Monthly Archives: October 2012

10/26/12

Ezekiel 3 A Watchman On The Wall

Ezekiel 3

 

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

3 And he said to me, “Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the people of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat.

 

3 Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.

 

4 He then said to me: “Son of man, go now to the people of Israel and speak my words to them. 5 You are not being sent to a people of obscure speech and strange language, but to the people of Israel— 6 not to many peoples of obscure speech and strange language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you.

 

7 But the people of Israel are not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for all the Israelites are hardened and obstinate. 8 But I will make you as unyielding and hardened as they are. 9 I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.”

 

10 And he said to me, “Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you. 11 Go now to your people in exile and speak to them. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says,’ whether they listen or fail to listen.”

 

12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a loud rumbling sound as the glory of the Lord rose from the place where it was standing.[a] 13 It was the sound of the wings of the living creatures brushing against each other and the sound of the wheels beside them, a loud rumbling sound. 14 The Spirit then lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the Lord on me. 15 I came to the exiles who lived at Tel Aviv near the Kebar River. And there, where they were living, I sat among them for seven days—deeply distressed.

 

Ezekiel’s Task as Watchman

 

16 At the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me: 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 18 When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for[b] their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. 19 But if you do warn the wicked person and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself.

 

20 “Again, when a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before them, they will die. Since you did not warn them, they will die for their sin. The righteous things that person did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. 21 But if you do warn the righteous person not to sin and they do not sin, they will surely live because they took warning, and you will have saved yourself.”

 

22 The hand of the Lord was on me there, and he said to me, “Get up and go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you.” 23 So I got up and went out to the plain. And the glory of the Lord was standing there, like the glory I had seen by the Kebar River, and I fell facedown.

24 Then the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet. He spoke to me and said: “Go, shut yourself inside your house. 25 And you, son of man, they will tie with ropes; you will be bound so that you cannot go out among the people. 26 I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth so that you will be silent and unable to rebuke them, for they are a rebellious people. 27 But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth and you shall say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ Whoever will listen let them listen, and whoever will refuse let them refuse; for they are a rebellious people.

 

Footnotes:

  1. Ezekiel 3:12 Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text sound—may the glory of the Lord be praised from his place

  2. Ezekiel 3:18 Or in; also in verses 19 and 20

Charlene’s Source: retrieved from www.biblegateway.com on October 26, 2012

New International Version (NIV)

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

10/20/12

121020 Walking By Faith and Experience Revisited

We are trained from early childhood to seek only those things that bring us joy and laughter. Sorrow is not considered a positive emotion. However, without a balance of both joy and sorrow, we are missing out on the fullness of life. Life will have unavoidable sorrows, but we can be assured of The LORD’s companionship in the midst of sorrow, and equally, of joy.

 

 

In Hebrews 13:5b KJV,  Jesus says, “I will never leave you or forsake you”. He is ever present in our joys, sorrows, and praise. Praise is good for our spirits and souls.

 

 

Many people go through life depending entirely on those around them to support and comfort them. While this can certainly work, what happens if you lose them? You are left floundering in a sea of pain where your reliance will be on the generosity of strangers. I personally choose to rely not only on my loved ones who surround me but also on a Living GOD who has walked and talked with me since childhood.

 

 

Yes, I know what others may say about this. I expect that they will not understand things of the Spirit because they do not possess His Spirit. Yet, Jesus loves them all equally, and because I am His –so do I. I do not require that everyone be just like me; only that I can be given validation for the things that I believe to be true and that have sustained me for decades.

 

 

It is in living life that ideas, concepts, and concretes become established. I have lived enough life while walking with my hand in His to have a knowledge of Christ’s heart. This gives me surety in a world of endless uncertainty.

 

 

“And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, GOD is greater than our heart, and knows all things.”  1 John 3: 19&20

 

 

Praise ye The LORD!!!

 

 

Charlene

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10/14/12

Bishop Morton w/ Aretha Franklin – Seasons Change

 

I am able to fully identify with this song. I am at a changing season of my life–I will come out stronger in Christ after this season changes.

“Seasons Change”  Bishop Morton

 

[duet with Aretha Franklin]

 

SEASONS CHANGE

 

[Verse 1:]

In the snowy, cold of winter, underneath the cloudy sky,

In the middle of December, you share the thinking why;

Why do the leaves fall, why does the sky fill up with gray,

Where do the birds go, think about it seasons change.

 

[Verse 2:]

 

Sometimes life is gray like winter, and the tears fall from your eyes

Your heart is cold like December, you start to wonder why;

Where did my faith go, why don’t things ever go my way,

Why don’t my friends call, be encouraged ’cause seasons change.

 

[Bridge:]

 

Just like a bell has got to ring, just like a bird has got to sing.

Just like the sun has gotta shine, just like a poem has gotta rhyme.

Just like a river has to flow, just like the wind has gotta blow;

After the rain, after your pain,

(You won’t be the same), ’cause seasons change.

 

[Chorus:]

 

Jesus calmed the raging sea,

Jesus set the captives free,

Jesus gave sight to the blind,

Jesus turned water into wine.

Jesus broke the grip of sin,

Jesus died and He rose again,

He’ll do it for you, He’ll carry you through,

He’ll make you brand new ’cause seasons change.

 

[Bridge]

 

[Vamp:]

 

It’s good to know that You’re with me

In the passing of my seasons change.

 

credit: pcolson90+claudysp777+bibleprinciplestutor+

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Charlene’s Source: youtube

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10/6/12

Titus 3 Paul Instructs Titus

Titus 3

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

Saved in Order to Do Good

 

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

 

9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

 

 

Final Remarks

 

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

 

15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.

 

Grace be with you all.

 

Cross References:

 

  1. Titus 3:1 : Ro 13:1; 1Pe 2:13, 14
  2. Titus 3:1 : S 2Ti 2:21; S Tit 2:14
  3. Titus 3:2 : Eph 4:31
  4. Titus 3:3 : S Eph 2:2
  5. Titus 3:4 : Eph 2:7
  6. Titus 3:4 : S Lk 1:47
  7. Titus 3:4 : Tit 2:11
  8. Titus 3:5 : S Ro 11:14
  9. Titus 3:5 : S Eph 2:9
  10. Titus 3:5 : 1Pe 1:3
  11. Titus 3:5 : S Ac 22:16
  12. Titus 3:5 : Ro 12:2
  13. Titus 3:6 : S Ro 5:5
  14. Titus 3:7 : S Ro 3:24
  15. Titus 3:7 : S Ro 8:17
  16. Titus 3:7 : Ro 8:24
  17. Titus 3:7 : S Mt 25:46; Tit 1:2
  18. Titus 3:8 : S 1Ti 1:15
  19. Titus 3:8 : S Tit 2:14
  20. Titus 3:9 : 2Ti 2:16
  21. Titus 3:9 : S 2Ti 2:14
  22. Titus 3:9 : Tit 1:10-16
  23. Titus 3:9 : 2Ti 2:14
  24. Titus 3:10 : S Ro 16:17
  25. Titus 3:12 : S Ac 20:4
  26. Titus 3:12 : 2Ti 4:9, 21
  27. Titus 3:13 : S Ac 18:24
  28. Titus 3:14 : S Tit 2:14
  29. Titus 3:15 : 1Ti 1:2
  30. Titus 3:15 : S Col 4:18

 

 

 

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

10/2/12

Isaiah 6: Isaiah’s Commission

 Isaiah 6

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

Isaiah’s Commission

 

6 In the year that King Uzziahdied,I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:

 

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
    the whole earth is full of his glory.”

 

4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

 

5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined!  For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”

 

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

 

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

 

And I said, “Here am I.Send me!”

 

9 He said, “Go and tell this people:

 

“‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding;
    be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’
10 Make the heart of this people calloused;
    make their ears dull
    and close their eyes.[a]
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts,
and turn and be healed.”

 

11 Then I said, “For how long, Lord?”

And he answered:

 

“Until the cities lie ruined
    and without inhabitant,
until the houses are left deserted
    and the fields ruined and ravaged,
12 until the Lord has sent everyone far away
    and the land is utterly forsaken.
13 And though a tenth remains in the land,
    it will again be laid waste.
But as the terebinth and oak
    leave stumps when they are cut down,
    so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.”

 

Footnotes:

 

  1. Isaiah 6:10 Hebrew; Septuagint ‘You will be ever hearing, but never understanding; / you will be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / 10 This people’s heart has become calloused; / they hardly hear with their ears, / and they have closed their eyes

  2.  

Cross References:

  1. Isaiah 6:1 : S 2Ch 26:22, 23

  2. Isaiah 6:1 : S 2Ki 15:7

  3. Isaiah 6:1 : S Ex 24:10; S Nu 12:8; Jn 12:41

  4. Isaiah 6:1 : Isa 52:13; 53:12

  5. Isaiah 6:1 : S 1Ki 22:19; S Ps 9:4; S 123:1; S Rev 4:2

  6. Isaiah 6:1 : Rev 1:13

  7. Isaiah 6:2 : Eze 1:5; 10:15; Rev 4:8

  8. Isaiah 6:2 : Eze 1:11

  9. Isaiah 6:3 : S Ex 15:11

  10. Isaiah 6:3 : Ps 89:8

  11. Isaiah 6:3 : Isa 11:9; 54:5; Mal 1:11

  12. Isaiah 6:3 : S Ex 16:7; Nu 14:21; Ps 72:19; Rev 4:8

  13. Isaiah 6:4 : S Ex 19:18; S 40:34; Eze 43:5; 44:4; Rev 15:8

  14. Isaiah 6:5 : S Isa 5:8

  15. Isaiah 6:5 : S Nu 17:12; S Dt 5:26

  16. Isaiah 6:5 : Ex 6:12; Lk 5:8

  17. Isaiah 6:5 : Isa 59:3; Jer 9:3-8

  18. Isaiah 6:5 : S Ex 24:10

  19. Isaiah 6:5 : Ps 45:3; Isa 24:23; 32:1; 33:17; Jer 51:57

  20. Isaiah 6:5 : S Job 42:5

  21. Isaiah 6:6 : S Lev 10:1; Eze 10:2

  22. Isaiah 6:7 : Jer 1:9; Da 10:16

  23. Isaiah 6:7 : S Lev 26:41; Isa 45:25; Da 12:3; 1Jn 1:7

  24. Isaiah 6:8 : S Job 40:9; Ac 9:4

  25. Isaiah 6:8 : Jer 26:12, 15

  26. Isaiah 6:8 : S Ge 1:26

  27. Isaiah 6:8 : S Ge 22:1; S Ex 3:4

  28. Isaiah 6:9 : Eze 3:11; Am 7:15; Mt 28:19

  29. Isaiah 6:9 : Jer 5:21; S Mt 13:15*; Lk 8:10*

  30. Isaiah 6:10 : S Ex 4:21; Dt 32:15; Ps 119:70

  31. Isaiah 6:10 : Isa 29:9; 42:18-20; 43:8; 44:18

  32. Isaiah 6:10 : S Dt 29:4; Eze 12:2; Mk 8:18

  33. Isaiah 6:10 : S Dt 32:39; Mt 13:13-15; Mk 4:12*; Jn 12:40*

  34. Isaiah 6:11 : Ps 79:5

  35. Isaiah 6:11 : S Lev 26:31; S Jer 4:13

  36. Isaiah 6:11 : S Lev 26:43; Isa 24:10

  37. Isaiah 6:11 : Ps 79:1; S 109:11; Jer 35:17

  38. Isaiah 6:12 : S Dt 28:64

  39. Isaiah 6:12 : S Isa 5:5, 9; 60:15; 62:4; Jer 4:29; 30:17

  40. Isaiah 6:13 : S Isa 1:9; 10:22

  41. Isaiah 6:13 : S Isa 5:6

  42. Isaiah 6:13 : S Job 14:8

  43. Isaiah 6:13 : S Lev 27:30; S Dt 14:2

  44. Isaiah 6:13 : S Job 14:7

 

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