DATE: Jaunuary 23, 2016 (Saturday) - BIBLE READING: In the Old Testament, yours truly is reading 1 Kings 12-16. And in the New Testament is reading Luke. One person that stood out when I was reading Luke 2 was a really old godly woman named Anna (v. 36). "And there was one, Anna, a woman prophet, the daughter of Phanuel, of the family of Asher she was very old, and after seven years of married life She had been a widow for eighty-four years; she was in the Temple at all times, worshipping with prayers and going without food, night and day. And coming up at that time, she gave praise to God, talking of him to all those who were waiting for the freeing of Jerusalem." (Luke 2:36-38 BBE). She was worshipping the LORD in the temple for 84 years! And finally, her faithfulness was rewarded. She saw the Messiah.
DATE: January 24, 2016 (Sunday) - SERMON AUDIO: Listening to Rod Bell's sermon, "GOD looks at a nation". Dr. Bob Jones Sr. preaching.
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DATE: January 25, 2016 (Monday) - BIBLE READING: I am going over the gospel of Mark using the NKJV from Bible Gateway, KJV, GW and BBE from E-Sword. The disciple Mark starts with the proclamation of the LORD JESUS as the SON of GOD who fulfills Isaiah's prophecy several thousand years ago, "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the Prophets: 'Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.' 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: [Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.]'" (Mark 1:1-3 NKJV). John the Baptist was a miracle child. And he HOLY SPIRIT of GOD kept him all throughout his youth and adulthood. He was set apart by the LORD as the forerunner of the LORD JESUS. He was wearing camel's hair and a leather belt when he started his ministry of proclaiming JESUS' coming as the promised Messiah.
DATE: January 26, 2016 (Tuesday) - TBN's Drive Thru History: The Gospels.
TIME: 3:15AM - BIBLE READING: 1 Kings 1-22. The book of Kings (1) chronicles the lives of the different kings of the land of Israel. David is old and already his sons were fighting against each other for the throne. "Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, 'I will be king'; and he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him." (1 Kings 1:5 NKJV). Despite this the LORD faithfully upheld HIS favour to David in continuing his lineage in the throne. Eventually, Solomon became king and ruled the kingdom of Israel. From the first king, Saul, to David (the man after GOD's own heart), to Solomon.
TIME: 8:57AM - BIBLE READING: The kings of Israel started with the 12 tribes asking to have their own human king (and despising GOD) like the other knigdoms surrounding them. So the LORD (through Samuel, the last of the judges) said to let them. Saul was the first king, then David, then Solomon who built the magnificent temple to the LORD. Solomon didn't follow the LORD with his whole heart (because of his love for many strange women), causing the kingdom to be divided to Judah and the 10 tribes of Israel. Yet the LORD GOD kept HIS faithful promise to always have a king in the throne of David.
Solomon's son Rehoboam succeeded him on the throne. But Rehoboam was an evil king who built altars in high places to other gods/idols. And Jeroboam became king over the 10 tribes of Israel, as the LORD GOD had commanded as recompense against Solomon's sins (building altars for his many wives).
iTBN Bill Bright - testimony of his conversion by the LORD JESUS at Praise The LORD:
DATE: January 28, 2016 (Thursday) - The good LORD has given me another day of life. The LORD GOD owns everything. We are but stewards of GOD's resources. BIBLE READING: 1 Kings. I was trying to find out how many years each of the kings reigned. Rehoboam reigned 5 years before he lost all of the magnificent temple treasures that the LORD gave Solomon his father to Shishak, the Egyptian. "It happened in the fifth year of King Rehoboam that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem. And he took away the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king’s house; he took away everything. He also took away all the gold shields which Solomon had made." (1 Kings 14:25-26 NKJV). And there was no rest for the lands. Rehoboam was in constant battle with Jeroboam (even though they were both Israelites). "And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days." (1 Kings 14:30 NKJV).
After Rehoboam, Abijah his offspring reigned after him. And he started his rule in the 18th year of Jeroboam's reign. And he inherited the problem of civil war, and sinning against the LORD. 3 years this was happening. It's like having a riot of one community against another, except they actually killed each other. Kind of reminds me of the riot that was held by a group in Philippines. They were shot and killed and were running for their lives. But this one between Judah and Israel is everyday. Just a few years before, they were rejoicing and praising GOD for the great temple that they built. Then it's gone, and was replaced by civil unrest.
DATE: January 29, 2016 (Friday) - My BEFORE and AFTER from the good LORD. Pictures of the good LORD's blessings. It started with just a baggage push cart, then with a folding chair at the bottom of the steps where it is unlit and cold. Then the good LORD provided me with a milk crate. That helped out a little bit. I can put my keys or whatever in it (like a table). Then one day, as I was going to the Lufthansa office, I saw the broken glass table and I asked to have it. I then put it at my office. Then one day, one fo the maintenece workers decided to clean the steps and moved the chairs and table outside. I then took the table and chair inside. The floor was clean. But I took the table up the steps and found the wheeled passenger chair. That completed my "office". The milk crate, the wheeld chair, and the table. And as a bonus, the place was nice and warm, and well-lit!
DATE: February 1, 2016 (Monday) - Video below is from BGEA (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) video library, Christmas 1983.
DATE: February 2, 2016 (Tuesday) - BIBLE READING: First of even anything, I thank the good LORD for HIS abundant goodness and grace towards me in letting me read HIS holy WORD. Yours truly is going through the book of 1 Kings. After Solomon's death Rehoboam took over the kingdom of Israel. And because of his father Solomon's sins, the kingdom was divided! GOD is sovereign over all! "So the king did not give ear to the people; and this came about by the purpose of the Lord, so that what he had said by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam, son of Nebat, might be effected." (1 Kings 12:15 BBE). Rehoboam did not heed the advise of the old men, but listened to the foolish suggestions of his peers - 1 Kings 12:10-11. "And the young men of his generation said to him, This is the answer to give to the people who came to you saying, Your father put a hard yoke on us; will you make it less? say to them, My little finger is thicker than my father's body; If my father put a hard yoke on you, I will make it harder: my father gave you punishment with whips, but I will give you blows with snakes." (BBE).
DATE: February 6, 2016 (Saturday) - Drive Thru History: The Gospels. Travel through time when the LORD JESUS lived here on earth (through the eye witness reports of HIS disciples): From left to right - December 14, 2015, December 28, January 4, 2016, January 11.
DATE: February 7, 2016 (Sunday) - This is a video (below) of the LORD's work there in the Philippines through Pastor Romelo Gabais. He used to work as an electrician making 10,000 pesos a month ($210 a month). He gave all that up to obey the call of GOD. He now makes only 750 pesos a month ($16 a month). But the good LORD is blessing him with a flourshing church.
ICM Thrive Program (PHP) from caremin on Vimeo.
DATE: February 8, 2016 (Monday) - BIBLE READING: 1 Kings 12. The LORD has faithfully preserved HIS WORD for us to give us light, instructions, and truth about HIMSELF,about ourselves, and about the universe HE has created for us. And here, the good LORD has accurately recorded for us the history of HIS chosen people (along with HIS eternal plan for our lives, our salvation through CHRIST). In 1 Kings 12, the downfall of the people has started. From Solomon to his descendants. The glory of the nation is rapidly slipping away. Rehoboam, Solomon's son and successor to the throne, is the recepient of the result of the sins of his father. Yet the LORD GOD remains faithful to HIS own. Rehoboam has decided to continue with his father's sins, when he disregard the advice of the elders - 1 Kings 12:13, "And the king gave them a rough answer, giving no attention to the suggestion of the old men;" (BBE).
DATE: February 9, 2016 (Tuesday) - GOD's plan for us (the whole world) as seen in Daniel 9:24-27, known as Daniel's 70 weeks. PERSONAL NOTE: It just occured to me that this life (my generation amongs many generations) is in the "GAP" between the 69th and the 70th week. The year 2016. The 69th week was when the MESSIAH was cut off (AD 30). That is about 1,986 years since. And 68 years (May 14, 1948) since Israel became a nation again. Just as what the WORD of GOD says about the budding of the fig tree (that when you see it flourshing, you know that summer is near).
DATE: February 15, 2016 (Monday) - BIBLE READING: The decision of Rehoboam (1 Kings 12). Rehoboam's dad, Solomon, was known for his wisdom. But Rehoboam didn't learn from his dad. He could have listened to the old men's advice about serving the people, and he could've kept the kingdom undivided. But he chose unwisely. Also, his grandfather was a godly man (David). But his heritage didn't help him. NOTE: People were the object of attention as rulers instead of GOD. Idol worship crept in the people's practices (that which the LORD warned them about, and that which HE despises). Now when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, saying: “What share have we in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Now, see to your own house, O David!” (1 Kings 12:16a NKJV). The LORD GOD is a GOD of unity. The evil one is the one who divides.
After the judgment on Rehoboam (because of his father's sins) was accomplished, Jeroboam was left as king of Israel (10 tribes), Now it came to pass when all Israel heard that Jeroboam had come back, they sent for him and called him to the congregation, and made him king over all Israel. There was none who followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only. (1 Kings 12:20 NKJV). The LORD GOD gave Jeroboam the chance to reform HIS people, Israel. Jeroboam built his house (castle) in Shechem. Jeroboam knows the instructions of the LORD about building the temple. But he let his fears get the best of him, instead of asking the LORD GOD - And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom may return to the house of David: If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn back to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and go back to Rehoboam king of Judah.” (1 Kngs 12:26-27 NKJV). Jeroboam knows about Solomon's sins, and about the LORD's judgment over them, and why the LORD had him become king. Also, Jeroboam had David his king as an example. How David keeps asking GOD's help, GOD's mind on things. Plus he had the WORD of GOD, and the prophets of GOD. Solomon wanted to kill Jeroboam, so Jeroboam was fearful. But he had David as an example. Saul wanted to kill David too, but David kept his mind and heart on GOD. Jeroboam could have done the same.
DATE: February 16, 2016 (Tuesday) - Jeroboam made or improvised golden images (calves) for the people's worship (the same images that Aaron made in the wilderness). And he also built shrines. The LORD GOD gave specific instructions about worshipping HIM (in the temple in Jerusalem), and there only (1 Kings 12:28-33 NKJV).Only GOD's grace sustains.
DATE: February 17, 2016 (Wednesday) - JEROBOAM (1 Kings): Another thing, Jeroboam was under the kingship of Solomon when Solomon built the magnificent temple. Jeroboam witnessed the glory of the temple as the place of worship! Then Solomon’s servant, Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite from Zereda, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow, also rebelled against the king. And this is what caused him to rebel against the king: Solomon had built the Millo and repaired the damages to the City of David his father. The man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor; and Solomon, seeing that the young man was industrious, made him the officer over all the labor force of the house of Joseph. (1 Kings 11:26-28 NKJV).
TIME: 2:18AM - Mark 1: From the time when the LORD GOD had promised to send HIS people the messiah, to when CHRIST came (in the fullness of time), several hundred years had passed, 400BC. The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’” (Mark 1:1-3 NKJV). BAPTISM: John came baptizing in the Jordan river telling/preaching to the multitudes to repent/confess their sins. John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. (Mark 1:4-5 NKJV). I am guessing that from of old (Old Testament times), the Psalm portrays washing by water as symbolic of washing away of our sins, Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:7).
DATE: February 18, 2016 (Thursday) - The LORD JESUS' fore-runner, John, was given by the FATHER the spirit of the Old Testament prophet, Elijah. And John had the grace of paving the way for the LORD JESUS, “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’” (Mark 1:2b-3 NKJV). John prepared the way of the LORD (GOD). The generation that LORD JESUS came/was born to was intent on destroying HIM. He cameunto HIS OWN, but HIS own received HIM not. Hell was concentrated there. As in the times of Elijah, when the people of Israel was going back to their wicked ways just a few years after the LORD had given them the promised land, after having showed them HIS glory in the wilderness, in giving them HIS chosen king, David, and HIS chosen servants, several prophets, Shemaiah, Ahijah, men of GOD. There are a few godly men, but majority of the Israelites are disobedient. As in the time of our LORD, there were those few godly people among the common people. Herod the great was the king of Israel. He was not a godly king, Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:1-2 NKJV). Whether the LORD JESUS came this time or at any other time, HE would have met with the same evil resistance. Yet the LORD GOD, in HIS divine wisdom has chosen this time (the fullness of time) to reach out to HIS people. All things working out to the glory of GOD.
DATE: February 19, 2016 (Friday) - John knew about the scriptures, as Andrew Wommack said when he was in jail, and was asking about the LORD JESUS, about HIM being the chosen one, Messiah, or if they should look for another. And the LORD JESUS told them to witness HIS works (according to scriptures).
DATE: February 20, 2016 (Saturday) - I am beholding the LORD GOD's soveriengty when yours truly (me) witnesses the events when our LORD JESUS started HIS ministry, with the fore-runner proclaiming HIS arrival into HIS own people. This was prophesied several years ago, and it is now being fulfilled with all of creation doing its part according to the LORD GOD's omnipotent will. Mary, being a virgin, giving birth to the SAVIOUR. Bethlehem being the place where the MESSIAH was born. John proclaiming the MESSIAH. The heavenly FATHER acknowledging the SON. GOD speaking (intervening) in time, as HE spoke to Abraham, Moses, Jacob, and those of HIS chosens.
DATE: February 21, 2016 (Sunday) - Pictures below are of Bible in yours truly's office at work.
DATE: February 22, 2016 (Monday) - Things were quiet for 400 years, until the birth of our LORD. There were people though who were expecting a major event (in the stars) like the magis/wise men from the east (some claim that these wise men were from Persia), Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. (Matthew 1:1-2). Then miracle upon miracle started happening. An angel appears to Zacharias. Elizabeth giving birth at her old age (to the fore-runner of the MESSIAH). Then they both naming John with the same name (Zacharias being struck with dumbness). Then the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary telling here of her role as the bearer of the MESSIAH. Then a host of angelic choir exulting the birth of the MESSIAH to shepherds.
Then John shows up preaching and baptizing about the kingdom of heaven, about the coming of the promised MESSIAH. The kingdom of GOD is at hand. John knows the scriptures and he knows about the time of the MESSIAH, and his role as the fore-runner of the LORD JESUS. John knows about the greatest time in the world, when GOD comes to earth as the promised SAVIOUR. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. (Mark 1:6-8 NKJV). The LORD GOD does things differently than the human thinking. The LORD GOD reveals HIS will but humans like us thinks of what we want to think. The SAVIOUR has come but we didn't expect HIM to come as a servant. Although scriptures portrays HIM as the suffering MESSIAH, (Isaiah). John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (Mark 1:4 NKJV). John could only speak or preach about what GOD wants from HIS people, and that is the baptism of repentance for the remissions of sins. John didn't tell the people to take arms, or bring offerings in preparation for the MESSIAH. He asked the people for repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
DATE: February 26, 2016 (Friday) - BIBLE READING: 1 Kings. Jeroboam's plight and Solomon's inability. Solomon was bent on killing Jeroboam because the LORD was going to make him king after him (Solomon). But is attempts were futile. And he wasn't, he didn't finish this intent because the LORD prevented it against Solomon. He passed away without doing it. And Jeroboam became (was appointed by the LORD) the first king after the split, after the LORD took the kingdom away from Solomon's descendants. Jeroboam had the special previlege of being king, of being king over the LORD's kingdom, the LORD's people. Now at that time, when Jeroboam was going out of Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite came across him on the road; now Ahijah had put on a new robe; and the two of them were by themselves in the open country. And Ahijah took his new robe in his hands, parting it violently into twelve. And he said to Jeroboam, Take ten of the parts, for this is what the Lord has said: See, I will take the kingdom away from Solomon by force, and will give ten tribes to you; But one tribe will be his, because of my servant David, and because of Jerusalem, the town which, out of all the tribes of Israel, I have made mine, Because they are turned away from me to the worship of Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Zidonians, and Chemosh, the god of Moab, and Milcom, the god of the Ammonites; they have not been walking in my ways or doing what is right in my eyes or keeping my laws and my decisions as his father David did. But I will not take the kingdom from him; I will let him be king all the days of his life, because of David my servant, in whom I took delight because he kept my orders and my laws. But I will take the kingdom from his son, and give it to you. (1 Kings 11:29-35 BBE).
DATE: February 27, 2016 (Saturday) - BIBLE READING: 1 Kings. (A) "The sword will not depart from your house" to David. Constant conflict between Judah and Israel. (B) The LORD GOD chose a people to HIMSELF to show HIS glory to the world (other nations). When the LORD GOD gave commands against idol worship!
DATE: February 29, 2016 (Monday) - I was going over 1 Kings and noticed that the different kings of Israel (and of Judah) are all GOD's chosen people. The kings of Israel were disobedient, and sinned against the LORD but HE is still faithful to them (in sending them HIS messengers). And the LORD raised up good kings to HIS 2 remaining nations (Judah) as HE promised David.
Mark 1: Now after John had been put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the good news of God, And saying, The time has come, and the kingdom of God is near: let your hearts be turned from sin and have faith in the good news. (Mark 1:14-15 BBE). The LORD JESUS has proclaimed the HIS people (and to the rest of the world) that GOD's kingdom has come (as was prophesied by Daniel).
DATE: March 1, 2016 (Tuesday) - Here are some of the reasons why the good LORD despises idol worship, why the good LORD tells HIS people NOT to do them like the other nations around the people of Israel, "And more than this, there were those in the land who were used for sex purposes in the worship of the gods, doing the same disgusting crimes as the nations which the Lord had sent out before the children of Israel." (1 Kings 14:24 BBE); "And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel." (1 Kings 14:24). Sodomites who practices prostitution in that idol worship. GOD's own people (just like you and me) having all of HIS infinite blessings and care, has gone a-whoring after other gods which are not, and after all sorts of sins against HIS great goodness.
DATE: March 3, 2016 (Wednesday) - Jeroboam became the by-word for those other kings who followed after him in sinning against the LORD, In Asa's third year as king of Judah, Baasha, son of Ahijah, began to rule Israel in Tirzah. He ruled for 24 years. He did what the LORD considered evil. He lived like Jeroboam and led Israel into committing the same sins. (1 Kings 15:33-34).
DATE: March 4, 2016 (Thursday) - Recapping the history of GOD own people, HIS chosen ones, HE called out Abraham from the Ur of the Chaldees, then gave him Canaan, the promised land. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Then the LORD called Moses to get HIS people out of slavery in Egypt. Joshua took over after Moses, and got the poeple to the promised land. The LORD then gave judges to rule and deliver HIS people (Samson, Gideon, ...). Then the LORD gave Israle kings, Saul, David, Solomon. And after Solomon, there were Rehoboam (of Judah), Jeroboam (of Israel). These are people of royalty. Kings who were wealthy because of the LORD blessings on them, HIS faithful provision for them.
DATE: March 5, 2016 (Saturday) - CHARACTER STUDIES: 1 Kings: This part of the history of Israel, kings ruled. The children of Israel wanted to have a king to rule over them instead of the LORD GOD, so the LORD had them do what they wanted to do (in the times of the judges when the people did that which is good in their own sight). But the LORD is always faithful, and kept watching and caring for them despite their rebellion. Now this is the result of that decision - the people having wicked kings of Israel from Jeroboam to Hoshea. (Judah had a number of good kings though, because of GOD's grace as HE promised David).
DATE: March 7, 2016 (Sunday) - 1 Kings: Jeroboam - The successor of Solomon under GOD's chosing, (GOD's soveriengty) Solomon whom the LORD also chose, but was a sinner like everyone else, and he fell into sin (loving many strange women) and worshiping many idols. So the LORD raised up enemies against him (Hadad the Edomite, Rezon of Damascus, and Jeroboam). King Solomon loved many foreign women in addition to Pharaoh's daughter. He loved Hittite women and women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon. They came from the nations about which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, "Never intermarry with them. They will surely tempt you to follow their gods." But Solomon was obsessed with their love. (1 Kings 11:1-2 GW [GOD's WORD]). The good LORD is always good. And there is no evil in HIM. So when Solomon sinned against HIM, Solomon caused the kingdom to be divided. Yet GOD didn't have the thing happen during Solomon's days. The LORD showed Solomon mercy.
"I will choose you so that you can rule everything you desire. You will be king of Israel. If you will do all I command you, follow my ways, and do what I consider right by obeying my laws and commands as my servant David did, then I will be with you. I will build a permanent dynasty for you as I did for David. And I will give you Israel. (1 Kings 11:37-38 GW). Jeroboam was given the grace and exclusive right to ruler over Israel. Jeroboam was a hard worker. Hard work pays off. But like everone else, he is a sinner. The LORD had told him how to live, but he did not heed the LORD. HE was living in the palace, or he had a constant view of palace life. And he must have known of David and his ways to wards the LORD. And this was a special previlege that the LORD GOD of the universe has given him! The first of a line of kings after Solomon. First of the line of KINGS period! How we lack APPRECIATION of the tremendous grace of GOD... The LORD GOD is ever so patient towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come unto repentance.
DATE: March 8, 2016 (Tuesday) - 1 Kings 12: The WORD of the LORD says that there is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of death. Solomon's son who suceeded him in the throne is the example of that very thing. HE is so cocky and sure of himself that he was sure that he can do whatever he wants and still be on top King Rehoboam sought advice from the older leaders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive. He asked, "What do you advise? How should I respond to these people?" They told him, "If you will serve these people today, humble yourself, and speak gently, then they will always be your servants." But he ignored the advice the older leaders gave him. He sought advice from the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. (1 Kings 12:6-8 BBE). But all the while he was fulfilling GOD's prophecy. Whether he was aware of the judgment placed upon his dad, or not, he did exactly what the LORD had said. The LORD, HE is GOD! Rehoboam started right by asking the elders for their advice. But his pride got the best of him. Being born a royalty, he must have thought he can use his authority for his own pleasure!?! (Myself included). The LORD's infinite grace is the only way of deliverance from our sinfulness -- obedience to HIS will.
TIME: 4:06PM - GOSPEL: (Mark). Mark starts the gospel of our LORD with HIS ministry. First is HIS fulfilment of the scriptures, This is the beginning of the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Mark 1:1 GW). GOD coming to man is always good news. The perfect eternal GOD, all good, all wise. The LORD of all hope. This is good news to all, great and small, rich and poor. For those without hope, losing hope, in despair, in bondage to sin.
DATE: March 10, 2016 (Thursday) - GOSPEL: (Mark). The life of the SAVIOUR consists of fulfillment of the scriptures (GOD's WORD). From HIS birth to HIS death on the cross for our sins. Our great GOD and KING came not with a lot of worldly media coverage. Our LORD and KING came to only a few, lowly shepherds. The magis from the east (Persia?) found out about the coming MESSIAH by means of study of the times and stars. But the hosts of angels were sent to lowly shepherds. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. (Mark 1:9). The SAVIOUR indentified with our plight when HE voluntarily went through John's baptism in the Jordan river.
DATE: March 11, 2016 (Friday) - GOSPEL: (Mark). Mark records our SAVIOUR's life as the servant MESSIAH busily doing GOD the FATHER's will.
DATE: March 13, 2016 (Sunday) - KINGS OF ISRAEL: (1 Kings). I have been contemplating the life of Jeroboam, who was chosen by the LORD to be king over Israel after Solomon. That is an awesome responsibility. To rule over GOD''s chosen people. Jeroboam sought advice BUT NOT from the LORD, Therefore the king asked advice, made two calves of gold, and said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!” And he set up one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. (1 Kings 12:28-29 NKJV). David always seeks the LORD. Jeroboam didn't. And Jeroboam relied on his own understanding, And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom may return to the house of David: If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn back to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and go back to Rehoboam king of Judah.” (1 Kings 12:26-27 NKJV). Just like us to rely on our own thinking, when GOD is always there to help us, to protect us.
TIME: 8:40AM - JEROBOAM. There were men of GOD even during the reign of evil kings. Ahijah was there to anoint Jeroboam king over Israel, yet Jeroboam didn't consult him (much the LORD). But Jeroboam was presumptious - he instituted his own worship and festivals apart from the LORD GOD, Now this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan. He made shrines on the high places, and made priests from every class of people, who were not of the sons of Levi. Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did at Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he had made. And at Bethel he installed the priests of the high places which he had made. So he made offerings on the altar which he had made at Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, in the month which he had devised in his own heart. And he ordained a feast for the children of Israel, and offered sacrifices on the altar and burned incense. (1 Kings 12:30-33 NKJV). NOTE: When the LORD GOD appoints you to do something, rest assured HE will see you through it!
DATE: March 14, 2016 (Monday) - The LORD JESUS went through the same temptations that Adam went through as a representatvie of the human race (that's us). Satan confronted the LORD face to face. The great deceiver and tempter poured out his wiles against the LORD, At once the Spirit brought him into the desert, where he was tempted by Satan for 40 days. He was there with the wild animals, and the angels took care of him. (Mark 1:12-13 GW). Greater love hath no man than this; that he gives his life for his friends. The LORD JESUS stood in the gap for us.
DATE: March 15, 2016 (Tuesday) - "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6). Pastor Alistair Begg spoke of our SAVIOUR and LORD JESUS as the only, not just a way, or another way, or part of the many ways, but as the ONLY way, only truth, and only life. HE is the only way to GOD the FATHER. And none other! Pontius Pilate was famous because he had an encounter with the blessed SAVIOUR, and only because of that. "Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?" (John 18:36-38). Pilate does not know the truth, but truth is staring him in the face! Pilate knew that the charges against the LORD JESUS is trumped up, and it doesn't "have a leg to stand on" (Alistair Begg). So Pilate was seeking the truth, and it was right there, even the SAVIOUR, and GOD the SON.
The LORD JESUS "went here on a rescue mission!" (Franklin Graham).
DATE: March 20, 2016 (Sunday) - Looks to me like, the people of Israel were doing the same things that they were doing (sinning against the LORD) during the times of the Judges, but the only difference they have kings, not judges. And the kingdom is divided. Even in that state, the LORD remains faithful. HE sends them prophets (Elijah, Elisha, Ahijah, Shemaiah, etc...) to correct them, to speak to them on HIS behalf. Now there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days. And Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. (1 Kings 15:16-17 NKJV). I was wondering just what kind of cities they have back then. And the WORD of GOD says that Baasha (of Israel) was building Ramah. It's like Baasha is setting camp there. Military history. NOTE: The events that happened after the division of the kingdom of Israel was like a conspiracy story, one after another. One king rises and kills the former king and his descendants, etc... This is a result of the sins of one man. (David... and his descendants - just as what the LORD said, that the sword shall not depart out of his house for having killed Uriah, the husband of Bathsheba). There was no good king in the kingdom of Israel. They (the kings) were inclined to do evil. Now Nadab the son of Jeroboam became king over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and he reigned over Israel two years. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin by which he had made Israel sin. (1 Kings 15:25-26 NKJV).
When things looks the darkest, the LORD GOD sends HIS finest. Ahab versus Elijah. Sin cannot outdo GOD! There were faithful believers at the time of Ahab's (and Jezebel's) reign. And Jezebel were putting them to death. So the LORD GOD sends HIS own champion, Elijah to stand for the LORD. To let the others know that GOD is alive and well (and is in control). And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” (1 Kings 17:1 NKJV).
DATE: March 21, 2016 (Monday) - The means and methods of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY's communicating to us (mankind). The LORD chose Israel to be HIS people. And HE takes care of them despite their sin against HIM. The LORD GOD even talks to them constantly. The notion that the ALMIGHTY is distant and is not concerned about our plight is simply not true. Even in the times of the kings of Israel and Judah, GOD is constantly concerned, and is talking to them through HIS prophets, correcting and directing. The LORD appoints them as kings by HIS infinite grace, knowing full well that they will go against the right way, the LORD's way. That perhaps they might turn from their wicked ways and the LORD would grant them pardon. The progression of the LORD's communication to HIS people - Moses, Samuel, David, Gideon, the prophets during the kings (Ahiljah, Shemaiah, Elijah, Elisha...), then the major prophets when Israel and Judah was captured by the Babylonians and the Assyrians.
TIME: 12:09PM - I heard someone ask that if you have absolute power what will you do? Well, there are people who thought they had absolute power and it got to their heads, Mao Tse Tung, Kim Jung Il, his son Kim Jung Un, Stalin, Hitler, etc... GOD has absolute power, yet HE is NOT corrupt. GOD is compassionate, merciful, and holy. GOD came down to us to show s HIMSELF, and to save us from our sins. GOD is absolute selflessness.
What does the BIble say about Jeroboam, the first king of Israel after the split of the kingdom to Israel and Judah? The good LORD has given him the honor of ruling HIS people. But he did not obey the commandments of the LORD against false worship. And the LORD spoke to him through the "man of GOD" about his disobedience, And behold, a man of God went from Judah to Bethel by the word of the Lord, and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. Then he cried out against the altar by the word of the Lord, and said, “O altar, altar! Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, a child, Josiah by name, shall be born to the house of David; and on you he shall sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and men’s bones shall be burned on you.’” And he gave a sign the same day, saying, “This is the sign which the Lord has spoken: Surely the altar shall split apart, and the ashes on it shall be poured out.” (1 Kings 13:1-3 NKJV).
DATE: March 22, 2016 (Tuesday) - Drive Thru History, The Gospels (video below):
DATE: March 23, 2016 (Wednesday) - Billy Graham "Standing For The Gospel" clip below (courtesy of BGEA):
DATE: March 24, 2016 The man of GOD who confronted Jeroboam about his sin of idolatry, (1 Kings 13).
TIME: 8:07AM - Below is Brian Sumner's testimony of the eternal life that the LORD gives to those who come to HIM and receive HIS forgiveness in CHRIST:
DATE: March 29, 2016 (Tuesday) - Watched "Slums Philippines" again in Facebook videos. It just re-enforces GOD's goodness to myself. The cruelty of sin, and the evil one. Yet the good LORD cares about us, poor and rich alike. I rather focus on the ministries that reaches out to all.
Poverty and the slums of Manila - A Walk through Tondo (Maya's Hope cutie pies live here.) Victor attended our gala last fall. He told me, "Maya, I'm headed to the Philippines in January. I want to see your work on the ground. I'm a hands on kind of guy". He went to Tondo, where Joshua, John Kane and many of the cutie pies we help live... "I don't like to show the ugliness of their world, but rather the beauty of our superstars". Video by Victor Ozeri
Posted by Maya's Hope on Monday, January 25, 2016TIME: 8:15AM - And yours truly is here enjoying the luxuries of a lot of things, like the use of the internet, nice apartment, running water, hot water, clean drinking water, clean neighborhood, relatively inexpensive groceries, car, work, clothings - all because the good LORD has and keeps showing me favor and infinite blessings through the SAVIOUR (JESUS).
2 Kings 6 - During the time of the kings of the LORD's people (Israel in the uppermost and Judah in the lowermost of the promised land), GOD still sends HIS servants to minister to HIS people despite their disobedience (sinning against HIM) in their idolatry and wickedness because HE is faithful. Elisha is ministering to the people of Israel, King Ahab who is the worst king doing wickedness in the sight of GOD. Whenever the king of Aram was fighting against Israel, he asked for advice from his officers about where they were to camp. So the man of God would send a message to the king of Israel, "Be careful not to go by that place. The Arameans are hiding there." Then the king of Israel would send someone to the place that the man of God told him about. Elisha warned them so that they would be on their guard. He did this repeatedly. (2 Kings 6:8-10 GW). Elisha would inform King Ahab of the plots of the king of Syria to ambush the Israelites.
DATE: March 31, 2016 (Thursday) - Rehoboam (1 Kings 12): Rehoboam listening to his peers instead of the wisdom of the older men, after he asked for the advice. The older men have more experience so they are more knowledgeable. RC Sproul is very knowledgeable, and I appreciate his sermons and teachings. I listen to him and other preachers expound on the scriptures in the internet and the radio. These men of GOD makes you really appreciate the works of the LORD JESUS.
DATE: April 1, 2016 (Friday) - Rehoboam (1 Kings 12): The LORD GOD is in total control of all things. HE gives us life, strength, breath, intelligence, and freedom (free will), as in the case of Rehoboam. The LORD just let Rehoboam make the choice and used that to accomplish HIS will.The LORD knew this before Rehoboam decided. "Nothing takes GOD by surprise".
DATE: April 4, 2016 (Monday) - Rehoboam (1 Kings 12): But he rejected the advice which the elders had given him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him. (1 Kings 12:8 NKJV). Yours truly is guilty of this very thing. This was the crucial point for Rehoboam. His impetuous response split the kingdom. The LORD used even our foolishness to accomplish HIS will. Then the king answered the people roughly, and rejected the advice which the elders had given him; (1 Kings 12:13 NKJV). Rehoboam did not entreat the nation kindly, his own people. That's why David was different. He sought GOD. He entreats people with compassion. Only the LORD knows personal communications - interpersonal relationships. After all, HE created us. HE knows our downsitting and our uprising. He knows the very number of our hairs. For the choir director; a psalm by David. O LORD, you have examined me, and you know me. You alone know when I sit down and when I get up. You read my thoughts from far away. (Psalm 139:1-2 BBE).
When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, the people answered the king, "What share do we have in David's kingdom? We won't receive an inheritance from Jesse's son. To your own tents, Israel! Now look after your own house, David!" So Israel went home to their own tents. (1 Kings 12:16 BBE). What is the end or conclusion of rejecting good elderly counsel, and wrong (harsh) treatment of others? "You're on your own!" Rebellion.
TIME: 7:29PM - The LORD's resurrection: Bible.org has an important article on the LORD JESUS' resurrection written by Bob Deffinbaugh. Your father Abraham was pleased to see that my day was coming. He saw it and was happy." The Jews said to Jesus, "You're not even fifty years old. How could you have seen Abraham?" Jesus told them, "I can guarantee this truth: Before Abraham was ever born, I am." (John 8:56-58 GW). Abraham was glad to see of the promised of GOD the FATHER to Abraham's descendants, even the LORD JESUS' becoming a man.
The SAVIOUR's life through the eyes of a disciple who portrays the GOD of the universe, even the LORD JESUS.
DATE: April 5, 2016 (Tuesday) New Testament: When you experience something extraordinarily wonderful (even something eternal consequence), you can not help but share them (part of being human). Same thing with Mark. He has beheld the SAVIOUR, and has been changed by the LORD. So he penned this gospel (good news) of the SAVIOUR's life and love for us. Which culminated in the SAVIOUR's death and resurrection! But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. (Galatians 4:4-5). At the right moment, at the right time in history, when human culture was ripe and full, in language, and in civilization (Romans and Greeks), the LORD GOD sent HIS own begotten to this world.The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Mark 1:1). Mark made that expression by declaring the truth of the LORD JESUS godhead. As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (Mark 1:2-3 GW). It wasn't only Mark who bore witness of JESUS to be GOD's only begotten SON, but the scriptures also.
DATE: April 8, 2016 (Friday) - The king refused to listen to the people because the LORD was directing these events to carry out the promise he had made to Jeroboam (Nebat's son) through Ahijah from Shiloh. When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, the people answered the king, "What share do we have in David's kingdom? We won't receive an inheritance from Jesse's son. To your own tents, Israel! Now look after your own house, David!" So Israel went home to their own tents. (1 Kings 12:15-16 GW). The LORD is well able to take care of millions of lives. Whenever I come back home from work, I pass through this bridge which gives me a 180 view of the skyline. And it makes me think of the hundreds, thousands, even millions of people who live there. And the LORD knows and takes care of each single life. Just as HE omni-potently takes care of the people of Israel, which by now numbers in millions. Not a single event in all of human history, not a single thought in the single human mind, escapes GOD's attention. For the choir director; a psalm by David. O LORD, you have examined me, and you know me. You alone know when I sit down and when I get up. You read my thoughts from far away. You watch me when I travel and when I rest. You are familiar with all my ways. (Psalm 139:1-3 GW). GOD knows, GOD created the world outside and the world inside.
DATE: April 11, 2016 (Monday) - MARK: The LORD GOD has generously given us HIS SON, and HIS WORD (even the holy record of our SAVIOUR's life) in the New Testament. GOD's generous heart is shown to us in HIS SON, and in HIS divine record of HIS life for us (the whole world). Mark's record of the SAVIOUR's life is re-affirmed by the dictates of Simon Peter who was with the SAVIOUR in HIS life and death. GOD the SON who came to this world to save us from our sins, was seen and witnessed by Simon Peter, as he followed the MASTER and LORD during HIS ministry here on earth, and with HIS own people.
John Bevere mentioned these 3 significant people who had one common thing that made them "great", Paul, David, Moses. And that is they were close to the LORD!
DATE: April 12, 2016 (Tuesday) - The life of the SAVIOUR (the gospel according to Mark): The word of the LORD is eternal. The WORD is eternal. In the beginning is the WORD. And the WORD was with GOD. And the WORD was GOD. The SAVIOUR's coming to existence as human is based on GOD's WORD, Mark 1:1-3.
DATE: April 14, 2016 (Thursday) - Our LORD GOD gives us ample warning to let us be aware of an event that the LORD is about to do. As in the case of Moses, the LORD had him go to Pharoah to give Pharoah the message from the LORD. And in the time of the Judges when the LORD sends HIS chosen person to let the people know of the LORD's deliverance. And then the prophets during the time of the kings of Israel and Judah. So the LORD GOD sends HIS greatest prophet, John the Baptist to proclaim HIS coming, When John's messengers had left, Jesus spoke to the crowds about John. "What did you go into the desert to see? Tall grass swaying in the wind? Really, what did you go to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Those who wear splendid clothes and live in luxury are in royal palaces. Really, what did you go to see? A prophet? Let me tell you that he is far more than a prophet. John is the one about whom Scripture says, 'I am sending my messenger ahead of you to prepare the way in front of you.' I can guarantee that of all the people ever born, no one is greater than John. (Luke 7:24-28 GW). And in the future, during the great tribulation, the LORD will once again send HIS messengers (2 witnesses), Then I was given a stick like a measuring stick. I was told, "Stand up and measure the temple of God and the altar. Count those who worship there. But do not measure the temple courtyard. Leave that out, because it is given to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for 42 months. I will allow my two witnesses who wear sackcloth to speak what God has revealed. They will speak for 1,260 days." These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands standing in the presence of the Lord of the earth. If anyone wants to hurt them, fire comes out of the witnesses' mouths and burns up their enemies. If anyone wants to hurt them, he must be killed the same way. These witnesses have authority to shut the sky in order to keep rain from falling during the time they speak what God has revealed. They have authority to turn water into blood and to strike the earth with any plague as often as they want. (Revelation 11:1-6 GW).
Tibet: "I Never Felt Jesus So Close"
DATE: April 18, 2016 (Monday) - JEROBOAM: Jeroboam could have clung unto the LORD instead of fearing what he made in his thinking about what the people will do. And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom may return to the house of David: If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn back to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and go back to Rehoboam king of Judah.” (1 Kings 12:26-27 NKJV). Is Jeroboam panicking when this thing happened? Yet David would have sought the LORD when confronted with this thing.
MAN OF GOD: One of the LORD's messengers became a casualty in warning Jeroboam of his sins in making the people to sin against the LORD - 1 Kings 13. After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said, "You've been worshiping in Jerusalem long enough. Israel, here are your gods who brought you out of Egypt." He put one in Bethel and the other in Dan. Worshiping them became Israel's sin. (1 Kings 12:28-30 GW). Jeroboam don't really need to seek advice because the LORD already told them what to do, and that is make NO IDOLS!
GOG AND MAGOG: The following countries will be involved in the great tribulation, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Germany, Iran, and Russia.
DATE: April 19, 2016 (Tuesday) - REASON: Here is the reason why Jeroboam became a by-word of sinning against the LORD, Therefore the king asked advice, made two calves of gold, and said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!” And he set up one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. Now this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan. He made shrines on the high places, and made priests from every class of people, who were not of the sons of Levi. Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did at Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he had made. And at Bethel he installed the priests of the high places which he had made. So he made offerings on the altar which he had made at Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, in the month which he had devised in his own heart. And he ordained a feast for the children of Israel, and offered sacrifices on the altar and burned incense. (1 Kings 12:28-33 NKJV). Most of the people in Jeroboam's lifetime were idolaters. Yet not all. Ahijah was on the LORD's side and Jeroboam could've clung to the LORD as Ahijah continues to do. Jeroboam could've heeded what Aijah said about not worhsipping idols - (1 Kings 11:29-39).
DATE: April 20, 2016 (Wednesday) - MARK: I am thinking that the people back then, most of them, are thinking that the Messiah to come will be one that will help them be free from the Roman oppression. Instead, the LORD JESUS came to give freedom from our sins! That's what John the baptist was doing. He was telling people to repent of their sins. As it was in the days of old, when the people were following the LORD, the LORD protects them from the enemies. But when the people disobeyed, the protection leaves, and they get destroyed by the enemies.
DATE: April 21, 2016 (Thursday) - MARK: The LORD JESUS came to us to confront our greatest problem, that is our sinfulness, our sinful self, our bondage to evil. HE came to heal us from our iniquities and give us new life, new hope, and new fellowship with GOD. The LORD JESUS came to give us what HE HIMSELF enjoys since eternity, and that is HIS fellowship with GOD the FATHER.
TIME: 7:04AM - John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. (Mark 1:4-5 NKJV). Baptism has been used and practiced since way back during Moses' time. But John used it dramatically to show the need for outward display of repentance. Click here (Christianity Stack Exchange) for further information.
TIME: 11:24AM - TODAY: I am at work and am reading the scriptures, the book of John, by our good LORD's grace.
DATE: April 22, 2016 (Friday) - I was watching 700 Club in YouTube and this guy was giving his testimony of the saving, healing, and restoring grace of the LORD GOD in CHRIST. And he said something that gives me encouragement, and that is that the LORD GOD is in control, and that he relies on the LORD's tender mercies everyday. He is diagnosed with cancer all over his body, and the doctor gave him 6 months to live. But he is still alive.
DATE: April 25, 2016 (Monday) - My day off. I am watching Charles Stanley at YouTube from his In Touch ministry videos using my XBox 360. So much blessings from the LORD (internet, HD TV, computer, XBox 360, the car - Subaru, the iPhone 4, the apartment, my 2 nephews who help me with the rent payment, the work that the LORD gave me, each new day, my life, every breath, HIS WORD - the Bible, etc...)
TIME: 7:45PM - Several hundred years have passed since the people of Israel have left Egypt. From their wandering in the wilderness, to reaching Canaan, to conquering the land, having judges save them from their neighboring attackers, and then the kings.
I thank the good LORD today for another day of grace. For another day HE has given me. And for the things insignificant they may be, like the charger cord for my iPhone 4. The one that I was using was acting up. So I bought another one from a dollar store for $3.00. And it worked. Charles Stanley just mentioned about the LORD JESUS as our LIFE. HE is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE. We were dead in our trespasses and sins. We were literally walking deads, until CHRIST gives us life!
DATE: April 27, 2016 (Wednesday) - It is the 4th month of the year. And 3 years since Dad passed away, and I moved out of the house. From 2013 to 2014, the company I worked for had an account with EL AL airlines (the LORD's chosen ones). Yours truly did plenty of overtime. Then 2014 to 2015, noticed constant turn-over at work. But by GOD's grace we retained 2 major accounts, SAS, and Lufthansa. EL AL airlines still do their bags by the bagroom. And 2015 to present, acquired Swiss account (with myself as coordinator, by the LORD's grace). NOTE: Perry Stone from Mannafest noted that the reason we don't see any major display of the LORD's intervention in this world is because it is the age of HIS mercy and grace.
DATE: April 29, 2016 (Friday) - iTBN's Creation in the 21st Century video on life in the waters.
DATE: May 2, 2016 (Monday) - The videos below is that of The Four Gospel singers (from Bagiuo City, Philippines).
1 Kings: I am still going over 1 Kings 12. Studying the kings anointed to be rulers of the LORD's people, Israel. Rehoboam took over after the death of his father, Solomon. And 2 Chronicles 11 tells us of his exploits. And 2 Chronicles says that every priests and Levites sided with him (2 Chronicles 11:13). And the reason is because Jeroboam rejected them for being the LORD's priests (2 Chronicles 11:14-17). The story didn't end there. 2 Chronicles 12 says that when Rehoboam established the kingdom of Judah and Benjamin, he got proud, along with the people of Israel, "When Rehoboam had established his kingdom and made himself strong, he and all Israel abandoned the LORD'S teachings." (2 Chronicles 12:1 GW).
Candace Cameron: CBN video of an interview of Candace below where she gives her tesimony of the change the SAVIOUR gives to those who believe in HIM:
The Gospel of Mark: The LORD JESUS so loves us that when HE came here on earth, HE identified with us by being baptized even though HE was without sin: It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:9-11 NKJV).
1 Kings 12-13/ 2 Chronicles 11-12: There is the danger of thinking that security depends on our accomplishments, not regarding the goodness of the LORD that gave you all those good things.
DATE: May 9, 2016 (Monday) - My day off today. And the good LORD has given me another day, another chance, another precious 24-hours of life here on earth (and this through the blood of the LORD JESUS). NOTE: Amazing Facts co-host
1 Kings: I was just thinking while having read 1 and 2 Kings about the way the different rulers of the kingdom of Israel were, much like the different rulers in human history. There were good kings and there were bad kings.But the difference is that the rulers of Israel were ruling GOD's chosen people. But the gentiles history has the LORD JESUS' people. It looks to me like the problem with the Israelites is that they went their own way (in chosing human leaders instead of the LORD GOD to lead them).
PERSONAL NOTE: I really don't know what it's like for those kings or even for the leaders of nations on what's it's like for them, but I beleive the LORD's WORD. And it portrays in real life the lives of the kings of GOD's people. How the impact that Solomon's actions affected the whole nation of Israel, and its following rulers. Yet despite of Solomon's immense sin against the LORD (worshipping several idols and doing their wicked practices), the LORD GOD was still merciful and faithful to HIS people.
DATE: May 10, 2016 (Tuesday) - GOD's WORD will without fail, come to pass. As in the case of Jeroboam, and those bad kings and their siblings and mates, whatever the LORD spoke through HIS prophets, came to pass. People will appear from nowhere and fulfill GOD's WORD.
DATE: May 12, 2016 (Thursday) - Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar. (1 Kings 12:32 NKJV). Jeroboam presumed on the LORD's feast days. Only the LORD ordains the times for sacrifices to HIMSELF. Jeroboam took it upon himself (disregarding the commandments of the LORD concerning these things) to appoint times for the sacrifices. And to make things worst, it is for idol worship.
Old Testament: - Therefore the king asked advice, made two calves of gold, and said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!” And he set up one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. Now this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan. He made shrines on the high places, and made priests from every class of people, who were not of the sons of Levi. (1 Kings 12:28-31 NKJV). Jeroboam did 3 mistakes that made him have that disrepute in the sight of the LORD. 1st, he made golden calves. 2nd, he set them up at 2 main cities in Israel, namely Bethel and Dan. 3rd, he made shrines in hilltops. And lastly, he appointed priests of every class of people (as opposed to just the Levites commanded by the LORD).
DATE: May 13, 2016 (Friday) - BIBLE READING: 1 Kings 12. Jeroboam must have been fearful when he started his reign (1 Kings 12:26-27 NKJV), And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom may return to the house of David: If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn back to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and go back to Rehoboam king of Judah.” But he had an example from his predecessor, king David. David looked to the LORD for help.
New Testament: The Gospels - I am reading through the gospels. And I am wondering about the ones that the good LORD chose to write the scriptures of the new covenant in CHRIST JESUS, our LORD and SAVIOUR. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These were all disciples of our LORD. Except Luke who is a Gentile physician.
DATE: May 16, 2016 (Monday) - 1 Kings 12: The good LORD chose Jeroboam to lead the people after the kingdom was divided. The LORD knew that Jeroboam was going to do what he did. I heard a preacher say that GOD deals with us at the present time. HE is all good. HE is the perfect good. There is no duplicity in GOD. When HE gives HE gives perfectly! But Jeroboam still insists in his ways. And he hurt the LORD when he went his own way. Yet GOD uses even the evil in us to accomplish HIS will, 1 Kings 12:25-33.
DATE: May 17, 2016 (Tuesday) - It is of the LORD"s mercies that we are not consumed. HIS compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is HIS faithfulness. The LORD GOD is the perfect good. And HE gave us HIS SON, even HIS WORD. HE gave us the Bible freely; not withholding anything. Despite us sinning against HIM. While we were yet sinners. In HIS SON is life, and that life is the light of men (light for us to show us the way to go, the way to life, the way out of darkness and death).
The End Times - Dr. David Reagan of Lamb and Lion ministries was interviewing Dr. Charles Ryrie on the end times (the second coming of our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST), and the rapture. Dr. Charles Ryrie mentioned object lessons as proofs, namely the restoration of GOD's chosen people, Israel to the promised land (1948), and the establishment of the European Union (1993).
We are definitely in the end times, as Dr. Charles Ryrie interview with Dr. David Reagan of Lamb and Lion ministries has said. The LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS is coming back soon.
1 Kings 13: This passage shows how even a man of GOD is not invincible to deception.
DATE: May 18, 2016 (Wednesday) - The good LORD has fixed my car. The radiator is now fixed, thanks to the good LORD's grace. 1 Kings 13: A man of GOD was sent to Jeroboam to let him know that what he is doing is displeasing the LORD who anointed him king. The LORD could have killed him right there and then, or GOD could have sent him sickness or someting like that, but no. The LORD was gracious to even him and sent him a messenger to warn him if perhpas he might change, And behold, a man of God went from Judah to Bethel by the word of the Lord, and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. Then he cried out against the altar by the word of the Lord, and said, “O altar, altar! Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, a child, Josiah by name, shall be born to the house of David; and on you he shall sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and men’s bones shall be burned on you.’” And he gave a sign the same day, saying, “This is the sign which the Lord has spoken: Surely the altar shall split apart, and the ashes on it shall be poured out.” (1 Kings 13:1-3 NKJV).
The lie of the old man (old prophet): (1 Kings 13:11-32). I am not sure what the reason is for the old man/prophet deceiving the man of GOD - to test him? But the man of GOD didn't fufill his quest completely.Then he said to him, “Come home with me and eat bread.” And he said, “I cannot return with you nor go in with you; neither can I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place. For I have been told by the word of the Lord, ‘You shall not eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by going the way you came.’” He said to him, “I too am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.’” (He was lying to him.) So he went back with him, and ate bread in his house, and drank water. (1 Kings 13:15-19 NKJV). The king is sinning against the LORD in leading the people to worship idols, and the man of GOD is the LORD's messenger against the people's sins. The man of GOD must be trustworthy for the LORD.
DATE: May 23, 2016 (Monday) - The scriptures points to the return of the LORD JESUS very soon. The LORD JESUS HIMSELF tells us of the signs of HIS return in the parable of the fig tree. That when the fig tree starts to bloom, you know that summer is near. Israel represents the fig tree. Israel was established 1948. Now it is flourishing as a nation. And it is being drawn to the world arena (with ISIS, and Ros [Russia]). And the spiritual decline of societies points to the return of our LORD and SAVIOUR - when men will call evil good, and good evil. Just like what the LORD JESUS said, As in the days of Noah, so shall the coming of the SON of MAN be.
The Ten Lepers - Crelfo Dollar is preaching on the event when the LORD JESUS healed the 10 lepers who cried out to HIM for mercy. And only 1 turned back to thank the LORD JESUS, And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. (Luke 17:11-19). Gratitude of the one Samaritan leper has made him whole! Creflo encourages us to thank the LORD for even insufficiencies! The others were healed (by the tender mercies of the LORD GOD, JESUS, GOD the SON), but only the one Samaritan leper was made whole.
1 Kings 13: GOD always warns us before HE sends HIS judgment or HIS pronouncement. As in the case of Jeroboam when he was sinning against the LORD when he was worshipping idols (1 Kings 13:1-8). The man of GOD went from Judah (southern kingdom) to warn and reprove Jeroboam. Judah was the one remaining tribe/kingdom that the LORD promises to sustain as part of HIS covenant with David.
DATE: May 24, 2016 (Tuesday) - While Jeroboam was worshipping idols at the altar that day, the man of GOD came and prophesied against the altar. Then Jeroboam commanded his soldiers to arrest the man of GOD. And right there and then, the LORD intervened. And Jeroboam's hand withered. And the altar broke apart, just as the man of GOD had said (prophesied). Jeroboam was in trouble some more. He could have listened to the man of GOD, and repented. That is what we do as sinners: we rebel instead of listening to the word of the LORD.
1 Kings 13: There is a portion in the life of Jeroboam where a man of GOD came to warn him, and fell into the deception of an old prophet.
DATE: May 24, 2016 (Wednesday) - 1 Kings 13: The fate of the man of GOD. This fellow was faithful in doing what the LORD told him to do regarding the king, but he failed the test regarding eating there (the second command), But the man of God said to the king, “If you were to give me half your house, I would not go in with you; nor would I eat bread nor drink water in this place. For so it was commanded me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘You shall not eat bread, nor drink water, nor return by the same way you came.’” So he went another way and did not return by the way he came to Bethel. (1 Kings 13:8-10 NKJV). The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. I think that the kings of the LORD's chosen people shows us how frail and sinful we are, apart from GOD's grace. They also show us how gracious GOD is to HIS own - in providing the grace to those who are set on following HIM, and gives grace to the people around them.
DATE: May 27, 2016 (Friday) - Creflo Dollar's preaching was insightful - about the LORD GOD making us a new creature when we recieve CHRIST as our SAVIOUR and LORD - the LORD GOD has created us again as new "creations". The LORD created us from the dust of the ground (in Adam). But in the LORD JESUS, the FATHER re-created us anew! And pastor Robert Morris' preaching on the downfall of Lucifer (aka Satan). Lucifer was the most beautiful angel that the LORD has created. And he was in a perfect environment, heaven. Heaven is the home of GOD, and GOD is the perfect good, kindness, love. So what Lucifer did was inexcusable!
1 Kings: - If you were to write a biography on Jeroboam, what would it be. He had the previlege of being elected by the MOST HIGH GOD. And he reigned for 22 years.
DATE: May 30, 2016 (Monday) - 1 Kings 13: After the kingdom of Israel was divided, Jeroboam started his own way of worship, instead of following the LORD's way of worship. The LORD GOD appointed him as king, GOD being so gracious to him as he was a hard worker. But he despised the LORD's goodness in worshipping idols, which GOD abhors.So the LORD warns him in 1 Kings 13 through an unknown prophet.The man of GOD who was unaware of the danger that was about to hit him. The man of GOD was faithful in warning Jeroboam, but he wasn't completely faithful. He didn't completely obey the LORD! HE let his defence down with the "old prophet" who lied to him. In contrast, Ahijah, Shemaiah, and the other prophets were kept by the LORD. Except for the others like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the others who met with opposition from their own people. After this event Jeroboam did not turn from his evil way, but again he made priests from every class of people for the high places; whoever wished, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places. And this thing was the sin of the house of Jeroboam, so as to exterminate and destroy it from the face of the earth. (1 Kings 13:33-34 NKJV). Despite the warning that the LORD gave Jeroboam about the false worship, Jeroboam still continued doing the false worships, and sinned against the LORD GOD.
DATE: May 31, 2016 (Tuesday) - 1 Kings 14: Jeroboam was the first king of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) right after the split. He could have enjoyed the full blessings of the LORD for HIS people, if he could have repented/changed from idolatry to obeying the LORD GOD, like David, his progenitor. The LORD GOD knows that we are human, so HE merely ask to have another human as an example (but one who clings to HIM). The LORD GOD asks for us to do what is very possible.
DATE: June 2, 2016 (Thursday) - The Gospel of Mark: Mark started his biography of the LORD with an emphatic declaration of the LORD JESUS' messiahship, and HIS GODHEAD. The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Mark 1:1 NKJV). In the fullness of time, GOD sent forth HIS SON. At the right time, the LORD GOD sent HIS SON to earth to reconcile us to HIMSELF through HIM. Six months after Elizabeth had become pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee. The angel went to a virgin promised in marriage to a descendant of David named Joseph. The virgin's name was Mary. When the angel entered her home, he greeted her and said, "You are favored by the Lord! The Lord is with you." She was startled by what the angel said and tried to figure out what this greeting meant. The angel told her, "Don't be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. You will become pregnant, give birth to a son, and name him Jesus. He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. Your son will be king of Jacob's people forever, and his kingdom will never end." (Luke 1:26-33 GW).
Luke the physician, a Gentile who was used by the good LORD to write the inspired account of our SAVIOUR, pointed out the exact time when the SAVIOUR was made known to us here on earth, It was the fifteenth year in the reign of the Emperor Tiberius. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea. Herod ruled Galilee, and his brother Philip ruled Iturea and Trachonitis. Lysanias was the ruler of Abilene. It was at the time when Annas and Caiaphas were chief priests that God spoke to John, son of Zechariah, in the desert. John traveled throughout the region around the Jordan River. He told people about a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As the prophet Isaiah wrote in his book, "A voice cries out in the desert: 'Prepare the way for the Lord! Make his paths straight! Every valley will be filled. Every mountain and hill will be leveled. The crooked ways will be made straight. The rough roads will be made smooth. All people will see the salvation that God gives.'" (Luke 3:1-6 GW). GOD the SON was born in human flesh in human history - the living WORD becoming flesh and living with us, HIS creation. Everything came into existence through him. Not one thing that exists was made without him. He was the source of life, and that life was the light for humanity. The light shines in the dark, and the dark has never extinguished it. (John 1:3-5 GW).
DATE: June 6, 2016 (Monday) - The Gospel of Mark: Mark is the only one who starts with saying that this biography of our LORD and SAVIOUR is the good news, the gospel. And it is the good news - GOD the SON coming to earth for us. For GOD so loved us, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON to us and for us. That whoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have eternal life.
Matthew gives the lineage of the SAVIOUR, while Luke gives a detailed account from the beginning, and John gives the personal perspective of GOD the SON and the spiritual effect of the SAVIOUR (on us).
DATE: June 7, 2016 (Tuesday) - MARK: The LORD GOD always keeps HIS WORD, As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’” (Mark 1:2-3 NKJV). The LORD GOD declared from the beginning, in HIS infinite wisdom, to call people to repentance and salvation through the LORD JESUS, HIS SON. The LORD JESUS became a stumbling block to the people of Israel. And through that, we, the Gentiles were given the chance to believe and recieve the LORD JESUS as our SAVIOUR - the time of the Gentiles. He was in the world, and the world came into existence through him. Yet, the world didn't recognize him. He went to his own people, and his own people didn't accept him. (John 1:10-11 GW)
DATE: June 8, 2016 (Wednesday) - The Book of Mark: Mark the writer of this gospel tells us of the side of the SAVIOUR as the Messiah who is constantly at work, busy about HIS FATHER's business. The LORD GOD always sends a forerunner to warn or inform us of HIS plans - John the Baptist - to prepare the people for the Messiah, the LORD JESUS. That HE is here on earth. John spent his ministry in the wilderness. There is open space in the wilderness, and very little restrictions. And there was where he was baptizing those who beleive in the coming Messiah. John came baptizing in the wilderness (Mark 1:4). And he was preaching repentance, and preaching a baptism of repentance. The LORD is giving the people the chance to change; to turn around or away from their sins, their sinful lifestyles.
The Book of Mark: What did John do in his life? And what did he talk about? He didn't strive to be a political leader, neither did he strive to be a spiritual leader, like maybe become a Pharisee!? No, he obeyed the voice of the LORD GOD. He obeyed the Nazarite vow, and preached in the wilderness, not in the synagogues. For what purpose? "for the remission of sins." (John 1:4 NKJV). Our problem is first and foremost, our nature! We are sinners. And that is what the LORD GOD adressed through John, and the LORD JESUS.
DATE: June 11, 2016 (Saturday) - The Book of Mark: Of all the territories in Israel, we only hear of Judea and Jerusalem going to hear John, and repenting of their sins. There are 2 other prominent places in Israel, Samaria and Galilee. The LORD's promise to David was good up to (and beyond) the time when the LORD JESUS came to earth. Judea was the one that sought the calling of the LORD through John. They went out to John (they were being compelled by the HOLY GHOST to go to hear John. A revival broke out. It's like a Billy Graham crusade. confessing their sins. (Mark 1:5 NKJV). It is like someone walking around with a sign and proclaiming the end is near. Yet what drew people to John is the truth he is proclaiming. They were showing in public their repentance and confessing their sins. He wasn't dressed like the regular religious leaders. He was dressed in Camel's hair, and leather belt. Kind of like Arthur Blessit carrying the cross.
DATE: June 12, 2016 (Sunday) - John the Baptist: The HOLY SPIRIT was indwelling John all the while showing to him truths of the LORD JESUS, And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:7 NKJV). I am sure that John is well versed in the scriptures, and the HOLY SPIRIT is guiding him into all truths. He is shown the significance of the LORD JESUS, the SON of GOD. And that being verified by the appearance of the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT when the LORD JESUS was baptized by John. The first indication that I see of John's obedience to his calling is in his preaching, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:7 NKJV). He realizes the significance of the Messiah. And when he heard the FATHER's voice when the HOLY SPIRIT descending on the LORD JESUS, that made it the more certain - that CHRIST is GOD the SON.
The Book of Mark: The work of the HOLY SPIRIT is very evident in the times of John.
DATE: June 13, 2016 (Monday) - While John was baptizing and preaching in the wilderness, the LORD JESUS came (HE must have heard of John in HIS humanity, but HE already knows in HIS deity). But that the scriptures might be fulfilled, in HIS obedience to the FATHER, HE went to be baptized by John, It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. (Mark 1:9 NKJV). There were people there going to John to be baptized, When all the people were baptized, Jesus, too, was baptized. While he was praying, heaven opened, and the Holy Spirit came down to him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven said, "You are my Son, whom I love. I am pleased with you." (Luke 3:21-22 GW), when the LORD JESUS arrived. I am thinking that the people there were not expecting the great miracle of the SAVIOUR appearing before them. And I am sure that they were amazed when the heaven opened and the HOLY SPIRIT descended on the LORD JESUS.
Then the LORD JESUS followed the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT and went to the desert to be tempted of the evil one (HE representing us in HIS temptation as the second Adam). The LORD JESUS is so sensitive in the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT that HE obeyed straightway. HIS mind and spirit is unsoiled by sin that HE was in perfect harmony with the FATHER. HE and the FATHER are one. When we see the LORD JESUS, we see the FATHER GOD, the great creator, Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him. (Mark 1:12-13 NKJV).
The LORD JESUS was in the wilderness for 40 days, fasting before HE began HIS ministry. The apostle Paul did the similar thing in preparation for his ministry to the Gentiles. GOD's WORD encourages us to fast and pray. Fasting cleanses the body and clears the mind so we can approach the LORD GOD properly, with the right mindset.
DATE: June 15, 2016 (Wednesday) - 1 Kings 13: The man of GOD. In 1 Kings 13, the man of GOD was sent to warn Jeroboam of his wicked ways. And he (the man of GOD) faithfully obeyed. But he was tricked by an old man. And he was killed. He could've sought the LORD when the old man (liar) told him he disobeyed the LORD, Now it happened, as they sat at the table, that the word of the Lord came to the prophet who had brought him back; and he cried out to the man of God who came from Judah, saying, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Because you have disobeyed the word of the Lord, and have not kept the commandment which the Lord your God commanded you, but you came back, ate bread, and drank water in the place of which the Lord said to you, “Eat no bread and drink no water,” your corpse shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.’” (1 Kings 13:20-22 NKJV).
DATE: June18, 2016 (Saturday) - The man of GOD, 1 Kings 13: The LORD showed HIS mercy extending it to Jeroboam by warning him over and over about his sin of idol worship. And he had the man of GOD killed by his continued rebellion against the LORD. Satan is the father of lies, and he was allowed by GOD to test the man of GOD. The old man lied to the man of GOD and caused him to disobey which got him killed after giving Jeroboam the message of the LORD GOD. It is of the LORD's goodness that the man of GOD was prevented from sinning against the LORD - when he was taken home (death). But Jeroboam was still disobedient, After this event Jeroboam did not turn from his evil way, but again he made priests from every class of people for the high places; whoever wished, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places. And this thing was the sin of the house of Jeroboam, so as to exterminate and destroy it from the face of the earth. (1 Kings 13:33-34 NKJV).
DATE: June 20, 2016 (Monday) - Then the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” But the man of God said to the king, “If you were to give me half your house, I would not go in with you; nor would I eat bread nor drink water in this place. For so it was commanded me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘You shall not eat bread, nor drink water, nor return by the same way you came.’” So he went another way and did not return by the way he came to Bethel. (1 Kings 13:7-10 NKJV). The man of GOD did what the LORD told to do, and he was on his way back. But the devil roam around seeking whom he may devour. And that's what happened. The old man from Bethel went out to lie to the man of GOD. PERSONAL NOTE: I hate this old man! Now an old prophet dwelt in Bethel, and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel; they also told their father the words which he had spoken to the king. And their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” For his sons had seen which way the man of God went who came from Judah. Then he said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” So they saddled the donkey for him; and he rode on it, and went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak. Then he said to him, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” (1 Kings 13:11-14 NKJV). Then when the people heard fo the exploits of the man of GOD, or when it became viral, it came to the ears of an old prophet. And that old prophet set out to decieve the man of GOD. The man of GOD was sitting under an oak tree. Maybe the man of GOD should have been walking until he gets back home to Judah, and not stay around Bethel! People are watching, specially when a miracle happens, when a miracle was performed by a man of GOD. The 2 sons of the old prophet saw where the man of GOD was going. Then the old man found him sitting under a tree, and started to talk to him. Then the old prophets invited him to come and eat at his house at Bethel. Maybe the man of GOD should have left right there and then!
One For Israel Facebook site, see below: One For Israel web site.
DATE: June 21, 2016 (Tuesday) - From doing miracles from the LORD GOD, to being killed by a lion along the way, the man of GOD became a part of town gossip.
DATE: June 28, 2016 (Tuesday) - 1 Kings 13: After the man of GOD disobeyed the LORD, he was suddenly attacked by a lion on the way. And the lion tore him and killed him. But the lion didn't touch the body anymore.
That event about the man of GOD is very depressing, just like the following ones about the lives of the different kings of Israel. Yet GOD remains faithful. HE raised up good kings in Judah. A number of the kings of Israel sinned against the LORD, and as a consequence, there are chaos in the kingships. One rises to gain control of the throne, and do away with the former descendants of the throne. The LORD cuts off their family line. Jeroboam became royalty by GOD's goodness and grace, but he departed from following the commandments of the LORD, and made Israel (the great many people) to sin against the LORD. Judgments upon judgments were declared against Jeroboam.
DATE: June 29, 2016 (Thursday) - It took the sickness of his son for Jeroboam to go to Ahijah for consultation, 1 Kings 14:1-16. Many were affected by Jeroboam's folly (sin against the LORD) of instituting idol worship and its festivals - so the harsh judgments. "To whom much is given, much is also required". ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “Because I exalted you from among the people, and made you ruler over My people Israel, and tore the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it to you; and yet you have not been as My servant David, who kept My commandments and who followed Me with all his heart, to do only what was right in My eyes; but you have done more evil than all who were before you, for you have gone and made for yourself other gods and molded images to provoke Me to anger, and have cast Me behind your back— therefore behold! I will bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam every male in Israel, bond and free; I will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as one takes away refuse until it is all gone. The dogs shall eat whoever belongs to Jeroboam and dies in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat whoever dies in the field; for the Lord has spoken!”’ (1 Kings 14:7-11 NKJV).
And it is to Jeroboam that the LORD has spoken of uprooting Israel from the promised land, “Moreover the Lord will raise up for Himself a king over Israel who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam; this is the day. What? Even now! For the Lord will strike Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water. He will uproot Israel from this good land which He gave to their fathers, and will scatter them beyond the River, because they have made their wooden images, provoking the Lord to anger. And He will give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who sinned and who made Israel sin.” (1 Kings 14:14-10 NKJV). They will be displaced from their own land, from their own homes, to serve another nation, another people. Kind of reminds me of those who were forced to leave their homes in the Middle East because of ISIS. Uncertainty, joblessness, hopelessness? But not completely.
Rehoboam didn't do any better. Rehoboam, the king of Judah. 3rd generation, and already the nation has split, and spiraled downhill. Now Judah did evil in the sight of the Lord, and they provoked Him to jealousy with their sins which they committed, more than all that their fathers had done. For they also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and wooden images on every high hill and under every green tree. And there were also perverted persons in the land. They did according to all the abominations of the nations which the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. (1 Kings 14:22-24 NKJV). They were supposed to be a holy nation, separated, and distinct from the other nations around them.
DATE: July 5, 2016 (Tuesday) - I am still going over the account of the man of GOD in 1 Kings 13. The man of GOD is not named yet he is given an ample amount of time in the scriptures. And when the LORD proclaimed the judgment against his disobedience, it was sudden. The very same day, his life was taken, Now it happened, as they sat at the table, that the word of the Lord came to the prophet who had brought him back; and he cried out to the man of God who came from Judah, saying, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Because you have disobeyed the word of the Lord, and have not kept the commandment which the Lord your God commanded you, but you came back, ate bread, and drank water in the place of which the Lord said to you, “Eat no bread and drink no water,” your corpse shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.’” (1 Kings 13:20-22 NKJV). The very person who lied to him, prophesied against him! (That must be awfully frustrating). It was then, and now, we live in the era of the LORD's grace, otherwise we would have met the same and even worst circumstance (judgment against our sins against the HOLY SPIRIT).
DATE: July 6, 2016 (Wednesday) - I fast forwarded to 2 Kings 19 on Hezekiah's life. And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. Then Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said: “O Lord God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God. Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands—wood and stone. Therefore they destroyed them. Now therefore, O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone.” (2 Kings 19:14-19 NKJV).
DATE: July 7, 2016 (Thursday) - Jeroboam had all the good things from the LORD being the chosen king to the chosen people. And the ALMIGHTY GOD favoring him above everyine else to king. The one true GOD who worked HIS miracles through Moses to get them out of Egypt, fed them and kept them in the wilderness, then gave them the promised land flowing with milk and honey. And there was king David as his example. And also the great temple that the blessed LORD built for them in the reign of Solomon. Then most of all, Jeroboam was the very first king chosen by the LORD GOD to rule over HIS people in the divided kingdom! If Jeroboam would have only yielded towards the goodness of the LORD! The goodness of he LORD would have changed things around for Jeroboam. The GOD of the universe always does the impossible! It is GOD's grace alone in CHRIST JESUS that we are able to follow GOD.
Shahid's conversion to the LORD JESUS, (Leading The Way of Dr. Michael Youssef's ministry).
DATE: July 12, 2016 (Tuesday) - Here is the list of the different kings of the divided kingdom of Israel (northern Israel): Jeroboam I, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jeroboam II, Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, Pekah, and Hoshea.
DATE: July 13, 2016 (Wednesday) - I have been watching YouTube Slums in the Philippines, Al Jazzerah. It is very disheartening to see so many lives living in such a state. Nevertheless the LORD knows and HE sends help to these ones! The one such help is pastor Ramil Mateo. He is making a difference. Just like the video I was watching on the Moravians. The good LORD moves the heart(s) of people to do HIS good and perfect will - to reach the people who need the help, the message, the life that only the SAVIOUR gives.
DATE: July 14, 2016 (Thursday) - I am compressing Jeroboam's life in 1 Kings 13 with 3 things, the man of GOD, the old prophet who lied, and Jeroboam's continued disobedience. Real life demands that we acknowledge our insufficiency, and GOD's almighty-ness! The reality of sin is so evident, even in Jeroboam life. We are sinners in need of salvation.
DATE: July 16, 2016 (Saturday) - So far, only 1 person in Jeroboam's lineage has been mentioned in 1 Kings 14, and that is Abijah, who alone has been credited by GOD to be worthy of a proper burial. Abijah got sick, and Jeroboam had his wife disguise herself (?) to go ask Ahijah the prophet about the future of his son (Abijah). I wonder if Jeroboam had heard of the judges in his history (history of Israel). How the LORD had saved them (HIS people) from the surrounding nations by sending them HIS judges. The LORD has given him plenty of time to repent, to change his ways of disobedience - idolatry and wickedness. But he wouldn't. The judgment came whne Jeroboam was needing comforting news about his son - 1 Kings 14:1-16.
DATE: July 19, 2016 (Tuesday) - Jeroboam sent his wife to ask Ahijah - why? Why did he not do it himself? (1 Kings 14). And he had his wife disguise herself. Our sinful self. But it back-fired! Instead, The bad news was told Jeroboam by is wife to him, And so it was, when Ahijah heard the sound of her footsteps as she came through the door, he said, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why do you pretend to be another person? For I have been sent to you with bad news. Go, tell Jeroboam, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: (1 King 14:6-7a NKJV). It is never a good thing - when judgment comes to us, like the one on Jeroboam and his family - his wife. She was told that her son was going to die, and that she will not be able to be with him when that happens.
DATE: July 20, 2016 (Wednesday) - BGEA YouTube video of the Holy Land below. The land of our SAVIOUR and LORD JESUS. As Franklin says, this is where the SAVIOUR, the SON of GOD HIMSELF was born, lived and died (mocked, and crucified, betrayed). But HE is without sin. HE became guilty for us, HE who is righteous and blameless.
DATE: July 21, 2016 (Thursday) - Jerusalem, in one of the places that Franklin and Cissie visited in the video above, used to be a walled city before the Israelites conquered it (before the LORD overthrew it - because of the immensity of the inhabitants sin). Those 10 men who came back from spying out the land (just like me when I don't trust in the LORD), looked at the physical situation like the immense walls, and the many inhabitants; instead of looking to GOD and HIS immense/great power - faith in the LORD's might.The eternal GOD. HE is from everlasting to everlasting! Just like what James McDonald said, "Haven't we seen enough?". Haven't they (we) witnessed GOD's display of HIS glory, HIS power, HIS might when they were in the desert, when they were approaching the seeming dead end by the Red Sea!
DATE: July 24, 2016 (Sunday) - Jeroboam was probably expecting some kind of half decent news(?) from Ahijah about his son, but not the kind that the LORD gave him because of his awful disobedience - For I have been sent to you with bad news. (1 Kings 14:6 NKJV).
DATE: July 26, 2016 (Tuesday) - Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. (Ezekiel 33:1-8). Something happened yesterday at work that made me aware once again of being a watchman at work.
It took the time of Jeroboam to have them (GOD's chosen people) to grieve the good LORD to be forced to uproot Israel from the good land that HE gave them, “Moreover the Lord will raise up for Himself a king over Israel who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam; this is the day. What? Even now! For the Lord will strike Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water. He will uproot Israel from this good land which He gave to their fathers, and will scatter them beyond the River, because they have made their wooden images, provoking the Lord to anger. And He will give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who sinned and who made Israel sin.” (1 Kings 14:14-16 NKJV). This is the first time (I think) that the LORD has made this reproof to Israel. From the time the people of Israel was freed from the Egyptian bondage to the time they conquered the promised land, Canaan, to the time of the judges, then to the time of David, Solomon, and Rehoboam. Then Jeroboam of the divided kingdom. Our GOD is a good GOD. HE is not some precarious, fickle, or even sadistic god that punishes because HE can, or whatever. HE does it because HE loves us and will not have us continue to go our own foolish and destructive ways! And HE does things according to HIS WORD.
DATE: July 28, 2016 (Thursday) - 1 Kings 14 is kind of discouraging when I go over the passage because it deals with the lives of people who are disobedient to the LORD (much like us). And I thought that that is how GOD must feel about us (yours truly, meh) when we are disobedient.
The effects of our sin of disobedience as seen in Jeroboam's goes over to other lives, in the case of Jeroboam it is his posterity, but you have done more evil than all who were before you, for you have gone and made for yourself other gods and molded images to provoke Me to anger, and have cast Me behind your back (1 Kings 14:9 NKJV). therefore behold! I will bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam every male in Israel, bond and free; I will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as one takes away refuse until it is all gone. The dogs shall eat whoever belongs to Jeroboam and dies in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat whoever dies in the field; for the Lord has spoken!”’ (1 Kings 14:10-11 NKJV). And as is the case of GOD's WORD, it came to pass. It happened. As soon as Jeroboam's wife stood, left and came to the edge of the city, her son died!
DATE: August 1, 2016 (Monday) - These in the book of 1 Kings, are a series of kings (their lives) portrayed realistically. The LORD deals with us individually. Leaders, rulers, presidents, etc... People in authority. And Jeroboam being one of them.
DATE: August 4, 2016 (Thursday) - Things were not getting any better at the kingdom of Israel. Abijam, king of Judah, took over the divided kingdom after his father, Rehoboam died (1 Kings 14:31). And Nadab took over his father's throne, Jeroboam. But was assasinated by Baasha, 1 Kings 15:25-28. There were intrigues in the royalty in Israel. Trouble follows lawlessness and sin against the LORD. And yet the LORD talks to HIS people through HIS prophets to let them know that HE is still there, and that HE is displeased with their disobedience. That if they only repent and turn to HIM, like king David. 1 Kings 17 - when things can't get any worst, Ahab took over the kingdom of Israel. He did more evil than his predecessors, and married Jezebel, the daughter of the king of Zidon who worships Baal, and made Israel to forsake the one true GOD and worship the false god, Baal. (1 Kings 16:28-33).
DATE: August 9, 2016 (Tuesday) - The LORD GOD is always at work. Life goes on. Even when the ones in charge of things, rulers, kings, presidents rule wickedly, our GOD is still in control - absolute.
DATE: August 10, 2016 (Wednesday) - The LORD is abundant in mercy and grace - as seen in the life of the worst king in Israel, namely Ahab. The LORD GOD helped Israel and Ahab to fight against Benhadad of Syria, even when Ahab and the people of Israel were sinning awful against the LORD (1 Kings 20-21).
DATE: August 16, 2016 (Tuesday) - By the good LORD's grace alone, I was able to read and reflect on HIS WORD (even when I was doing my laundry) and here at the apartment - 1 Kings 17. While the LORD is specially dealing with HIS chosen people, Israel, HE is also taking care of the people of other nations, like the widow at Zarephath. She was a believer, and GOD answered her plea for help (although it wasn't mentioned directly at the WORD). When we get to heaven, GOD's WORD said that we shall know everything. We will know the people who were touched by the grace of GOD in CHRIST back in the Old Testament times. There is no end to GOD's knowledge, wisdom, goodness, etc... I once heard pastor James McDonald mention
DATE: August 23, 2016 (Tuesday) - One more day from the good LORD. Another gift. I was just watching TBN Lamb and Lion ministries interview with a Corrie TenBoom's character play from the book, "The Weaving".
The LORD told Elijah that HE has 5,000 believers who have not bowed the knee to baal. They must have stuck out like a sore thumb among that people who are worshipping the false god.
DATE: August 30, 2016 (Tuesday) - There were major changes from the true worship of the LORD GOD from the time of David, then Solomon, then Rehoboam who was the 3rd generation of GOD's people - 1 Kings 14. Rehoboam allowed Sodomites to reside there and be part of the false worship (v.24).
DATE: August 31, 2016 (Wednesday) - I noticed that the LORD repeats the phrase "And his mother's name is..." (1 Kings 14:21). As in the case of Rehoboam, his mother was Naamah, an Ammonitess.
The picture above is a grove that is used for flase worship. This must be what the groves looked like that the people of Israel built for their false worship that provoked the LORD's anger against their sins. For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree. (1 Kings 14:23 NKJV).
I might have to go by kingdom as I read through the 1 and 2 Kings in order to familiarize myself with the different kings of Israel. JUDAH - the southern kingdom after Israel was divided into 2 kingdoms as a result of Solomon's sins, was ruled by Rehoboam, his son.And by then, Judah has been worshipping idols. And there were Sodomites in the land. Yet GOD is faithful to HIS own, and HE sends HIS messengers (HIS prophets) to let Israel know of their wrong-doings (sins against HIM).
DATE" September 6, 2016 (Tuesday) - 4th generation king of Judah, Asa, was a good king (as promised by the LORD GOD for David's sake). This shows that you don't have to be a prisoner of your family's fate like Rehoboam. Only GOD's grace makes your family line blessed - Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem: Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite. (1 Kings 15:4-5). The LORD GOD sustains everything in this world. Even when we are so sinful against HIM.
Peace comes from the LORD also. Rehoboam and Jeroboam were at odds with each other. The evil ones has been the destroyer from the beginning, and he destroys those things that the LORD gives abundantly and blessedly And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life. (1 Kings 15:6). Also, it was a tremendous responsibility to follow after the footsteps of a great man of GOD, David, in ruling a kingdom that has turned itself against the LORD. Yet GOD's grace abounds in Asa's life. He trusted in the LORD.
DATE: September 13, 2016 (Tuesday) - I am reading through the 1 Kings where the holy Scriptures tells of the history of Israel when they have kings rule the kingdom. I was thinking of the other regular citizen of Israel who were believers in the rule of these kings. But later, you'll see that there were believers in the LORD, when Israel were taken captives in foreign countries! Beleivers like Daniel, and his 3 friends. Then there is Malachi. And there were those who were believers during the captivity, like Nehemiah, and Ezra. The good LORD has given Israel so many opportunities to change from the time when HE blessed Solomon for David's sake to the last king, Zedekiah with their evil worship (away from the LORD). And even when the king and the people were continuing in their evil worships, the LORD kept re-directing their ways away from their false worship through the good kings, like Asa, his son Jehoshaphat, Uzziah, etc... YET, with all these bad things, the LORD GOD is able to use for good! Even through these evil things, the LORD GOD almighty brings good to the whole world. GOD the FATHER brought in the LORD JESUS. NOTE: Matt Crouch said something while hosting the premiere of Hillsong movie - that GOD chose a group of people in the backwoods of Australia and blessed them and make them used them worldwide.
And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father. (1 Kings 15:3) seems to be repeated refering to the wicked kings. That the king walked in ALL the sins of his father.
The LORD's revelation is from eternity to eternity (even HIS WORD). The LORD is establishing HIS kingdom, even in this generation. As David the psalmist exclaimed, from everlastng to everlasting, THOU art GOD!
DATE: September 14, 2016 (Wednesday) - The LORD keeps helping HIS people even though they constantly sin against HIM because of HIS faithfulness to them, Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem: (1 Kings 15:4). The LORD gives them a good king to protect them from their evil ways which leads to death and destruction!
David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijam, and Asa. Asa, the good king that the LORD promised HIS people for David's sake, was the 5th generation. Asa was the promised "lamp" so that HIS people will be protected (even Jerusalem), Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem: (1 Kings 15:4). Asa has the LORD's grace to help him through the challenges he faced against the other kings and against the wickedness of his people!
Decision America in Trenton, New Jersey today, September 14, 2016 (Wednesday):
DATE: September 20, 2016 (Tuesday) - The good LORD has given me another day of grace. And (by the good LORD's grace alone) I got another job as a picker/packer for IKEA, full time while working at ASIG part-time.
DATE: September 21, 2016 (Wednesday) - As I continue to read 1 Kings, I see the LORD faithfulness in sending Asa, the good king, to keep Israel from sinning more. The good LORD raised up Asa to be king over Judah after his father Abijam. Even though Abijam was sinning against the LORD, continuing in the sins of his fathers, Rehoboam, in worshipping false gods, and sacrificing children to the false gods, engaging in sexual sins, etc..., the holy LORD still holds to HIS promise for David's sake. The good LORD's grace was sustaining Asa all throughout his life. Asa had to rely on GOD with all the conspiracies that is going on during his reign. There were murders and intrigues in Israel, the northern kingdom. And the worst of all the kings (Ahab) rose to power while he was king. But when sin abounds, grace did much more abound. GOD sent Elijah to minister to the people of Israel (and I am sure this was a powerful and encouraging message and inspiration to Asa in Judah). We have a modern day Asa in my generation, namely Franklin Graham. GOD is faithfully protecting this nation by raising up Franklin Graham. Billy Graham was a kind of modern day David, and Franklin Graham is a kind of a modern day Asa.
DATE: September 28, 2016 (Wednesday) - Thank the good LORD for having me fix my old iPhone 4 (the one that HE gave me as a gift). There are people all around - at the laundromat when I was doing my laundry yesterday. People who do not know the LORD, the great CREATOR. There is a new 7-11 store at corner of JFK Boulevard and Communipaw Avenue. It is a blessing from the good LORD for me - because they have fee-free ATM. People who do not know the LORD. I was thinking when I saw this man walking, that the LORD gives him life, to walk. And the Bible says that we aren't even thankful to GOD for every breath that HE gives us.
Thank you, O LORD GOD for this new day, another day that you have given me. Thank you for all of the good things that you abundantly give us - life, breath, place to stay, work, strength to work, the car, etc...
DATE: Ocotber 11, 2016 (Tuesday) - And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days. (1Kings 15:16 NKJV). Just as the LORD GOD said when David killed Uriah, the sword shall not depart from thy house.
DATE: November 2, 2016 (Wednesday) - (Thank you, O LORD for this new day, and for your abundant mercies and grace.) I was just browsing through my iPhone apps, Ligonier, and I am amazed, impressed, and extremely grateful for GOD's infinite graciousness to us, sinners.Here in this free site, we get unparalleled truths of GOD's nature (in CHRIST). Click here (Ligonier) for link to the web site.
DATE: November 8, 2016 (Tuesday) - Election day today. Yours truly went and voted for the Trump/Pence team. Also, I want to thank the good LORD for giving me another day of life and grace. And thanks the good LORD for all the good things that HE gives me (bluetooth enabled speaker - Vivitar, and a few other things). OLD TESTAMENT study: 2 Kings 11. Our good LORD as been so patient with us (sinful as we are), just as HE was so patient with HIS chosen people as they go through various kings, mostly wicked ones. I am now at 2 Kings 11 where Athalia took over the throne. She is Ahaziah's mother. Ahaziah is the 6th king. Athaliah is the daughter of Ahab. She is the only ruler who were able to occupy both Israel (Northern kingdom) and Judah (Southern kingdom). I am not sure what was exactly in Athalia's mind but if she thought she can change or alter GOD's will, then she is sadly mistaken! She tried to get rid of the royal line, even in Judah. But GOD's will can not be thwarted. GOD is sovereign over all! As that of our SAVIOUR's return, nothing can thwart it. HIS promise in the prophecies is coming to pass. There is the return of Israel to her land. That was fufilled on May 1948.
DATE: November 9, 2016 (Wednesday) - 2 Kings 11: Thank you, O LORD, for giving me another day of grace. For another day of life. RESULT of election - Trump/Pence team won the presidential election. This is an answer to prayers (Franklin Graham's Decision America and Dr. Michael Brown's rally).
DATE: November 15, 2016 (Tuesday) - O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, you alone are the one true GOD. Blessed are you. And blessed are those who put ther trust in you. You give us life, breath, strength and grace to sustain us every day in CHRIST JESUS. Thank you for giving us your HOLY WORD. It is our life, our source of truth, and our source of light in life's way. 2 Kings 11: Here are the accounts of the many kings of GOD's chosen people. They and their lives shows me truth about us, that we are sinful, that we are sinners. There is an amazing co-relation between the kings of Israel and the leader of this nation. The nation of Israel was chosen by the LORD to be HIS people here in earth. This nation was divinely chosen by GOD to display HIS glory in this world. The LORD gave Israel David to re-affirm the Messianic line. The LORD chose the pilgrims to establish a GOD-chosen nation (out from Egypt) to be the light (GOD's WORD, the LORD JESUS) at this time in history. From David to the very last king, Jehoaikin also known as Zedekiah of Judah when they were held captive by the Babylonian empire.
DATE: November 16, 2016 (Wednesday) - 2 Kings 11: Just when you think things can't get worst, Athaliah comes to power. Athaliah is the daughter of the wicked queen Jezebel. Then to make things even worst, she killed all the seed royal, except one, Joash the son of Ahaziah (by GOD's intervention and grace). Then, by GOD's grace once again, and as HE promised, Jehoida the priest was there trusting in the LORD, and taking care of the one royal seed left in Judah.We are sinners and we sin. Our inclination is to sin, as GOD's WORD says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD". And yet, the good LORD has been so patient. HIS people keeps sinning against HIM, yet HE patiently sends them help through HIS prophets, and those faithful to HIM, like Jehoiada. With all the conspiracies going on with the royalties in Isreal, GOD remains faithful in having a royal seed in Judah. The good LORD places great significance on the ones that are believers on HIM like Jehosheba,and Jehoiada to put their names in HIS HOLY WORD. Jehosheba is mentioned in her act of saving Jehoash (2 Kings 11:2).
DATE: November 17, 2016 (Thursday) - The salvation of the LORD's people from slavery didn't all go without its disruptions to put it mildly. Even in the wilderness, there were people who were killed because of their unbelief, their murmurings. The same goes with the time of the kings.
DATE: November 23, 2016 (Wednesday) - 2 Kings 22: There was peace between Syria and Israel (by GOD's grace towards Jehoshaphat) for 3 years for Jehoshaphat's sake. But GOD's word will be fulfilled. So Ahab got restless and decided to attack Syria to try to get Ramoth from Gilead back. But Jehoshaphat wanted to ask the LORD for HIS will regarding this. And the LORD respected Jehoshaphat and sent Micaiah to deliver the message of Ahab's death!
DATE: November 25, 2016 (Friday) - Mark 1:3, "...Prepare ye the way of the LORD".
DATE: November 30, 2016 (Wednesday) - 1 Kings 22: The good king Jehoshaphat was at Samaria with the evil king Ahab. Maybe, Jehoshaphat was at the wrong place (at the wrong time)? Yet the good LORD keeps HIS own - Jehoshaphat. When the LORD is fulfilling HIS WORD, HIS judgment, HE sets apart HIS own from disaster. This is the worst that the unbeleivers (false prophets) do - to claim something comes from GOD, using the LORD's name in vain, "Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king" (1 Kings 22:6). But the worst of all is that leading false prophet, Zedekiah the son of Chenaahnah (who turned out to be a coward - 1 Kings 22:25, "And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself").
DATE: December 1, 2016 (Thursday) - There were only 3 kings who reigned in united Israel, and they were Saul, David, and Solomon. And the rest were kings of the divided Israel, Judah in the south, and Israel in the north. The LORD promised to have always a descendant of David on the throne in Judah which is a miracle. Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel and Ahab, almost destroyed the Davidic lineage. But Jehoshabed saved Joash, son of Ahaziah. Then both Israel and Judah was taken into captivity.
For those who were faithful to the LORD, even the prophets of the LORD, the transition from a good king to an evil king must be a little scary. They have to go through the 2 wicked kings rule after Solomon, namely Rehoboam, and Abijam. 1 Kings 15:4, "Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:". It is GOD who gives us a lamp, like Franklin Graham, Billy Graham, Dr. Bob Jones for the LORD JESUS' sake.
"And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father." (1 Kings 15:3). Abijam followed after his parents sins, Solomon and Rehoboam. Rehoboam's sins were following after the sins of his father Solomon who had is wives build altars to idols (Satan), "And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins which they had committed, above all that their fathers had done. For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree. And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel." (1 Kings 14:22-24).
DATE: December 7, 2016 (Wednesday) - Jeroboam, the recepient of the divided kingdom of Israel, became worried for his son, Abijah. He probably felt helpless to cure his son, so he asked his wife to go to the prophet of the LORD, the one true GOD, to find out whether Abijah will live or die? And as Jeroboam's wife went to ask Ahijah the prophet, Jeroboam gets the LORD's judgment against him! (1 Kings 14:1-16).
The gospel of Mark: Our blessed SAVIOUR, MASTER, and LORD JESUS, had to undergo stringent testings just for us. HE who knew no sin became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of GOD through HIM. The blessed LORD JESUS left heaven's glory and came down here to earth's sinful corruptions to heal, to restore, and to save us from our pitiful condition. Yet we esteemed HIM not! And we uses HIS name in vain! Just like what they did to John the Baptist. They put him in prison (Mark 1:14).
DATE: December 8, 2016 (Thursday) - "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." (Isaiah 9:2). "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:6-7). The holy prophet of the LORD, Isaiah, proclaimed the LOVE of GOD to all of us, humanity, in that HE (the LORD GOD, FATHER in heaven) gave us HIS one and only SON to being us salvation through HIM (the LORD JESUS).
DATE: December 12, 2016 (Monday) - I thank the LORD GOD for another day that HE has given and for the breath that HE gives this body of mine every day. The year is almost over, and the good has been gracious and merciful. And HE remains faithful in CHRIST JESUS.
DATE: December 13, 2016 (Tuesday) - Once again, the LORD has been faithful to yours truly (that's me). HE has given me another chance at life today. I will look to the hill from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD! This year is about the end and the LORD GOD has been found faithful to HIS own. From everlasting to everlasting THOU art GOD (in CHRIST JESUS).
DATE: December 15, 2016 (Thursday) - The good LORD has been really good to me. I have been at my job at ASIG for 3 years and 6 months now, and have seen many changes at that job. I know that the LORD GOD is doing HIS work there. HE has people there for HIS own. Plus HE has HIS chosen ones working there (EL AL airlines). The good LORD has me come in early on Mondays and Thursdays (with my manager's permission) - so that I can pray for them for them to know the SAVIOUR.
UPDATE on tract distribution: The good LORD has allowed me to pass out tracts (so far), and it was somewhat problematic yesterday (Wednesday). I had a hard time finding a regular parking spot. So I had to park at a No Parking spot. I asked the LORD to forgive me for it. But the parking enforcement guy came so I had to move, thinking of leaving altogether, but decided otherwise. So when I went around, I found a nice parking space - (thank the good LORD), and continued passing out tracts!
NEW TESTAMENT: By HIS grace alone, I have read through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and am going through the gospel of John. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1). The LORD JESUS is the embodiment of GOD's WORD. HE is the WORD! HE is GOD! The LORD JESUS was with the FATHER, and HE is GOD the SON.
DATE: December 16, 2016 (Friday) - "As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee." (Mark 1:2). GOD is faithful to HIS promises. Just as in the old times, the good LORD gives HIS people ample warning of what HE is about to do. Here HE sends HIS messenger to prepare the way of HIS one and only begotten who is also the CHRIST. And the good LORD's description is very accurate! "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." (Mark 1:3). Prepare ye the way of the LORD - GOD is coming to us. This is HIS first advent. GOD's way. I guess this is another way of saying, make way! The LORD JESUS came unto HIS own (Israel) to bring them the good news - what GOD promised long time ago - the coming of HIS anointed one, the Messiah. "And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins." (Mark 1:5). The grandest event in man history started in the land of Israel, Judaea, in the city of Jerusalem, in the city of Nazareth, and in the city of Bethlehem! "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." (Mark 1:4) People who walked in darkness have seen a great light. We were dead in our trespasses and sins, and were hopelessly helpless to save ourselves. We were hand and foot slave to sin.
DATE: December 19, 2016 (Monday) - Just as an aside, John the Baptist' diet of locust and wild honey is very nutritious.
DATE: December 21, 2016 (Wednesday) - O LORD, how excellent is thy name!
DATE: December 22, 2016 (Thursday) - The CHRIST child - GOD the FATHER gift to us (this Christmas time). The perfect gift of our GOD to us (the whole world)!
THE GOSPEL OF MARK: Mark by the guidance and inspiration of the HOLY SPIRIT wrote about the LORD JESUS, GOD the SON. GOD taking upon HIMSELF human form and experiencing humanity. The CREATOR became HIS creation! "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;" (Mark 1:1). And it is good news (gospel) because our SAVIOUR came for us - to live, die, and live again for us - to save us from our sins!
DATE: December 23, 2016 (Friday) - All because of (and through) the LORD JESUS... The reason for the season is through and because of our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS.
DATE: December 24, 2016 (Saturday) - John the Baptist was chosen to be the messenger of the LORD to make way for the LORD JESUS. He came in the spirit of Elijah. He was different from the rest of the people. As Elijah was living a life of a rogue, so was John.
DATE: December 25, 2106 (Sunday) - Christmas day - and it is also the LORD's day, Sunday. "And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." (Mark 1:6-8). The HOLY SPIRIT of GOD revealed to him the significance of CHRIST (through the holy scriptures).
DATE: December 27, 2016 (Tuesday) - "And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose." (Mark 1:7) - John was significantly aware of greatness of the MESSIAH.
DATE: December 28, 2016 (Wednesday) - Thank you O LORD for one more day of precious life (in CHRIST JESUS). I am now at 1 Chronicles 26 where David had the people serve the LORD in HIS upcoming temple. The services were that of the gatekeepers (porters). GOD's WORD details the people (Israelites) who will serve as porters, namely, The descendants of Korah served as the porters (gatekeepers) of the LORD's HOUSE.
TIME: 10:26PM - This is (was) the environment where the LORD JESUS was in when HE came here on earth - people in sin (while we were yet sinners). With John the Baptist encouraging people to repent (change their minds) about their sinful ways (about despising their sinfulness). "Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”" (Mark 1:6-8). Reverence belongs to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY! GOD coming to us (the LORD JESUS) to save us from our sins. It was GOD who initiates reconciliation. HE came to us, and not us to HIM!
DATE: December 31, 2016 (Saturday) - Blessed be the name of the LORD! I want to end the year (2016) by giving honor, glory, and praise to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY in CHRIST JESUS! "O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name throughout the earth!" (Psalm 8:9), "I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High." (Psalm 9:1-2). Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless HIS holy name! (Psalm 103).
HELPFUL LINKS:
Here is a collection of links that I found helpful to my everyday life. I hope and pray that these will be helpful to you also.
(1) King James Bible Online (click here). (2) Bible Gateway (click here).(3) TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) (click here). (4) WMCA 570 Radio Station (click here). (5) Daystar (TV Station) (click here). (6) Family Radio (click here). (7) BGEA (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) (click here). (8) RC Sproul Ministry (Ligonier) (click here). (9) Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (click here). (10) Andrew Wommack Ministry (click here). (11) Voice of the Martyrs (click here). (12) I Met Messiah (click here). (13) Bob Jones University (click here). (14) Sermon Audio (click here). (15) Gospel Tract and Bible Society (click here). (16) E-Sword, for public use (click here).. (17) Amazing Facts (click here). (18) Associates for Biblical Research (click here). (19) David Jeremiah Ministry (click here). (20) Genesis Science Network (click here). (21) Moments With The Book (MWTB) - click here. (22) One For Israel (click here). (23) Street Preaching (click here). (24)Precept Austin.