Tag Archives: scripture image

Jesus, Our High Priest D6

Daily Devotion, Daily Devotional, , , , ,

Hebrews 7:13-24 Image

Day 6

The priest whom we are talking about was a member of a different tribe. No one from that tribe ever served as a priest at the altar. Everyone knows that our Lord came from the tribe of Judah. Moses never said anything about priests coming from that tribe. The regulations were different. This became clear when a different priest who is like Melchizedek appeared. That person is a priest, not because he met human requirements, but because he has power that comes from a life that cannot be destroyed. The Scriptures say the following about him: “You are a priest forever, in the way Melchizedek was a priest.” The former requirements are rejected because they are weak and useless. Moses’ Teachings couldn’t accomplish everything that God required. But we have something else that gives us greater confidence and allows us to approach God. None of this happened without an oath. The men from the tribe of Levi may have become priests without an oath, but Jesus became a priest when God took an oath. God said about him, “The Lord has taken an oath and will not change his mind. You are a priest forever.” In this way Jesus has become the guarantee of a better promise. There was a long succession of priests because when a priest died he could no longer serve. But Jesus lives forever, so he serves as a priest forever. That is why he is always able to save those who come to God through him. He can do this because he always lives and intercedes for them. Hebrews 7:13‭-‬25

Strong’s Number – G2420
Greek: ἱερωσύνη
Transliteration: hierōsunē
Pronunciation: hee-er-o-soo’-nay
Definition: From G2413; sacredness that is (by implication) the priestly office: – priesthood.
KJV Usage: priesthood (4x).
Occurs: 4
In verses: 4

Here we see the sacredness of the office of the priesthood. Because Jesus is who He is; makes it most sacred. He is once and forever to save those who come to God through Him. It lasts forever. He lives forever to intercede with God on our behalf.

We can trust Jesus, Father God, & the Holy Spirit. Jesus is our once and for all and forever High Priest. He intercedes on our behalf with God. I mean, those of us who are His children. Until we are His children, saved by His grace, and have faith in accepting Him as our savior; we’re simply noisy gongs in His ears. We MUST be saved and be His children for Him to intercede on our behalf with God.

Where do you stand with God? I challenge you to vertically align yourself and spend some time with Him. Let’s share and connect through God.

Dear Father God, Abba Yah, I lift up the readers of this blog. I pray for them to reach out to You and grow stronger in their faith of You. I pray that they’re blessed and bless others as well. Thank You for using me to share Your word and the Good News of Jesus, our Saviour. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer! In Jesus’ name, amen!

Jesus, Our High Priest D5

Daily Devotion, Daily Devotional, , , ,

Hebrews 7:1-7 image

Day 5

Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. He met Abraham and blessed him when Abraham was returning from defeating the kings. Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had captured. In the first place, Melchizedek’s name means king of righteousness. He is also called king of Salem (which means king of peace). No one knows anything about Melchizedek’s father, mother, or ancestors. No one knows when he was born or when he died. Like the Son of God, Melchizedek continues to be a priest forever. You can see how important Melchizedek was. Abraham gave him a tenth of what he had captured, even though Abraham was the father of the chosen people. Moses’ Teachings say that members of the tribe of Levi who become priests must receive a tenth of everything from the people. The priests collect it from their own people, Abraham’s descendants. Although Melchizedek was not from the tribe of Levi, he received a tenth of everything from Abraham. Then Melchizedek blessed Abraham, who had God’s promises. No one can deny that the more important person blesses the less important person. Hebrews 7:1‭-‬7

Strong’s Number – G2409
Greek: ἱερεύς
Transliteration: hiereus
Pronunciation: hee-er-yooce’
Definition: From G2413; a priest (literally or figuratively): – (high) priest.
KJV Usage: priest (31x), high priest (1x).
Occurs: 32
In verses: 30

So, according to Strongs, in this scripture, this is literally and figuratively “a priest” – a high priest. Its usage occurs 32 times in 30 verses.

I love the parallels to Jesus in this scripture.

Melchizedek, being the king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. Abraham was blessed by him and then he gave the king a 10th of everything he had captured.

Melchizedek’s name means king of righteousness. King of Salem means king of peace. No one knows about Melchizedek’s background. Not even when he died. Like Jesus, Melchizedek continues to be a priest forever. It’s obvious how important he was. Even though Melchizedek wasn’t from the tribe of Levi, he still received a 10th of everything from Abraham. Abraham had God’s promises.

Personally, I’m not certain how this applies to us today. If anything, a history lesson and a correlation between Melchizedek and Jesus as “Hight Priest”.

This may be far-reaching… but, my thoughts are that Melchizedek was a human manifestation of Jesus just for this purpose of scripture and the people to experience a “high priest” who was all godly and righteous. An example of our Savior to come.

I’m in total awe and fear (reverence) to GOD. This is amazing.

Father God, Abba Yah, show us Your purpose in this scripture and how we can apply it to our lives today. Correct me if I’m wrong in my thoughts expressed above. I do not want to be sharing nonsense to anyone. I praise, honor, glorify, and LOVE You, Almighty Yahweh. Thank You, in advance for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus, Our High Priest D4

Daily Devotion, Daily Devotional, , , , , ,

Hebrews 6_13-20 image

Day 4

God made a promise to Abraham. Since he had no one greater on whom to base his oath, he based it on himself. He said, “I will certainly bless you and give you many descendants.” So Abraham received what God promised because he waited patiently for it. When people take oaths, they base their oaths on someone greater than themselves. Their oaths guarantee what they say and end all arguments. God wouldn’t change his plan. He wanted to make this perfectly clear to those who would receive his promise, so he took an oath. God did this so that we would be encouraged. God cannot lie when he takes an oath or makes a promise. These two things can never be changed. Those of us who have taken refuge in him hold on to the confidence we have been given. We have this confidence as a sure and strong anchor for our lives. This confidence goes into the ⌊holy⌋ place behind the curtain where Jesus went before us on our behalf. He has become the chief priest forever in the way Melchizedek was a priest. Hebrews 6:13‭-‬20

Definition of an oath:
Greek: ὅρκος
Transliteration: horkos
Pronunciation: hor’-kos her’-kos
Definition: From ἕρκος herkos (a fence; perhaps akin to G3725); a limit that is (sacred) restraint (specifically oath): – oath.
KJV Usage: oath (10x).
Occurs: 10
In verses: 10

Apparently, scripture uses a definition of an oath that the dictionary does not. Here is what the dictionary says the definition of an oath is:

a solemn appeal to a deity, or to some revered person or thing, to witness one’s determination to speak the truth, to keep a promise, etc.: to testify upon oath.

Definition of promise:
Greek: ἐπαγγέλλω
Transliteration: epaggellō
Pronunciation: ep-ang-el’-lo
Definition: From G1909 and the base of G32; to announce upon (reflexively) that is (by implication) to engage to do something to assert something respecting oneself: – profess (make) promise.
KJV Usage: promise (11x), profess (2x), make promise (2x).
Occurs: 15
In verses: 15

Dictionary: a declaration that something will or will not be done, given, etc.

Also:
Greek: ἐλπίς
Transliteration: elpis
Pronunciation: el-pece’
Definition: From ἔλπω elpō which is a primary word (to anticipate usually with pleasure);
expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: – faith hope.
KJV Usage: hope (53x), faith (1x).
Occurs: 54
In verses: 48

It seems strange. Strongs uses a strange interpretation of word meanings. It’s confusing. I’ll address this in prayer.

So, it seems to me, God is giving us a confident hope in faith to be reassured of Jesus’ purpose in being our High Priest.

How does this apply to our current day lives? How should we apply this knowledge to our lives?

First, we need to be in prayer on our knees. Your prayer is between you and God. Only the two of you know what is going on between you both. Whatever it is, it needs to be God-focused and how your life should be ALL God. Be all in for God. He gave us numerous promises in His word. Accept them and apply them daily.

Second, evaluate what your life is like and how it’s honoring God. Scripture is a great place to start. If we’re busy in His word, we don’t have time for negativity and drama. We’re to be about God’s business. It’s all about Him.

Next, be in community with God and like-minded fellow Christians. It helps sharpen each other. It gives us the opportunity to corporately praise and worship Him together. He deserves it! What do you say?

Finally, we need to be sharing the gospel as Christ’s ambassadors and disciples. His word tells us to go out into the highways, byways, and hedges to spread the gospel to all who will hear it. It’s in His word, look it up for yourselves. Don’t take my word for it.

Who’s in? I’m all in!

Dear Father God, thank You. Thank You for who You are and what You’ve done and continue to do for each of us, Your children. Thank You for Jesus, our Savior, and High Priest. Use each of us for Your glory and honor. I pray that this blog blesses people and is an encouragement to them so they fully surrender their all to You. I also would like to seek clarity and understanding with regard to what strong’s greek is really saying in parallel to scripture. It gets so confusing to work out. Please, God, use me. I’m here. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus, Our High Priest – D3

Daily Devotion, Daily Devotional, , , ,

Hebrews 6_9-12 image

Day 3

Dear friends, even though we say these things, we are still convinced that better things are in store for you and that they will save you. God is fair. He won’t forget what you’ve done or the love you’ve shown for him. You helped his holy people, and you continue to help them. We want each of you to prove that you’re working hard so that you will remain confident until the end. Then, instead of being lazy, you will imitate those who are receiving the promises through faith and patience. Hebrews 6:9‭-‬12

Strong’s Number – G4136
Greek: πληροφορία
Transliteration: plērophoria
Pronunciation: play-rof-or-ee’-ah
Definition: From G4135; entire confidence: – (full) assurance.
KJV Usage: full assurance (3x), assurance (1x).
Occurs: 4
In verses: 4

Full assurance – entire confidence (confident underlined above)

The writer of Hebrews is conveying to his listeners/readers of this letter to hold onto the assurance and confidence that God will never forsake them. That God is fair. God will remember their good works to work out their salvation. That they won’t be lazy and that they’re imitators of those receiving promises through faith and patience.

So, how does this apply to us in our lives? How can we live differently in light of this truth?

  • We must trust God and what He tells us in His word.
  • Be confident and assured, fully, in our trust in God.
  • Don’t be lazy with what we know and have learned in His word.
  • As His word says; “He won’t forget what you’ve done or the love you’ve shown for him.”
  • And, the word also states, “We want each of you to prove that you’re working hard so that you will remain confident until the end.”
  • Never give up! Be patient and trust God. His timing is perfect.

Dear Heavenly Father, God [Abba Yah], I lift up each reader to You. I pray that they trust and have confidence in You. I pray that they work hard proving themselves in hard work and know that You will keep your promises and they will receive them in faith and patience. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

GOD Wins!

Daily Devotion, Daily Devotional, , , , , ,
Scripture

Read the full chapter here!

This scripture is amazing! It shows the power of GOD and how he blesses people who obey Him. I mean; consult God 1st. Listen for His reply and obey Him. We tend to complicate things with the ifs ands and buts. It’s not necessary! Wait on God and move when He says move. God causes things to happen in His favor. He will do it with or without us. He doesn’t need our help. So, in the scripture God uses David. In fact, God is so powerful He caused all the nations to fear David, the King.

So, how does this apply to us? How do we apply it to our lives today? Here are my thoughts:

  • Stop taking things into our own hands and taking control of matters we don’t need to.
  • Leave our emotions out of it.
    • Emotions are fickle. It never turns out well when we allow our emotions to make decisions for us.
  • Consult with God 1st and foremost.
    • Be in His word. It’s alive! Each time you read it, God is telling you something.
    • Pray about everything! Prayer works!
  • Trust God in what His word says.
    • Miracles do still happen!
  • Do not allow other’s emotions, words, etc to influence us in our lives.
  • Allow the Holy Spirit to move. Do not block Him!
    • Read the 2nd bullet point again!
    • Read the 3rd bullet point again!
    • Rinse and repeat all the bullet points.

Dear Abba Yah, I lift up the readers of this blog to You. I pray that they will be blessed by it and will reach out and seek You fully and sincerely. Show us the way. Open our eyes to see the way You want us to go. You are amazing and awesome, Yahweh! I adore, glorify, honor, and love You. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

GOD; He Delivered Us!

Daily Devotion, Daily Devotional, , , , , , ,
Scripture

“Let us trust in that God who has often delivered us to do it still, to do it now! Let us not be so stunned, but have an eye to God in His word, not in an image; let us depend upon that, and upon the promises and predictions of it, and God’s power to accomplish them all. And let us know that the unbelief of man shall not make the word of God of no effect.” ~ Matthew Henry

God is my creator! There is none like Him and none can compare. There is no equal. He alone is The Almighty, omnipotent (infinite in power), omniscient (having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness, or understanding; perceiving all things), omnipresent, (present everywhere, at all times, at the same time) God.

God, Yahweh, is my deliverer, now and always. He will manage with our without me. He has all control. He doesn’t need me to accomplish His plan. There is nothing I can offer Him to accomplish His plan.

All I need to do it trust, obey and have faith in Him and Him alone. What does that mean for me? How does it apply to my life? How can I apply it to my life? Here are my thoughts:

  1. Stop being selfish and thinking I can handle my life without God; because it’s not possible.
  2. Pray
  3. Be in His Word
    1. It is alive. Every time I read it God stretches me to learn more to apply more to my life.
  4. Have Christian fellowship with like-minded brothers and sisters in Christ knowing that God will use those relationships to sharpen me to more Christ-like.
  5. Stop believing the lies of the devil.
    1. If you need guidance here, message me and I’ll help.
  6. Live by example! Be Christ’s example to a lost world.

Dear Abba Yah, show me the way because a lot of times I’m so lost I’m unable to find my way. I trust You. I know You will never mislead me. I pray for the readers of this blog. I lift each of them up to You. I pray that they will earnestly surrender to You and divest themselves of all worldly things and follow You 100%. I pray this for myself as well. It’s easy to get distracted and veer off the path. Thank You in advance for hearing and answering my prayers, Yahweh. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Repaid Good for Evil!

Daily Devotion, Daily Devotional, , , , , , , ,
Scripture

Read the full context here: 1 Samuel 24

This story of David, Jonathan, and King Saul is amazing. Here David had the chance to take out King Saul. But, he did not. David didn’t feel like it was right to kill Saul. He spared Saul’s life in the cave.

What I’m taking away from this is this:
~ Even though there are situations and opportunities to get revenge or get payback when I feel I deserve better than what I’m experiencing; don’t do it. It’s not worth it.
~ God has something better in mind for me. Even if I don’t know or understand it.

How does this apply to our lives today? How do I apply it to my life? Here are my thoughts:

  • Be obedient to God and the Holy Spirit.
    • He knows best.
  • Pray about everything, always.
    • God often shows us better through the Holy Spirit in prayers. (True story!)
  • Be in His word every single day.
    • If you don’t have time to be in the Word and spend time to pray, you’re too busy with the world. Something needs to give and be sacrificed. You’ll be glad you did! I promise! So does God! His promises never fail us!
  • Be in fellowship with your church body.
    • Keeping yourself isolated from everyone and everything is not healthy.
      • There is a difference between isolation and solitude.
        1. Isolation means: the action or state of setting someone or something apart from other people or things or being set apart (separated).
        2. Solitude means: freedom from disturbance; tranquility; mentally calm.
    • We need the fellowship to allow the Holy Spirit to feed our spirits and to lift each other up in the Lord.

Dear Adonai, Abba Yah, I pray for the readers of this blog in that they will seek You fully and surrender fully to You. I pray that these words will be a balm for their soul and spirit to give them peace about any life circumstances that are putting them in strife. I pray also that they allow You to use them for Your glory and honor in life to help others who need it. Thank You, Yah, in advance for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Justice From Heaven

Daily Devotion, Daily Devotional, , , , , , ,
Scripture

Read the full chapter here: Psalm 11 It’s 7 verses long.

Well, this scripture is loaded. What I gain from it is this:

  • God still rules from His Temple in heaven.
  • God observes everything.
  • God loves justice.
  • Just people seek God.

In this Psalm, David’s struggle with and triumph over a strong temptation to distrust God and seek within himself with indirect means for his own safety in a time of danger. His life was in danger by King Saul because the king was jealous of David and Jonathan’s relationship. Read more here: 1 Samuel 20.

Life is filled with struggles and triumphs. Sometimes it seems like more struggle than triumphs. During the struggles, human nature tends to seek within itself to work things out on our own.

God knows our struggles. He allows us to struggle because it builds our faith and trust in Him. It’s best to seek Him and take our struggles to Him and leave them there. He’ll deal with them justly. We may not get it. But, it’s not for us to get.

How does this apply to our lives today? How do we apply it to our lives?

This is what I think and believe:

  • Even though we’re going through tough times; God is with us and knows.
  • We don’t have to go through the struggles alone. God is with us, all the time.
  • We need to seek Him, not from within ourselves.
  • PRAY always!

Dear Abba Yah, I seek You. I bring all my struggles to You and leave them at the foot of Your throne. I pray this for the readers of this blog as well. I lift up the spiritually ill as well as, physically ill, Yahweh. We need You, always. I love, adore, glorify, and honor You, Adonai Yah. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

God of Mercy!

Daily Devotion, Daily Devotional, , , , , ,
Scripture

Read the full context here: 1 Samuel 14:38-46

Even when all odds are against me, God still has control. God’s grace and mercy… What an awesome and amazing God we serve!

Even though Jonathan and his armor-bearer were outnumbered God still caused them to have victory in the battle. Even though Jonathan sinned and ate the honey, God saw fit to allow Jonathan to live.

Jonathan trusted God. Do you trust God to help you through tight spots in life’s circumstances? I struggle with this on occasion. I trust God more and more every day.

How does this apply to us today? How can we apply this to our lives today?

Here are my thoughts:

  • Stop getting caught up in all the drama surrounding us.
    • Yes, I know that people do their best to suck us in.
    • Yes, our emotions can run amuck with situations.
    • All these things are choices we make.
    • It’s also about the attitudes we choose.
  • We need to make better choices for our lives to avoid getting sucked into other’s drama.
  • When something involves us, we need to choose to control our emotions.
    • Decisions made out of an emotional situation never end well. Our emotions are fickle. We need to remain calm, clear, and level-headed.
  • We also need to pay close attention to our attitudes.
    • Attitudes toward situations determine the outcome of said situation.
  • Pray over all things and situations all the time.

Dear Abba Yah, Adonai Yeshua, I lift each reader up to You. I ask that You guide their hearts, minds, soul, and spirits in a God-honoring and glorifying way. Show them the direction to take. I lift up the sick, injured, and spiritually hurting, Yahweh. I pray they will find peace of mind and body in You. I pray healing over them, in Jesus’ name. I thank You in advance for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Joy Amidst All Odds

Daily Devotion, Daily Devotional, , , , , , , , ,

Scripture

To read the full context go to 1 Samuel 11. It’s 15 verses long.

God is faithful! He also brings great joy, even in the midst of great battles & violence. Also, I can see a portion of the Gospel in this scripture. How, you ask? Let me try and break it down for you.

The old testament has similarities to the Gospel message. It’s a reference to Jesus coming to save us. Also, we were told that Jesus will be our Everlasting Father in Isaiah 9:1‭-‬7, the hope of the coming of the Messiah [the promised and expected deliverer].

Matthew 2:1-2 says this about Jesus: Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” These wise men could’ve only known of a coming Messiah because they had old testament knowledge.

In today’s scripture, the people were full of joy because they were being saved and they were being given a king. King Saul.

What is God speaking to you in this scripture? How can we apply this to our lives today?

Here are my thoughts:

  • Don’t despair. We have been given a king, Jesus. He is our Saviour.
  • Be joyful because Jesus is our Eternal and Everlasting Father.
  • Trust God. He’s in control. He would never lie to us.
  • Be obedient to God. His word is full of truth, promises, and blessings.

Dear Father God, Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Saviour and King. I pray that those reading this blog will be blessed and will seek You fully. Thank You in advance for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.