May 2024 – If Not For Grace

19 May 202413 May 2024

Weekend Reading – 5-19-24

“You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest,” Isaiah 9:3 NKJV

RELATIONSHIP:

In the beginning, God created humanity for a close friendship with him, but sin disrupted that connection. Out of love, God provided a solution through His Son, Jesus. By conquering sin and death, Jesus paved the way for us to be close to God again, making heaven our eternal home. Now, we have a choice: we can choose God and enjoy a transformative relationship with Him or reject His love and face the consequences.

I once felt lost; I was making mistakes and hurting others. But God’s love transformed my life. By surrendering to Jesus, I experienced miracles, heard His voice, and found freedom from sin. Now, I enjoy a genuine relationship with God, who is my companion, offering love, guidance, and protection.

If you desire a relationship with God, seek the truth through Jesus. Acknowledge Him as Lord, believe in His sacrifice and resurrection, and confess your sins. Here’s a sample prayer you can begin with:

“Jesus, I believe in You. I confess my sins and ask for forgiveness. Come into my life, transform, and guide me in your will. I desire a real relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”

Remember, this prayer marks the beginning of your journey – it is not the end. Live a repentant lifestyle, build your relationship with Jesus through reading His word regularly and daily prayer, and strive toward eternal life with Him.

BIBLE READING:

Dear Heavenly Father – Please give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of who you are, who Jesus is, and who the Holy Spirit is. Please open the eyes of our understanding so we may know the hope of our calling and the vast sovereignty and power of the grace of the cross. Please do not let us miss out on what you want and need from us today. Lord, I pray that your Word prepares us and not scares us! We forbid the works and influences of fear over your Word and our sound mind. And please keep us, bless us, shine your face upon us, pour your grace over us, and give us peace! And we pray for the peace of Jerusalem! Thank you! – In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Today’s reading is from the Book of Isaiah, chapter 9.

The Government of the Promised Son

9 Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed,
As when at first He lightly esteemed
The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
And afterward more heavily oppressed her,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
In Galilee of the Gentiles.
²The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.

³You have multiplied the nation
And ^[a]increased its joy;
They rejoice before You
According to the joy of harvest,
As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
⁴For You have broken the yoke of his burden
And the staff of his shoulder,
The rod of his oppressor,
As in the day of Midian.
⁵For every warrior’s ^[b]sandal from the noisy battle,
And garments rolled in blood,
Will be used for burning and fuel ^[c]of fire.

⁶For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

The Punishment of Samaria

⁸The Lord sent a word against Jacob,
And it has fallen on Israel.
⁹All the people will know—
Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria—
Who say in pride and arrogance of heart:
¹⁰“The bricks have fallen down,
But we will rebuild with hewn stones;
The sycamores are cut down,
But we will replace them with cedars.”
¹¹Therefore the Lord shall set up
The adversaries of Rezin against him,
And spur his enemies on,
¹²The Syrians before and the Philistines behind;
And they shall devour Israel with an open mouth.

For all this His anger is not turned away,
But His hand is ^[d]stretched out still.

¹³For the people do not turn to Him who strikes them,
Nor do they seek the Lord of hosts.
¹⁴Therefore the Lord will cut off head and tail from Israel,
Palm branch and bulrush in one day.
¹⁵The elder and honorable, he is the head;
The prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail.
¹⁶For the leaders of this people cause them to err,
And those who are led by them are destroyed.
¹⁷Therefore the Lord will have no joy in their young men,
Nor have mercy on their fatherless and widows;
For everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer,
And every mouth speaks ^[e]folly.

For all this His anger is not turned away,
But His hand is stretched out still.

¹⁸For wickedness burns as the fire;
It shall devour the briers and thorns,
And kindle in the thickets of the forest;
They shall mount up like rising smoke.
¹⁹Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts
The land is burned up,
And the people shall be as fuel for the fire;
No man shall spare his brother.
²⁰And he shall ^[f]snatch on the right hand
And be hungry;
He shall devour on the left hand
And not be satisfied;
Every man shall eat the flesh of his own arm.
²¹Manasseh shall devour Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh;
Together they shall be against Judah.

For all this His anger is not turned away,
But His hand is stretched out still.

MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE:

Matthew 5:7 KJV “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

***

To Support this Ministry: https://jessicassillystuff.etsy.com 
**Please note that this ministry will not private message you and ask for money, donations, etc. The ONLY way to support it is through the Etsy store. I share this so that you are not conned by people trying to exploit your good nature. Pray about what ministries you support and ensure you are going through one of their official means of helping them.

Are you interested in learning more about fasting? Join the Facebook group, designed to be interactive and give you all the Bible verses on fasting, all the types of fasting, and how to fast! Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/509149707741862

Thank you for reading in 2024 – a year of Exposure and Revelation with Repentance and Humility
May the God of peace keep you and bless you. Maranatha ~ Come, Lord Jesus!

18 May 202413 May 2024

Weekend Reading – 5-18-24

“The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, And let Him be your dread.” Isaiah 8:13 NKJV

RELATIONSHIP:

BIBLE READING:

Today’s reading is from the Book of Isaiah, chapter 8.

Assyria Will Invade the Land

8 Moreover the Lord said to me, “Take a large scroll, and write on it with a man’s pen concerning ^[a]Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. ²And I will take for Myself faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.”

³Then I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, “Call his name Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz; ⁴for before the child ^[b]shall have knowledge to cry ‘My father’ and ‘My mother,’ the riches of Damascus and the ^[c]spoil of Samaria will be taken away before the king of Assyria.”

⁵The Lord also spoke to me again, saying:

⁶“Inasmuch as these people refused
The waters of Shiloah that flow softly,
And rejoice in Rezin and in Remaliah’s son;
⁷Now therefore, behold, the Lord brings up over them
The waters of ^[d]the River, strong and mighty—
The king of Assyria and all his glory;
He will ^[e]go up over all his channels
And go over all his banks.
⁸He will pass through Judah,
He will overflow and pass over,
He will reach up to the neck;
And the stretching out of his wings
Will ^[f]fill the breadth of Your land, O Immanuel.^[g]

⁹“Be shattered, O you peoples, and be broken in pieces!
Give ear, all you from far countries.
Gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces;
Gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces.
¹⁰Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing;
Speak the word, but it will not stand,
For ^[h]God is with us.”

Fear God, Heed His Word

¹¹For the Lord spoke thus to me with ^[i]a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying:

¹²“Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’
Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy,
Nor be afraid of their ^[j]threats, nor be ^[k]troubled.
¹³The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow;
Let Him be your fear,
And let Him be your dread.
¹⁴He will be as a ^[l]sanctuary,
But a stone of stumbling and a rock of ^[m]offense
To both the houses of Israel,
As a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
¹⁵And many among them shall stumble;
They shall fall and be broken,
Be snared and ^[n]taken.”

¹⁶Bind up the testimony,
Seal the law among my disciples.
¹⁷And I will wait on the Lord,
Who hides His face from the house of Jacob;
And I will hope in Him.
¹⁸Here am I and the children whom the Lord has given me!
We are for signs and wonders in Israel
From the Lord of hosts,
Who dwells in Mount Zion.

¹⁹And when they say to you, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? ²⁰To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there^[o] is no light in them.

²¹They will pass through it hard-pressed and hungry; and it shall happen, when they are hungry, that they will be enraged and curse ^[p]their king and their God, and look upward. ²²Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into darkness.

MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE:

Matthew 5:7 KJV “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

***

Thank you for reading in 2024 – a year of Exposure and Revelation with Repentance and Humility
May the God of peace keep you and bless you. Maranatha ~ Come, Lord Jesus!

17 May 202413 May 2024

Getting to Know His Faithfulness – 5-17-24

“O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1 NKJV

RELATIONSHIP:

BIBLE READING:

Today’s reading is from the Book of Isaiah, chapter 7.

Isaiah Sent to King Ahaz

7 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up to Jerusalem to make war against it, but could not ^[a]prevail against it. ²And it was told to the house of David, saying, “Syria’s forces are ^[b]deployed in Ephraim.” So his heart and the heart of his people were moved as the trees of the woods are moved with the wind.

³Then the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out now to meet Ahaz, you and ^[c]Shear-Jashub your son, at the end of the aqueduct from the upper pool, on the highway to the Fuller’s Field, ⁴and say to him: ^[d]‘Take heed, and ^[e]be quiet; do not fear or be fainthearted for these two stubs of smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and the son of Remaliah. ⁵Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah have plotted evil against you, saying, ⁶“Let us go up against Judah and ^[f]trouble it, and let us make a gap in its wall for ourselves, and set a king over them, the son of Tabel”— ⁷thus says the Lord God:

“It shall not stand,
Nor shall it come to pass.
⁸For the head of Syria is Damascus,
And the head of Damascus is Rezin.
Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be ^[g]broken,
So that it will not be a people.
⁹The head of Ephraim is Samaria,
And the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son.
If you will not believe,
Surely you shall not be established.” ’ ”

The Immanuel Prophecy

¹⁰Moreover the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, ¹¹“Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ^[h]ask it either in the depth or in the height above.”

¹²But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!”

¹³Then he said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also? ¹⁴Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.^[i] ¹⁵Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good. ¹⁶For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that you dread will be forsaken by both her kings. ¹⁷The Lord will bring the king of Assyria upon you and your people and your father’s house—days that have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah.”

¹⁸And it shall come to pass in that day
That the Lord will whistle for the fly
That is in the farthest part of the rivers of Egypt,
And for the bee that is in the land of Assyria.
¹⁹They will come, and all of them will rest
In the desolate valleys and in the clefts of the rocks,
And on all thorns and in all pastures.

²⁰In the same day the Lord will shave with a hired razor,
With those from beyond ^[j]the River, with the king of Assyria,
The head and the hair of the legs,
And will also remove the beard.

²¹It shall be in that day
That a man will keep alive a young cow and two sheep;
²²So it shall be, from the abundance of milk they give,
That he will eat curds;
For curds and honey everyone will eat who is left in the land.

²³It shall happen in that day,
That wherever there could be a thousand vines
Worth a thousand shekels of silver,
It will be for briers and thorns.
²⁴With arrows and bows men will come there,
Because all the land will become briers and thorns.

²⁵And to any hill which could be dug with the hoe,
You will not go there for fear of briers and thorns;
But it will become a range for oxen
And a place for sheep to roam.

MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE:

Matthew 5:7 KJV “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

BIBLE DISCUSSION:

As we delve deeper into the character of God, we now turn our attention to His attribute of faithfulness. Just as we’ve explored His love, holiness, mercy, and justice, we embark on a journey to understand the profound significance of God’s faithfulness. This attribute not only shapes our understanding of His nature but also has a direct impact on our personal relationship with Him.

What does it mean when we say that God is faithful? In the context of God’s character, faithfulness is His unwavering reliability, steadfast commitment, and consistent fulfillment of His promises. It’s a testament to His trustworthiness, constancy, and loyalty towards His people, a characteristic that has endured throughout all generations, reaffirming His divine nature.

Deuteronomy 7:9 provides a firm foundation for understanding God’s faithfulness: “Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.” Here, we see that God’s faithfulness is inseparable from His identity, emphasizing His commitment to uphold His covenant promises.

So, let’s take a deeper look at God’s faithfulness and its significance in our lives.

God’s Covenant Keeping

Throughout the Bible, we witness God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to His people. From the covenant with Abraham to establishing the new covenant through Jesus Christ, God’s faithfulness shines through, even in the face of human frailty and disobedience. This depth of faithfulness should evoke a profound sense of gratitude and humility in us.

In the context of God, a covenant is a solemn agreement or promise made by Him with His people. It’s a binding contract established by God Himself, often accompanied by specific terms and conditions. In these covenants, God outlines His promises, blessings, and expectations for His people. They, in turn, commit to following His commands and remaining faithful to Him, creating a reciprocal relationship of trust and loyalty.

Covenants in the Bible are not mere agreements between equals. God initiates them out of His grace and love for humanity. They establish a special relationship between God and His chosen people, demonstrating His faithfulness and commitment to fulfill His promises despite human failings.

The concept of covenant underscores God’s reliability, trustworthiness, and unchanging nature. It reflects His desire for a personal relationship with His people and His willingness to bestow blessings upon them when they adhere to His covenant and obey His commands.

Psalm 89:34 assures us of God’s unwavering commitment: “My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.” God’s faithfulness endures despite our failings, underscoring His unchanging nature.

Another example of God’s covenant-keeping is in Genesis 17:1-8: “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.’ Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: ‘As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.'”

In this passage, God solidifies His covenant with Abraham by promising him that he will become the father of many nations, be blessed, and receive the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession. This promise would be passed down to his descendants. Despite Abraham’s doubts and shortcomings, God remains faithful to His covenant promises, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people throughout generations.

One of the most powerful examples of God’s covenant-keeping is the Davidic Covenant.

2 Samuel 7:12-16 – “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.”

In 2 Samuel 7:12-16, God makes a covenant with King David, promising to establish his throne forever and to build a house for him. Despite the ups and downs of Israel’s monarchy and the failures of David’s descendants, God remains faithful to His covenant.

Psalm 89:3-4 reflects on the Davidic Covenant, highlighting God’s faithfulness: “I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David: ‘Your seed I will establish forever, and build up your throne to all generations.'” This covenant underscores God’s unwavering commitment to fulfill His promises, ensuring the eternal reign of the Messiah, a descendant of David.

Through the birth of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the Messianic prophecy as the Son of David, we see the culmination of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with David. Despite the challenges and setbacks faced by the nation of Israel, God’s faithfulness prevails, and His promises find fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the ultimate expression of God’s covenant love and faithfulness.

Examples of Faithfulness

As we reflect on Israel’s history, we see countless instances of God’s faithfulness and devotion in delivering, protecting, and providing for His chosen people. Whether through the exodus from Egypt, the Canaan conquest, or the exile restoration, God has remained faithful to His promises.

The following verses from Lamentations 3:22-23 beautifully capture this truth: “Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Even in times of trial, God’s faithfulness sustains His people.

The story of Joseph in Genesis, chapters 37 to 50, is a powerful testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness despite Joseph’s challenging circumstances. Joseph endured betrayal by his brothers, false accusations, and unjust imprisonment, yet throughout his trials, God remained faithful to him. Even during difficult circumstances, Joseph remained faithful to God, and God was faithful to him. Eventually, Joseph’s faithfulness and God’s favor led him to a position of authority in Egypt, where he played a crucial role in preserving countless lives during a severe famine.

Genesis 39:2-4 NKJV recounts, “The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight and served him.” This passage highlights God’s faithfulness to Joseph, even in slavery and imprisonment.

Joseph’s story serves as a reminder that God is always at work, even in difficult times. He remains faithful to His promises and is always working behind the scenes for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). We too can trust in God’s faithfulness, like Joseph, and know that He will guide us through life’s trials and lead us into His abundant blessings.

Personal Experience

As individuals, we can testify to God’s faithfulness in our lives. His faithfulness is not limited to ancient history but is experienced daily in our faith journey. Many of us can see it before we begin our relationship with God and in times of backsliding because God is just that faithful. Whether in times of joy or sorrow, God remains steadfast, guiding, comforting, and providing for His children.

I recall that, in my own life, I hung out with a pretty rough crowd when I was in rebellion for a short time. Sadly, I only know a few people from back then still alive. Most died of drug overdoses or health issues related to drug and alcohol abuse. A couple from car accidents that involved driving while impaired, and at least one was a suicide. Of the ones still alive, two have been in and out of drug rehabs and jails, are still users, and are miraculously still alive. Only God’s faithfulness to me kept me alive and brought me through it.

Yes, God was still faithful to me even though I had lost my way. This is not always true, but I had many people praying for me.

More recently, while serving God with all I am, He continues showing me His faithfulness. Through trials, tribulation, and persecution, He keeps making a way where there seems to be no way.

Psalm 37:3-5 encourages us to trust in the Lord’s faithfulness: “Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”

Conclusion

As we conclude our study on the faithfulness of God, let us stand in awe of His steadfast love and unwavering commitment to us. His faithfulness transcends time and circumstance, providing a firm foundation for our trust and hope. May we rest assured in the assurance of His promises, knowing that He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

Have a blessed weekend, and please join us Monday as we continue to study God’s various characteristics with: “Getting to Know His Goodness.”

***

Thank you for reading in 2024 – a year of Exposure and Revelation with Repentance and Humility
May the God of peace keep you and bless you. Maranatha ~ Come, Lord Jesus!

Copyright © 2024 by Jessica J Murray
All rights reserved. No part of this blog may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.
Permission is granted to share via social media via link. ‘Copy and paste’ are prohibited.
Independently published by Jessica J Murray
http://www.IfNotForGrace.blog

16 May 202411 May 2024

Getting to Know His Justice– 5-16-24

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29 NKJV

RELATIONSHIP:

BIBLE READING:

Today’s reading is from the Book of Isaiah, chapter 6.

Isaiah Called to Be a Prophet

6 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. ²Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. ³And one cried to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
The whole earth is full of His glory!”

⁴And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.

⁵So I said:

“Woe is me, for I am ^[a]undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King,
The Lord of hosts.”

⁶Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. ⁷And he touched my mouth with it, and said:

“Behold, this has touched your lips;
Your iniquity is taken away,
And your sin ^[b]purged.”

⁸Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:

“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”

Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

⁹And He said, “Go, and tell this people:

‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand;
Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’

¹⁰“Make the heart of this people dull,
And their ears heavy,
And shut their eyes;
Lest they see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart,
And return and be healed.”

¹¹Then I said, “Lord, how long?”

And He answered:

“Until the cities are laid waste and without inhabitant,
The houses are without a man,
The land is utterly desolate,
¹²The Lord has removed men far away,
And the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land.
¹³But yet a tenth will be in it,
And will return and be for consuming,
As a terebinth tree or as an oak,
Whose stump remains when it is cut down.
So the holy seed shall be its stump.”

MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE:

Matthew 5:7 KJV “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

BIBLE DISCUSSION:

As we continue our expedition into the character of God, our focus shifts towards Justice. We have previously explored the depths of His Love, Holiness, and Mercy and now embark on a quest to unravel the profound significance of God’s Justice and its role in shaping our understanding of His sovereignty and righteousness. As we seek to comprehend the divine scales of Justice, we uncover how God’s righteousness stands as both a beacon of hope for the righteous and a harbinger of wrath for the wicked.

Psalm 89:14 – “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.”

This exploration reveals that Justice is not wielded in isolation but in tandem with mercy, truth, and righteousness, all emanating from the very essence of God’s being. Thus, we come to appreciate the interconnectedness of these attributes and how they all work together to reveal the fullness of God’s character.

Understanding Justice

To comprehend the essence of Justice as an attribute of God, it’s imperative to grasp its biblical definition and its role in the governance of His creation. In the divine sense, justice embodies righteousness, fairness, and impartiality. It is the moral standard by which God upholds order and equity in His kingdom.

In Deuteronomy 32:4, we find a succinct description of God’s justice: “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” Justice is inseparable from God’s nature, emphasizing His absolute integrity and righteousness.

Justice in Action

Throughout the Scriptures, we encounter numerous instances where God’s Justice is manifested, whether in His judgments upon the wicked or in His vindication of the righteous.

Consider Isaiah 30:18: “Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him.” Here, Justice is intertwined with God’s patience and mercy, demonstrating His perfect balance of attributes.

The Balance of God’s Justice

Imagine, if you will, the scales of Justice—imbued with the weight of righteousness and the measure of truth—held steady in the hands of the Almighty. In Proverbs 16:11, we glimpse the divine equilibrium: “Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of His making.” Justice is not arbitrary but meticulously calibrated by God’s perfect standards.

Wrath and Vindication

God’s Justice is a consuming fire, inciting wrath against unrepentant wickedness and injustice. In Nahum 1:2-3, we witness this fiery fervor: “God is jealous, and the Lord avenges; The Lord avenges and is furious. The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies; The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked.” Here, Justice is swift and sure, heralding retribution for those who persist in rebellion against God.

Conversely, God’s Justice is a beacon of hope for the righteous, promising vindication and deliverance. In Psalm 37:6, we glimpse this divine assurance: “He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.” Here, Justice is a shield and a refuge for those who trust in the Lord, illuminating their path with the brilliance of righteousness.

In Numbers chapter 16, we find an incident where a group of rebels challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron. The group, led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, accused Moses and Aaron of elevating themselves above the rest of the congregation. They claimed that all the people were equally holy and that the Lord was among them, not just Moses and Aaron. This rebellion was a significant event, as it challenged the authority of Moses and, ultimately, God Himself.

In response to the challenge, Moses defers the decision to God in Numbers 16:4-7. He trusts that God will reveal His chosen leaders and instructs Korah and his followers to take censers with fire and incense before the Lord the next day. Moses indicates that God will make known His choice by accepting the offering of the one He selects. This is an excellent example of God’s justice and how He reveals His sovereignty and power over the people of Israel.

Numbers 16:31-35 – “Now it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart under them, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods. So they and all those with them went down alive into the pit; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the assembly. Then all Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, “Lest the earth swallow us up also!” And a fire came out from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense.”

This passage depicts God’s swift and decisive response to the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, Abiram, their households, and all the men who joined them. God’s judgment is seen in the form of the ground opening up and swallowing them, followed by fire consuming two hundred and fifty men offering incense. This display of divine judgment serves as a reminder of God’s authority and the consequences of challenging His appointed leaders.

This example of divine justice shows that God upholds His chosen leaders and punishes those who rebel against His authority. This ensures that His holy will is carried out and His sovereignty is acknowledged. While God’s wrath may seem harsh, it is ultimately just. Upholding Moses and Aaron is also just. What looked like death to one group looked like salvation to another, highlighting the importance of obedience and trust in God.

It is a good thing for the lazy Christians in the modern church that God has changed, right? No. God does not change.

The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 provides another example of justice and consequences within the early Christian community.

In Acts 5, we encounter the account of Ananias and Sapphira, a couple who sold a piece of property and pledged to donate the proceeds to the church. However, they conspired to withhold a portion of the money for themselves while pretending to offer the total amount.

When Ananias presented the partial donation to the apostles, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, discerned the deceit and confronted Ananias. He questioned why Ananias had lied to the Holy Spirit, explaining that he had lied to men and God.

Acts 5:5 – “Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.”

Later, Sapphira arrived and confirmed the deception. When Peter questioned her, she, too, fell dead upon hearing her husband’s fate.

The account of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a sobering reminder that God has not changed, as we read in Malachi 3:6a – “For I am the Lord, I do not change.” God’s justice is swift and severe in response to their attempt to deceive the church and God. Maybe sometimes the modern church relies too heavily on mercy.

While the fate of Ananias and Sapphira may seem harsh, it underscores the purity and holiness that God expects from His followers. Their deaths serve as a warning to the early Christian community and us about the seriousness of sin and the consequences of attempting to deceive God.

In this example, justice appears as judgment to Ananias and Sapphira for their deceit. At the same time, it serves as a lesson and a purification for the early Christian community, highlighting God’s commitment to righteousness and purity within His church. Justice again has balanced scales.

Our Response to God’s Justice

We are called to embrace righteousness and shun wickedness in light of God’s justice. In Amos 5:15, we heed this solemn warning: “Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate. It may be that the Lord God of hosts Will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.” Here, Justice beckons us to uphold truth and integrity in our lives, knowing that our actions resonate within the divine scales of Justice.

Conclusion

As we conclude our contemplation of God’s Justice, let us stand in awe of His righteous judgments and trust in His sovereign reign. His Justice is not capricious but grounded in truth and righteousness, offering warning and assurance to all who heed His call. Tomorrow, we will continue our journey into the character of God as we explore the boundless depths of His “Faithfulness.”

***

Thank you for reading in 2024 – a year of Exposure and Revelation with Repentance and Humility
May the God of peace keep you and bless you. Maranatha ~ Come, Lord Jesus!

15 May 202410 May 2024

Getting to Know His Mercy – 5-15-24

“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!” Psalm 105:4 NKJV

RELATIONSHIP:

BIBLE READING:

Today’s reading is from the Book of Isaiah, chapter 5.

God’s Disappointing Vineyard

5 Now let me sing to my Well-beloved
A song of my Beloved regarding His vineyard:

My Well-beloved has a vineyard
^[a]On a very fruitful hill.
²He dug it up and cleared out its stones,
And planted it with the choicest vine.
He built a tower in its midst,
And also ^[b]made a winepress in it;
So He expected it to bring forth good grapes,
But it brought forth wild grapes.

³“And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah,
Judge, please, between Me and My vineyard.
⁴What more could have been done to My vineyard
That I have not done in it?
Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes,
Did it bring forth wild grapes?
⁵And now, please let Me tell you what I will do to My vineyard:
I will take away its hedge, and it shall be burned;
And break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down.
⁶I will lay it waste;
It shall not be pruned or ^[c]dug,
But there shall come up briers and thorns.
I will also command the clouds
That they rain no rain on it.”

⁷For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel,
And the men of Judah are His pleasant plant.
He looked for justice, but behold, oppression;
For righteousness, but behold, ^[d]a cry for help.

Impending Judgment on Excesses

⁸Woe to those who ^[e]join house to house;
They add field to field,
Till there is no place
Where they may dwell alone in the midst of the land!
⁹In my hearing the Lord of hosts said,
“Truly, many houses shall be desolate,
Great and beautiful ones, without inhabitant.
¹⁰For ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath,^[f]
And a homer of seed shall yield one ^[g]ephah.”

¹¹Woe to those who rise early in the morning,
That they may ^[h]follow intoxicating drink;
Who continue until night, till wine inflames them!
¹²The harp and the strings,
The tambourine and flute,
And wine are in their feasts;
But they do not regard the work of the Lord,
Nor consider the operation of His hands.

¹³Therefore my people have gone into captivity,
Because they have no knowledge;
Their honorable men are famished,
And their multitude dried up with thirst.
¹⁴Therefore Sheol has enlarged itself
And opened its mouth beyond measure;
Their glory and their multitude and their pomp,
And he who is jubilant, shall descend into it.
¹⁵People shall be brought down,
Each man shall be humbled,
And the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled.
¹⁶But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment,
And God who is holy shall be hallowed in righteousness.
¹⁷Then the lambs shall feed in their pasture,
And in the waste places of the ^[i]fat ones strangers shall eat.

¹⁸Woe to those who ^[j]draw iniquity with cords of ^[k]vanity,
And sin as if with a cart rope;
¹⁹That say, “Let Him make speed and hasten His work,
That we may see it;
And let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come,
That we may know it.”

²⁰Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

²¹Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!

²²Woe to men mighty at drinking wine,
Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink,
²³Who justify the wicked for a bribe,
And take away justice from the righteous man!

²⁴Therefore, as the ^[l]fire devours the stubble,
And the flame consumes the chaff,
So their root will be as rottenness,
And their blossom will ascend like dust;
Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts,
And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
²⁵Therefore the anger of the Lord is aroused against His people;
He has stretched out His hand against them
And stricken them,
And the hills trembled.
Their carcasses were as refuse in the midst of the streets.

For all this His anger is not turned away,
But His hand is stretched out still.

²⁶He will lift up a banner to the nations from afar,
And will whistle to them from the end of the earth;
Surely they shall come with speed, swiftly.
²⁷No one will be weary or stumble among them,
No one will slumber or sleep;
Nor will the belt on their loins be loosed,
Nor the strap of their sandals be broken;
²⁸Whose arrows are sharp,
And all their bows bent;
Their horses’ hooves will ^[m]seem like flint,
And their wheels like a whirlwind.
²⁹Their roaring will be like a lion,
They will roar like young lions;
Yes, they will roar
And lay hold of the prey;
They will carry it away safely,
And no one will deliver.
³⁰In that day they will roar against them
Like the roaring of the sea.
And if one looks to the land,
Behold, darkness and ^[n]sorrow;
And the light is darkened by the clouds.

MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE:

Matthew 5:7 KJV “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

BIBLE DISCUSSION:

As we explore the character of God, we now turn our attention to the profound attribute of His mercy. Just like we have previously explored God’s love and holiness, we seek to grasp the profound significance of His mercy and how it impacts our lives.

Psalm 86:15 beautifully encapsulates the multifaceted nature of God: “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” God’s mercy is central to His character, highlighted alongside crucial attributes like compassion, grace, and truth. Through His mercy, God demonstrates His kindness and willingness to forgive, inviting us to receive His grace and find restoration in Him.

Understanding Mercy

Let’s delve further into the topic of mercy by exploring its biblical definition, nuances, and significance in understanding the character of God. By doing so, we can better understand how God shows compassion to His people, especially when they deserve punishment or judgment.

In the biblical context, mercy expresses God’s love and grace. It involves extending forgiveness, compassion, and kindness to those who don’t deserve it.

Psalm 103:8-10 beautifully captures the essence of God’s mercy: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities.” This passage highlights the attributes of God’s mercy, including His slowness to anger, abundance of mercy, and willingness to forgive despite our sins.

It’s important to note that God’s mercy isn’t based on our merit but on His character. God shows us the true meaning of mercy by demonstrating His unfailing love and compassion towards His people. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper dive into the topic of mercy and its connection with exploring God’s character.

Experiencing God’s Mercy

Luke 15:11-24 – The Parable of the Prodigal Son
“Then He said: ‘A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.” So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.

But when he came to himself, he said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.’” And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this, my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.”Top of Form

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a beautiful portrayal of God’s mercy. The story tells of a son who recklessly squanders his inheritance, only to come to his senses and return home, repentant eventually. Instead of condemning his son, the father welcomes him back with open arms in an act of incredible mercy and forgiveness. This parable shows God’s willingness to forgive and restore those who turn to Him in repentance, regardless of their past mistakes. It is a powerful reminder that there is always hope in seeking redemption and forgiveness from our Heavenly Father.

Saved by Grace

Ephesians 2:4-5 – “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).”

These verses highlight the pivotal role of God’s mercy in salvation. We are saved by His mercy and love, not by our efforts or merit. Even when we were dead in our sins, God, out of His abundant mercy, made us alive together with Christ, demonstrating His grace and compassion towards us.

This is the mercy we are most familiar with. It was bathed in grace and love and almost indistinguishable from them. However, it is also essential to understand that this characteristic of God is separate from love and grace.

Great is His Faithfulness

Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”

This passage emphasizes the enduring nature of God’s mercy. Despite our failings and shortcomings, His compassions never fail, and His mercy is renewed every morning. It’s a testament to God’s faithfulness and steadfast love towards His people, offering hope and redemption even during trials and difficulties. Please note it is His “compassions,” not His mercies, which fail not. The reason for this is that His mercy does have limits!

The Limits of Mercy

While God’s mercy is vast and seemingly boundless, it’s essential to recognize that mercy has limits. God’s characteristics are very balanced, and this study should also be.

Psalm 103:17-18 reminds us, “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.” Here, we see that God’s mercy is extended to those who fear Him and keep His commandments, emphasizing the importance of obedience and reverence in receiving His mercy.

Warning Against Rejecting God’s Mercy

Revelation 22:19 – “And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” This verse serves as a solemn warning against rejecting God’s mercy and tampering with His word. It highlights the consequence of turning away from God’s truth and disobeying His commandments, which can result in being blotted out from the Book of Life.

Consequences of Rejecting God’s Mercy

Romans 1:28 – “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting.” This verse illustrates the consequence of persistently rejecting God’s mercy and choosing to live in disobedience. It warns against the danger of being given over to a reprobate mind, where one’s conscience becomes seared and moral boundaries are blurred. Do not be fooled into thinking you can continue in sin without consequences.

Not Everyone Will Enter the Kingdom

Matthew 7:21-23 – “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'”

This passage emphasizes the importance of having a genuine relationship with God and obeying His will. It explains that simply professing faith or performing outwardly righteous acts are insufficient to receive God’s grace. Instead, repentance and having a relationship that transforms your heart and life to align with God’s commandments is required.

To explain, let’s use an analogy of someone looking at God with all His gifts, including mercy, in His hands and saying, “I believe in you, but I am unwilling to change and accept all those gifts.” The person leaves the gifts in God’s hands and tells everyone they have accepted them, even though they have not. To profess that you believe is different than believing. If you genuinely believe, you take the gifts, are changed, and have a relationship with God, evidenced by the fruits of the spirit and a struggle not to sin.

We can fail to accept salvation and mercy unknowingly. To discern if we may be lying to ourselves, a good indicator is that we are not reading and praying every day. If that is the case, you might want to repent for that and start having a relationship with God.

While God’s mercy is abundant and freely offered to all, it is not unconditional. It requires genuine repentance, obedience, and a surrendered heart. Let me encourage you to reflect on the depth of God’s mercy and not take His grace for granted. Instead, we should embrace His mercy with reverence and gratitude.

Mercy is a precious gift from God that invites us to turn from our sins and find forgiveness and restoration in Him. It also invites us to continue exploring God’s character and to seek to know Him more deeply so that we can walk in His ways.

Living in Response to Mercy

Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”

The book of Micah beautifully captures God’s desire for His people in light of His mercy. As faithful followers, we are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. When we love mercy, we receive God’s mercy and extend it to others through acts of compassion, forgiveness, and kindness. Doing so reflects God’s character and spreads His love to those around us.

Conclusion

As we bring our discussion to a close, it’s clear that exploring the depth of God’s mercy reveals His compassionate and loving nature towards His people. His mercy is boundless, extending forgiveness and redemption to all who turn to Him in repentance. As we reflect on God’s mercy, let us be inspired to live lives of gratitude, compassion, and humility, extending His mercy to those around us.

Tomorrow, we will continue our exploration of God’s character as we delve into the topic of “Justice.” We invite you to join us as we seek to know God more deeply and walk in His ways.

***

Thank you for reading in 2024 – a year of Exposure and Revelation with Repentance and Humility
May the God of peace keep you and bless you. Maranatha ~ Come, Lord Jesus!

14 May 202410 May 2024

Getting to Know His Holiness – 5-14-24

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV

RELATIONSHIP:

BIBLE READING:

Today’s reading is from the Book of Isaiah, chapter 4.

Jerusalem’s Glorious Future

4 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying,
“We will eat our own food and wear our own apparel;
Only let us be called by your name,
To take away our reproach.”

The Renewal of Zion

²In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious;
And the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing
For those of Israel who have escaped.

³And it shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy—everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem. ⁴When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purged the ^[a]blood of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning, ⁵then the Lord will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a ^[b]covering. ⁶And there will be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain.

MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE:

Matthew 5:7 KJV “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

BIBLE DISCUSSION:

As we continue our journey of exploring the character of God, today, we delve into the profound attribute of His holiness. Just as we studied the depth of God’s love yesterday, today, we seek to grasp the significance of His holiness and its implications for our lives.

Understanding Holiness

To truly comprehend the holiness of God, we must first attempt to grasp the essence of this sacred attribute. Psalm 99:9 encapsulates the nature of God’s holiness: “Exalt the Lord our God, And worship at His holy hill; For the Lord our God is holy.” Here, holiness signifies not just purity but absolute purity beyond human comprehension. It speaks of God’s complete separation from sin and His divine perfection. In our limited understanding, holiness may seem like a distant concept, but as we draw near to God, He reveals the depth of His holiness and calls us to a life of reverence and obedience.

Leviticus 19:2 – “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.'”

This verse emphasizes God’s call to holiness for the Israelites, extending to the entire community. It highlights God’s consistent standard of holiness throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing that His holiness is a foundational aspect of His character that shapes His interactions with His people.

God’s command for His people to be holy echoes His holiness and emphasizes the inseparable link between God’s character and the lifestyle He expects from His followers. Holiness is not reserved for God alone but is also reflected in the lives of His people. This verse reinforces the principle that holiness is a theoretical and practical standard to guide our conduct and relationships.

As we strive to live holy lives, we mirror the character of our holy God and honor Him in all we do.

Called to Holiness

In Leviticus 11:44, God commands His people, “For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy.” God’s call to holiness is not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative. Just as He is holy, He calls us to reflect His holiness. This echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:48, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” While perfection may seem unattainable, God’s grace empowers us to pursue holiness in every aspect of our lives.

In Matthew 5:48, the Greek word translated as “perfect” is “τέλειοι” (teleioi), which comes from the root word “τέλειος” (teleios). This word has a range of meanings beyond just “perfect,” and understanding these nuances can provide more insight into holiness.

The word “teleios” has multiple meanings. One of its definitions is “complete,” which refers to a state of entirety or fullness. In the context of holiness, it implies being fully developed or matured in one’s spiritual walk. Another definition is “mature,” which suggests a level of spiritual growth and being fully equipped for the purposes that God has for us. “Whole” is another meaning which conveys the idea of being undivided or without blemish. In the pursuit of holiness, it implies integrity and wholeness in character and conduct. The word can also mean “finished” or “accomplished,” which denotes something that has reached its intended end or goal. In the context of holiness, it suggests a life that is continually being conformed to the likeness of Christ, moving towards the ultimate goal of glorifying God in all things.

By exploring the various meanings of “teleios,” we can better understand what it means to be perfect or holy, like our heavenly Father. Being perfect implies not only the lack of imperfections but also a state of entirety, maturity, wholeness, and alignment with God’s will. Therefore, pursuing holiness requires constant growth, maturity, and conformity to the perfect likeness of Christ in every area of our lives.

Living in Holiness

Living a holy life goes beyond merely following a set of moral principles. Romans 12:1 exhorts us, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” It encompasses every aspect of our thoughts, words, and actions. Holiness is not a burden but rather a privilege to cherish. It is the pathway to experiencing God’s presence and purpose for our lives.

Encountering the Holy God

Isaiah 6:1-5 – Isaiah Called to Be a Prophet
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!”
And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. So I said:
“Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.”

In Isaiah 6:1-5, Isaiah experienced the holiness of God, which made him feel unworthy and inadequate. However, instead of condemning him, God purified him and gave him a mission. Our flaws become apparent in the presence of the Holy One, but God’s grace overcomes them and enables us to fulfill His divine purpose.

Exodus 3:1-6 – Moses and the Burning Bush
“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.”

During his encounter with God, Moses witnessed the holiness of the Almighty manifested in the form of a burning bush that was not consumed. This divine presence sanctified the ground, and Moses, out of reverence, was required to remove his sandals. This encounter marked the beginning of Moses’ commission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. It highlights how encountering God’s holiness leads to a divine calling and mission to fulfill the purpose for which we are created. When we want to know our calling, we must first experience His holiness.

Revelation 4:8-11 – Worship Before the Throne
“The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”

In the book of Revelation, John witnesses a heavenly vision of the worship surrounding God’s throne. In this vision, the holiness of God is continually proclaimed by the living creatures, who repeat the words “holy, holy, holy.” This repetition underscores the absolute purity and transcendence of God. The elders respond to this proclamation with worship and submission, highlighting the awe-inspiring nature of God’s holiness and sovereign authority over all creation.

These examples illustrate how encountering the holy God evokes a profound response of reverence, awe, and recognition of one’s inadequacy. Whether through a burning bush, a heavenly vision, or a personal revelation, these encounters with God’s holiness purify, commission, and inspire His servants to fulfill His divine purposes.

Deepening our Understanding

We must recognize God’s transformative power to deepen our understanding of God’s holiness. Hebrews 12:14 urges us, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” Holiness is not an optional addition to our faith but a prerequisite for intimate fellowship with God. It requires ongoing surrender and sanctification, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.

There is a common misconception that holiness is synonymous with legalism. Some people believe that pursuing holiness requires strict adherence to rules or moral standards without room for grace and mercy. This misunderstanding often arises from the desire to justify continuing in sinful behavior instead of embracing the call to holiness.

However, it’s essential to understand that holiness is not about legalistic adherence to external regulations. Instead, it is about an inward transformation of the heart. God’s holiness demands purity and righteousness, not as a means of earning His favor but as a reflection of His character within us. By pursuing holiness, we allow God to transform us from the inside out and reflect His character in our lives.

As 1 Peter 1:15-16 states, “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'”

For the willful sinner, holiness may appear as legalism because it confronts their sinful choices and demands their removal from God’s presence. Hebrews 12:29 reminds us that “our God is a consuming fire.” Holiness cannot coexist with sin; it exposes and consumes impurity. Thus, holiness may seem restrictive and legalistic to those who persist in rebellion against God’s standards because it challenges their autonomy and requires repentance and submission.

Yet, true holiness is not burdensome but liberating. It is the pathway to experiencing God’s presence and purpose for our lives. As we yield to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, He empowers us to live holy lives marked by love, grace, and righteousness. Rather than viewing holiness as legalism, let us embrace it as the divine invitation to walk in intimate fellowship with our holy God.

Conclusion

As we conclude our study on the holiness of God, let us echo the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 96:9, “Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.” May we approach God with reverence and awe, acknowledging His holiness and striving to reflect it in our lives.

Tomorrow, we will continue our exploration of God’s character as we delve into “mercy.” Join us as we seek to know God more deeply and walk in His ways.

***

Thank you for reading in 2024 – a year of Exposure and Revelation with Repentance and Humility
May the God of peace keep you and bless you. Maranatha ~ Come, Lord Jesus!

13 May 202410 May 2024

Getting to Know His Love – 5-13-24

“When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek.'” Psalm 27:8 NKJV

RELATIONSHIP:

BIBLE READING:

Today’s reading is from the Book of Isaiah, chapter 3.

Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem

3 For behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts,
Takes away from Jerusalem and from Judah
The^[a] stock and the store,
The whole supply of bread and the whole supply of water;
²The mighty man and the man of war,
The judge and the prophet,
And the diviner and the elder;
³The captain of fifty and the ^[b]honorable man,
The counselor and the skillful artisan,
And the expert enchanter.

⁴“I will give children^[c] to be their princes,
And ^[d]babes shall rule over them.
⁵The people will be oppressed,
Every one by another and every one by his neighbor;
The child will be insolent toward the ^[e]elder,
And the ^[f]base toward the honorable.”

⁶When a man takes hold of his brother
In the house of his father, saying,
“You have clothing;
You be our ruler,
And let these ruins be under your ^[g]power,”
⁷In that day he will protest, saying,
“I cannot cure your ills,
For in my house is neither food nor clothing;
Do not make me a ruler of the people.”

⁸For Jerusalem stumbled,
And Judah is fallen,
Because their tongue and their doings
Are against the Lord,
To provoke the eyes of His glory.
⁹The look on their countenance witnesses against them,
And they declare their sin as Sodom;
They do not hide it.
Woe to their soul!
For they have brought evil upon themselves.

¹⁰“Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them,
For they shall eat the fruit of their doings.
¹¹Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him,
For the reward of his hands shall be ^[h]given him.
¹²As for My people, children are their oppressors,
And women rule over them.
O My people! Those who lead you ^[i]cause you to err,
And destroy the way of your paths.”

Oppression and Luxury Condemned

¹³The Lord stands up to ^[j]plead,
And stands to judge the people.
¹⁴The Lord will enter into judgment
With the elders of His people
And His princes:
“For you have ^[k]eaten up the vineyard;
The plunder of the poor is in your houses.
¹⁵What do you mean by crushing My people
And grinding the faces of the poor?”
Says the Lord God of hosts.

¹⁶Moreover the Lord says:

“Because the daughters of Zion are haughty,
And walk with ^[l]outstretched necks
And ^[m]wanton eyes,
Walking and ^[n]mincing as they go,
Making a jingling with their feet,
¹⁷Therefore the Lord will strike with a scab
The crown of the head of the daughters of Zion,
And the Lord will uncover their secret parts.”

¹⁸In that day the Lord will take away the finery:
The jingling anklets, the ^[o]scarves, and the crescents;
¹⁹The pendants, the bracelets, and the veils;
²⁰The headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the headbands;
The perfume boxes, the charms,
²¹    and the rings;
The nose jewels,
²²    the festal apparel, and the mantles;
The outer garments, the purses,
²³    and the mirrors;
The fine linen, the turbans, and the robes.

²⁴And so it shall be:

Instead of a sweet smell there will be a stench;
Instead of a sash, a rope;
Instead of well-set hair, baldness;
Instead of a rich robe, a girding of sackcloth;
And ^[p]branding instead of beauty.
²⁵Your men shall fall by the sword,
And your ^[q]mighty in the war.

²⁶Her gates shall lament and mourn,
And she being desolate shall sit on the ground.

MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE:

Matthew 5:7 KJV “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

BIBLE DISCUSSION:

Exploring the character of God through the lens of His love is like embarking on a journey through the very essence of existence itself. Love, being the foundational attribute of God, is reflected throughout the scriptures like a brilliant beacon, illuminating the way to understanding and intimacy with our Creator.

The Gospel of John declares that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). These three simple words encapsulate the essence of God’s character, revealing His boundless affection, compassion, and goodwill towards humanity. Love, in its purest form, finds its source in the very nature of God, flowing endlessly from His heart to ours. God is not just love; His love is not a distant concept but a tangible reality within your reach – God loves you.

God’s love surpasses human comprehension. It is unconditional, extending beyond our flaws and failures. As we see in Psalm 139:14, God made us: “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” However, that is not the reason He loves us. If you have ever taken an art class in school, you know the feeling of making something and hating it. That is not how God feels about you. He loves you without a “because.” He has no reason to, and yet he does. Therefore, you cannot create a reason for Him not to – His love is not reason-based.

It is selfless, sacrificially giving of itself for the sake of others. It is enduring, withstanding the test of time and circumstance. God’s love is boundless, stretching out to the farthest corners of creation to embrace all who would receive it.

Earlier this year, we studied 1 Corinthians 13 and that God is love (Constant Companionship of Christ – 1-26-24).
In a different study, we learned that love is a fruit of the Spirit (as defined in 1 Corinthians 13). We should grow it (Dead or Alive, The Fruits of Transformation – Part 3 – 2-7-24).
Today, we will further examine this characteristic of God (not by defining it or trying to develop it within ourselves) but by understanding God has never changed and is always motivated by His love for us, even in our difficult times.

Throughout Scripture, we see His love manifested in myriad ways. From the metaphor of the tender care of a shepherd for his sheep to the relentless pursuit of a father for his prodigal son, God’s love is depicted in stories, songs, and prophecies. It drives creation, redemption, and restoration, weaving a tapestry of grace and mercy across the ages.

In the Old Testament, we witness God’s enduring love for His people, Israel, despite their repeated disobedience and rebellion.

Jeremiah 31:3 – “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.'”

Those in a relationship with Him are adopted (Romans 8:15) into these promises. Despite our repeated disobedience and rebellion, God Loves us with ‘an everlasting love’ and mercies forever.

Psalm 136:1 – “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

Now, to be very clean about the scriptures: everyone is loved, and not everyone is adopted into the promises that His love can manifest. We must enter into a relationship, adopted as His children, to be able to inherit the promises. You see, if everyone could get those promises without the relationship that Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross made available to us, then Jesus died for no reason.

This brings us to the New Testament, where we see the pinnacle of God’s love revealed in the person of Jesus Christ!

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Jesus is the son of God. And He came and made a way for us while we were still sinning.

Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

God loves us so much, and He takes us as we are. And His love is So much more significant than that because He doesn’t leave us that way but changes us. If we are not changing, we must look at our hearts and determine if we have hardened our hearts in disobedience to Him.

God’s love never fails, as in 1 Corinthians 13:8: “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.” So, if we feel like it is, we must first reflect to ensure we are the ones with the hardened hearts. If it isn’t our heart, maybe it is our understanding, like why bad things happen if God loves us.

This question of God’s love in the face of tragedy, hardship, and judgment has perplexed humanity for generations. Yet, despite suffering and trials, God’s love remains steadfast and unwavering. God does not change.

Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Sin separates us from God in proximity to Him, but even in that distance, God loves us like the prodigal’s father still loved his son, even from a distance.

God’s judgments and consequences to our actions, far from demonstrating His wrath or indifference, express His love and desire for our ultimate good. They serve as a means of correction and discipline, guiding us back into alignment with His perfect will:

Hebrews 12:6 – “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.”

Just as you and I disciple, correct, and teach our children. Children who have been abused have a more challenging time throughout life seeing God’s love, and they tend to see God as a cruel and wrathful judge, much like their abuser. As we train our children, we sometimes give them small trials and tests that are just a bit more than they can handle to stretch and grow them. Trials should be seen as an expression of God’s love, just like a parent’s.

James 1:2-4 – “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

James encourages believers in this passage to view trials not solely as sources of suffering but as opportunities for growth and refinement. Through trials, our faith is tested and strengthened, leading to the development of patience and spiritual maturity. This process ultimately leads to a deeper understanding of God’s love and His purposes for our lives.

The book of Romans also highlights how God’s love is demonstrated by working out things for our good.

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

This verse offers comfort to believers who are facing difficult situations. It reminds us that God is actively at work, orchestrating events in our lives for our ultimate good. The verse highlights God’s sovereignty and ability to bring beauty from ashes, even amid challenges and trials. Through His power, God can turn the most difficult circumstances into opportunities for growth, redemption, and blessing for those who remain committed to Him.

God loves us, and there is nothing we can do about it. And when we surrender and serve Him, even if we make mistakes, stumble, and are occasionally disobedient, He delights in us returning and continuing to surrender to Him.

Zephaniah 3:17 – “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

This verse illustrates God’s love for us with vivid imagery. It portrays God as a mighty Savior and one who rejoices over us with gladness and sings over us with love. I remember looking at my son when he was a baby and toddler, and in my overwhelming love for him, I’d sing over him to love him, comfort him, and express my love for him. Likewise, this verse reflects the tender and personal nature of God’s affection towards His beloved, reassuring us of His constant presence, care, and delight in us.

As we reflect on the depth and breadth of God’s love, may we be transformed by its power and grace. Let us rest secure in the knowledge that nothing can separate us from the love of God, and let us meditate and bask in that love. Sometimes we must just be still in His presence and let Him love us. While we love Him back.

Tomorrow, we will explore the attribute of Holiness and how it helps us get to know God better. Join us as we continue this journey of discovery and transformation in the presence of our loving Creator.

***

Thank you for reading in 2024 – a year of Exposure and Revelation with Repentance and Humility
May the God of peace keep you and bless you. Maranatha ~ Come, Lord Jesus!

12 May 20247 May 2024

Weekend Reading– 5-12-24

“Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” Isaiah 2:3 NKJV

RELATIONSHIP:

BIBLE READING:

Today’s reading is from the Book of Isaiah, chapter 2.

The Future House of God

2 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

²Now it shall come to pass in the latter days
That the mountain of the Lord’s house
Shall be established on the top of the mountains,
And shall be exalted above the hills;
And all nations shall flow to it.
³Many people shall come and say,
“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
He will teach us His ways,
And we shall walk in His paths.”
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
⁴He shall judge between the nations,
And rebuke many people;
They shall beat their swords into plowshares,
And their spears into pruning ^[a]hooks;
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war anymore.

The Day of the Lord

⁵O house of Jacob, come and let us walk
In the light of the Lord.

⁶For You have forsaken Your people, the house of Jacob,
Because they are filled with eastern ways;
They are soothsayers like the Philistines,
And they ^[b]are pleased with the children of foreigners.
⁷Their land is also full of silver and gold,
And there is no end to their treasures;
Their land is also full of horses,
And there is no end to their chariots.
⁸Their land is also full of idols;
They worship the work of their own hands,
That which their own fingers have made.
⁹People bow down,
And each man humbles himself;
Therefore do not forgive them.

¹⁰Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust,
From the terror of the Lord
And the glory of His majesty.
¹¹The ^[c]lofty looks of man shall be humbled,
The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down,
And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.

¹²For the day of the Lord of hosts
Shall come upon everything proud and lofty,
Upon everything lifted up—
And it shall be brought low—
¹³Upon all the cedars of Lebanon that are high and lifted up,
And upon all the oaks of Bashan;
¹⁴Upon all the high mountains,
And upon all the hills that are lifted up;
¹⁵Upon every high tower,
And upon every fortified wall;
¹⁶Upon all the ships of Tarshish,
And upon all the beautiful sloops.
¹⁷The ^[d]loftiness of man shall be bowed down,
And the haughtiness of men shall be brought low;
The Lord alone will be exalted in that day,
¹⁸But the idols ^[e]He shall utterly abolish.

¹⁹They shall go into the holes of the rocks,
And into the caves of the ^[f]earth,
From the terror of the Lord
And the glory of His majesty,
When He arises to shake the earth mightily.

²⁰In that day a man will cast away his idols of silver
And his idols of gold,
Which they made, each for himself to worship,
To the moles and bats,
²¹To go into the clefts of the rocks,
And into the crags of the rugged rocks,
From the terror of the Lord
And the glory of His majesty,
When He arises to shake the earth mightily.

²²Sever^[g] yourselves from such a man,
Whose breath is in his nostrils;
For ^[h]of what account is he?

MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE:

Matthew 5:7 KJV “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

***

Thank you for reading in 2024 – a year of Exposure and Revelation with Repentance and Humility
May the God of peace keep you and bless you. Maranatha ~ Come, Lord Jesus!

11 May 20247 May 2024

Weekend Reading– 5-11-24

“Unless the Lord of hosts Had left to us a very small remnant, We would have become like Sodom, We would have been made like Gomorrah.” Isaiah 1:9 NKJV

RELATIONSHIP:

BIBLE READING:

Today’s reading is from the Book of Isaiah, chapter 1.

Judah Called to Repentance

1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

The Wickedness of Judah

²Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth!
For the Lord has spoken:
“I have nourished and brought up children,
And they have rebelled against Me;
³The ox knows its owner
And the donkey its master’s ^[a]crib;
But Israel does not know,
My people do not ^[b]consider.”

⁴Alas, sinful nation,
A people ^[c]laden with iniquity,
A ^[d]brood of evildoers,
Children who are corrupters!
They have forsaken the Lord,
They have provoked to anger
The Holy One of Israel,
They have turned away backward.

⁵Why should you be stricken again?
You will revolt more and more.
The whole head is sick,
And the whole heart faints.
⁶From the sole of the foot even to the head,
There is no soundness in it,
But wounds and bruises and putrefying sores;
They have not been closed or bound up,
Or soothed with ointment.

⁷Your country is desolate,
Your cities are burned with fire;
Strangers devour your land in your presence;
And it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.
⁸So the daughter of Zion is left as a ^[e]booth in a vineyard,
As a hut in a garden of cucumbers,
As a besieged city.
⁹Unless the Lord of hosts
Had left to us a very small remnant,
We would have become like Sodom,
We would have been made like Gomorrah.

¹⁰Hear the word of the Lord,
You rulers of Sodom;
Give ear to the law of our God,
You people of Gomorrah:
¹¹“To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?”
Says the Lord.
“I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams
And the fat of fed cattle.
I do not delight in the blood of bulls,
Or of lambs or goats.

¹²“When you come to appear before Me,
Who has required this from your hand,
To trample My courts?
¹³Bring no more futile^[f] sacrifices;
Incense is an abomination to Me.
The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies—
I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.
¹⁴Your New Moons and your appointed feasts
My soul hates;
They are a trouble to Me,
I am weary of bearing them.
¹⁵When you ^[g]spread out your hands,
I will hide My eyes from you;
Even though you make many prayers,
I will not hear.
Your hands are full of ^[h]blood.

¹⁶“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;
Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.
Cease to do evil,
¹⁷Learn to do good;
Seek justice,
Rebuke ^[i]the oppressor;
^[j]Defend the fatherless,
Plead for the widow.

¹⁸“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
¹⁹If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
²⁰But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword”;
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

The Degenerate City

²¹How the faithful city has become a ^[k]harlot!
It was full of justice;
Righteousness lodged in it,
But now murderers.
²²Your silver has become dross,
Your wine mixed with water.
²³Your princes are rebellious,
And companions of thieves;
Everyone loves bribes,
And follows after rewards.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the cause of the widow come before them.

²⁴Therefore the Lord says,
The Lord of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel,
“Ah, I will ^[l]rid Myself of My adversaries,
And ^[m]take vengeance on My enemies.
²⁵I will turn My hand against you,
And thoroughly^[n] purge away your dross,
And take away all your alloy.
²⁶I will restore your judges as at the first,
And your counselors as at the beginning.
Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.”

²⁷Zion shall be redeemed with justice,
And her ^[o]penitents with righteousness.
²⁸The destruction of transgressors and of sinners shall be together,
And those who forsake the Lord shall be consumed.
²⁹For ^[p]they shall be ashamed of the ^[q]terebinth trees
Which you have desired;
And you shall be embarrassed because of the gardens
Which you have chosen.
³⁰For you shall be as a terebinth whose leaf fades,
And as a garden that has no water.
³¹The strong shall be as tinder,
And the work of it as a spark;
Both will burn together,
And no one shall quench them.

MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE:

Matthew 5:7 KJV “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

***

Thank you for reading in 2024 – a year of Exposure and Revelation with Repentance and Humility
May the God of peace keep you and bless you. Maranatha ~ Come, Lord Jesus!

10 May 20246 May 2024

Exploring the Character of God– 5-10-24

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV

RELATIONSHIP:

BIBLE READING:

Today’s reading is from the Book of Psalms, chapters 149-150.

Praise to God for His Salvation and Judgment

149 Praise^[a] the Lord!

Sing to the Lord a new song,
And His praise in the assembly of saints.

²Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
³Let them praise His name with the dance;
Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.
⁴For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the ^[b]humble with salvation.

⁵Let the saints be joyful in glory;
Let them sing aloud on their beds.
⁶Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
⁷To execute vengeance on the nations,
And punishments on the peoples;
⁸To bind their kings with chains,
And their nobles with fetters of iron;
⁹To execute on them the written judgment—
This honor have all His saints.

^[c]Praise the Lord!

Let All Things Praise the Lord

150 Praise^[d] the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty ^[e]firmament!

²Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

³Praise Him with the sound of the ^[f]trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
⁴Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
⁵Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!

⁶Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

^[g]Praise the Lord!

MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE:

Matthew 5:7 KJV “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

BIBLE DISCUSSION:

Embarking on a journey to explore the character of God through His Word is like setting sail on an endless sea of divine revelation. Scripture goes beyond mere narratives or moral teachings; it profoundly unveils our Creator’s nature and essence. Within its sacred pages, we find a mirror reflecting the heart of God, inviting us to peer into His infinite depths and understand Him more intimately. David expressed his love for God by learning His word at least 12 times in Psalm 119. Following David’s example, we can engage in a journey that transcends mere intellectual exercise and becomes a thrilling adventure that fills us with wonder and awe as we get to know our God better.

Understanding God’s character is a deeply personal journey to know His heart. Christianity isn’t just a set of beliefs or rituals; it’s a vibrant, dynamic relationship with the living God. Comprehending the character of the one with whom we relate is essential in any relationship. By grasping the intricacies of God’s being, His attributes, desires, and ways, we establish the foundation for our unique, personal relationship with Him.

The purpose of studying God’s character extends beyond gaining knowledge; it involves experiencing a profound transformation in our relationship with Him. As we delve into His attributes, we embark on a journey of discovery and intimacy. The Bible, our trusted guidebook, leads us through this expedition, offering a roadmap to God’s heart. Within its pages, we encounter the love that surpasses understanding, the holiness that inspires awe, the mercy that knows no bounds, and the justice that upholds righteousness. We also discover the faithfulness that endures through the ages, the goodness that satisfies the soul, the grace that redeems the broken, and the wisdom that surpasses human comprehension. Furthermore, we marvel at the omnipotence that works wonders, the omnipresence that offers solace, and the omniscience that knows us intimately. Standing in awe of the eternal God, our Provider, Protector, and Father, we rely on the Bible as our reliable companion, guiding us every step.

As we embark on this journey together, let us open our hearts, be receptive to new ideas, and attune our spirits to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. May each step draw us closer to the One who is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. And may our study of His character be an intellectual exercise and a transformative encounter that deepens our love, reverence, and devotion to God.

Characteristics of God:

Love

1 John 4:8 – “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” God’s love is unconditional, selfless, and enduring, revealing His compassionate nature and desire for a personal relationship with you.

Holiness

Psalm 99:9 – “Exalt the Lord our God, And worship at His holy hill; For the Lord our God is holy.” God’s holiness signifies His absolute purity and separation from sin, calling you to reverence and obedience in your relationship with Him.

Mercy

Psalm 86:15 – “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” God’s mercy demonstrates His compassion and willingness to forgive, inviting you to receive His grace and find restoration in Him.

Justice

Psalm 89:14 – “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.” God’s justice upholds righteousness and fairness, assuring you that He will ultimately make all things right and hold each accountable for their actions.

Faithfulness

Deuteronomy 7:9 – “Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.” God’s faithfulness is unwavering and steadfast, reminding you of His trustworthiness and commitment to fulfill His promises.

Goodness

Psalm 34:8 – “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” God’s goodness is abundant and satisfying, inviting you to trust His provision and rely on His perfect plans for your life.

Grace

Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” God’s grace is often defined as an undeserved favor freely given, offering salvation and reconciliation through Jesus Christ. However, Grace is a two-way street and causes powerful transformations!

Wisdom

Romans 11:33 – “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” God’s wisdom is infinite and unfathomable, guiding you in understanding His ways and making wise choices in alignment with His will.

Omnipotence

Jeremiah 32:17 – “Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.” God’s omnipotence, a testament to His boundless and infinite power, enables Him to achieve anything in line with His nature. This attribute of God, with its seemingly limitless nature, not only demonstrates His incomparable power and authority but also invokes a sense of awe and reverence, ensuring nothing beyond His ability to accomplish.

Omnipresence

Psalm 139:7 – “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” Omnipresence is one of God’s attributes, which means He is simultaneously fully present in every part of His creation. He is not limited by space or time. This attribute of God assures us of His constant presence and accessibility. It is comforting to know that He is always near, no matter where we are or what we are going through.

Omniscience

Psalm 147:5 – “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” Omniscience (om·nis·cience /ämˈniSH(ə)ns/) is a divine attribute that signifies God’s perfect knowledge of everything, including the past, present, and future, and His understanding of every detail of existence. This attribute confirms God’s wisdom, sovereignty, and authority over all creation and offers us a profound sense of guidance and support through His perfect knowledge.

Eternal

Psalm 90:2 – “Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” God’s eternality assures you of His unchanging nature and everlasting reign, providing hope and assurance in His eternal love and promises.

Provider

Philippians 4:19 – “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God’s role as Provider demonstrates His care and provision for your every need, inviting you to depend on Him as your sustainer and provider.

Protector

Psalm 18:2 – “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” God’s role as Protector assures you of His watchful care and defense against harm, offering you security and refuge in His strength.

Father

Matthew 6:9 – “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” God’s role as Father signifies His intimate relationship with you as His child, offering you love, guidance, and belonging in His family.

Please join us in the coming days as we dive deeper into these characteristics and get to know God better. Let us learn to take the time to study and meditate on Him so that we can genuinely say, just like Pau noted in 2 Timothy 1:12, “I know in whom I believe.”

The Bible is a profound unveiling of our Creator’s very nature and essence, inviting us to peer into His infinite depths and understand Him more intimately. By grasping the intricacies of God’s being, we build the foundation upon which our unique, personal relationship with Him is established. As we delve into the various attributes of God, we embark on a journey of discovery and intimacy.

Please join us on Monday as we begin to look into each characteristic more deeply. Meanwhile, please keep up on your weekend reading tomorrow as we begin a new book to read through.

***

Thank you for reading in 2024 – a year of Exposure and Revelation with Repentance and Humility
May the God of peace keep you and bless you. Maranatha ~ Come, Lord Jesus!