Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.
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Day 90
4th-5th Judges-Deborah and Barak (served 40 years); Their song (Deborah and Barak).
4th Apostasy and servitude (Midianites)
Israel is the world power (1200-750 B.C.) - Early events - Gideon is chosen as a leader of Israel; Gideon's Fleece; Gideon's Victorious Army (300 men).
Forty is the number commonly associated with trials, tribulations and testings. Moses was on the backside of the desert 40 years and then wandered with the murmuring Israelites for 40 years in the wilderness. Jesus was taken out into the desert for 40 days.
Deborah serving as a judge...obviously not in any religious venue, but only in a civil capacity. A married woman working outside her home.
I was browsing E-Sword for the meaning of Deborah's name...bee. Orderly. Browsed the E-sword commentaries, which were intriguing.
Gideon - the man with a fleece...and not afraid to ask God to verify and/or confirm. I would be a bit leery about attacking the rulers. The Lord confirms HIS plan to Gideon by having Israel's enemies prophesy of their own impending doom...how much better can it be?
I find it interesting that Gideon started with 32 thousand men - warriors, those who did not want to go to war left (minus out 22 thousand - that is a LOT of men!) - then the Lord tests the remaining 10 thousand and leaves Gideon with 300 men. Notice Father uses a different tactic on the enemies. Who would think of attacking an army (obviously HUGE) with 300 men holding horns and torches?
Father tells us that nothing is impossible with Him...why do I yet doubt the plans HE has for me?
Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.
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Day 89 - The book of Ruth - 4 short chapters...but what an amazing treasure contained therein.
This book is one of my favorites - 3 love stories in 1 place...the love of a mother/daughter, husband/wife and redeemer/sinner (outcast, foreigner).
The greatest information from this book is about a REDEEMER - which Boaz represents in his position as a goel.
To be a redeemer there are certain qualifications needed: Closest living relative, financial ability and willingness.
In reference to our REDEEMER, Christ came as a man (relationship), who was also fully God (ability) and voluntarily accepted the cost of redeeming HIS people (willingness).
Husband/wife - best romance story, ever! Boaz - A man who loved the Lord God with a passion. Desiring to give a proper representation in all areas of his life. Willing to do what the Lord had called him to do and being ultimately blessed by Father. Ruth - an outcast, foreigner, Moabite...Father had chosen her to be a special vessel and created a desire in her to learn about the God of Israel, to know HIM, to walk in HIS ways, to give a proper estimate of Him in every area of her life. Father rewarded them both, abundantly, what a wonderful testimony their lives are to the faithfulness of God.
I wonder how old each were...there is nothing in scripture which gives an accurate indication...an ageless, timeless love story of sacrifice, dedication, devotion and commitment. Ahhhhh.
Mother/Daughter - Naomi (pleasant) suffers the loss of leaving home, friends and family to travel to the land of Moab. Loses her husband, sees her sons married and sometime after both die. Starts for home with both DIL's, and dissuades one (Orpah) to return to her family and gods...but not Ruth...Ruth who is committed to the God that Naomi has obviously shared with her. Committed to loving a woman who had suffered much pain, loss and agony and desiring to walk along side her in the journey of life.
I love this story...and am deeply touched by the devotion of a God who is all and chose to redeem me...me who was unworthy, unthankful, unwilling...HE chose to be my goel...to show me the magnitude of HIS love and mercy that I might share with others and give HIM all the glory, regardless of situations, circumstances or people.
Lord, let Your name be magnified throughout the earth...may deaf ears be opened and blind eyes made to see and may those who are Your chosen and elect ones desire to speak forth Your words with boldness and clarity. Increase Father, increase Your laborers into the harvest.
May the manifold blessings of our Father be upon each of you, your children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.
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.
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Days 86-88
Israel's backsliding ~ some nations left ~ 2nd Apostasy and servitude (Moab) ~ Death of Eleazar ~ 2nd Judge - Ehud (served 80 years) ~ Micah's idol worship ~ Danites invade Laish ~
"...everyone did that which was right in their own eyes..." is repeated a couple of times during these days. (Judges 17:6, 21:25, even Job gets a shot Job 32:1)
Sooo...I did a quick E-sword search of "own eyes".
Here is Father's admonition:
Num 15:39 And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: Deu 12:8 Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.
Psa 36:2 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
Pro 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Pro 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
Lord, help us to discern with the spiritual eyes, rather than the physical.
I confess I fall all over the next section. As a woman...it hurts to think about. I know that our God is holy, righteous, merciful and judges justly.
A Levite and his concubine ~ he married a woman from Bethlehem-Judah, she played the harlot. He went and spoke friendly to her to bring her back. Did he have ANY idea about what was to come? Did she?
They leave and stay overnight in Gibeah where the men were Benjamites. A man from Ephraim invites him to lodge. Sons of Belial (without profit, worthlessness) ask the Ephramite to give them the Levite. He offers his daughter (a maiden) and the concubine.
I literally cringe with the thought...yet Job offered his maiden daughters to such similar men...did they value the women less? Or the sin of raping a woman is less than the wickedness these men intended? Ultimately with Job the angels did not allow that trespass, nor did the Ephramite give his daughter to such destruction.
The concubine...she paid for her harlotry (and was a statement against Israel in the process) - 'they knew her, and abused her all night until the morning:' This all is all....literally all night, so much that she fell down dead at the threshold of the door. The Levite takes her corpse home, cuts it into 12 pieces and sends it to the tribes of Israel.
Israel goes to Gibeah and seeks those 'sons of Belial' and the Benjamites say no...CIVIL WAR.
Israel - 400,000 vs Benjamin 26,000 + 700
Israel loses the first 2 battles and 30,000 men - 30K...that is more than the whole Benjamite army.
3rd battle - Israel loses 30 men and Benjamin 25,000 - + women, because after all is said and done 600 Benjamites are hiding in the woods w/out wives.
Jabesh-Gilead did not come to the battle - all the men, women and children pay with their lives - all except 400 maidens. Round 2 of eligible maidens - a dance in Shiloh...and the Benjamites depart to their city to repair and restore. Did they learn, or more importantly, did they REMEMBER the past? Obviously not...
Which makes me wonder about our nation as we 'do what is right in our own eyes' and call evil good and good evil and depart from following the Lord - where stand we? Where are the mighty men of valor to stand forth and call for repentance? Will we suffer the same or something similar for our wickedness and idolatry?
Lord, we deserve not the least of any of thy mercies...which are too numerable to be counted, forgive us Lord, not because of any person or anything that we have or will do, but simply for thy gracious and bountiful name's sake. Thou art holy, just and righteous, let Your name be magnified by a multitude of tongues throughout the width and breadth and depth of this land. Consume us not for our wickedness. Lord, cleanse our land and bring healing to this nation...help us to be bold witnesses for You and to not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
All true holiness is the immediate fruit of genuine union with Christ. Christ is made not only wisdom, righteousness, and redemption—but He is also made sanctification to us, 1 Cor. 1:30.
1Co 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with (G4874 - pifm) fornicators:
1Co 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company (G4874 - pifm), if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
company - G4874 - From G4862 and a compound of G303 and G3396; to mix up together, that is, (figuratively) associate with.
G4862 - A primary preposition denoting union; with or together (but much closer than G3326 or G3844), that is, by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, addition, etc.
pifm - present infinitive middle (86, see 46, 50, 79).
Mood: Infinitive is a verbal noun. In Greek it has many more uses than it does in English, most of which are idiomatic and difficult to translate properly. In many instances the infinitive is translated using the English word 'to'.
Voice: Middle - represents the subject as acting in some way upon himself or concerning himself. Since English does not have a middle voice, it is usually difficult to translate the middle voice into English.
Tense: Present Indicative - represents contemporaneous (say what?) action, as opposed to action in the past or the future. In moods other than in the indicative mood, it refers only to continuous or repeated action.
From The Complete Word Study New Testament Zodhiates.
Genesis 40-43
Gen 40:4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served (H8334) them: and they continued a season in ward.
served - H8334 - A primitive root; to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively to contribute to.
Used 99 times in 93 verses - (whew).
First usage: Gen 39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
Last usage: Joe 2:17 Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?
Gen 42:22 And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.
Sin - H2398 - A primitive root; properly to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn.
My...238 matches in 220 verses.
Gen 20:6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.
Zep 1:17 And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.
1 Samuel 1-5
1Sa 1:6 And her adversary also provoked her sore (H3708) , for to make her fret (H7481), because the LORD had shut up her womb.
fret - H7481 - A primitive root; to tumble, that is, be violently agitated; specifically to crash (of thunder); figuratively to irritate (with anger).
Used 13 times in 13 verses - ugh...13.
First usage is the passage above...last passage: Eze 27:35 All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at thee, and their kings shall be sore afraid, they shall be troubled in their countenance.
Psa 96:11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
Psa 18:13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
1Sa 7:10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.
sore - H3708 - From H3707; vexation.
H3707 - A primitive root; to trouble; by implication to grieve, rage, be indignant.
Used 25 times in 25 verses - Heh...made the assumption that sore in v10 was the same...but it is not.
1Sa 1:10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore (H1058, H1058).
wept sore - H1058 - A primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan.
Psalm 30-32
Job 21-22
Job 21:17 How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger.
It was the last portion which captured my attention - God distributeth sorrows in his anger. So much for the "God loves everyone." So whose He angry with?
Psa_7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
distributeth - H2505 - A primitive root; to be smooth (figuratively); by implication (as smooth stones were used for lots) to apportion or separate. Used 65x in 64 verses.
Talking about Abram diving his people - Gen 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
Of a flattterer - Pro 2:16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;
Jeremiah separated himself - Jer 37:12 Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to separate himself thence in the midst of the people.
sorrows - H2256 - From H2254; a rope (as twisted), especially a measuring line; by implication a district or inheritance (as measured); or a noose (as of cords); figuratively a company (as if tied together); also a throe (especially of parturition); also ruin. Used 62x in 60 verses.
H2254 - A primitive root; to wind tightly (as a rope), that is, to bind; specifically by a pledge; figuratively to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain (especially of parturition).
In Deuteronomy its translated 'region' - I had to reread that and double check I'd entered the Strongs' number correctly. Also translated country, lot, snare, portion, company, line, ropes, cords, quite an interesting list.
Pro 5:22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
anger - H639 - From H599; properly the nose or nostril; hence the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire. Used 276x in 269 verses. Oh my.
H599 - A primitive root; to breathe hard, that is, be enraged
First usage - Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Last usage - Zec 10:3 Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle.
Isaiah 56-61
Isa 56:8 The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.
outcasts - H1760 - A primitive root; to push down. Used 10x in 9 verses.
To the outcast on her knees you were the God who really sees...that's what I think of when I read the word outcast...and obviously not the same Hebrew word.
Isa 57:20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
Isa 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
And following up with some of the other passages read this week - wicked people - the lost, dying, no hope....so sad.
Mark 1-2
Mar 1:44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
Mar 1:45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.
Disobedient, pride or both? How oft do I refuse to do as He commands. O' Lord, cleanse us Your people, help us to not be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That we would be steadfast and reliable soldiers of the Cross of Christ.
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.
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Days 81-83
Israel's first sabbatical year ~ Judah's portion ~ Joseph's portion (Ephraim and 1/2 of Manasseh) ~ Tabernacle at Shiloh ~ Remaining Tribes ~ Benjamin ~ Simeon ~ Zebulun ~ Issachar ~ Asher ~ Naphtali ~ Dan ~ Joshua's portion ~ Portions set aside, cities of refuge ~ Cities of the Levites.
I pray that all are being blessed by reading Father's Word daily - either chronological, or some other format. Besides studying inductively, there is no greater delight that reading and knowing HIM and HIS story (history). I marvel at how little I know about the saints of old, those with whom we will spend eternity worshipping our Lord and Savior together.
May the manifold blessings of our Father be upon each of you and your households.
Okay - I have a problem with some of the placement of the text in the past 2 days...specifically where Judges 2 is placed in relation to Joshua 23 and 24. I will place the headings with scripture reference and if anyone has suggestions/ideas about why it was sequenced in this format, please share.
The Lord's Faithfulness Fulfilled (Josh 21:43-45)
2 1/2 Tribes sent to their homes, east of the Jordan (Joshua 22:1-34)
_~_~_~_ Okay here is why I have a problem with the placement:
Jos 24:31 And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel.
Jdg 2:7 And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel.
If Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua and the elders, how can Judges 2 (time wise) be before Joshua dies?
I sat and analyzed it and tried to figure out where it (*) should be alternately be placed.
On another note I thought it interesting that Joshua used a rock as a witness for having 'heard' all that the Israelites said "...The Lord our God will we serve and his voice will we obey." Josh 24:24.
How often do I affirm that I am going to do exactly what Father has told me to do...and then fail.
I was looking for a different scripture - but this one seemed appropriate:
Psa 25:7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.
and this one
Psa 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
and this one
Psa 66:20 Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
and
Psa 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
There are 261 verses with the word mercy in them...and I can not locate the verse I was pondering upon...that His mercies are new every day. Which I finally found...
Lam 3:22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Lam 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Joseph Ratzinger (a.k.a. His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI) just announced his resignation from the Papacy by the end of this month, February 2013. The process of selecting a successor has begun, with all of this garnering much attention in the news media. As a theologian and pastoral leader, my conscience constrains me to comment.
Years ago I was asked my opinion about the new Cardinal of Boston. I replied, “That’s like asking me about the new captain of a pirate ship. The whole enterprise is illegitimate.” I do not deny that these events may have momentous implications, but I strongly and solemnly protest the show of reverence and awe for such men and for this religious institution even from those who should know better.
A great champion of the biblical faith once wrote a magnificent book entitled,Christianity and Liberalism (1923). In it, J. Gresham Machen detonated an enduring and powerful blast against theological liberalism by asserting that it is not Christianity at all, but an alternative, a competing religion, and deeply anti-Christian.
The same is true of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC). Plainly it is not the Christianity of the New Testament’s apostles and early Christians, as those in agreement with them, and knowledgeable about Roman Catholicism, can discern and attest. At crucial points, the RCC has steadfastly opposed that faith once-for-all delivered to the saints. Historically, she has even slaughtered a great host of Christian believers unjustly branded as heretics. At least since the Council of Trent (1545-1563), the RCC has formally, meticulously, and vociferously repudiated the true, biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ, pronouncing curses upon any who dare to preach it. For example, the Council proclaimed,
CANON XII. If any one saith, that justifying faith is nothing else but confidence in the divine mercy which remits sins for Christ’s sake; or, that this confidence alone is that whereby we are justified: let him be anathema.[1]
That this remains the RCC’s position today is clear from the fact that it still appeals in its modern catechism (c. 2000) to Trent as an authoritative doctrinal statement and teaches in substance along the same very lines.
Justification is not only the remission of sins, but also the sanctification and renewal of the interior man (Council of Trent [1547]).[2]
Though it exceeds the scope of this commentary to vindicate the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone apart from our works, let the reader remember this Scripture passage:
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Rom 3.20-24).
The important Reformed theologian Charles Hodge aptly said of this passage,
The righteousness of God which is revealed in the Gospel is to be attained by faith, not by works, not by birth, not by any external rite, not by union with any visible Church, but simply and only by believing on Christ, receiving and resting upon Him.[3]
Without a doubt the esteemed Mr. Hodge hereby consigned himself to eternal hell, if the pronouncements of the RCC are to be believed.
Today the RCC’s reputation among many Bible-believing Christians is considerably better than it was in the days of the Protestant Reformation. This change is unwarranted and dangerous. The RCC still represents the same anti-Christian apostasy that threw curses like firebrands and punished by literally burning alive and reducing to charred ash the bodies of sincere Christians eminent for their learning and piety. Her policy may have switched from mass murder to ecumenical seduction, but she still propagates infernal lies about the way of salvation. Paul’s ancient warning has applied to the RCC for many centuries now.
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry,and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth (1 Tim 4.1-3).
The RCC has a legacy of ascetic abstention from marriage and meats, the very manifestations of damnable heresies so dangerous to the true church.
By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul issued a divinely-sanctioned curse that now applies to the RCC:
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed (Gal 1.8-9).
For about three hundred years, Protestants consistently recognized the profound spiritual threat the RCC poses to mankind. That there was near universal agreement about this appears from the strong consensus statements of the Reformed confessions. For example, the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith proclaims, as an instance of “the things most assuredly believed among us,”
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, in whom, by the appointment of the Father, all power for the calling, institution, order or government of the church, is invested in a supreme and sovereign manner; neither can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof, but is that antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalts himself in the church against Christ, and all that is called God; whom the Lord shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.[4]
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646, Presbyterian) and the Savoy Declaration (1658, Congregational), say the same thing. In some of my other writings, I have produced a long list of quotations from Protestant church leaders over the last four centuries who evince sympathy with this strong opposition to and utter repudiation of the RCC as a true church.[5]
Now godly men today may debate whether the Papacy is to be so certainly identified as “that antichrist” specifically foretold by the Holy Spirit through Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2. Personally, I am not grieved by dissent on this particular point. Yet people of discernment, in my judgment, cannot doubt that the Papacy is at least an antichrist.
That contemptuous term “antichrist” contains a prefix capable of being correctly understood in two ways. A modern dictionary says “anti” conveys a sense of antagonism and opposition,[6] and with this we are all familiar. Some may not realize, however, that the Greek prefix can also mean “instead of.” The towering Protestant scholar Francis Turretin (1623-1687) wrote an extensive treatise in Latin, arranged under 23 topics and 4 appendixes, to prove the thesis that the Papacy is the Antichrist foretold in Scripture. Of the word itself, he wrote,
The term Antichrist implies two meanings: (1) That he is an Enemy and Rival of Christ; (2) That he is His Vicar. The definition of the prefix anti, indeed, introduces both, which, when used in conjunction with a noun, means, on the one hand,before, and on the other hand, against. It can also mean in place of, and, indeed, asubstitute. . . . In this regard, the Antichrist certainly presents himself as the great adversary of Christ, in so far as he makes himself equal to Christ as a rival, while professing to hold the place of Christ on earth, as His Vicar.[7]
The RCC insists that the Pope is Christ’s “Vicar” (“from Latin vicarius substitute”[8]). Here is evidence from their recent catechism:
For the Roman Pontiff, by reason of his office as Vicar of Christ, and as pastor of the entire Church has full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered.[9]
Few Christians seem to be aware of the blasphemously honorific titles and divine prerogatives which the RCC has boasted for their Pope, including “Supreme Pontiff”[10] (i.e., Bridge, Mediator between God and man; cf. 1 Tim 2.5), “Lord and God,”[11] and these idolatrous assertions:
Since the Pope is God, therefore he cannot either be bound or loosed by men.[12]
From this it appears that the Pope is above Scripture, councils, princes, and all powers upon earth, upon the account of his divinity.[13]
Because he presents himself as Christ’s representative, any particular Pope represents a much greater threat of seduction to professing Christians than, for example, the Dalai Lama, the chief lama of the dominant Tibetan Buddhist order, since he makes no pretense of being a Christian.
So, it seems we are on the verge of a transition from one Pope to another, and therefore, from one antichrist to another. Am I to be blamed if I show no preference for any of Satan’s minions? God helping me, I will not recant, even before the threat of martyrdom. I am praying for the complete demise of this Satanic kingdom. Let all Christ’s loyal followers rally with me! In our generation more than ever, fearless protest may distinguish those of sound understanding and deep conviction from the naïve and cowardly. May the Lord come quickly and destroy His Enemy (2 Thess 2.8). Amen.
[1] Schaff, P. (1890), The Creeds of Christendom, II.113.
[2] Catechism of the Catholic Church (2000), #1989.
[3] Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, in loc.
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.
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Day 80
Result of conquests - Josh 13:15 "...he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses." Nothing - in the Hebrew it uses 3 words to describe 'left nothing undone'.
H3808 - lo; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abstract negation); by implication no; often used with other particles:
H5493 - soor; A primitive root; to turn off (literally or figuratively):
H1697 - daw-bar'; From H1696; a word; by implication a matter (as spoken of) of thing; adverbially a cause:
So? Not turn off a word/matter? He did not turn off Word spoken by the Lord. Hmmmm...how much do I 'turn off' from doing of that which the Lord has spoken?
Victories reviewed - 31 kings destroyed and land taken for HIS people.
More land available - The division of Canaan - Division among the 9 1/2 tribes.
Caleb's Portion (Josh 14, 15, Judges 1, 1 Chronicles 6)- Caleb (forcible), from the tribe of Judah, was 40 years old when he went to spy out the land (and I used to think someone in their 40's was old). He wholly (filled, be full) followed the Lord. Now he is 85! And he has the strength and ability that he had at 40.
I hope I have the same level of strength, energy and passion for the Lord at 85. O' Lord, please let my passion for You and serving You NOT wane.
Caleb offers his daughter to the man who takes Kirjathsepher. Not only is this a testimony of the treasure of his daughter, Achsah, but the valor of the man willing to fight and conquer to have her. A true warrior of the Lord.
I wonder if Achsah would have been considered a Proverbs 31 woman - her price far above rubies. She was obviously a wise woman, desiring the upper and nether springs. Water is a precious commodity - may we all be washed daily in HIS word and be considered wise and prudent warriors for Him.
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.
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Day 79
Gibeonites (Hivites) spared - treacherous lies used to deceive the Israelites. They failed to ask... (Josh 9:14) ...where or what in my life have I failed to seek Father over/about?
Pondering - Jos 9:24 And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing.
What about God do others know because of us? Especially that HE fights for HIS people.
Southern campaign - Gibeon's long day - Gibeonites call for Israel to help them in battle against 5 kings. The Lord threw down great stones from heaven and those who died by hailstones were more than those who died by the sword. Joshua, in the sight of Israel, asks the Lord to make the sun stand still. A whole extra day - that is a long time to fight.
The phrase(s) - fear not, be strong and of good courage are repeated again and again. God said it to Joshua and he repeats it to the people.
Other victories - Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Gezer, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir all destroyed - none left remaining. (All cities in Palestine)
Northern campaign - Hazor, Madon, Shimron, Achshaph, and Mizpeh - none left alive.
Israel's enemies were as numerous as the sand upon the seashore...and God delivered them. I need to remember this when I am under attack...My God, in whom I trust, will deliver me. He is faithful, just and true. I need to FEAR NOT, BE STRONG and of GOOD COURAGE.
Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
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.
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Day 78 -
Defeat at Ai, Achans sin - yes, this is a repeat. I missed the tick mark yesterday and listed this heading, wondering that I did not recall having recently (re) read this passage. It is never redundant to (re) read a passage of scripture. I just happened to get a double portion this week.
A reminder from our Father about NOT trying to hide my sin -
Num 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.
Victory at Ai - and Father takes our failures and uses them to glorify Himself.
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Altar built at Mount Ebal.
Joshua 8:32 - And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which we wrote in the presence of the children of Israel.
This is in addition to writing on the stones when they crossed the Jordan? Would appear to be the 2nd time. Hmmm...can not tell for sure.
Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Lord, let the meditation of my heart be upon You and Your words, may I always strive to give a proper estimate of who You are in all that I am.
