Tag Archives: scripture

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You Choose Your Master!

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  • What do you see going on in the verses?
    • Matthew authored this book. The audience is Greek-speaking Jewish Christians during the time after Christ’s resurrection; between AD 50 and 70. 
    • Attitude toward wealth should be such that we aren’t seeking to live to gain money. Our heart is where our treasure is, and that should be in spiritual things. Every material thing is subject to decay or loss. Christians must be single-minded in serving God and not ‘mammon’ (mammon is used in some translations). Mammon stands for being dominated by money and materialistic worldly riches. Mammon is a Syriac word, that signifies gain; so that whatever in this world is, or is accounted by us to be, gain (Philippians. 3:7), is mammon.
      • We must not count these things as the best things.
      • We must not call them glory.
      • We must not covet an abundance of these things.
      • We must not confide in them for time to come.
      • We must not say to the gold, You are my hope.
      • We must not content ourselves with them, as all we need or desire:
        • – We must be content with a little for our journey, but not with all for our share.
    • Jesus urges us not to value possessions enough to seek them. Jesus’ words hit at the core of human selfishness, challenging both the well-to-do and the poor.
    • We must watch carefully for hypocrisy and worldly-mindedness in choosing the master we serve.

But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

“Christ designs not to deprive us of our treasure, but to direct us in the choice of it.” -Matthew Henry
  • What is God’s word saying?
    • Wow! As it says above, “Jesus’ words hit at the core of human selfishness.” My humanness makes it very hard to stick with serving only one master. In not choosing to serve only one, I find myself splitting and fracturing trying to do the splits with one foot in Eternity with Jesus and one foot in the World. However, the more I focus on God and His word the less I’m looking longingly at the world and the things in it. I long more for Heaven with my Triune God.
    • In all honesty, I’m not really materialistic. I only want things that I truly need to survive.
    • This is also talking about my spiritual health, not just my physical. So, my goals and aim are to stay in God’s word and seek Him always, not the world. It has nothing of value to be worthy for me to gain it.
    • The world/earth or only temporary. When it is gone, Heaven is the only answer.

Prayer: Thank You, Father God, for showing the true value of gaining heaven in eternity instead of the world and its “stuff”. I pray that all Your children will see and accept You and heaven for eternity. I lift up the ill and pray for well-being and peace of mind. I pray that we would all trust and obey You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

PRAYER_by_navalatanjjnn

I Confess!

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Psalm 17 scripture image

  • What are the details in these verses?
    • I observe that David is confessing his sin before the Lord. He acknowledges his sin to God and God forgave him. We can pray to God for and seek forgiveness. I’m comforted and encouraged that God is my hiding place; that He protects me. HE delivers me from all my sin. If I’m without the steadfast love of God there is no trust in the Lord. We need to love God and trust Him. We need to be glad and rejoice, as righteous Christians. All that are upright in heart.
  • What is God’s word saying to me?
    • Confession is good for the spirit and soul. Rejoicing in God’s love is also good for the spirit and soul. Scripture tells us to confess our sins.
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16
  • What changes do I need to make?
    • I need to lay it all on the line and take all my sins to God and seek His forgiveness. I need to confess any sin… great and small… it’s all sin. Harboring and living in sin is unhealthy to my spirit and soul. I need a clear and right conscience before God.
  • Is there any action that I need to take?
    • It’s hard for a mortal human not to sin. However, I can strive to not sin; it’s required and commanded of me. I need to put on the full armor of God.
For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground. So then, take your stand! Fasten truth around your waist like a belt. Put on God’s approval as your breastplate. Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace. In addition to all these, take the Christian faith as your shield. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Also take salvation as your helmet and God’s word as the sword that the Spirit supplies. Pray in the Spirit  in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is. For the same reason be alert. Use every kind of effort and make every kind of request for all of God’s people. Ephesians 6:13-18
    • I need to be in HIS Word daily. Everything stated here is in scripture. I don’t make things up as I go along.
    • I need to be in communication without ceasing; praying without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5 says in verses 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench  (do not extinquish the fire of the Holy Spirit) the Spirit.
  • What’s stopping me or a stumbling block?
    • Myself! I need to stop trying to handle life on my own without God leading it. HE’s much better at than I am. I need to “Just Do It!” I need to step aside and shut up about what I think should happen or what I do not like. God knows all and is in control. I simply need to stop trying to control things myself. It’s a sin! I don’t want to sin.

Prayer: Dear YAH, Father God, I  thank You for being my hiding place. I pray and confess my sins, known and unknown, to You. I pray that all Your children will do the same. I rejoice in the fact that You’re loving and forgiving; only because Jesus is the Messiah. Without the Savior, it’s not good. We would not have eternal life in heaven with You without Jesus saving us. Open our eyes to our sin and that we could come clean and confess our sins to You seeking Your forgiveness. It seems this whole world needs Jesus; to be cleansed. I pray Your chosen will all come forward seeking to be saved and confess, repenting and turning to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Loving One Another

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1 John 3 scripture

  • What are the details in the verses?
    • Think about the who/what/where/when/why/how.
      • We must love each other.
      • It’s been the message from the beginning.
    • If we hate, we’re the same as a murderer.
      • A right-minded person doesn’t want to be a murderer. Right?
    • Verse 16 says: This is how we know what real love is: Jesus gave his life for us. So we should give our lives for our brothers and sisters.
      • This is the Good News of the Gospel, pure and simple.
      • We must be willing to give our lives for our brothers and sisters.
    • Verses 18 & 19 tell us: Dear children, we must show love through actions that are sincere, not through empty words. This is how we will know that we belong to the truth and how we will be reassured in His presence.
      • I’ve learned over time that true and real love isn’t about emotions and feelings so much.
      • True and Real Love is a verb; it is an action! It’s what you do; not just saying something, but doing. Mull that over for a bit. Pray about it. Let GOD show you and guide you in true and real love.
  • What Is the strong theme?
    • True & Real LOVE.
  • What stands out?
    • Everything I said above…
  • What is God’s word saying to me in these verses?
    • Really love my brothers and sisters through action.
    • I can’t pick and choose who I want to love and how I love them.
    • It has to be GOD’s way.
  • How can I apply this scripture to my life?
    • Do everything GOD’s way; not mine.
    • Go deep into the recesses of my spirit and soul and clear out the cobwebs. Love how GOD wants me to love.
    • Love on my brothers and sisters like never before! In today’s day and age, people need it more than ever.
    • Pray for them also. Even when I don’t know their life’s situation, God knows. That’s all that matters. I do not need to know the details of their situation.
  • What do I need to change to make the application of this scripture work?
    • Stop the negative thoughts and behaviors that cause hate and unloving ways in my life that affect others. Yes, believe it or not, we all harbor some hate deep in our spirits. It needs to be blotted out and destroyed.
    • Once the above is put into place, that opens my heart, soul, and spirit to actively love others.
  • What action do I need to take?
    • Yes, you saw this coming!!! “Just Do It!”

Prayer: ABBA YAH, Father GOD, thank YOU for the gift of Salvation through Jesus. I pray that we can love, truly and really love, according to YOUR word, not what we think or feel it should be. After, Jesus’ actions of willing being crucified and resurrected are the ultimate true gift of love. We must love because He loved us first! Show us YAH! I pray the tragedy and horrific devastation is stopped according to Your will. I pray that we love people instead of fighting, hating, and murdering them. Thank You for allowing me to truly love people, as well as being loved back by them. YOU are in control, YAH. Thank YOU for that! I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

PRAYER_by_navalatanjjnn

A Favor Asked of Jesus

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Matthew 20:20-28 Scripture imageNOTE: I apologize for this post being long. But, it needs to be shared. If I break it up into several posts, it ends up being disjointed and confusing.

We don’t realize what we’re asking of Jesus. Our requests are purely for selfish gain and temporal reasons. We must realize that we need to look from an eternal spiritual perspective; not an earthly temporal perspective. The spiritual perspective is a totally different view than the earthly temporal one.

We must seek Jesus and HIS eternal home. Living in a temporal earthly life has one requirement compared to the one eternal spiritual requirements. We have to live out both requirements in order to work out our salvation with the fear and trembling of Yahweh.

As it says in Revelation, below, we must be hot or cold; not lukewarm.

Jesus said in Revelation 3:14-22
“Write this to the angel of the church in Laodicea:
“The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of all God has made, says this: I know what you do, that you are not hot or cold. I wish that you were hot or cold! But because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am ready to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich, and I have become wealthy and do not need anything.’ But you do not know that you are really miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I advise you to buy from me gold made pure in fire so you can be truly rich. Buy from me white clothes so you can be clothed and so you can cover your shameful nakedness. Buy from me medicine to put on your eyes so you can truly see.
“I correct and punish those whom I love. So be eager to do right, and change your hearts and lives.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with me. “Those who win the victory will sit with me on my throne in the same way that I won the victory and sat down with my Father on his throne. Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Two requirements:

  1. Temporal earthly-three main things
    1. Scripture support:
      2 Corinthians 4:16b-18
      Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

      1. We make it our aim to please God, both now when we are in our physical bodies and later when we see rightly and live for eternity.
      2. Keeping eternity in our sights reminds us of the briefness of the lifespan of our temporal existence.
    2. Scripture support:
      James 1:27 says: Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

      1. We are in a relationship with GOD/Yahweh. The other part of the Trinity (Jesus/Holy Spirit) will fall into place when it’s true.
      2. It’s pretty self-explanatory.
    3. Scripture support:
      Mark 13:10 says: But first, the Good News must be spread to all nations.
      Mark 16:15 says: Jesus said to his followers, “Go everywhere in the world and tell the Good News to everyone.

      1. It’s our mission to share the Good News of God’s Kingdom and that Jesus is our Savior.
  2. Spiritual eternal-four main things
    1. Everything in number 1 above points to our spiritual health. However, there are separate spiritual points we should take into consideration.
    2. Scripture support:
      Ephesians 2:8-9 says: God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

      1. We are saved by grace. We offer nothing to the equation.
    3. Scripture support:
      1. Faith & Obedience to God is a requirement of eternal life. Everything will tie in together as you read on!
      2. Obedience is an expression of our deep, abiding faith in His promises.
      3. Obedience is a willing expression of our love and gratitude for all He is willing to give.
      4. Through obedience, we demonstrate our faith in Jesus, overcome the world and accomplish God’s purpose.
      5. There is no contradiction between faith and obedience.
    4. Scripture support:
      1 John 5:1-5 says Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is God’s child, and whoever loves the Father also loves the Father’s children. This is how we know we love God’s children: when we love God and obey his commands. Loving God means obeying his commands. And God’s commands are not too hard for us, because everyone who is a child of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world—our faith. So the one who conquers the world is the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
    5. We know that all believers will receive resurrected bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-44 It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies.) Which means, we will not exist without body & spirit, but we will possess glorified bodies especially suited for an existence in the eternal state.
    6. Scripture support:
      Ephesians 4:13-14 tells us this: This work must continue until we are all joined together in the same faith and in the same knowledge of the Son of God. We must become like a mature person, growing until we become like Christ and have his perfection. Then we will no longer be babies. We will not be tossed about like a ship that the waves carry one way and then another. We will not be influenced by every new teaching we hear from people who are trying to fool us. They make plans and try any kind of trick to fool people into following the wrong path.

      1. Spiritual boundaries are beneficial to our spiritual well-being. There should be clear boundaries to govern the beliefs we hold and how we put those beliefs into practice.
      2. Not having spiritual boundaries can lead to theological confusion and the misbehavior that comes with it.
      3. The best way to understand and have clarity on this subject is to read more here.

When we remove our human selfishness and live our lives out in faith and obedience to Yahweh, we are blessed by Him and we bless Him. Our rewards in heaven will vary depending on our earthly ministries. It’s in scripture, look it up for yourselves.

How does your earthly ministry lend to your spiritual health and eternal destiny?

Prayer: Father God, I lift up myself as well as the readers of this blog. I pray that their lives are a blessing to You and that they will live out their faith in obedience to You, in eagerness. Light our paths in such a way that we have no question it’s You leading us. Thank You for our salvation and Your grace and mercy. I pray also for all the world leaders to seek You and that they will be obedient to You. I lift up the ill, physical, mental, and spiritual. I pray that all those affected by some horrific tragedy will find solace in You. I know and trust You to meet all needs. Thank You for all the answered prayers. In Jesus’ name, amen.

gazelle running image

Flee From Capture

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When this scripture says to save yourself and flee, God is offering you an out to escape being ensnared and becoming a slave to wickedness. See what 1 Corinthians 10 says below.

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.
1 Corinthians 10:12‭-‬14

Satan makes evil things look sweet and wonderful. Masterfully wording things and masking situations so that you don’t see the truth of the matter. He appeals to our human nature. Human nature will always choose sin. Always!

As the scripture tells us, the wicked will be destroyed.

When we’re in the word of God, we learn to discern evil and wicked things. We know not to allow ourselves to become enslaved in unrighteous behaviors and thoughts. When we pay attention to God, we know better.

As the cliche says, “Just say NO!”

That scripture in the image at the top sounds so familiar with the things going on in the world. A wink here, a nod there, and a nudge here… Wickedness ensures.

How are you handling the wickedness around you? I pray for people, places, and situations. At this point, prayer is the best answer; until God reveals a plan He wants us involved in.

Dear Yahweh, I lift up the world to You. Only You can deal with everything going on. There are evil people and things, there are sick people and they’re lives ones trying to do what they can, there’s all the political shenanigans going on, and lost souls involved in it all. I pray the lost will become found, the sick healed, and harmony within the body of Christ. I pray for the world leaders to come into alignment with You, LORD God. I know this is all part of Your grand plan, Father YAH. We don’t understand, but even so, YOU are in control. We simply need to heed to You. Trust and obey. Thank You in advance, YAH, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

at Jesus' feet

Who Do You Serve?

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Matthew 6 scripture image

“A general maxim laid down; no man can serve two masters, much less two gods; for their commands will some time or other cross or contradict one another, and their occasions interfere.” Matthew Henry

Generally speaking, serving more than one can become quite cumbersome. At some point, the two will intersect. It will be at that point you will have to choose. Human nature will always choose sinfulness. It’s just how it is.

We all have a bent toward something in the secular world. It can be anything. When the secular becomes your choice, you will be out of alignment with GOD. Once out of alignment, you will not be blessed with GOD’s promises.

It tells us more in 1 Timothy:

Anyone who has a different teaching does not agree with the true teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that shows the true way to serve God. This person is full of pride and understands nothing, but is sick with a love for arguing and fighting about words. This brings jealousy, fighting, speaking against others, evil mistrust, and constant quarrels from those who have evil minds and have lost the truth. They think that serving God is a way to get rich. Serving God does make us very rich; if we are satisfied with what we have. We brought nothing into the world, so we can take nothing out. 1 Timothy 6:3-7

The caution is given three times. That seems pretty important; don’t you agree? GOD uses the number three a lot in scripture. There’s a symbolic link between the trinity and His Word. Three is very important. So, if warned three times… we must take it to heart or suffer the consequences.

We are encouraged by GOD that He will provide our needs when we trust and obey HIM to the fullest. We are of more value to HIM than all the creatures that move on this earth and in the skies. HE is our FATHER. We are his firstborn.

If we had but more faith, we should have less care. Matthew Henry

We need to have faith and trust GOD to care for and meet our needs. When we worry and carry on we only add more stress to our lives. It’s not worth it.

GOD tells us in Revelation 2:

8 “Write this to the angel of the church in Smyrna:
“The One who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again, says this: 9 I know your troubles and that you are poor, but really you are rich! I know the bad things some people say about you. They say they are Jews, but they are not true Jews. They are a synagogue that belongs to Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer for ten days. But be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life.
11 “Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Those who win the victory will not be hurt by the second death.

The book of Revelation is the prophecy of what’s to come. We need to take heed of it. TRUST GOD.

How does this look in your life? What are you doing to trust and obey GOD and have faith in HIM?

Dear YAH, ABBA, I lift everyone up to YOU. I pray that they will put all their cares at YOUR feet; at the foot of the throne and leave them with YOU. Please show us what to do and how to live, to have all the faith we can muster in YOU. Thank YOU for all YOU do and continue to do in our lives. I pray for the ill, physically, mentally, and spiritually. YOU are THE Great Physician and can heal us in all ways. I trust YOU. I adore, honor, and glorify YOU, YAH, in all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

PRAYER_by_navalatanjjnn

The LORD Knows!

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Proverbs 15 scripture image

Okay, the book of Proverbs is brutal on the unsaved souls and the foolish people. However, if we aren’t foolish and we’re saved and we trust and obey GOD, HE has great blessings for us.

Who doesn’t like to be blessed? I know I do.

So, let’s take a closer look at some of the verses in Proverbs 15:

    • V.3 – The Lord’s eyes see everything; He watches both evil and good people.
      1. Because the Lord is omniscient, He can see and know everything.
      2. By watching both evil and good, He will know what to do with each one.
    • V.8-9 – The Lord hates the sacrifice that the wicked offer, but he likes the prayers of honest people. The Lord hates what evil people do, but he loves those who do what is right.
      1. Hate is a strong word here. What does the Lord mean by hate here?
        ~Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines hate like this:
        To dislike greatly; to have a great aversion to. It expresses less than abhor, detest, and abominate unless pronounced with a peculiar emphasis.
        Why would the Lord hate? He cannot and will not put up with evil wrongdoing. Offering something wicked and doing evil things is detestable and abominable. It’s basically criminal.
    • V.11 – The Lord knows what is happening in the world of the dead, so he surely knows the thoughts of the living.
      1. This verse goes well with v. 3. You cannot avoid the Lord knowing everything.
    • V. 14 – People with understanding want more knowledge, but fools just want more foolishness.
      1. This verse goes well with all the verses. When we have understanding and are knowledgeable of the Word and are born-again believers, we hunger for it. Fools; well, are just foolish and they hunger for foolishness.
    • V. 18-19 – People with quick tempers cause trouble, but those who control their tempers stop a quarrel. A lazy person’s life is like a patch of thorns, but an honest person’s life is like a smooth highway.
      1. This scripture is self-explanatory. When there are trouble-makers, there is trouble. Those who control themselves keep things from being thorny. Honest people can have a smooth highway. To a degree, yes. However, that’s not to say that honest people never encounter fools; because they do. It’s how honest smart people handle life’s situations that can make life hard or smooth. Some hard life situations can be used to help build our faith and make us spiritually stronger.
    • V. 24-26 – Wise people’s lives get better and better. They avoid whatever would cause their death. The Lord will tear down the proud person’s house, but he will protect the widow’s property. The Lord hates evil thoughts but is pleased with kind words.
      1. These verses pretty much sum up all of what I mentioned above. Wisdom is best. Foolish pride is bad. As the last sentence says: The Lord hates evil but is pleased with kindness.

“Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” —Jackie Chan

Life is hard. We know that. The thing is… depending on our attitude and lifestyle, we can make it harder; or not. It’s our choice. Which choice do you go with? If your choice is anything but living the Lord’s way, you’re going to be quite miserable in your life.

“Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.” —Henry James

One other bit of scripture:

‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”‘ John 13:34-35

How can I pray for you? Contact me through the form below:

Dear ABBA YAH, I pray for all the readers of this article/devotional. I pray that they choose You and Your way, living wisely. I lift up those who are ill, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I pray for healing and recovery. I also pray for Your will and that you will get the glory and honor no matter the outcome of our lives. Thank You, Lord, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus, Our High Priest D9

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Hebrews 8:7-13 image

Day 9

If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear. Hebrews 8:7‭-‬13

Greek: διαθήκη
Transliteration: diathēkē
Pronunciation: dee-ath-ay’-kay
Definition: From G1303; properly a disposition that is (specifically) a contract (especially a devisory will): – covenant testament.
KJV Usage: covenant (20x), testament (13x).
Occurs: 33
In verses: 30

So, this scripture is talking about a covenant, a divine contract, between God and the people. Apparently, the first covenant (contract) was faulty. God found fault with the people. So, the 1st covenant/contract was made obsolete. The people breached the contract and made it devoid. Henceforth, a new covenant had to be put in place. God will and did put his laws in the people’s minds and write it on their hearts. The people will already know God because of this; not requiring anyone to be taught of Him.

Covenants/Contracts are a very serious big deal. They are even more powerful and important than a promise.

How does this apply to our lives today? Well, contracts are very relevant in today’s world. They’re used in all sorts of situations, from leasing a place to live, to businesses conducting business. Even between two people who want a structure of some sort to something they’re doing together. Heck, people even call a marriage a contract.

As I stated above, they’re very serious and a big deal. It’s a serious issue when a contract is breached. Serious consequences happen when it’s breached.

We need to have integrity and honesty in place. We need to keep our end of the deal or suffer the bad consequences.

Dear Father God. Thank You for Your covenant with us (me and the readers of this blog and all of Your children). I pray that we keep our end of the deal. I pray for direction and guidance in our lives. You know we get terribly distracted in life. I pray for focus and redirection when that happens. Nobody likes to suffer. Although, at times, we must be put to the test and come out better for You. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

aaron burden unsplash image

Jesus, Our High Priest D9

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Day 9

If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the Lord , when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear. Hebrews 8:7‭-‬13

Greek: διαθήκη

Transliteration: diathēkē Pronunciation: dee-ath-ay’-kay

Definition: From G1303; properly a disposition that is (specifically) a contract (especially a devisory will): – covenant testament.

KJV Usage: covenant (20x), testament (13x).

Occurs: 33
In verses: 30

So, this scripture is talking about a convenant, a divine contract, between God and the people.

Apparently, the first covenant (contract) was faulty. God found fault with the people. So, the 1st covenant/contract was made obsolete. The people breached the contract and made it devoid. Henceforth, a new covenant had to be put in place. God will and did put his laws in the people’s minds and write it on their hearts. The people will already know God because of this; not requiring anyone to be taught of Him.

Covenants/Contracts are a very serious big deal. They are even more powerful and important than a promise.

How does this apply to our lives today? Well, contracts are very relevant in today’s world. They’re used in all sorts of situations, from leasing a place to live, to businesses conducting business. Even between two people who want a structure of some sort to something they’re doing together. Heck, people even call a marriage a contract.
As I stated above, they’re very serious and a big deal. It’s a serious issue when a contract is breached. Serious consequences happen when it’s breached.
We need to have integrity and honesty in place. We need to keep our end of the deal; or suffer the bad consequences.

Dear Father God. Thank You for Your covenant with us (me and the readers of this blog and all of Your children). I pray that we keep our end of the deal. I pray for direction and guidance in our lives. You know we get terribly distracted in life. I pray for focus and redirection when that happens. Nobody likes to suffer. Although, at times, we must be put to the test and come out better for You. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus, Our High Priest D8

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Hebrews 8:1-6 Image

Day 8

Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands. And since every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices, our High Priest must make an offering, too. If he were here on earth, he would not even be a priest, since there already are priests who offer the gifts required by the law. They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.” But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. Hebrews 8:1‭-‬6

Greek: μεγαλωσύνη
Transliteration: megalōsunē
Pronunciation: meg-al-o-soo’-nay
Definition: From G3173; greatness that is (figuratively) divinity (often God himself): – majesty.
KJV Usage: Majesty (2x), majesty (1x).
Occurs: 3
In verses: 3

The dictionary defines majesty as this:
supreme greatness or authority; sovereignty

A supreme ruler. God is our supreme ruler. He gave this title and honor to Jesus to represent Himself as our creator; as our High Priest.

How does this apply to our life, today? How do we apply it to our life?

We need to give God the credit He is due. We owe him our lives. He created us. He can take us down just as quickly as He gave us life. Remember the scriptures where people died when they didn’t trust and obey God? Look it up. Don’t take my word for it.

Defiant behavior will be addressed by God in due time. He can unleash His wrath on us at any time. He doesn’t need our permission. Also, He can go on with or without us. We are here because of Him, not us. God has the final word and He is the final authority of all. This is the part where we need to have the fear of God in us. We need to revere Him and have reverence for Him.

So, at the end of the day, we need to trust and obey God and surrender our all to Him. He knows what He’s doing. Even when we don’t know what He’s doing. It’s for our own good.

Yes, I’ve messed up, lots. Satan makes life confusing and difficult for us. We simply need to understand that he started this whole mess of fallen man. Remember Adam and Eve, how satan deceived them in the Garden? Satan is still at it and he doesn’t let up. In fact, the more aligned with God you are and being an example of Jesus in your life, the more satan deceives you to steer you wrong. Know his wiles. Stomp him down in Jesus’ name. At the name of Jesus, satan is unable to even stand… he crumbles and withers. Keep Jesus’ name on your lips, in your mind, and in your daily living.

Dear Abba Yah, Father God, I thank You for all You do and continue to do in the life of Your children. I pray for all of us to keep ourselves in Your word and to be an example of You to draw the lost to You. I thank You, in Jesus’ name, amen.