Tag Archives: scripture

Knowing the Will of God!

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Scripture
“If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE Lord YOUR GOD, Deuteronomy 28:58; If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done. If we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and we do not accept God’s teaching. 1 John 1:8‭-‬10

If ever we say we don’t know the will of God… It’s because we ignore His word. His word is alive and vibrant. It’s within the pages of His Holy Word; The Holy Bible.

Obeying God blesses us. By obeying Him the blessings will come and stay with us.

We mustn’t be in denial that we’re a sinful people. We can accept that and then confess our sins so that He will forgive us and cleanse us. Otherwise, we are in essence saying God is a liar. It’s impossible for God to lie. So, we’re the ones in the wrong, not God.

We must stop being in denial of the Truth of God and start submitting to Him and obeying Him. We must surrender our selfish, self-centeredness to Him. We must stop limiting Him in our lives. It’s easy. Just do it! (My [Kimberly’s] favorite quote by Nike, the shoe company!)

There are no excuses. We must wake up to ourselves and realize that we’re holding God back in our lives. We also must realize that we’re unable to save ourselves. There’s nothing we can do to save ourselves. God doesn’t need our help.

Be blessed by the BEST, God!

Dear Adonai, Abba Yah, I pray for forgiveness of sins I don’t even realize I’m committing as well as the readers of this devo blog. Also, blatant sins that we know we’re doing and are just being complacent of them and ignoring the truth of the matter and being defiant toward You. Show us the way, the truth, to You. Thank You in advance, Abba Yah, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do What Pleases God!

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Scripture:

What exactly does be careful mean? The dictionary says this:
making sure of avoiding potential danger, mishap, or harm; cautious. And this:
done with or showing thought and attention.

Then there’s the part about obeying. It’s important that we submit to God’s authority. Going against Him leads to danger and mishaps in our lives. Which we see in the definition of careful; we want to avoid potential danger or mishaps. The whole thing is a “no duh” to me. I don’t know about others. What do you think this scripture means about being careful and obeying God?

In the last part of the verse, it informs us that we would be pleasing God when we do what is good and right.

I rather like to please God. Don’t you? It would make things in life move along better.

To be pleasing to God I must be in His word. I must apply His word to my life. I must work at being righteous and be like Christ. What would you do?

Dear Father God, make it known, without question, what I need to be doing to please You. I also pray the readers of this blog to be blessed and to be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Elizabeth Gives Birth to John the Baptist

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John the Baptist is Born image
A few months later, after Mary went back to Nazareth, Elizabeth gave birth to the son she had always hoped for. She named him ‘John’. Luke 1:57-66

Everyone was very happy and excited for her.

She did quite well for an elderly woman giving birth.

There was a discussion among family about the baby’s name and what it would be. They decided his name would be after his father, Zechariah. However, Elizabeth quickly corrected them. She was adamant, his name is “John”. Afterall, this is what Gabriel the angel gave instruction to.

Zechariah now able to speak. This baby would one day be a prophet of the Most High, he said, preparing the way for the Messiah.

This picture is the last we see of Elizabeth. By the examples of the time, she was already old, and she might not have lived to see John grow to adulthood.

So, the main takeaway from this story is that being patient and waiting on the Lord brings great blessings.

How are you doing in your waiting time? Share and bless others with your experience.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

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Mary Meets Elizabeth imageWhile Elizabeth was pregnant with the future John the Baptist, she gave refuge to her young cousin Mary of Nazareth who, pregnant with Jesus and single, might have been escaping from the anger of her relatives.

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, about a hundred miles away in Judea, might’ve been a dire effort by her family to save her from this destiny [in a Middle Eastern rural community at the time, this kind of situation could simply result in an honor killing of the young girl by her fiancé’s family], to get her out of the way until a resolution had been worked out. Leaving Galilee and traveling south, Mary punctually arrived at Elizabeth’s house in Judea after a trip of about three or four days.

When they met, each recognized that they and their children would be an incredible part of God’s plan for mankind.

Luke 1:39-45 Mary got up and went quickly to a town in the hills of Judea. She came to Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the unborn baby inside her jumped, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She cried out in a loud voice, “God has blessed you more than any other woman, and he has blessed the baby to which you will give birth. Why has this good thing happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? When I heard your voice, the baby inside me jumped with joy. You are blessed because you believed that what the Lord said to you would really happen.”

56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Well, in this story, at first glance, we just think two women relatives were meeting and the younger one might’ve been visiting to help the older one through the childbirth.

It’s likely that Luke was making diagonal references to the Old Testament stories of Hannah and Sarah.

You may not see it in your life, but God is using you and your life for a bigger plan than you realize. A magnificent and awesome plan. In the grand scheme of it all, our lives are like a massive grand puzzle that God is putting in place using all the pieces of life.

Don’t allow all of the life’s pieces to bring you down. That’s what satan wants. He wants us to be in strife so he can slip in and manipulate us with his sneaky ways keeping us oppressed and depressed.

How does this look in your life? What are you doing with your life puzzle pieces to honor and glorify God? Comment and let’s interact. Bless others with your testimony. Be blessed by what God is doing in other’s lives.

Next & final post coming up: Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist.

Elizabeth – Who is she?

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Who was Elizabeth?

What was her story?

Elizabeth is Eli-sheba. It means ‘God’s promise’, or ‘my God is generous’.

Her trust in God paid off.

Elizabeth becomes pregnant, Luke 1:5-25. Click scripture and read about Zechariah and Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was an righteious woman married to Zechariah, a member of the Jerusalem priesthood. She was past childbearing age, her husband was elderly, and she had given up hope for having any children. But Elizabeth’s life took an unanticipated turn. She became pregnant, to the surprise of everyone.

Luke 1:13-14 The angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you will name him John. He will be your pride and joy, and many people will be glad that he was born.

Luke 1:24-25 Later, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and didn’t go out in public for five months. She said, “The Lord has done this for me now. He has removed my public disgrace.”

Trusting and obeying Yahweh will bless you.

Next up in tomorrow’s post: Mary’s visit to Elizabeth.

What blessings have you been given because you trust and obey Yahweh? Comment and let’s interact. Bless others with your testimony.

Eve Received the Divine Prophecy of the Cross

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Eve Was the First to Receive the Divine Prophecy of the Cross

Eve was the first sinner and saw the fruit of her sin as she stood at the world’s first grave and buried her dead son. After confessing her sin she heard the Lord say to that serpent, the devil, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3:15). With this first promise of the Redeemer, there started the wicked path of life ending at the cross where Jesus Christ, born of a woman, presented a satisfying victory over sin and Satan.

Through a woman, God’s just universe was ruined and became “a world of sinners lost, and ruined by the fall.” Now, through a woman, a perfect salvation has been given for a sinful people. Through Eve’s sin, death came into the world, but at the cross, both sin and death were defeated, through “dying, death He murdered.” When Jesus cried, “It is finished,” He meant that the serpent’s head, symbolizing power and authority, had been bruised. He defeated all satanic principalities and powers that Eve’s sin brought into the world, and put them under His feet.

Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

As we leave our reflection upon the world’s first woman, first wife, first sinner, first mother, and first mourner, there are one or two lessons to be gleaned from Eve’s story. For instance,

  • “many daughters of Eve have learned that the serpent is never more dangerous than when he claims to be the sincere supporter interested in nothing but her progress and happiness.”

What a shrewd, wicked impostor Satan is. How naive so many are – of his tricks! Besides,

  • any temptation is a common occurrence, and each of us should learn from the first person on earth to be tempted, its way of reaching and continuous actions, and protect ourselves from a fall through the benefit of Jesus Christ’s own victory over the enemy.

There is no sin in being tempted. We only sin when we give way to temptation. Refusing to give way to the attraction of sin, our Garden of Eden awaits perfect.

  • At the heart of Eve’s wretched story, however, is the good lesson that a woman has the power of burden or blessing over a man’s life. If she falls, man falls with her.

Paul said, “in Adam, we die- in Christ, we are made alive.”

In asking loyalty to Christ, Paul relates Eve to represent the quickness that one is wicked (see 1 Timothy 2:12-14).

So, there you have it. The Biblical account of Eve.

How can you relate to Eve’s story? Comment, let’s interact.

Next week: we’ll be talking about, Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist.

Ruth: Loyal Daughter-in-Law

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Today’s devotion will focus on Ruth.

Listen to this segment: “Ruth: Loyal Daughter-in-Law (2nd of 10 in the Women of the Bible series)” on Anchor.

What’s the Book of Ruth about?

Ruth means ‘lovely friend’.

People often think the Book of Ruth is just a pretty love story. It’s not. It’s an outcry account against some of the severe laws passed in Israel at the time – the ‘purity laws’ of Ezra and Nehemiah.ruth image

These laws banned Jewish men from marrying non-Jewish women and commanded Jewish men to divorce their non-Jewish wives.

Many people disagreed. They said a woman’s worth was in her actions, not her blood-line. Boaz agreed. He knew Ruth was from Moab, not Israel, but he loved her and married her anyhow.

It’s awesome he did: she was loyal, hard-working, and generous – and gave him a great-grandson who was Israel’s hero, King David.

Ruth’s story

Even though there was protesting against the laws; the text of the Book of Ruth is, still, one of the most beautiful stories in the Bible.

  • It’s about loyalty: to God, to family, to each other.
  • Ruth wasn’t the sort of heroine you’d expect: Ruth is a foreigner, not even an Israelite – which meant a lot at that time.

Notwithstanding of this, Ruth survived and thrived. It’s just as well she did because it was vital for the future of Israel. Ruth’s great-grandson will be David, king of Israel, founder of a royal dynasty.

The story of Ruth has four parts

  1. Naomi and Ruth go to Bethlehem – the grief of losing someone you love.
    Naomi and Ruth suffered terrible misfortune: the men in their family, including both their husbands, died. Deserted in Moab, the older woman Naomi decided to return to her home in Bethlehem. Ruth, though a Moabite herself, chose to go with her. She vowed her loyalty to Naomi and they set out on the long journey, arriving in time for the barley harvest.
  2. Ruth meets Boaz – a love story.
    Soon after, Ruth met Boaz, a rich land-owner, and relative of Naomi. It seems to have been love at first sight for him, and he commanded that Ruth be well attended to when she worked in his fields. The older woman Naomi saw immediately what had happened, and encouraged Ruth to continue working in Boaz’s fields.
  3. Ruth proposes marriage to Boaz.
    Cleverly, Naomi notified the young woman how to catch her man. Ruth addressed Boaz during the night, on the threshing floor, and the text crookedly hints that there may have been some intimate mischief. The next morning, Ruth recommended that they marry, reminding Boaz of his responsibility to her as her nearest male family. Boaz promised to do all he could.
  4. Ruth and Boaz marry – a happy ending.
    Naomi’s plan worked. Boaz demonstrated good on his word, and he and Ruth were married. She had a son called Obed, and Naomi cared for the child, who would grow up to be the grandfather of King David.

What are the chief points of Ruth’s story?

  • Friendship: Ruth was poor and a foreigner, but she listened to the counsel of an older, wiser woman. In turn, Naomi was honored by Ruth’s steadfast loyalty. The message? Courage and ability triumph over hardship.
  • Family: The story of Ruth honors the family and the way it continues through many generations. Ruth, a childless widow at the beginning of the story, became the great-grandmother of Israel’s great king, David.
  • God’s plan: The story of Naomi’s family and the way it remained is a common theme. Even Ruth, a foreigner from the detested Moabites, could move God’s plan towards accomplishment.

Ruth has special importance for Christians: Matthew’s gospel lists four women who were ancestors of Jesus (Matthew 1:2-17). Ruth is one of them.

Life Lessons from Ruth

  • Ruth’s promise to Naomi is one of the most beautiful declarations of commitment in Scripture (Ruth 1:16-17).
  • Her obedience to Yahweh God brought rich rewards (4:10-17).

Do you have rich rewards from your obedience to Yahweh God? If not, why? If so, praise His Holy Name. Share with us.

Why be obedient to Yahweh? What’s the importance of it?

Comment and let’s interact. Or, if you prefer, send me feedback in the contact form below:

Yahweh Is Governor

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Man has always attempted to govern himself but has never succeeded.

Even I have felt that I could be my own boss/ruler. When I was younger I hated being told what to do. There were times as a teen I rebelled against it. I paid the price dearly for it, however.

Unmistakenly, man must accept supernatural control if he is going to survive. Only one nation in history has ever endeavored to function with such a system. Israel started as a theocracy with Yahweh as governor.

Joshua, Judges, and Ruth tell of the time of theocracy. In them, we see that when men chose to let Yahweh rule, they knew peace and joy. However, when they began to highjack His throne, they became hostages of a foreign power.

Yahweh communicated His rules for government through priests, prophets, and judges. Obedience to these commands manifested in prosperity, while disobedience led to ruin and violence. Eventually, this theocracy yielded to a monarchy because the people demanded a king like other nations.


But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5‭-‬6

One day, we will again have a theocracy. Christ will return to rule as Lord of all creation. In the meantime, we must remember Yahweh’s words to Joshua. If we follow His Word and do His Will, then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Joshua 1:8).

May Yahweh be the ultimate ruler of our lives.

Who rules your life, and why. Who’s your master, and why?

Me: I finally realized my Master isn’t me. It’s Yahweh. There were hard lessons learned from the experiences. Occasionally, I get a swift kick to my backside as a reminder. “Oh, right, Yahweh, You’re my Master! Thanks for the reminder!”

Your turn. Go!

The Word – The Bible

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The complete Bible was first published in 1557. What a blessing this arduous work has been for all who love to read and memorize the scriptures of the Bible.

The psalmist records a privilege of the Bible we often dismiss. A great number of us think only in terms of immediate value when reading Yahweh’s Word. Yet, the psalmist says His Word can be hidden in our hearts to help us through times of incitement and suffering. During these times, Yahweh’s Holy Spirit produces Scripture verses in our memory just as He did for Jesus in His hour of enormous incitement. And in the modern day, it is simpler for us to find and remember the references because faithful men who loved Yahweh and His Word took the time to divide it into chapters and verses, as well as the technology available to us along with a concordance.

What an awesomely wonderful thing for us, today.

List here, some of your favorite memorized scripture verses.

Me: I have some also.

Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Psalm 23

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
    I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
   He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
   He leads me in the paths of righteousness
   For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil;
   For You are with me;
   Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of
my enemies;
   You anoint my head with oil;
   My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
   All the days of my life;
   And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
   Forever.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Just to list a few. There’s the entire Bible, after all! Haha!

Boom! Your turn! Go!

Christ’s Love Affair – Part 2

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The Bridegroom gives high praises of his wife. The Bridegroom is Christ. His wife is the church body [believers].

In the verses prior it says this:

9 You, my love, excite men as a mare excites the stallions of Pharaoh’s chariots. 10 Your hair is beautiful upon your cheeks and falls along your neck like jewels. 11 But we will make for you a chain of gold with ornaments of silver.

The parallel to this means that Christ’s believers excite Him. It compares to the love between husband and wife.

The grace received from Christ’s fullness jumps about excitedly of faith, affection, and gratitude. However, Christ is most beloved to them. V. 14, [My lover is like the wild flowers that bloom in the vineyards at Engedi.], signifies “atonement or propitiation.” Christ is precious to all believers because He is the propitiation for their sins. Believers decide to allow Him to dwell in their hearts through all of the trials of their life. Christ takes joy in the good work that his grace has worked out in the souls of believers. This should join everyone who is made holy, to be truly thankful for that grace that has made them right, who by nature were damaged. The spouse (the believer) has a humble, innocent eye, finding simplicity and godly character; hearts well-informed and lead by the Holy Spirit, the blessed Dove. The church shows her value for Christ.

The believer expresses praise of the sacred commands in that true believers have fellowship with Christ. Whether the believer is in the courts of Yahweh, or in privacy; whether following his daily activity, or restricted to a sickbed, or even in a jail, a feeling of the divine presence will turn the place into a place of joy. So the soul, daily having fellowship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, enjoys an inspired hope of an honorable, clean, and unchanging legacy in Heaven for Eternity.

The ones who do so may come to him boldly, and can humbly appeal to him. Christ has a peace for them. The souls who love Jesus Christ, sincerely want to share in the benefit of his flock [fellowship/discipleship]. Turning away from Christ is what gracious souls fear more than anything else. Yahweh can and will answer prayer.

So, boldly go before Yahweh, praising and worshiping Him with all your soul, mind, and body. No matter your circumstance. He is waiting for you.

What was a time that you expressed an unfettered praise and worship to Christ? Comment and let’s chat.

I’ll comment in social media with those who interact in comments.