Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 27 December 2012, from Cindi, a daughter of the King of kings and Lord of lords."

Today's Blog Title: "An Introduction into the Book of Amos"

Today we will start the third book of the Minor Prophets, the Book of Amos.  The prophecy of Amos is characterized by great boldness coupled with great tact.  The prophet gains the attention of his audience by pronouncing judgment on Israel's enemies before delivering the main burden of judgment against Israel herself.  In the delivery of his prophecy, he is very courageous while being stern and severe.

The purpose of the ministry of Amos, is to awaken Israel, and its surrounding nations, to the fact that the nation is both responsible and accountable for its sins.  His theme, then, is national accountability for national sins.

We see in Amos 7:10 that his prophecy was issued primarily at Bethel, the seat of idolatry in the northern kingdom.  He attacks Satan's stronghold, Bethel, and when he is opposed by the idolatrous priest, Amaziah, he becomes even bolder in his preaching.

Throughout his prophecy, it is filled with references to rural life, indicating the background of Amos as a shepherd.  The prophet never never put on pretenses.  He was what he was, God's messenger for his hour, to call the nation of Israel to awaken to her responsibility and accountability for the national sins that she has committed against God.  In the process of this, he shows himself to be an oratorical giant, in spite of the fact that he had no formal training.

The prophecy of Amos is his great burden from the Lord concerning the national sin of God's chosen people, as well as the judgment that MUST fall upon them unless they repent.  No better testimony could be given concerning Amos than his own in Amos 7:14-15, where he said, "I was no prophet, neither was I a prophets son; but I was a herdsman and a gatherer of sycamore fruit: And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophecy unto my people Israel."  We learn in these verses, that Amos was a simple shepherd who also gathered sycamore fruit, and who in obedience to God was used mightily to deliver God's message of judgment against Israel, the northern kingdom.

KEY PEOPLE IN THE BOOK OF AMOS

Amos: God's angry man, who denounces injustice in Israel, and expresses God's concern for the poor and oppressed of every age

Amaziah: The high priest of Bethel who rejects the message of Amos and tries to drive him out of Israel.

KEY THEMES IN THE BOOK OF AMOS

The plight of the poor: God is deeply concerned about the economic oppression that characterizes Israel's society.

Judicial corruption:  Judgments favored the rich and ignored dishonesty and fraud.

Idolatry:  The worship at Bethel and Dan is in violation of Old Testament Law and thus idolatrous.  However, enthusiastic worship marked by idolatry, and offered by a personally and social immoral people, is never acceptable to God.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  ALWAYS remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or financial dilemma in you life, and you yell out "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you. "BUT I CAN." 

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading

Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 19 December 2012, from Cindi, a Daughter of the King of kings and Lord of lords."

Today's Blog Title: "God Judges the Nations"
Today's Scripture Reading: Joel 3:1-21
Today's Blog Key Verse: Joel 3:17 "So you shall know that I am the LORD your God, Dwelling in Zion my holy mountain.  Then Jerusalem shall be holy, And no aliens shall ever pass through her again." 

The Book and prophecy of Joel concludes with a description of God's future program.  First God will provide for individuals by pouring out His Spirit on all people, in response to their cry to Him for salvation.  

As for the people whom God considers His inheritance, Israel, the Lord will restore their fortunes, and judge the nations who have oppressed her.  He will arouse the latent hostility of the nations against the Jews and cause them to advance against His people.

The military weapons of the Gentile nations will not be sufficient enough to protect them against the Judgment of Almighty God.  Therefore they are exhorted to beat their "plowshares into swords" and their pruning hooks into spears."

Then, as the enemy armies deploy against the Holy Land, God will miraculously intervene on their behalf.  After that day of God's judgment of pagan nations, Judah and Jerusalem, the sins of her people pardoned, will enter an ear of lasting prosperity.

The Book of Joel in Chapter 1, began with the locust plague. In Chapter 2:18-27, there is a promised renewal of agriculture with the return of God's blessing on His repentant people.  Then the Book of Joel closes in Chapter 3:18-21, there is a final renewal of agriculture because of the blessing of the resident King.  The Lord's presence in Jerusalem is the key to the blessing of the whole land.

Click on the link www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse from Exodus 20:16 which is Commandment Number 9 in God's Ten Commandments.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today. Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or financial dilemma in your life, and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you "BUT I CAN."

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
 

God's Words of Wisdom

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 17 December 2012, from Cindi, a Daughter of the King of kings and Lord of lords."

Today's Blog Title: "The Day of the LORD"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Joel 2:1-32
Today's Key Verse: Joel 2:1 "Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain!  Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; For the day of the LORD is coming, Fir it is at hand."

The "trumpet" was used primarily for religious purposes to call the congregation together for meetings, to usher in the beginning of the month and to note solemn days and festive occasions.  In this instance, it is to used to "alarm" the people to the seriousness of the crisis that it upon them. 

The locusts have the appearance of warhorses, and sound "like the noise of chariots" as they go about their destruction.  No natural barrier can contain them because "they leap."  The prophet's vivid description of the invaders, and his analogy with the locust swarm, do fit the Assyrian military machine that crushed the North and punished Judah not long after Joel's time.  War, for all its terrors, is but a pale reflection of divine judgment that awaits those who refuse to respond to Him.

One of the great truths affirmed by Joel, is that it is not to late to appeal to God until it is to late.  Joel appeals to his people, as we appeal today.  Judgment is coming.  But "even now" turn to the Lord.

The customary way a Jew showed his grief was to tear his outer "garment." This external sign could be meaningless, because the tearing of the outer garment is useless,  unless the "heart" is broken in repentance.  In verse 14, God is immutable and does not change.  This verse sets forth the possible results of revival and repentance from man's point of view.  When men and woman change, they are aware of the change in themselves, and view the it as a change from God.

In verses 15-17, this is the second invitation to "blow the trumpet in Zion."  It summons the whole nation to an assembly of repentance in order to implore God's mercy.  God cares so much for His people that He is moved to action, not only to punish when sin interrupts His fellowship with His beloved people, but also to bless them when they are responsive to Him. 

The Biblical concept, that God is a jealous God protects us from the view of some that God is distant, detached, unmoved by either our sins or our troubles.  God does care intensely about us, and how we live our lives.

The "northern army" in verse 20, seems to parallel Ezekiel 38-39.  It may suggest, that now Joel is speaking of the invader, prophesied to attack Israel in history's final battle.  God owes us no repayment, for the years we waste in sin, or the suffering we experience under judgment.  But God does repay us so richly, when we trust in Him, that we feel nothing has been lost.  What a gracious and loving God we serve.

The heavenly wonders described here, will take place before the "great and awesome day of the LORD," which is an apparent reference to the end times.  "Smoke and blood" corresponds with Revelation 8:7-8.  "Smoke" corresponds  with Revelation 9:18. "Darkness" corresponds with Revelation  8:12, and "Moon into blood" corresponds with Revelation 6:12.

Verse 32, tells us that anyone who "calls on the Name of the LORD" that is, repents and believes, will be "saved" from the judgment that will fall on the wicked and unbelieving.  Peter in the New Testament, in Acts 2:21, tells the Jewish people this same passage from Joel 2:32.

Click on the link www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse from Exodus 20:15.


Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today. Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or financial dilemma in your life, and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

 

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 12 December 2012, from Cindi, a Daughter of the King of kings, and Lord of lords."

Today's Blog Title: "The Land Laid Waste."
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Joel 1:1-20
Today's Blog Key Verse: 1:14 "Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; Gather the elders And all the inhabitants of the land Into the house of the LORD your God, And cry out to the Lord."

Verses 1-4, describe the devastation of the "locust" plague. Moses in Deuteronomy 28:38,42, prophesied that God would use locust to punish His people if they were disobedient. The language may express the four stages in the development of a single type of insect.  

The "palmerworm" is the stage at which the locust is first hatched and is characterized by its gnawing activity.  The "locust" is the most common name for the locust, and is the second stage, in which the locust gets its wings and flies.  The "cankerworm" is the stage in which the locust does its destructive work.  The "caterpillar" is the final stage, in which the locust reaches its full growth and devours everything in its path.

In verse 8, the image here is of a young bride widowed on her wedding day, for the sackcloth that she is wearing, was worn by those in mourning in ancient Israel.  In verse 9, the devastation of the locust, meant that the wine offering could not be offered, that accompanied the morning and evening sacrifices of the priest's.

The land in verse 10, is described as in mourning as well because of the three principle crops that it produced, grain, grapes, and olives had been destroyed, and the people who had anticipated the "joy of harvest had withered away" due to the disaster of the locust plague.

In verses 13-20, Joel reminds the nation's leaders that being restored to blessing requires repentance.  Just as God will not hold back His Blessings from the people of Israel in Joel's day, so the same is for us as Christians today, when we truly repent and ask forgiveness, for God is Faithful and Just to FORGIVE us of our sins and to cleanse us of ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS.  

In this devastation of the locust, not only did the people of Judah suffer from the drought, so did the "animals, cattle, and flocks."  Joel depicts the animals poetically as joining in the lament, groaning in their hunger and distress. 

When Joel "crys out" the prophet adds his own voice to the bellowing of beasts, the wailing of drunkards, and the mourning of the priests.  He was part of the suffering community, not an outsider looking on from a distance.

Click on this link www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse from Exodus 20.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today. Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or financial dilemma in your life, and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi



    

 

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 10 December 2012, from Cindi, a Daughter of the King of kings, and Lord of lords."

Today's Blog Title: "Introduction to the Book of Joel."

The Book of Joel is highly emotional prophecy, rich in imagery and vivid descriptions.  In its two unique events, not to be forgotten, are compared.  These two events are to be communicated to the descendants of the people.

The Author of the prophecy is identified only as "Joel the son of Pethuel." His name combines the names "Yahweh" and "El" and means "Yahweh Is God." Joel is one of 14 men in the Old Testament who shared this name.  Joel was a contemporary of both Hosea and Amos, though he ministered to the Southern Kingdom, while they ministered to the Northern Kingdom.

Joel's frequent references throughout the prophecy to Judah and Jerusalem indicate that he was not a priest, though he was an inhabitant of Jerusalem and was a prophet of the Southern Kingdom.

Joel was one of the earliest prophets of Judah.  The specific place from which Joel wrote is not known.  Since he was a resident of Judah and Jerusalem, he likely wrote his prophecy from there.  His frequent calls to blow a trumpet in Zion, to consecrate a fast, to proclaim a solemn assembly, and to gather the people together to come before the Lord lend credence to the view that the prophecy was issued from the temple court.

two events are compared in the course of Joel's prophecy: (1) the locust plague upon Judah in the days of the prophet, and (2) the far greater coming day of the Lord.  The latter is set forth in the figure of the of the former.  Joel is the special prophet of the Day of the Lord as he mentions it five times in Joel 1:15; 2:1; 2;11; 2:31 and 3:14.

Joel has also been called the "Prophet of Pentecost" because of his most famous and well known passage (Joel 2:28-32) which was quoted by Peter in Acts 2.  More than half of the book of Joel is built around a description of the locust plague.  Joel's prophecy is the grandest description in all of literature of such a plague.  Joel is also a great prophecy of repentance , on both a personal  and national scale.  The purpose of Joel's prophecy is to turn the nation back to God in preparation for the great day of the Lord, the theme of his prophecy.

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse from Exodus 20:12.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi   




  

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 5 December 2012, from Cindi, a Daughter of the King of kings and Lord of lords."

Today's Blog Title: "Israel Restored At last"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Hosea 14:1-9
Today's Blog Key Verse: Hosea 14:9 " Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent? Let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right; The righteous walk in them, But transgressors stumble in them."

The words "calves of our lips" (KJV) is best understood metaphorically, referring to the words that the lips produce, in this context, "praise" to the Lord.  The nation had used its lips to praise the idolatrous calves; now the nation will use its lips in Praise to Almighty God.

In this final chapter of Hosea's prophecy, he begins with a call to repentance that includes a model Prayer. The people of Israel were to Pray for God's gracious forgiveness and renew their allegiance to Him by renouncing foreign  alliances, their own military strength and false gods.

When God heals and receives sinners, He chooses to love us "freely." The thought is "unconditionally." God doesn't hold our past against us.  He simply showers love on us. God's love has a vital, transforming impact on us, His people.  The Old Testament often uses figures of speech that involve trees and flowers when indicating divine blessing.

Up until this time, Ephraim, has been a stench in the nostrils of the Lord.  Now, because its sins had been dealt with, it will pleasing to the Lord; and the fruit will satisfy Him.  Much of Palestine is semiarid, and verdant growth suggests abundant rains and prosperity. Thus spiritual as well as material prosperity are represented by the blossoming of a lily, the young shoots of a cedar, and the fragrance of a cedar.

Hosea closes his prophecy on a high note. God's never-changing love for Israel will one day will bring about her repentance and restoration to His full favor. This prophecy of God's bountiful blessing looks to the great millennial periods of Christ's righteous and beneficent rule. God's "ways," His demands and principles, are completely true.  The wise person will choose to obey them, but the foolish person will ignore them and consequently "stumble" into judgment.

This concludes the book of Hosea.  The next Minor Prophet that we will study will be Joel.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness, Love God More Today.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or financial dilemma in your life, and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

Click on the link www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse from Exodus 20:8.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
  

    

 

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for Monday 3 December 2012, from Cindi, a daughter of the King of kings and Lord of lords."

Today's Blog Title: "Relentless Judgment On Israel"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Hosea 13:1-16
Today's Blog Key Verse: Hosea 13:4 "Yet I am the LORD your God Ever since the land of Egypt, And you shall no God but Me; For there is no savior besides me."

"Ephraim" the tribe which most proudly asserted its primacy in the North, was the site of a worship center at Bethel which was corrupted by Baal worship.  This brought spiritual death to the nation and would soon bring physical death as well.

Israel had put its trust in other nations, and in its own strength, rather that the One who is there only Savior.  God had revealed Himself in grace, and the only result was that God's people became proud and forgot Him.  For us as believers prosperity always holds more spiritual perils than suffering.  One of the greatest perils is, that when God's people become proud and unresponsive, then God must act to punish them.

The metaphor of childbirth in verse 13, illustrates Israel's spiritual insensitivity.  When the crucial time of judgment arrived, resulting in death, Israel would respond unwisely, resulting in death.  The nation's failure to repent is compared to a baby that is not positioned properly during labor and jeopardizes the life of both mother and child.

In verses 14-16, only God can save Israel from national extinction.  After the judgment is complete, Israel will ultimately be redeemed and will bring forth fruits of repentance.  This national repentance and restoration will be realized in the Israel of the Millennium.  Death has no power over God's redeemed.  The great affirmation has many applications.  In context, it is an encouragement in turn to God and live.  In the New Testament, it is a reminder of God's final victory over physical death, won through the resurrection of Jesus, which will be experienced by us at our own resurrection.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today. Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or Financial dilemma in your life, and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."  

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi


  

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 30 November 2012, from Cindi, a Daughter of the King of kings and Lord of lords."

Today's Blog Title: "Ephraim's Sins Rebuked By God"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Hosea 12:1-14
Today's Key Verse: Hosea 12:9 "Bit I am the LORD your God. Ever since the land of Egypt; I will again make you dwell in tents, As in the days of the appointed feast."

The east wind in verse 1, refers to the sirocco, a hot, dry wind coming from the eastern desert and causing great devastation in the land.  The image here is graphic, for Israel has given herself to feeding on what with will not nourish her (idolatry) and the result is an increase in "lies and desolation."

Verses 3-6, remind the entire nation of the patriarch from whom they have descended.  Jacob always wanted God's best, even though he did not always seek it "God's way."  "Yes he struggled with the Angel and prevailed" is the allusion to Jacob's encounter with the Angel of the Lord at Peniel in Genesis 32:30.  Israel had forgotten Jacob's spiritual wrestling's with God.  Israel, as did Jacob, must come to the end of itself and find its strength in God alone, just as we as Christians have too today.

The Lord had given Israel direction "by the prophets," but the people had rejected the message, and to teach Israel dependence, God would drive them from their homes and send them into exile.  This would be comparable to dwelling "in tents" (verse 9) as the people did during "the appointed Feast of Tabernacles (verse 9) that commemorated the wilderness wandering.  The towns that epitomized Israel's sin,, such as "Gilead" and "Gilgal" would be destroyed and the altars of Gilgal would be turned in "heaps" of stones.

God's love and patience has no end.  But this does not mean that He will permit His Chosen people or even us as Christians today to sin impudently.  The time will come when the "guilt of bloodshed"in verse 12 will bring punishment.  The wonder is, that those who will follow the Lord WILL be RESTORED. 

Click on this Link www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com  for a Bible Verse from Exodus 20.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or financial dilemma in your life, and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN." 



     

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our ord and Savior Jesus Christ for 23 November 2012, from Cindi, a Daughter of the King of kings and Lord of lords."

Today's Blog Title: "God's Continuing Love for Israel"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Hosea 11:1-11
Today's Blog Key Verse: Hosea 11:10-11 "They shall walk after the Lord. he will roar like a lion.  When He roars, Then His sons shall come trembling from the west; They shall come trembling like a bird from Egypt, Like a dove from the land of Assyria.  And I will let them dwell in their houses, Says the LORD."

Here in Hosea 11, we have perhaps the strongest of all Old Testament affirmations of God's love for His people. That love is a compassion which persists despite rebellion and unfaithfulness.  it s a commitment which, while is has room for discipline, leaves no room for abandonment. In the end God's love will triumph and even defiant Israel will repent and receive the rich blessing God yearns to pour out.

The Lord regarded Israel as His son and treated the nation with special care, delivering the people from bondage in Egypt. Also in Matthew 2:14-15 we read, "When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother at night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it night be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called my Son." These words quoted by Matthew, was of Jesus.  Israel and Jesus were alike in that both were the objects of the love of the Father and both were called "my son" and both were in Egypt.

In verses 3 and 4, the imagery is of a toddler learning to walk, encouraged by a stooping adult who shows infinite patience and concern.  When we stumble and fall, we need to picture God bending down to life us up, saying, "That's all right. Let's try again.  Walk for Daddy."

We as human beings lose patience, but God is different, for His love is patient and His love cannot be weighed on balance scales, for He is God.  In the coming judgment, God would tear Israel like a lion, in the future, God's "lionlike roar" would summon His people from exile.  In the past, the people of Israel had flown back and forth between nations like a dove, in the future, the people of Israel will speed back to their homeland "like a bird."

What a comfort and challenge for us today that God loves us as our Abba Father.  It is a comfort, for it reminds us that when we fall short, and are tempted to shrink back from God in fear and shame, He keeps on loving us and invites us to return.  It is a challenge, for like Hosea, himself, we are called to love others as God loves us.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today. Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or financial dilemma in your life, and you yelled out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."   

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi 



 

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 21 November 2012, from Cindi, a Daughter of the King of kings and Lord of Lords.'

Today's Blog Title: "Israel's Sin and Captivity"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Hosea 10:1-15
Today's Blog Key Verse: Hosea 10:12 "Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD, till He comes and rains righteousness on you."

"Israel  empties his vine" in verse 1, refers to God's blessing upon the nation, which contrast with the nation's ingratitude and idolatry.  Hearts "divided" in verse 2 refers to Israel's deceitful and hypocritical ways.

The moral corruption of the society is shown by "promises" "False oaths" and "agreements."  The whole legal structure is required because of a basic dishonesty that infects the land, a fact attested by the lawsuits that "spring up like poisonous weeds." In the same way, God's judgment would replace His blessings.

Israel, was called to a task by God, to work His land and enjoy its produce.  There was the potential of sowing righteousness and reaping unfailing love.  But Israel not only failed to realize her potential, she abused her position as God's servant.  As a result the people now faced judgment.

God calls us a Christians to serve Him.  If we are committed to Him, and if we commit ourselves to the tasks to which He calls us, we will fulfill out potential, and will bear the fruit of His love, as we reach out to others.  Israel's defeat in verse 15, would be so swift that the nation's "king" would be "cut off" before the battle had scarcely begun.

We as Christians need not look in the mirror and admire our spiritual muscles, instead we need  to look to God and admire His.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or financial dilemma in your life, and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

Click on this link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse from Exodus 20:3.

JESUS REIGNS!!!  May God's Love, Peace, Strength, and Grace be with you all.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi








 

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 19 November, from Cindi, a Daughter of the King of kings and Lord of lords." 

Today's Blog Title: "Judgment of Israel's Sins"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Hosea 9:1-17
Today's Blog Key Verse: Hosea 9:17 "My God will cast them away, because they did not obey Him; and they shall be wanderers among the nations."

It was customary and right for people to rejoice at harvest time.  Israel, however, was commanded not to do so, because she attributed the abundance she experienced on the "corn floor" (a place where the harvest of grain was processed) to the idols that she worshiped, instead of God who had sent it.  The harvest festivals were probably accompanied by shameful fertility acts (Hosea 4:13-14).

The tribe of "Ephraim" in verse 3, stands for the entire Northern Kingdom which it leads.  In the East relatives bake bread and kill animals to feed the mourners who come to the house to lament and share in the family's grief.  The mourners eat with tears in their eyes, weeping and lamenting.  The image here is of the death of Israel's hopes as a nation.  God's people will gather in foreign lands, there to weep and mourn over the glories that are past.

The Old Testament views children as a divine blessing, granted to the faithful.  Here in verses 11-12, God warns that judgment includes a curse that casts the pall of death over the process of procreation, and announced that any who may survive will not life a normal lifespan.  Sin mortgages the future of untold generations.Gilgal in verse 15 is doubly associated with Israel's sins.  Though originally the camp from which the conquest of Canaan was launched during the time of Joshua, it was corrupted by Israel's kings and became  a cult center for counterfeit worship of "Yahweh." 

It also served as a resort area for the wealthy who oppressed the poor in Israel.  As a center noted for its false religion and social oppression "Gilgal" probably served here as a metaphor for the nation.  "Wanderers" in verse 17, may allude to the fate of Cain (Genesis 4:12), who like Israel in verse 9, was guilty of murder.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today. Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or financia' dilemma in your life, and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whisper to you, BUT I CAN."

JESUS REIGNS!!!  May God's Love, Peace, Strength, and Grace be with you all.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi





 

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 12 November 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "The Apostasy of Israel"
Today's Scripture Reading: Hosea 8:1-14
Today's Blog Key Verse: Hosea 8:1 "Set the trumpet to your mouth! He shall come like an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed My covenant and rebelled against My law."

Just as an "eagle" swiftly swoops down and snatches its prey, so Assyria would invade Israel and take its people into Captivity.  "The House of the LORD" refers to the entire land of Israel.  Though Israel Claimed to acknowledge the Lord's authority, it violated His covenant and rejected the qualities the Lord regarded as "good," such as justice, loyalty and humility.

Hosea, in verse 6, reasoned that anything that could be made with human hands, cannot be possibly qualify as a god.  The "whirlwind" of verse 7, is a tornado, as it is a symbol of destruction and chaos as well as judgment.  Only destruction of all hopes can shatter the wall of arrogance and pride some construct around themselves.  Sin's terrible consequences are intended to break down our defenses against God.  When that happens the superficial in our relationship with God will be shattered.  Man's only hope is that of repentance.  Why wait till the whirlwind strikes to find your way to God?

The image in verse 8, of being swallowed up, vividly depicts the effects of Israel's foreign alliances, which drained them economically.  Israel's free spirited attitude and desire to live unrestrained by God's standards is described in verse 9, "as like a wild donkey."  The "king of princes" in verse 10, is the conquering Assyrian king.

The Lord regarded Israel's religious rituals as sinful because they were not supported by an obedient lifestyle.  In fact the Nation, treated God's "Law" as if if were something "strange" or "alien" to them.  We as children of God need to realize that true security comes from our Creator, Almighty God,  but sometimes we trust in our own efforts.  Trusting in God, and in Him alone, will bring you Peace, Comfort, and Strength.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today. Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or financial  dilemma in your life, and you yell out, "I CAN'T" GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN." 

JESUS REIGNS!!!  May God's Love, Peace, Strength, and Grace be with you all.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi






  

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 9 November 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Israel has Rebelled Against God"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Hosea 7:1-16
Today's Blog Key Verse: Hosea 7:13 "Woe to them, for they have fled from me!  Destruction to them, because they have transgressed against Me!"

Sometimes we as parents, try to reason with our unresponsive children.  God reasoned with Israel too, by sending them prophets to utter warnings.  But by acting against the prophet's advice, Israel simply revealed the depth of her sin.  Sometimes words won't help us with our children either, and all our warnings seem to make our children's rebellion more obvious.  It usually takes more than words to reach the rebellious.

Hardened sinner typically "do not consider" that God will hold them accountable for their deeds.  While kings should promote justice and be appalled by "wickedness" Israel's leaders approved of the people's sin.

The figure of "an oven heated by the baker" in verse 4, refers to the schemes of the wicked.  Like a baker who kneads his "dough," keeps it warm by "night" as he sleeps, and then with the dough raised, bakes the bread, so it is with the wicked, as they lay their plots, and await the opportune time to carry out their conspiracy against the crown.  Four of Israel's last six kings were assassinated.

The words "gray hair" in verse 9, refers to the fact that Israel did not recognize that its power was declining and its freedom was slipping away, like an aging man who is gradually overtaken by the signs of old age.

Like a bird that flies away when frightened, Israel "fled" from the Lord and His standards, despite His willingness to help His people.  Israel's "peer group" was foreign nations, who arrogantly determined to band together and go their own way, rather than depend on the Lord.  Getting in with the wrong crowd is just as big a mistake today as in the past.  God has a net big enough to throw over the whole flock and will "punish their sins."  Why wait till the whirlwind strikes, to find your way back to God?

"A treacherous bow"  in verse 16 has every appearance of being good, but the arrows that it propels miss the intended target.  God has wonderful things for Israel, but they have continuously mistaken His favor, for favoritism, and have misused His blessings for their own needs. 

Click on this link www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. 

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or financial dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

JESUS REIGNS!!!  May God's Love, Peace, Strength, and Grace be with you all.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi



 

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 7 November 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "A Call to Repentance"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Hosea 6:1-11
Today's Blog Key Verse: Hosea 6:1 "Come, and let us return to the LORD; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up."

With the words, "come, and let us return unto the LORD" in verse 1, and "we shall live in his sight" in verse 2, Hosea the prophet vicariously leads his people in a prayer of repentance and a plea for restoration that can ultimately take place only in the day when Israel as a nation will be converted, and God will set up His kingdom over His people and reign for a thousand year.  "He shall come unto us as the rain," means that God will no longer deal with Israel like a "moth" and "rottenness."  Instead He will deal with them like life giving and refreshing rain.

In today's verses, no discipline can have its desired impact until the sinner is ready to repent.  What is involved in repentance?  A change of heart about ourselves that involves admission of guilt, and a change of heart about God, which trusts that God will restore us even though He has punished us till now.  When we as unbelievers can say, "I deserved it," and "I trust God to heal and restore me," then we have come to true repentance.

Many a parent has echoed God's frustration when they like God say, "What can I do with you?" and the answer is, "keep on disciplining and keep on loving."  Like ancient Israel, children have freedom of choice.  We as parents need to be constant so that our children can have an anchor for the inner change they need to make.

"Mercy" in verse 6 means "loyalty" or "devotion."  The "knowledge of God" does not refer to mere head knowledge, but to a genuine recognition of God's authority that produces obedience to His commandments.  The comparison of God's judgment to a harvest in verse 11, indicates that the judgment was inevitable and implies that it would be thorough in its destruction.

Click on this link www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse from Mark 10:14-16.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or financial dilemma in your life, and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

JESUS REIGNS!!!  May God's Love, Peace, Strength, and Grace be with you all.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi



   

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 5 November 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Impending Judgment on Israel and Judah"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Hosea 5:1-15
Today's Blog Key Verse:  Hosea 5:6 " With their flocks and heard they shall seek the LORD, but they shall not find Him; He has withdrawn Himself from them."

The revolvers in verse 2 is probably a reference to the leaders and priests who rebelled against God's authority by rejecting His commandments.  God's people could not hide their "harlotry" for it had "defiled" them.

At times, Ephraim, the leading Northern tribe stands for all of Israel.  Here, however, this tribal area is in view, for it is here that the worship center of Dan is centered, where the true faith in "Yahweh" had been corrupted and all of God's people have been led astray.

Given Hosea's experience with Gomer, the word "unfaithful" must have been one of the most dreadful accusations that the prophet could make against the people of Israel.  The "illegitimate" children are literally "strange."  The sins of the parents have twisted the children as well.  We as Christian parents should never suppose that our sins have no impact on our children, for they DO!!!

The southern tribal of Benjamin, lay tight against the territory of Judah.  Thus Benjamin faced a duel challenge: to resist the corrupting spiritual influence of the North, and to prepare to resist the Assyrians who would soon invade Israel.

In verse 15, God knows He must not restore those He has punished until the suffering has had its intended effect.  Don't be so sorry that you have disciplined your children, that you give them hugs, before they have admitted guilt and come to you for forgiveness.

Click on this link www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse from John 17:4-5

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness.  Love God More Today.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, physical, or financial dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you "BUT I CAN."

JESUS REGINS!!!  May God's Love, Peace, Strength, and Grace be with you.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi



 

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 2 November 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "God's Charge Against Israel"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Hosea 4:1-19
Today's Blog Key Verse: Hosea 4:1 "Hear the word of the LORD, you children of Israel, For the LORD brings a charge against the inhabitants of the land: "There is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God in the land."

Three things characterize corrupt cultures of any age: (1) they care nothing for faithfulness (2) they are void of loving commitment to others and (3) they possess no true knowledge of God.  With these qualities,  a society deteriorates until "there is only cursing, lying, murder, stealing, adultery, they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.  By these characterizes where is our society today?

The cause of our problems is "lack of knowledge."  But it does not stem from a shortage of information, but rather from rejection of information.  The "they" in verse 8, refers to the priest.  The priest enjoyed benefits, because the people sinned.  They had not helped the people face their sin and deal with it, instead they have gloried and taken pleasure in the sin of the people.  The fact that the priests received a portion of every sin offering, would indicate that the more the Israelites sinned, the more offering they brought, and the better the priests ate!!  Godly priests stand against sin, and mourn when others pursue it.  The grief of a modern pastor, and leaders feel over the sins of their people, is still a test of their hearts.

"My people take counsel from their wooden idols" means that like the heathen of Romans 1:25, they worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.  Instead of consulting God who made the trees and the wood, they consult the tree and the wooden idols that can be fashioned from them.

"Therefore your daughters commit harlotry, and your brides commit adultery"  refers to the fact that spiritual harlotry gave way to physical harlotry, which was then incorporated into the religious rituals of their idolatrous worship. 

In verse 17, "Ephraim" is one of the largest tribes of Israel and is use here in this verse to represent the entire northern kingdom.  The words "Let them alone" has a tone of frustration and resignation, suggesting that Israel was hopelessly rebellious.  "The wind" of divine judgment would sweep the Israelites away and leave them embarrassed by their idolatry.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, physical, or financial in your life, and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

Click on this link www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse from Psalm 89:15 

JESUS REIGNS!!!  May God's Love, Peace, Strength, and Grace be with you all.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi 

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 26 October 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Hosea and the Adulteress"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading Hosea 3:1-5
Today's Blog Key Verse: Hosea 3:5 "Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the Lord their God, and David their king; and shall fear the Lord and His goodness in the latter days."

If anyone had occasion to renounce his wife, Hosea did.  However he was instructed to love her still.  Similarly, God continues to love an unfaithful Israel.  "Flagons of wine" in verse 1 are raisin cakes.  They are similar, if not identical, to the cakes mentioned in Jeremiah 7:18 and 44:19, which were used in the idolatrous ceremonies in honor of the queen of heaven.

The price to redeem Gomer is indicative of the depth to which she had sunk.  30 pieces of silver was the price commonly paid for a slave.  Barley was considered to be a food fit only for animals, and was eaten only by the poorest people.  Gomer had sunk to such depths, that she was worth only half the price of a common slave and approximately 10 bushels of animal food.

The word "without" occurs five times in the Hebrew text.  Israel actually will be without three things: (1) the monarchy--she will have neither reigning monarch nor anyone in line to become one.  Ultimately, a king must come as promised to David and Israel in 2nd Samuel 7 (2) a sacrifice--she will not observe a God appointed sacrificial system during this long period, though during it the Messiah will in fact come and be the supreme Sacrifice and (3) Idolatry--even though she will not observe a true religious system, she will forsake idolatry and all its trappings.  In God's appointed time Israel will come to its senses and will have a national regeneration.

Although Christ will reign as sovereign in the kingdom, it is not clear whether He is the only One on the Throne.  Several passages suggest that David will reign in the Millennium (Isaiah 55:3; Jeremiah 30:9; 33:15,17,20,21; Ezekiel 34:23-24; 37:24-25; Hosea 3:5; Amos 9:11).  These verses may be interpreted: (1) typologically, with Jesus as the Son of David, fulfilling David in type, reigning or (2) literally, with David being resurrected, returning to the throne, and having a sphere of regal authority under the regency of Christ.

One of the Millennial Title reign of Christ is "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:16), may suggest the presence of lesser kings and lords.  So it could be that David will serve under the authority of Jesus as vice regent of Palestine, just as others may similarly rule other regions or cities,  Those who suffer for Christ will someday reign with Him (Praise God).

One day Israel's heart will again turn to God.  Hosea too is willing to bear the pain until his wife's heart turns to him again.

Clink on this link www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible from Psalm 15:1.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today. Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, physical, or financial issue in your life, and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

JESUS REIGNS!!!  May God's Love, Peace, Strength, and Grace be with you all.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 24 October 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "God's Unfaithful People"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Hosea 2:1-23
Today's Blog key Verse: Hosea 2:23 'Then I will sow her for myself in the earth, and I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy; then I will say to those who were not My people, "You are My people!" and they shall say, "You are my God."

"Your mother" in verse 2, is Israel, the "children" are individual Israelites.  Both the historic nation and contemporary individuals are guilty of spiritual adultery in forsaking Almighty God. 

Verse 8, is one of Scriptures most touching verses.  God keeps on supplying us with good things, even when we do not acknowledge Him.  Even when we use His good gifts to finance our wickedness.  How amazing God's Grace and patience!  When patience does not bear fruit, God has other methods.  One is to withdraw the blessing and let us experience the consequences of our sins.

"Therefore, behold, I will allure her" the Lord here would seek to win the nation of Israel back by making romantic overtures and wooing her with tender words of love.  A relationship with God looks more attractive from the depths of discipline than the pinnacle of prosperity.

The words "I will betroth you to Me forever" in verse 19, shows us that God acts in Love, Compassion, Faithfulness, and Justice, all to win His people to Himself.  Our part is to respond to His initiatives, and to acknowledge Him.

When we acknowledge God, He responds to us and showers us with blessings.  And the greatest blessing of all?  "I will say to those people...You are My people"; and they will say, "You are my God."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today. Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, physical, or financial dilemma in your life, and you yell out, "I CAN'T," God Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

Click on this link www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse Writing from Exodus 3:5.

JESUS REIGNS!!!  May God's Love, Peace, Strength, and grace be with you all.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
  
 

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 22 October 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Hosea's Unfaithful Wife" 
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: Hosea 1:1-11
Today's Blog Key Verse: Hosea 1:2 "When the LORD began to speak by Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea: "Go take yourself a wife of harlotry And children of harlotry, For the land has committed great harlotry By departing from the LORD."

Gomer may have been a common prostitute at the time Hosea married her, or perhaps she had participated in a ritual sexual act as part of the Baal cult.  However, it is more likely that the descriptive phrase anticipates what Gomer would become following her marriage to Hosea.

The words "children of harlotry" would mean that if Gomer was a prostitute when she married Hosea, this would refer to children that Gomer already had, and that Hosea had adopted at the time of his marriage.  A more likely possibility is that the title anticipated children born to a mother whose reputation and escapades would make their lineage suspect.  Gomer's martial infidelity is a picture of Israel's idolatry and unfaithfulness to its covenant with Almighty God.

Jezreel in verse 4, means, "God Sows."  He is to be a reminder that God will Judge the house of Jehu for the bloodshed in Jezreel, when the kingdom was wrested from Ahab and Jezebel and God's judgement was poured out against them.

Lo-ruhamah in verses 6 and 7, means,  "No Mercy" or "Not Pitied."  Her significance is twofold: (1) God's compassion has come to an end for Israel, and (2) her judgment in imminent.

Lo-ammi in verse 9, means, "Not My People" to the Israel of his day, that they were not the Lord's people, and that the Lord was not their God.  This should in no sense be understood as an annulment of the Abrahamic Covenant of Genesis 12:1-3, which was an unconditional covenant depending solely upon God for its fulfillment.

The experience of Hosea reminds us of a greater truth, that adultery, or any sin, is first of all grounds for forgiveness!  Considering the example of our Loving and Faithful God, we as Hosea may be led to suffer the pain, and seek a reconciliation.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, physical, or financial dilemma in your life, and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

JESUS REIGNS!!!  May God's Love, Peace, Strength, and Grace be with all of you.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

 

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greeting in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 12 October 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Introduction to the Book of Hosea."

Hosea, whose name means "salvation," has been called the "gentlest" of the Old Testament prophets.  He was called to one of sacred history's most difficult missions.  Hosea married a wife, Gomer who abandoned him for a series of lovers, breaking the marriage covenant which bound them together.  Yet Hosea's love for his wife was so great that he could not give up.

When her profligate ways led to slavery, Hosea brought her back home, to lead a holy life.  In this the prophet shared God's own experience with His people, Israel.  Though bound to the Lord in a covenant relationship, Israel turned away from Him to pursue idols and the adulterous life style associated with paganism.

That idolatry would ultimately lead that nation to enslavement too.  Yet God would not stop loving, anymore than Hosea could.  God too will one day bring His humbled people home, and they will again commit themselves to Him.

The Book of Hosea is deeply moving.  As we sense the prophet's pain, we also enter into the pain God feels when His beloved  people are unfaithful to Him.  God's love, truly is love that will not let us go.

The Key People of Hosea are:

Hosea: The gentle prophet whose persistent love ultimately wins the prize.
Gomer: The unfaithful wife, whose choices lead to ever deeper degradation until, helpless
               she is rescued by her abandoned husband.

Key Passages of Hosea are:

Consequences (Hosea 8-9): Breaking covenant with God leads to despair
Endless love (Hosea 11): God's love will not permit Him to give His people up
Blessing ahead (Hosea 14): Ultimately repentance will bring blessing

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today. Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, physical, or financial dilemma in your life, and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi 

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ for 10 October 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "Service to the Brethren"
Today's Blog Scripture Reading: 3rd John 1-14
Today's Blog Key Verse: 3rd John: 11 "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.  He who does good is of God, he who does evil has not seen God."

John's third letter is written to an individual named Gaius.  Like John's other epistles, this letter emphasizes love, truth, and obedience.  It also indicates some of the tensions and difficulties which made life in the early church much like that of today.  They too tired to build their own kingdom and rule over the church, rather than be part of the larger fellowship of faith.  John's letter reminds us that the church truly is one and that we ought to "work together for the truth."

"Above all things" in verse 2, is better translated "in all respects."  Gaius was clearly a dear friend of John.  His physical health is as important to John as his spiritual health.  John looks back to a time prior to writing this letter when he had heard of the steadfastness of Gaius and rejoiced as a result.

"Children" refers to those whom John has in some way helped lead to Christ.  In 2nd John, mention is made of hospitality to traveling Christian workers.  This was of crucial importance in the early Church (Romans 12:13; 1st Timothy 3;2; 5:10; Titus 1:8; Hebrews 13:2; and 1st Peter 4:9).

Some of those whom Gaius had helped along, had evidently brought word back to John of the  exemplary labors of Gaius. To "bring forward" would entail the full range of financial, travel, and other assistant necessary to host and then send along a visiting Christians leader, whose only support was the generosity of other believers.  Literally "for the name they went out," that is, the Name of Jesus. They took nothing from the Gentiles, lest they appear to be hawking the gospel for personal gain. 

To help missionaries and similar workers to continue in their calling, is to share in their work.  We as Christians, are obligated to bear their share of the burden of such work.  The Church in verse 9, is probably the fellowship of which Gaius was a member.  What the elder has written up to this point, seems to serve as a prologue for his major concern, which he takes up now.

To "prate" is to indulge in idle or trivial chatter. John here characterizes the talking of Diotrephes', as meaningless gossip.  Diotrephes, opposes John's teachings on either the nature of Christ, or the need for Christians to demonstrate love at all times. He also opposed the exercise of hospitality such as earned high praise for Gaius from the elder.

In verse 11, we see John saying that faith which not result in works is no faith at all. Salvation is not by works, but it does produce them (Galatians 2:8-10).  Demetrius probably delivered the letter to Gaius. He was known to the elder, and perhaps he was one of the brethren who Diotrephes had cast out in verse 10.  The elders warm remarks would reassure Gaius, that he could take Demetrius in and show him the favor he usually accorded visitors who were serving the truth.

John closes this 3rd letter as he did in 2nd John, expressing his desire to see Gaius soon and talk about these issues at greater length.  "Separation is from sin," not from Christians brothers and sisters.

This writing concludes the 3 letters of John.  Beginning in the next writing, we will go into the Minor Prophets beginning with the book of Hosea.

Click on this link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for a Bible Verse from John 10:217-30.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today. Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, physical or financial dilemma in your life, and you tell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN." 

JESUS REIGNS!!!  May God's Love, Peace, Strength, and Grace be with you all.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi



       

Bible Scripture Reading

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 9 October 2012"

Today's Blog Title: "The Commandment of Love"
Today's Blog Reading: 2nd John 1-13
Today's Blog Key Verse: 2nd John 7 "For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.  This is a deceiver and antichrist."

In this brief letter the "chosen lady" John addresses here, may be a church and its members.  Like 1st John, this this letter will emphasize the importance of love, and links love to obedience.  This letter contains a greeting in verses 1-3, advice and warning in verses 4-11, and a conclusion in verses 12-13.

The elder in verse 1, is the aged John the apostle, who according to ancient tradition lived into his nineties.  To "love in truth" means (1) truly, really to love, and (2) to love in a fashion consistent with the Christian meaning of factual knowledge regarding the Word of God and personal knowledge of Jesus Christ.

John loved his readers  "for the truth's sake" or "because of the truth," which likely has reference to the personal presence of Christ (John 14:6).  The cardinal fruit of the Spirit of Christ is "love" (Galatians 5:22).

"Grace," "Mercy," and "Peace" were not common words in John's writings.  In this greeting he is likely reflecting common usage in Christian circles of the time and area.  God, and Jesus Christ, are placed on virtually the same level here, since "Son of the Father" is a title that implies equality with the Father (John 5:18).  

"Of Thy children" means "some of your children," that is, some believers in the fellowship or family, that John is addressing.  "Walking" is a Jewish idiom for "living."  John is saying we should "live by the truth," or in accordance with God's revealed word and will.  Emphasis on "love" is a hallmark of the writings of John.  In Luke, for example, the word "love" occurs about a dozen times, but in the Gospel's of John alone, it occurs more than 40 times.  For some, "love" has little to do with obedience.  Yet John, following Jesus, stresses that to "love" is to "obey."  As one of the closest disciples to Jesus, John would have heard the Master raise the question, "And why call Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46).

The deceivers in verse 7, seem to have been Gnostic's, pseudo-Christian individuals who denied that the Son of God had really taken on human flesh.  John realizes that to attack the doctrine of the Incarnation (the taking on of human flesh by Jesus) is to strike at the very root of Christianity. 

The first and third "we" in verse 8, should probably be "you" according to many ancient manuscripts.  It is dangerous for any person, including a believer, to follow teachings that are contrary to Scripture.  John make Christology the central doctrine of the Faith.

In the early decades of Christianity, local churches were planted and sustained by itinerant preachers and teachers.  For these workers to survive, it was necessary for believers to show hospitality.  However, one had to be sure that he was not aiding and abetting false teachers, that is, those with unorthodox views of the person and work of Christ.  To take such people in, John says, is to endorse their teachings.  John's command forbids "true " Christians to actively support the ministry of false teachers.  It is not a prohibition against having non-Christians into one's house--unless, of course, they are spreading anti-Christian doctrine, and seeking to use one's home as a base of operations!

One of the reasons that this letter was so short was because John is planning to speak to his readers in person very soon.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today. Always remember that when you have a spiritual, emotional, physical, or financial dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T," GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN."

JESUS REIGNS!!!  May God's Love, Peace, Strength, and Grace be with all of you.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi