properly to weigh out; by implication to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll.

Est 9:22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

gifts - H4979 - Feminine of H4976; a present; specifically (in a good sense) a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe. H4976 - From H5414; a present.
poor - H34 - From H14, in the sense of want (especially in feeling); destitute. H14 - A primitive root; to breathe after, that is (figuratively) to be acquiescent.

Israel was not yet considered back in the land or a nation again, the leaders in Persia? decided to make a national day of thanksgiving - notice this was not a Holy Day or Feast Day as dictated by the Lord.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Day 261 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.

Day 261

Esther appeals to the king - Esther 5:1-8

*Haman's false security - Esther 5:9-14

**The king's sleepless night - Esther 6:1-3

***Haman ordered to exalt Mordecai - Esther 6:4-14

Banquet held - 474 B.C. - Esther 7:1

Haman accused and hanged - Esther 7:2-10

Deliverance of the Jews - Letters order Jews protection - Esther 8:1-14

Jews rejoice - Esther 8:15-17

Jews revenge, slay 75,800 - Esther 9:1-14 (they slew Haman's son's and then they hanged them - chilling)

300 more slain - Esther 9:15-17

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Favour in the book of Esther

2:15, 5:2, 5:8, 7:3, 8:5, - H2580 - From H2603; graciousness, that is, subjectively (kindness, favor) or objectively (beauty). H2603 - A primitive root (compare H2583); properly to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (that is, move to favor by petition).

2:17 - H2617 - From H2616; kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opprobrium) reproof, or (subjectively) beauty.

5:3 and 5:6 - the king offers her anything she wants up to and including 1/2 of the kingdom. Pretty magnanimous...obviously he had great affection for her.

*Haman is boasting to his wife and friends... Pro 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

He goes on to talk about being invited to a banquet just for the king and himself - he makes no mention or gives any indication that Esther is a Jewess or related to Mordecai. He is advised to murder Mordecai. Hang him on a a gallows and then MERRILY go thou to the banquet. Merrily? H8056 - From H8055; blithe or gleeful. H8055 - A primitive root; probably to brighten up, that is, (figuratively) be (causatively make) blithe or gleesome.

Seared consciences? Desensitized? Do we see this in our world today? People killing and having little, if any, remorse. What depths depravity will take a person to...to disdain life.

**God's plan unfolds...Mordecai to be rewarded...and yet still no mention or acknowledgement that he is a Jew and, at this juncture, his life is in danger.

***Haman's pride is crushed - who else could the king possibly delight in more than me? The kings cast off clothes, horse and crown...not for Haman as he thought, but for the one to who he had sworn to eliminate. Those that desire to do evil to those chosen of the Lord will eventually see their plots and plans come to naught. If not in this life time, then in eternity.

Esther 7:5 - Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?" Chivalry at its best. "Do not mess with my woman...or cause her distress." O' Lord, raise up a generation of men who swear to their own hurt and change not...who have a fervent desire to promote Your word, to treat women as the gentle vessels You made them to be...to be an example of honorable manhood - to be gentle, kind and loving to those weaker vessels. Lord, let those on the outside see such a magnificent difference in how a Christian man treats women...that their hearts and minds be pricked.

Esther 7:9 - Harbonah, a chamberlain knew that Haman had made a gallow for Mordecai and suggests the king to hang Haman on his own gallows? This still intrigues me...the servants/slaves were aware of the Esther-Mordecai connection, yet nothing was said until Father's perfect timing allowed it.

Psa 9:16 The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.

Esther was obedient to Mordecai - for she did not show her household or her kindred to the king until 8:1.

Jews destroy - but do not take the 'spoil' or 'prey' - H961 - Feminine of H957; booty. H957 - From H962; plunder. H962 - A primitive root; to plunder.

There is something significant about not plundering those who are deceived and dying...do we defraud or allow those who are perishing to be plundered by not telling them the truth of their eternal destination without the saving grace of a Holy, Just and Merciful God?

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Day 260 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.

Day 260

Greeks defeat Persia at Salamis - 480 B.C.

Esther becomes Queen of Persia - New queen sought for Ahasuerus - Esther 2:1-4

Esther brought to Shushan - Esther 2:5-11

Queens considered - Esther 2:12-14

Esther made queen - Esther 2:15-17

Feast at Shushan in honor of Esther - Esther 2:18-20

Mordecai saves the king's life - Esther 2:21-23

Birth of Nehemiah - 475 B.C.

Haman plots against the Jews - 474 B.C.

His conspiracy against Mordecai - Esther 3:1-6

Lots cast - Esther 3:7

Gains kings support by guile - Esther 3:8-11

Letters order Jews destruction - Esther 3:12-15

Mordecai appeals to Esther - Esther 4:1-17

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ahasuerus - H325 - Of Persian origin; Achashverosh (that is, Ahasuerus or Artaxerxes, but in this case Xerxes), the title (rather than name) of a Persian king. Ahasuerus, prince; head; chief

Mordecai - H4782 - Of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite. Mordecai, contrition; bitter; bruising

Esther - H635 - Of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine. Esther, secret; hidden

Hegai - keeper of the women - (keeper = guard) Probably of Persian origin; Hege or Hegai, a eunuch of Xerxes. Hegai, or Hege, meditation; word; groaning; separation

What is a chamberlain? H5631 - From an unused root meaning to castrate; a eunuch; by implication valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus a minister of state: - chamberlain, eunuch, officer. Compare H7249.

Ever consider the pornographic nature of the kings and/or rulers which kept multiple women? How God ordered the nation of Israel to NOT multiply to themselves wives and/or concubines? The degradation of women by being only an object? How scripture is quite explicit about not even looking at a woman with lust, for then adultery has been committed? (Matthew 5:28)

Mordecai saves the kings life when he turns in two chamberlains - Bigthan and Teresh - yet not rewarded. Father storing up reward for obedience...until the time is within HIS plan. I had missed in previous years, that Esther was the person that Mordecai spoke to about the issue and she took the issue to the king.

Interestingly each time I look up the name for a chamberlain, it is always specific to mention that they are eunuchs. There is something significant to that...that one's job title would be indicative of a portion of self dying to desire. I can not quite grasp the magnitude of it...just a general sense of have we died to self? Does someone stating, calling and/or knowing we are a "Christian" indicate that we are in the King's service? Wholly surrendered to HIS will? Desiring to please HIM in every area? Lovingly looking out for those HE places within our care and/or path?

Haman - H2001 - Of foreign derivation; Haman, a Persian vizier. Haman, noise; tumult

Vizier? Dictionary.com to the rescue. Noun - a high official in certain Muslim countries, esp in the former Ottoman Empire. Viziers served in various capacities, such as that of provincial governor or chief minister to the sultan.

I was browsing the commentaries to see about the casting of lots - which is astrology or divination and was a common practice. However, the item which caught my attention was the reference to the length of time Esther had been married to the king - 4 years and a couple of months. The dating used in the Reese Chronological gives the date of Esther becoming queen as 479 B.C. and Haman's plot as 474 B.C.

In Esther 4, Mordecai is distressed, her maids and chamberlains (notice hers) knew what was going on...plural too...with an 's'. Multiple people knew...and people talk...so they would have had to have either known or figured out that Esther was a Jewess. She then sends the kings chamberlain (not hers) to speak with Mordecai (why not hers?). The king had appointed this chamberlain to attend to her.

Hatach - H2047 - Probably of foreign origin; Hathak, a Persian eunuch. Hatach, he that strikes

Esther and Mordecai's communication comes down to this - Esther is not safe just because she is in the kings palace, she resolves to approach the king, but requests that all the Jews in Shushan fast for 3 days while she and her maidens do the same. The multiplicity of people involved in knowing that Esther is a Jewess, that she is related to Mordecai and that neither the king nor Haman are made aware of this fact is astounding.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Day 259 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.

Day 259

Israel's rejection of good shepherd - Zechariah 11:1-17

Israel's deliverance and conversion - Zechariah 12:1-14

Israel's cleansing as prophets cease - Zechariah 13:1-9

Israel's restoration -- Zechariah 14:1-21

Reign of Ahasuerus (Xerxes) begins - 485-464 B.C.

His identification - Esther 1:1-2

Six month feast for provinces - Esther 1:3-11

Vashti's rebellion - refuses to appear before king - Esther 1:12

King concerned - Esther 1:13-18

Vashti dethroned - Esther 1:19-22

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I can not quite grasp all of Zechariah. It would appear that the prophecy given has not fully been fulfilled. I browsed several commentaries, yet nothing to fully persuade me that Israel's restoration and repentance had taken place. At this juncture I am leaning towards Zechariah is foretelling a future event - when Christ returns.

The main scripture verse that makes this stand out to me is:

Zechariah 12:9 - And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

Did the prophet mean a ongoing continuing destruction of nations which come against Jerusalem? It would appear that Jerusalem is the be re-inhabited and then destruction upon all nations. Lots to pray and ponder about in this prophetic book.

Zechariah 14:5 "...and the Lord my God shall come and all the saints with thee." - Is this the Lord returning with those are taken away in the twinkling of an eye?

Feast of Tabernacles - mentioned 3x in Zechariah 14...specifically verses 16, 18, and 19. What is the Feast of Tabernacles? Interesting side study, here are a few sites I browsed through:

Overall feast explanation - I enjoyed:

www.inplainsite.org/html/seven_feasts_of_israel.html

Specific to the Feast of Tabernacles - the last one - btw, all the Fall feasts appear to NOT have been fulfilled by Christ.

www.christcenteredmall.com/teachings/feasts/tabernacles.htm

Another one with a general overview:

www.gotquestions.org/Jewish-feasts.html

Another general overview, with Biblical Calendar information:

www.luziusschneider.com/Papers/JewishFeasts.htm

Interestingly unleavened bread is used in the first 3 feasts - I can find scripture verses to substantiate.

Exo 12:15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

The Feast of Pentecost is livened bread - and I can not find specifically what type of bread is used in the Fall feasts. If someone has scripture verses for the last three...please post them. :)

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Day 258 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.

Day 258

XIV - THE RESTORATION - 516 - 400 B.C.

Dedication of the temple - 516 B.C. - Ezra 6:16-18

Passover celebration - Ezra 6:19-22; Psalm 146, 111, 112, 113, 116, 117

Birth of Zerubbabel (12th Gen) - 513 B.C.

Zecharaiah's message continues to warn - 494 B.C.

Israel's coming struggle with Alexander the Great of Greece - Zechariah 9:1-8

A divine deliverer - Zechariah 9:9-17; 10:1-12

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Zerubbabel? I thought he went back with the captives? This name is used in Ezra, Nehemiah and Haggai...obviously can not be the same person...so who is the Zerubbabel born in 513 B.C.?

Alexander the Great - Israel's struggle...whew...me thinks that is an understatement. Just a brief historical overview shows that when Alexander died and his 4 generals took dominion of 4 regions - Israel got the blunt of armies trudging through her land and 'spanking' her as they went to battle with one another. Definitely very interesting to see how Father uses other nations to correct and admonish another.

Psalm 111:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

~ The phrase 'fear of the Lord' is found 30x in Scripture - once in Acts 9:31 - numerous times in Proverbs and Isaiah...here are a few samplings:

Job 28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
Psa 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

Pro 2:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

Isa 33:6 And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.

Pro 14:26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

A divine deliverer - what a consolation - I know that national Israel does not yet recognize the Messiah that was born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago....lived a sinless life...died as the Lamb of God for sin which he did not commit....rose again the 3rd day...went to prepare a place for HIS people...sat down (the high priest NEVER sat down in the tabernacle or temples) and lives to make intercession for His chosen people...and will return for His sheep...soon. I have been blessed to have this revelation revealed to me. How about you?

Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Day 257 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.

Day 257
Opposition to the building - Tatnai and Shethar-Boznai's question - Ezra 5:3-4
Adversaries appeal to Darius - Ezra 5:5-17
*Co-operation of Tatnai and Shethar-Boznai
Fasting 519 B.C.
- Question - Zechariah 7:1-4

- Lord's reply - Zechariah 7:5-14; 8:1-23
Temple is completed - 517 or 516 B.C. - Ezra 6:15

*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ezra 5 and 6 - God of heaven, repeated 4 times (5:11 and 12, 6:9 and 10)
~ God - H426 - (Chaldee); corresponding to H433; God: - God, god. H433 - (The second form is rare); probably prolonged (emphatically) from H410; a deity or the deity:

~ heaven - H8065 - (Chaldee); corresponding to H8064: - heaven. H8064 - The second form being dual of an unused singular; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve.
Chapter 5 - the enemies of the Jews are repeating...Darius is acknowledging. In verse 11 of chapter 6 - Darius fulfils God's decree of ensuring that HIS temple will be built. Man can not thwart the plan of God.
Man devises - Pro 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
God plans - Pro 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
And...uses the wicked to fulfill his purposes Ezra 6:13-14
*Tatnai - that gives; the overseer of the gifts and tributes

*Shethar-Boznai - that makes to rot; that seeks those who despise me
Zechariah 7:5-6 - rebuke to the people for fasting in deed, but not in faith. What are we doing in the flesh, thinking it is pleasing to the Lord, yet w/out love, in truth, humbly submitted to the Spirit? What works will we lay before HIM that will withstand the fire of HIS review? Will we only be left with the foundation? The Lord and Savior Christ Jesus? 

Friday, September 13, 2013

Day 256 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.

Day 256

Work on temple to resume (Ezra 4:24) - 521 B.C. - Haggai 2:10-19

Future kingdoms to be overthrown - Haggai 2:20-23

Zechariah's vision - 521 B.C. - Zechariah 1:7-13

Instructions to Zechariah - Zechariah 1:14-17

Zerubbabel to complete temple - Zechariah 4:6-10

Visions of Zechariah - the four horns and four carpenters - Zechariah 1:18-21

The high priest (Joshua) picture of the atonement of Christ - Zechariah 3:1-10

Golden candlestick and two olive trees - Zechariah 4:1-14

Flying roll and ephah - Zechariah 5:1-11

Four chariots - Zechariah 6:1-8

Symbolic crowning of Joshua - Zechariah 6:9-15

~*~*~*~*

Commentary by Jameson, Fosset and Brown - Hag 2:22 All other world kingdoms are to be overthrown to make way for Christ’s universal kingdom (Dan_2:44). War chariots are to give place to His reign of peace (Mic_5:10; Zec_9:10).

God how my heart weeps for my nation...I can only imagine how utterly distressed Jeremiah's heart was for his nation, which at least had the distinction of being chosen by God. My nation does not even have that...we are just another gentile or heathen nation. Which also causes me to reflect on our persecuted brethren who live in countries which are violently opposed to the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and they risk their lives daily - for a mere morsel of the Word of God. O' what condemnation will fall upon those who have ready access to the Word and yet treat it contemptuously? or without regard?

~ Because my heart is heavy with the impending doom of the gentile nations, specifically, our nation. Zechariah 1:21 "...to cast out the horns of the Gentiles..." John Gill's commentary: to cast out the horns of the Gentiles; to destroy their kingdoms, and take away their power from them:

Zechariah 3:2 - And the Lord said unto Satan, the Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire. - This phrase 'the Lord rebuke you' is only used twice in all of the Bible. Here and in Jude 1:9.

~ rebuke - H1605 - A primitive root; to chide: - corrupt, rebuke, reprove.

G2008 - From G1909 and G5091; to tax upon, that is, censure or admonish; by implication forbid: - (straitly) charge, rebuke.

I thought this interesting: Zephaniah 5:9 '...two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork:" ~ Normally all angels are referred to as male...never as female, contrary to most of the presentation of 'angels' in our society. I have to ponder this passage...the commentaries I consulted differed in their interpretation and have caused perplexity. I reviewed Gill, Henry, FJB, Wesley and Poole...still do not get it.

Zechariah 6:2-3 ~ Horses: red, black, white and grisled/bay. Revelation mentions red, black and pale...the only white horse is the the one our victorious Lord sits upon.

~ Joshua - H3091 - From H3068 and H3467; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua (that is, Joshua), the Jewish leader: - Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954, H3442.

Wesley commentary - Zec 6:11 Make crowns - One of silver, the other of gold. Set them - Put both of them, one after another. Joshua - Who herein is now a type of Christ, king and priest for ever for his people.

Zechariah 6:15 - "...if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God." Hmmm...that if sounds conditional, attempted to research it in Zodhiates...but not specific...the gist of this is diligently - obey - HIS voice.

if - H518 - A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogitive, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh that!, when; hence as a negative, not:

diligently obey - H8085 - A primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively to tell, etc.): AND I thought it interesting that these 2 words were coupled together (diligently obeyH8085 H8085) and the double emphasis of the Hebrew word H8085. Hmmm...whap, whap, 'are you listening to me?"

voice - H6963 - From an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound:

Father, grant us, thy sheep, the ability to hear Your voice...and to diligently obey it.