Tag Archives: faith

12/23/15

Scriptural Data for Christ’s Claim to Divinity

Some things are worth repeating. 

 

 

Great help to express and confirm your beliefs. Thank you to Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli. Please share this with someone else.

                                                                                     Charlene

 

 

Scriptural Data for Christ’s Claim to Divinity

1. Early Creedal Formula: “Jesus is LORD” (kyrios) Revelation 4:11 “Thou art worthy, O LORD, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things; and for thy pleasure they are and were created”(insert mine) ; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Phillipians 2:11            

2. The title “Son of GOD” (Son of implies “of the same nature as.”) Matthew 11:27; Mark 12:6; 13:32; 14:61-62; Luke 10:22; 22:70; John 10:30; 14:9

3. The New Testament calls Him “GOD”: Titus 2:13; 1 John 5:20; Romans 9:5; John 1:1

4. Absolutely, universally supreme: Colossians 1:15-20

5. Eternally preexistent: John 1:1; Phillipians 2:6; Hebrews 13:8; Revelations 22:13

6. Omnipresent: Matthew 18:20; 28:20

7. Omnipotent: Matthew 28:18; Hebrews 1:3; Revelations 1:8

8. Immutable: Hebrews 1:11-12; 13:8

9. Creates (only GOD can create): Colossians 1:16-17; John 1:3; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Hebrew 1:10

10. Sinless: perfect: Hebrews 7:26; John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21

11. Has authority to forgive sins: Mark 2:5-12; Luke 24:45-47; Acts 10:43; 1 John 1:5-9

12. Rightly worshipped: Matthew 2:11; 14:33; 28:9; John 20:28; Hebrews 1:5-9

13. Speaks the unique, forbidden divine name: John 8:58

14. Called “King of Kings and LORD of Lords” : 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelations 17:14

15. One with the Father: John 10:30; 12:45; 14: 8-10

16. Performs miracles: John 10:37-38, and throughout all Four Gospels

17. Sends the Holy Spirit: John 14: 25-26; 16: 7-15

18. The Father testifies to Him(Jesus)(insert mine) Matthew 3:17; 17:5; John 8:18; 1 John 5:9

19. Gives eternal life: John 3:16; 5: 39-40; 20: 30-31

20. Foreknows the Future: Mark 8:31; Luke 9: 21-22; 12: 49-53; 22:35-37; 24:17; John 3: 11-14; 6: 63-64; 13: 1-11; 14: 27-29; 18: 1-4; 19: 26-30

21: Is LORD over the Law: Luke 6: 1-5

Work Cited: Kreeft, Peter and Ronald Tacelli: Handbook of Christian Apologetics 1994: Intervarsity Press, Madison WI.

03/19/14

Heaven Is For Real – Official Trailer – In Theaters Easter 2014

What a wonderful Easter season opportunity. This is the true story of a child who visits Heaven during surgery and the profound affect his experience has on the lives of those around him and beyond…

 

Storyline

Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling book of the same name, HEAVEN IS FOR REAL brings to the screen the true story of a small-town father who must find the courage and conviction to share his son’s extraordinary, life-changing experience with the world. The film stars Academy Award® nominee and Emmy® award winning actor Greg Kinnear as Todd Burpo and co-stars Kelly Reilly as Sonja Burpo, the real-life couple whose son Colton (newcomer Connor Corum) claims to have visited Heaven during a near death experience. Colton recounts the details of his amazing journey with childlike innocence and speaks matter-of-factly about things that happened before his birth … things he couldn’t possibly know. Todd and his family are then challenged to examine the meaning from this remarkable event. Written by Sony Pictures Publicity

 

credit: Sony Pictures

Charlene’s Source: HeavenIsForReal Official Movie Site+sonypictures.com+imdb.com+youtube

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11/14/13

November 14, 2013 Thanksgiving Medley

Thanksgiving Medley

Along with Christmas and Easter, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I enjoy the subdued commercialism, the time with family, and the smells of this holiday–but most of all the opportunity to say Thank You to The Lord of Hosts. Every breath and every morsel has come through Him.

credit: crcworship

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07/16/13

What is Hope? Colossians 1:27

To whom GOD would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory…

 

 

Colossians 1:27

 

 

 

What exactly is hope? Is it wishing , like I hope I win the door prize? Or, is it something deeper than that, an expectation of glorious things to come?

 

 

The word hope has been weakened and washed down because of modern society’s insistence on putting hope in the realm of magic. Wish upon a star and hope for your wish to come true, or put a coin in the wishing well and hope for the same. The Biblical references do not go in this direction, but lean more toward Christ Jesus, our ‘Hope of Glory’.  Hope goes so much further than wishing and dreaming–it is the ‘Hope of The Gospel’ to all people, manifested in ‘The Word Made Flesh”.

 

 

Hope resides in us, as God’s Holy Spirit, sent by God the Father and God the Son to minister, strengthen and aid us. If Hope is then alive in us, then Hope has been raised from the dead, and Hope believes that all things are possible because Hope is the Source of all things.

 

 

Hope is closely bonded with Faith: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen’…Hebrews 11:1

 

 

“Hoped for’ means that I am relying on Jesus to bring this to pass. I am trusting that what I cannot yet see is already in existence,  brought alive through the urgency and sincerity of my pleas. ‘Hope springs eternal in the human breast’ is a fitting statement to explain how we can go through trial after trial and still hold on to our Saviour and to our beliefs.

 

Do you have hope? Do you believe that what God says in His Word that He will do He will perform? If you do then you have arrived at that place of trust, which is also a part of hope, where you are absolutely depending on God’s Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and sustain you. You know that what you see in the flesh is not as real as what is occurring in the Spirit realm.

 

 

Let us walk in Hope, for Hope bears a large shield, and joy is its weapon.

 

 

                                                                                                                   Charlene

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2013 Charlene Kirst
05/23/13

Demolishing Doubt by Randy Robison

We all doubt God at some point. In his brilliant apologetic book How Can I Know? Dr. Robert Jeffress tackles the five basic forms of doubt: natural, philosophical, experiential, spiritual, and empirical. He exposes the most common reasons for doubt, including suffering, betrayal, human intellect, and fear, then offers evidence that God exists and that Jesus Christ is who He claimed to be.

 

It’s easy to condemn the doubt of others or feel guilt about our own questions. But the Bible offers some encouragement on these two points. First, in the brief epistle of Jude, it says “have mercy on some, who are doubting” (verse 22). There is a difference between those who are hostile towards God and those who are struggling to believe. Certainly there are those who will never believe, but part of discipleship is encouraging those who are weak in their faith. We do not determine who will and will not come to Christ, so we should all maintain the attitude of 2 Peter 3:9, “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” This is not a position of passivity or weakness. It is a reminder that people are to be saved while ungodly ideas are to be demolished. Paul said, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10:5a). We rescue the lost by shining the light of God’s truth through our words and actions.

 

 

When it comes to our own doubt, we must realize that it does take some faith on our part to really know God. It may be as tiny as a “mustard seed,” but at some point we must make the choice to believe the fundamental truths in Scripture. One such truth is this: “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5-6).

 

 

This is not a contradiction. We don’t overcome our doubt by pretending it does not exist. Instead, this is a promise. When we take the initiative to believe God’s word and ask Him for wisdom, He promises to show up in our lives. It’s a bit like stepping onto a frozen pond, believing that it will hold you. Until you actually do it, you will never believe that you can skate.

 

So if you are struggling with doubt, ask God to show up in your life. Pester Him to show you His will. Read the Bible and implore the Holy Spirit to make it come alive. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Then your doubts will fade away as your faith becomes strong.

 

 

Dr. Robert Jeffress appears on LIFE TODAY May, 23, 2013, with Randy and James Robison.

 

Charlene’s Source:

LIFE Outreach International | P.O. Box 982000 | Fort Worth, TX 76182-8000

1-800-947-LIFE (5433) | WWW.LIFETODAY.ORG

02/12/13

1 Corinthians 13 (NIV) Love Does Not Dishonor Others: You Are The Salt of The Earth

     This is a world of usage thus there exists service. The term user is applied to many applications today. Mankind delights in service. We expect others to serve us because we live in a generation of conveniences. Whether someone is paid to do that service seldom enters our thoughts. Yet, there are volunteer positions in society and paid positions. What distinguishes one from the other? A paid position comes with a salary. Volunteer positions do not. Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary defines salary as: “fixed compensation paid regularly for services”, but does compensation define the worth of the position? No. As a person who has occupied both paid and volunteer  positions, I feel qualified to express that a position is not defined by whether it is compensated, but by the worth of the position in the servant’s heart. It is connected with passion, with calling, and with the ability to listen to GOD’s Holy Spirit.

 

 

     The term salary has its root in the word ‘salt’. Salt has maintained an important position throughout history as a seasoning, flavor enhancer, and preservative. It is priceless to some. Jesus says in Matthew 5:13:

 

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by man.”

 

     A job is one thing. A calling is another. A calling never loses its flavor, its appeal, or its seasoning. This is because GOD is the salt, the flavor, and the appeal. He is the one who draws, much like the salt, upon our hearts and our spirits. By GOD I mean the Persons of the HOLY Trinity–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They do a perfect work using imperfect beings to prepare the way. This is a key point. Imperfect people do imperfect things. Does this deter GOD from using them? If that imperfect heart knows and expresses true repentance, and if they are willing to be used, GOD will use them to do His will.

 

Numbers 18:19 states:

 

 

“All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer to the LORD, I have given to you and your sons and daughters with you as an ordinance forever; it is a covenant of salt forever before The LORD with you and your descendants with you.”

 

 

     We enter into covenant with GOD when we honor those things that are worth “their salt”. Who determines their worth? GOD does. Mankind is judgmental to the extent that leaving the task  of determining the worth of persons or things becomes totally subjective. What appeals to one person may not appeal to another, be it tangible or ideological. It is not our job to determine worth–this is the work of The Holy Spirit. Just imagine how much more could be done for the Kingdom of GOD if we would refrain from judging others so harshly that we make their ministry ineffective. I have had opportunity to hear and observe how others view former leaders or followers. This is a disposable generation. When someone who has served moves on it is understood that there are others who can take their place. Their ministry is placed on the table and sifted to determine its former effectiveness and how that person can be replaced. Yet, if we are all individuals made by GOD for specific purposes–how can we be replaced? Even if the task at hand requires simple skills–no one does it the same.  This is not egotistical, it is logical. Does this mean that the earth will screech to a grinding halt because we have left a task behind? No, because someone will pick it up. What it does mean is that each person is unique in their approach to life and ministry. Their service, if done in Christ, should be treasured as a gift to those whom they have served. As a result–respect them and love them as GOD loves you. You are both imperfect. You may not always agree on the methods or results of a person’s ministry in Christ–but never lose sight of the fact that they have served you. Love does not dishonor nor cast out others.

 

 

One more thought. It is not mandatory to love those who have given you their time, love, and support. It is GODLY.

 

 

 

1 Corinthians 13

 

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

 13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

 

 

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 

 

 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

 

 

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

 

 

 Footnotes:

 

  1. 1 Corinthians 13:1 Or languages

  2. 1 Corinthians 13:3 Some manuscripts body to the flames

 

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.

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2013 Charlene Kirst
01/25/13

Phillipians 4 Be Ye Steadfast in The Lord

     We all have needs in this life. They may vary from person to person; from family to family; from organization to organization–yet they are a motivating force. Where do we go when we have a need?  Jesus told us not to worry about provision–this in the hands of GOD. He is Jehovah Jireh, Yahweh-yireh, YHWH, “The LORD Will Provide”, and He always sees our needs as a priority.

 

 

Genesis 22:14

 

 

Paul the Apostle depended on The LORD to supply his needs, and he saw provision come his way out of the hearts of the people. In this time, when many expect the preacher to work without sufficient salary or provision, we are reminded that GOD will supply through the hands and hearts of those who understand Acts 6 verses one through four….

 

 

The Choosing of the Seven

 

 

6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

 

Philippians 4

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

 

 

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

 

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

 

 

Final Exhortations

 

 

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

 

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

 

 

Thanks for Their Gifts

 

 

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

 

 

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

 

 

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

 

Final Greetings

 

 

21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

 

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.[a]

 

 

Footnotes:

 

 

  1. Philippians 4:23 Some manuscripts do not have Amen.

 

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

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.

 

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Charlene’s Source: youtube

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09/24/12

Hebrews 10: Christ’s Sacrifice Once For All

        

          Sacrifice is hard, and it is not a part of the natural ways of mankind. As people, we tend to prefer the easier roads to travel, and sacrifice involves traveling the hardest roads without knowing where they may lead, just having a surety that the way will be hard. So how do we obtain the surety that our sacrifice is not in vain? We find it in clinging to Christ, the ultimate Gift of Sacrifice, where we find our joy and stability. It is through His Holy Spirit that we find the key to happiness–living for Him as our sole source of hope and strength. GOD the Father knew before the beginning of time that we would need a Savior, and Jesus, the son of GOD, volunteered to become the sacrificial lamb. Our sins can be forgiven; our hope can be restored.

Is life easy. Absolutely not. People often envy those who appear to have it all, but this is appearance only. Happiness evades those who are dependent upon the world for their identity and substance. Let us cling therefore to Him who is our everything, our identity, and our substance.

 

Praise Ye The LORD.     Charlene

 

Hebrews 10

 

Christ’s Sacrifice Once for All

 

10 The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.2 Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshippers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. 4 It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

 

5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:

 

“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
    but a body you prepared for me;
6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings
    you were not pleased.
7 Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—
    I have come to do your will, my God.’”[a]

 

8 First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. 9 Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

 

11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

 

15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:

 

16 “This is the covenant I will make with them
    after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
    and I will write them on their minds.”[b]

 

17 Then he adds:

 

“Their sins and lawless acts
    I will remember no more.”[c]

 

18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.

 

 

A Call to Persevere in Faith

 

 

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

 

26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”[e] 31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

 

32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

 

36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For,

 

“In just a little while,
    he who is coming will come
    and will not delay.”[f]

 

38 And,

“But my righteous[g] one will live by faith.
    And I take no pleasure
    in the one who shrinks back.”[h]

 

39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

 

Footnotes:

 

  1. Hebrews 10:7 Psalm 40:6-8 (see Septuagint)

  2. Hebrews 10:16 Jer. 31:33

  3. Hebrews 10:17 Jer. 31:34

  4. Hebrews 10:30 Deut. 32:35

  5. Hebrews 10:30 Deut. 32:36; Psalm 135:14

  6. Hebrews 10:37 Isaiah 26:20; Hab. 2:3

  7. Hebrews 10:38 Some early manuscripts But the righteous

  8. Hebrews 10:38 Hab. 2:4 (see Septuagint)

 

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.

 

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Charlene Kirst
08/9/12

Psalm 55 I Will Trust

Psalm 55 is a bold, direct statement. David speaks of putting his trust in GOD because he knows that therein is his source of strength. Imagine singing this song in the assembly!

We live in a time when The Word is being watered down. No one wants to hear the truth–they are more interested in flattery and position. GOD’s Kingdom is not designed for the raising up of men to lofty heights. He is the One who rules the Heavens.

 

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.   2 Timothy 4:3

 

Beware of false doctrine. It is a scheme to rob you of your commitment and faith. Stand in the strength of GOD’s Word; in Christ, and allow GOD’s Holy Spirit to teach you all things. When the enemy [Satan, not people] rises up against you, call upon GOD to deliver you from the snare of the fowler. He will be faithful to do so.

 

Psalm 55

Psalm 55[a]

 

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil[b] of David.

 

1 Listen to my prayer, O God,
    do not ignore my plea;
2     hear me and answer me.
My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught
3     because of what my enemy is saying,
    because of the threats of the wicked;
for they bring down suffering on me
    and assail me in their anger.

4 My heart is in anguish within me;
    the terrors of death have fallen on me.
5 Fear and trembling have beset me;
    horror has overwhelmed me.
6 I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
    I would fly away and be at rest.
7 I would flee far away
    and stay in the desert;[c]
8 I would hurry to my place of shelter,
    far from the tempest and storm.”

9 Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words,
    for I see violence and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they prowl about on its walls;
    malice and abuse are within it.
11 Destructive forces are at work in the city;
    threats and lies never leave its streets.

12 If an enemy were insulting me,
    I could endure it;
if a foe were rising against me,
    I could hide.
13 But it is you, a man like myself,
    my companion, my close friend,
14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship
    at the house of God,
as we walked about
    among the worshipers.

15 Let death take my enemies by surprise;
    let them go down alive to the realm of the dead,
    for evil finds lodging among them.

16 As for me, I call to God,
    and the Lord saves me.
17 Evening, morning and noon
    I cry out in distress,
    and he hears my voice.
18 He rescues me unharmed
    from the battle waged against me,
    even though many oppose me.
19 God, who is enthroned from of old,
    who does not change—
he will hear them and humble them,
    because they have no fear of God.

20 My companion attacks his friends;
    he violates his covenant.
21 His talk is smooth as butter,
    yet war is in his heart;
his words are more soothing than oil,
    yet they are drawn swords.

22 Cast your cares on the Lord
    and he will sustain you;
he will never let
    the righteous be shaken.
23 But you, God, will bring down the wicked
    into the pit of decay;
the bloodthirsty and deceitful
    will not live out half their days.

But as for me, I trust in you.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 55:1 In Hebrew texts 55:1-23 is numbered 55:2-24.

  2. Psalm 55:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

  3. Psalm 55:7 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and in the middle of verse 19.

07/10/12

Susan Boyle – Hallelujah

Susan Boyle was blessed with a glorious voice. May GOD be praised. This song speaks of the plight of man and the many broken Hallelujahs…

Now I’ve heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don’t really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you
To a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I’ve walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I’ve seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch
I’ve told the truth, I didn’t come to fool you
And even though
It all went wrong
I’ll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah

 

Credit: TheMsCath

Charlene’s Source: youtube

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