Category Archives: Scripture to Share

04/7/11

Psalm 3

     Sometimes it may appear as if the whole world is against you. You struggle every day to define your uneasiness and unrest in the midst of striving to do God’s will. A prophet is not always honored in his/her own country. Trust. That is the key to peace in the God who rules over heaven and earth. You may not always understand your circumstances, but you can depend on God’s Holy Spirit to walk with you through the hard times, and to rejoice with you when you overcome.    Charlene

Psalm 3 (New International Version, ©2011)

 

Psalm 3

Psalm 3[a]

    A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.

 

 1 LORD, how many are my foes!
   How many rise up against me!
2 Many are saying of me,
   “God will not deliver him.”[b]

 3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me,
   my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the LORD,
   and he answers me from his holy mountain.

 5 I lie down and sleep;
   I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
   assail me on every side.

 7 Arise, LORD!
   Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
   break the teeth of the wicked.

 8 From the LORD comes deliverance.
   May your blessing be on your people.

 

Footnotes:
  1. Psalm 3:1 In Hebrew texts 3:1-8 is numbered 3:2-9.
  2. Psalm 3:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 4 and 8.

03/21/11

Psalm 6

Psalm 6 (New International Version, ©2011)

Do you ever feel as if you are at a crossroads with no idea as to which direction to take? We all get here at different times in our lives and it is here that we have to proclaim that we have a deliverer. Making decisions that affect the Kingdom of God requires that we seek Him and listen well. The flesh wants to remain where it once felt safe. The spirit wants to soar. Psalm 6 is for those times when we are at our lowest ebb, the tide has gone out and we have dry bones. Search yourself and ask? How can I serve God best? You may be surprised at the answer.   Charlene

Psalm 6

Psalm 6[a]

    For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to sheminith.[b] A psalm of David.

 1 LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger
   or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint;
   heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.
3 My soul is in deep anguish.
   How long, LORD, how long?

 4 Turn, LORD, and deliver me;
   save me because of your unfailing love.
5 Among the dead no one proclaims your name.
   Who praises you from the grave?

 6 I am worn out from my groaning.

   All night long I flood my bed with weeping
   and drench my couch with tears.
7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
   they fail because of all my foes.

 8 Away from me, all you who do evil,
   for the LORD has heard my weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
   the LORD accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;
   they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

 

Footnotes:
  1. Psalm 6:1 In Hebrew texts 6:1-10 is numbered 6:2-11.
  2. Psalm 6:1 Title: Probably a musical term

03/13/11

Psalm 64 A Psalm of David

As Christians we must always be aware of spiritual warfare. The church is comprised of human beings, and, as in David’s Psalm below, the enemy of God’s saints is ever seeking whom he can devour. Gird up your loins in the Name of Jesus and fight for what you know is right.  Accuse no brethren or sisters but forgive all things as Christ forgives you.   Charlene

Psalm 64 (New International Version, ©2011)

 

Psalm 64

Psalm 64[a]

    For the director of music. A psalm of David.

 1 Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint;
   protect my life from the threat of the enemy.

 2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked,
   from the plots of evildoers.
3 They sharpen their tongues like swords
   and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.
4 They shoot from ambush at the innocent;
   they shoot suddenly, without fear.

 5 They encourage each other in evil plans,
   they talk about hiding their snares;
   they say, “Who will see it[b]?”
6 They plot injustice and say,
   “We have devised a perfect plan!”
   Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.

 7 But God will shoot them with his arrows;
   they will suddenly be struck down.
8 He will turn their own tongues against them
   and bring them to ruin;
   all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.
9 All people will fear;
   they will proclaim the works of God
   and ponder what he has done.

 10 The righteous will rejoice in the LORD
   and take refuge in him;
   all the upright in heart will glory in him!

 

Footnotes:
  1. Psalm 64:1 In Hebrew texts 64:1-10 is numbered 64:2-11.
  2. Psalm 64:5 Or us

Credit: Bible Gateway  www.biblegateway.com

02/28/11

Psalm 5

 

May 12, 2011

God gives me a Psalm more than once. I have found that that Psalm 5  applies everyday, so I am reposting it. Have a wonderful day in Christ.  Charlene

Do you ever feel as if you need to be vindicated? Do your circumstances seem overwhelming ? There is a God in Heaven who cares about you and your circumstances. This beautiful Psalm 5 written by David will make you gain hope, strength, and joy, and, with the fullness of the knowledge of Christ, you can move forward knowing that your Sovereign Lord and His hosts are watching your back.   Praise Him all you people!!!!!!   Charlene

Psalm 5 (New International Version, ©2010)

 

Psalm 5

Psalm 5[a]

    For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

 1 Listen to my words, LORD,
   consider my lament.
2 Hear my cry for help,
   my King and my God,
   for to you I pray.

 3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
   in the morning I lay my requests before you
   and wait expectantly.
4 For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
   with you, evil people are not welcome.
5 The arrogant cannot stand
   in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong;
 6 you destroy those who tell lies.
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
   you, LORD, detest.
7 But I, by your great love,
   can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down
   toward your holy temple.

 8 Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness
   because of my enemies—
   make your way straight before me.
9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
   their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
   with their tongues they tell lies.
10 Declare them guilty, O God!
   Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
   for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
   let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
   that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

 12 Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous;
   you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

 Source: www.biblegateway.com

02/23/11

Psalm 33

 The Lord is ever gracious to us. He has created a world for us to enjoy; time and space are His to command. I have been thinking on how God uses mathematics and music in all of his creation. Most people state: “I hate math”, or “I can’t do math”  Mathematics, of which music is a part, are tools God used to create this world. It says in Psalm 33 that He created out of the breath of His mouth–out of His spoken Word. The Lord created through sound, breath, the Word, and the elements. Music is a language; mathematics are a language–they are a part of the Word. Enjoy this Psalm, for it is God-created through His servant, through His Spirit. AMEN.

Psalm 33

 1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
   it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
2 Praise the LORD with the harp;
   make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
3 Sing to him a new song;
   play skillfully, and shout for joy.

 4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;
   he is faithful in all he does.
5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
   the earth is full of his unfailing love.

 6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
   their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars[a];
   he puts the deep into storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
   let all the people of the world revere him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
   he commanded, and it stood firm.

 10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
   he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
   the purposes of his heart through all generations.

 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
   the people he chose for his inheritance.
13 From heaven the LORD looks down
   and sees all mankind;
14 from his dwelling place he watches
   all who live on earth—
15 he who forms the hearts of all,
   who considers everything they do.

 16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
   no warrior escapes by his great strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
   despite all its great strength it cannot save.
18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
   on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
19 to deliver them from death
   and keep them alive in famine.

 20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
   he is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,
   for we trust in his holy name.
22 May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,
   even as we put our hope in you.

 

Footnotes:
  1. Psalm 33:7 Or sea as into a heap

10/5/10

Hebrews1

Pastor requested that we read this scripture in preparation for next Sunday’s sermon.

Hebrews 1 (New International Version)

 

Hebrews 1

The Son Superior to Angels

 1In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

 5For to which of the angels did God ever say,
   “You are my Son;
      today I have become your Father[a]“[b]? Or again,
   “I will be his Father,
      and he will be my Son”[c]? 6And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
   “Let all God’s angels worship him.”[d] 7In speaking of the angels he says,
   “He makes his angels winds,
      his servants flames of fire.”[e] 8But about the Son he says,
   “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever,
      and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.
 9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
      therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
      by anointing you with the oil of joy.”[f] 10He also says,
   “In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
      and the heavens are the work of your hands.
 11They will perish, but you remain;
      they will all wear out like a garment.
 12You will roll them up like a robe;
      like a garment they will be changed.
   But you remain the same,
      and your years will never end.”[g] 13To which of the angels did God ever say,
      “Sit at my right hand
   until I make your enemies
      a footstool for your feet”[h]? 14Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

 

Footnotes:
  1. Hebrews 1:5 Or have begotten you
  2. Hebrews 1:5 Psalm 2:7
  3. Hebrews 1:5 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chron. 17:13
  4. Hebrews 1:6 Deut. 32:43 (see Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint)
  5. Hebrews 1:7 Psalm 104:4
  6. Hebrews 1:9 Psalm 45:6,7
  7. Hebrews 1:12 Psalm 102:25-27
  8. Hebrews 1:13 Psalm 110:1
08/12/10

The Third Person of The Triune GOD Revisited

Scripture testifies of the person of GOD’s Holy Spirit.

Genesis 1:2 GNB  “The raging ocean that covered everything was engulfed in total darkness, and the power of GOD was moving over the water”.

Isaiah 61:1-4 GNB “The Sovereign LORD has filled me with His Spirit. He has chosen me and sent me to bring good news to the poor, to heal the broken-hearted, to announce release to captives and freedom to those in prison. He has sent me to proclaim that the time has come when the LORD will save His people and defeat their enemies. He has sent me to comfort all who mourn; to give to those who mourn in Zion. Joy and gladness instead of grief; a song of praise instead of sorrow. They will be like trees that The LORD Himself has planted. They will all do what is right, and GOD will be praised for what He has done…”.

Psalm 51:10-13 GNB  “Create a pure heart in me O GOD, and put a new and loyal Spirit in me. Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your Holy Spirit away from me. Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach sinners your commands, and they will turn back to you.”

The Great Commission is the work of GOD’s Holy Spirit. Jesus sent the Comforter to us to guide us in the work of salvation. Therefore, there has been an unction put upon my heart to teach the concepts of the work of God’s Spirit. 

I sometimes forget that there was once a time when I did not understand the Holy Spirit’s work for myself. It is the responsibility of  God’s saints to impart teaching and wisdom to those who have not yet tasted of His Spirit. Therefore, GOD provided an opportunity for me through His servants to learn of Him.

I can remember the first time that I was exposed to the gifts of The Spirit. I was 24 years old and finally learning how to drive. My high school did not offer a full Drivers Ed program, so my Dad had tried to teach me and had failed. I had wrapped the fender of his car around a pole and that was the end of lessons. When it became imperative for me to learn to drive,  I sought the help of a driving school.  The instructor was Dan, a born-again charismatic Christian.

From the moment that we met Dan took it upon himself to educate me in the ways of God’s Spirit. I was a Christian, saved at five-years-old, but I did not understand the work of The Spirit. I did not even understand that Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit were the same person. As we drove here and there, in the midst of teaching me how to corner, etc, etc; Dan talked to me about the Scriptures. I could hold my own here because, after all, my Daddy was a preacher. There wasn’t much that this guy could teach me, right?

I was almost finished with my driving lessons. All that was left to do was night driving.  Late in the evening  Dan picked me up and had me drive to his friend’s house for Bible Study. This was his concept of training for night driving. I thought this was a bit unusual, but did what he asked. Upon arrival I was introduced to several nice Christians who proceeded to welcome me to study with them. I saw no problem here–so I joined them in a very interesting Bible Study in  First Corinthians.

After the study they started to pray, and this is where things began to get weird. At least to me they were weird. Someone was speaking in an entirely different  language, and not only was it unfamiliar to me but there seemed to be a change in the atmosphere of the room. It made my hairs stand up on the back of my neck. I was sitting in the back of the living room and could not escape so I was subjected to an hour of several people praying in what I now know to be tongues, and others giving interpretations.

After what seemed like an interminable time, Dan told me that we could go. Once in the car all was silence until he said, “Was that frightening to you”? My Protestant guns were ready to fire. Suffice it to say that he got both barrels. Dan suffered my fearful utterings, then said, ” I thought it time that you learned about the gifts of the Spirit. I have been listening to you talk about Jesus and God for two weeks–but you never mentioned The Holy Spirit. He went on to tell me about the Third Person of the Holy Trinity and about His work with mankind. I was totally blown away. It would not be until three years later that fruit would grow in such a heavenly, sovereign way that I could not deny the truth of God’s Spirit.

My older sister had invited me to another Bible Study. This time it was being held at a small, local church not far from home. I was reluctant to go because I had heard of the type of meetings they had. People were reportedly slain in the Spirit at every meeting, and lives were being changed. I did not want to be convicted because I knew that I was not living by God’s Word.  I did not want my life overturned. My sister convinced me to attend.

The Bible Study was good, holy, and convicting. At the end of the evening there was an altar call and many people went forward for prayer. I did not want to be among them but something ( I now know someone) urged me forward. The line was long and I shook as I watched person after person hit the floor. I tried to turn back but the crowd was too thick behind me.

The Pastor was smiling at me as I arrived at the front of the altar. He asked me for my name and reached towards me, and that is all I can remember. When I came to myself, I was lying in the floor, and I could feel a Presence so strong that I was unable to rise to my feet.

I have never been the same. Nothing changed overnight except my understanding of the Holy Spirit’s work and a growing awareness of His presence inside of me. As time progressed, everything in my world fell apart and then GOD mended it. It took several years for me to fully understand and to receive the gift of tongues, with other subsequent gifts from God’s Spirit. Everything that has happened in my life since that time has been walked through, prayed through, and resolved through The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They have been my Comforters through two difficult pregnancies, breast cancer, removal of my gallbladder, debilitating back pain, and my husband experiencing a near-fatal heart attack. Miraculously, my husband and myself are in full recovery. God has been my deliverer and provider through all of these things. Now I face life changing events that promise a renewed future and dedication to The Trinity’s work and Persons, and I can only say ‘ “Thank You, Holy Spirit”.

All scripture retrieved from Good News Bible: Todays English Version.  Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc under license from the American Bible Society 1976.

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2013 Charlene Kirst
06/9/10

Psalm 121

Psalm 121 has always been one of my favorites. This is a  Psalm of God’s protection of His people. When I lie down to sleep at night or while working at different times of the day, this Psalm comes to my mind and my heart. It is a Psalm that is meant to be shared. I pray that it blesses your heart as well.

                                                                                                                        Charlene

                                                                    Psalm 121

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; He that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon  thy right hand.

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul.

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

How can I despair when I read the message of this Psalm. It is a surety to me that GOD is on my side. His unconditional love for me surpasses any love on this earth. That is why I must praise Him. That brings us to another Psalm…

                                                             Psalm 77

I cried out to GOD for help; I cried out to GOD to hear me.

When I was in distress, I sought the LORD. At night I stretched out 

  untiring hands, and my soul refused to be comforted.

I remembered you, O GOD, and I groaned; I mused; and my spirit grew faint.

You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak.

I thought about the former days, the years of long ago;

I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit

inquired. Will the LORD reject forever? Will He never show His favor again?

Has His unfailing love vanished forever? Has His promise failed for all time?

Has GOD forgotten to be merciful? Has He in anger withheld His compassion?

Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.”  I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your might deeds.

Your ways, O GOD are holy. What GOD is so great as our GOD? You are the GOD who performs miracles; You display your power among the peoples.

With your mighty arm you redeemed your people. The descendents of  Jacob and Joseph.

The waters saw you , O GOD, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth.

Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.

Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters. Though your footprints were not seen.

You led your people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

This is a Psalm that brings the reality of GOD into my life. I can identify with the Psalmist–for I have also cried out in the night and have had the reassuring presence of GOD’s Holy Spirit comfort me. Life is not guaranteed to be easy and the further you stretch your borders of belief, the harder the struggle and the harder things may appear. As it says in this Psalm–remember the deliverance from trouble granted before, and trust GOD that help is on the way. 

                                                                                                            Charlene

 

 

 

 

09/17/09

Honor GOD Above Self: A Lesson in Humility

Revised: September 7, 2015

 

There are times in our lives when we must make a decision to either place GOD above all things, or to allow ourselves to be tempted to exalt ourselves above His authority. Each of these actions will yield results, but the results nor the rewards will be equals.

 

To illustrate this point, I will be using what I perceive as a correlation between King David and King Uzziah as we read about King David in 2 Samuel 6 and King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26. This correlation is  founded in them both approaching the altar of the LORD, but receiving a different response based upon the LORD’s perception of their hearts. King David chose to do what was honorable before the LORD, so his offering was accepted, while King Uzziah chose to promote himself above the LORD, which resulted in rejection. They each received their own reward from a just GOD.

 

 

 

King David of Israel

 

2 Samuel 6: 12-23   (NIV)

 

The Ark Brought to Jerusalem

 

12 Now King David was told, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. 13 When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. 14 Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, 15 while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.

16 As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart.

17 They brought the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord. 18 After he had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord Almighty. 19 Then he gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins to each person in the whole crowd of Israelites, both men and women. And all the people went to their homes.

20 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!”

21 David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. 22 I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.”

23 And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.

 

King David had respect and reverent awe for the LORD GOD Almighty. He understood the importance of the Ark of the Covenant, and he gave offerings and sacrifice as they brought the Ark from the house of Obed-Edom. He danced and gave praise to the LORD as they journeyed and entered Jerusalem. King David had an humble heart, and even though he was despised by Michal, his wife, King David chose to honor GOD above all others.

King David consecrated a place of worship for the LORD and burned sacrificial and fellowship offerings unto the LORD after bringing the ark triumphantly into the City of David. He showed humbleness before the LORD as he blessed the people, and his reward was more prosperity. Again, because he danced before the LORD and acted clamorously foolish, and reaped the disrespect of Michal his wife –his humble heart had led him to do so. GOD blessed him mightily. Michal was given a barren womb because of her disrespect for GOD and for her husband. Sometimes we forget who controls the universe and who has the power to make changes in His creation.

 

Uzziah King of Judah

 

 

Burning Incense In The Temple

 

 

2 Chronicles 26: 1-23   (NIV)

 

 

1 “Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. 2 He was the one who rebuilt Elath and restored it to Judah after Amaziah rested with his ancestors.

3 Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jekoliah; she was from Jerusalem. 4 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. 5 He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.

6 He went to war against the Philistines and broke down the walls of Gath, Jabneh and Ashdod. He then rebuilt towns near Ashdod and elsewhere among the Philistines. 7 God helped him against the Philistines and against the Arabs who lived in Gur Baal and against the Meunites. 8 The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, because he had become very powerful.

9 Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate and at the angle of the wall, and he fortified them. 10 He also built towers in the wilderness and dug many cisterns, because he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain. He had people working his fields and vineyards in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil.

11 Uzziah had a well-trained army, ready to go out by divisions according to their numbers as mustered by Jeiel the secretary and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officials. 12 The total number of family leaders over the fighting men was 2,600. 13 Under their command was an army of 307,500 men trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies. 14 Uzziah provided shields, spears, helmets, coats of armor, bows and slingstones for the entire army. 15 In Jerusalem he made devices invented for use on the towers and on the corner defenses so that soldiers could shoot arrows and hurl large stones from the walls. His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful.

16 But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 Azariah the priest with eighty other courageous priests of the Lord followed him in. 18 They confronted King Uzziah and said, “It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful; and you will not be honored by the Lord God.”

19 Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead. 20 When Azariah the chief priest and all the other priests looked at him, they saw that he had leprosy on his forehead, so they hurried him out. Indeed, he himself was eager to leave, because the Lord had afflicted him.

21 King Uzziah had leprosy until the day he died. He lived in a separate house—leprous, and banned from the temple of the Lord. Jotham his son had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land.

22 The other events of Uzziah’s reign, from beginning to end, are recorded by the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. 23 Uzziah rested with his ancestors and was buried near them in a cemetery that belonged to the kings, for people said, “He had leprosy.” And Jotham his son succeeded him as king.”

 

King Uzziah went into the temple and attempted to burn incense upon the altar. Was this a bad thing? Yes, because his heart was filled with arrogance, not awe for the LORD GOD, and this was not his appointed task.  

 

King Uzziah had reigned for many years, and he was blessed mightily by GOD in numerous ways. Where the dilemma came was in his inability to listen to the voice of humility, to the Holy Spirit.  King Uzziah became puffed up in his own importance because of his prosperity. It is hard to hear GOD when you have no needs. There is less desire to seek GOD when nothing is amiss. It is a human trait, this inability to remain humble and contrite in our successful times, yet we do have the strength to overcome temptation provided by GOD’s Spirit.

When is it necessary to hunker down and look to GOD for deliverance? During our times of prosperity. Our eyes can be blinded and our ears stopped up, and our hearts can be hardened by prosperity. King Uzziah lost his kingdom due to arrogance. He was struck down with leprosy. Let us try to do better.


Always keep your spiritual guard up during the prosperous times. Remember that GOD gives and that He can take away.

                                                                                          Charlene

 

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

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08/23/09

Giving: Proverbs 11:25

Re-Featured for April 13, 2015

“The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” Proverbs 11:25

Here is a great lesson, that to get we must give from our hearts; that to accumulate, we must scatter; that to make ourselves happy, we must make others happy; and that in order to become spiritually vigorous, we must seek the spiritual good of others. In watering others, we are ourselves watered. How? Our efforts to be useful bring out our abilities for usefulness. We all have unrealized  talents and inactive abilities which are brought to light through exercise of our spirit. Our strength for labor is hidden even from ourselves, until we venture forth to fight the LORD’s battles, or to climb the mountain of difficulty. We do not know what compassion we possess until we try to dry the widow’s tears, or soothe the orphan’s grief.

We often find that in attempting to teach others we gain instructions for ourselves. The lessons to be learned at the side of a sickbed! We go to teach the Scriptures, we come away blushing that we knew so little of them. In our conversation with those in need we are taught the way of GOD more perfectly for ourselves and get a deeper insight into divine truth. Watering others makes us humble. We discover how much grace there is where we had not looked, and how much more knowledge may reside in the poor. Our own comfort is increased through comforting others. We try to cheer them and we are cheered.

There were two men in the snow. One rubbed the other’s limbs to keep him alive, and in so doing kept his own circulation going, therefore saving his own life. The poor widow of Zeraphath gave of her scanty store to supply Elijah’s needs, and from that day forward knew poverty no more. Give then, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and running over.

 

Charlene’s Source:  Morning Devotionals–Quick Verse–Parsons Software

08/16/09

Ten Commandments

Reposted on July 4, 2013

This particular posting fell right in line with the Lesson taught on Prosperity as a deterent to growth in Chapter 9 of Learning To Trust. II Chronicles 26  talks about the reign and punishment of King Uzziah which came about from his succumbing to arrogance and pride. King Uzziah presumed that he had the right to usurp the position and work of GOD’s appointed Temple Priests.  

Everyone has their own work to do for the Kingdom, and where some of us may overlap in this work, we are not appointed to the same identical tasks. Be humble before GOD and allow others to do their appointed work–do not try to do it for them or, worse, take it from them.

It is a good idea to review the Ten Commandments as well as Jesus’ teaching from The Sermon on the Mount. We must be mindful of the way that we treat one another. Do you talk about your brothers and sisters behind their backs? If so, is it to bless them or curse them? Do you honor the service that others do for you in Christ Jesus? It is so easy to assume on what a person is or does, it is so much harder to discern the truth.

“And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him: ” The first of all the commandments is, Hear O Israel; The LORD our GOD is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy GOD with all thy soul, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.  And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”  Mark 12:28-31

 Following are the Ten Commandments listed in Exodus 20 as given to the Children of Israel at Mount Sinai. The Ten Commandments are also found in Deuteronomy 5. The Ten Commandments here are presented in three different versions of the Bible.

King James
Version

New International Version

New Living
Translation

And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Then God instructed the people as follows: “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in Egypt.

1.

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

1.

You shall have no other gods before me.

1.

Do not worship any other gods besides me.

2.

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

2.

You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

2.

Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or animals or fish. You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god! I do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations. But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations.

3.

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

3.

You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

3.

Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.

4.

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

4.

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

4.

Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any kind of work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; then he rested on the seventh day. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.

5.

Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

5.

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

5.

Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God will give you

6.

Thou shalt not kill.

6.

You shall not murder.

6.

Do not murder.

7.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

7.

You shall not commit adultery.

7.

Do not commit adultery.

8.

Thou shalt not steal.

8.

You shall not steal.

8.

Do not steal.

9.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

9.

You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

9.

Do not testify falsely against your neighbor.

10.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

10

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

10.

Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else your neighbor owns.”

Loving your neighbor as yourself means allowing them to move, breathe, and have their being without harsh judgement from you. In our Chapter 7–page 78 0f Learning To Trust Book 4 it is stated: “Ironically, ministry capacities and past usefulness to GOD are potential stumbling blocks to teachability. If pride develops, a teachable spirit exits. In Chapter 9, page 104 are some approaches to achieving and keeping humility in your life. I found the reference to using a concordance to look up references to pride in the Book of Proverbs especially helpful. “Such a topical study requires keeping an eye out for terms such as arrogance, haughty, boasting and humble. Soaking up what scripture says about a  proud spirit can keep your heart tender and less vulnerable to conceit. If the Proverbs project entices you, look for the causes of pride, the ways pride expresses itself in a person, its negative effect on relationships and how GOD feels about it.”

We each have our own calling in the LORD to produce fruitful work for the kingdom. We are not all given the same commission, therefore seek GOD to know your own personal calling in Him, and do not attempt to usurp and undermine the work of others.                                                             

                                                                               Blessings, Charlene

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07/27/09

Women Under His Wings Curriculum

During it’s eight year span Women United/nka Women Under His Wings has studied Rick Warren’s “Celebrate Recovery Series”, a twelve steps to wholeness program that was taught in conjunction with the “Extraordinary Women Series”; “Forgiveness”: written and taught by Charlene Kirst ; “Praying GOD’s Word” with Beth Moore; “Prayers That Avail Much” with Germaine Copeland, and presently “Learning To Trust”, Book 4 of “Daring Disciple Series” with Terry Powell and Bill Jones. We have studied “You Matter More Than You Think” with Dr. Leslie Parrott–‘What a Woman Needs To Know About The Difference She Makes’.

Women Under his Wings has also studied Joyce Meyer’s “The Confident Woman’, and is presently studying ‘Embrace Grace” with Liz Curtis Higgs, along with varied studies for women via Girlfriends in God.

 

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