Lessons learned from King Saul’s leadership “beginnings” and “failed ends” 510-1 - 4 - 7

Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Per CM, Saul had everything in his favor:

1)  a strong body, 10:23; Saul was taller than any of the people.

2)  a humble mind, 9:21; Saul questioned why he was closen as he was a from the small Benjamin tribe of Israel.

3)  a new heart, 10:9; God gave him another heart and patience to wait seven days to be called by Samual.

4)  spiritual power, 10:10; “the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.”

5)  loyal friends, 10:26; Saul had with him a band of men, “whose hearts God had touched.”

6)  Saul had the guidance and prayers of Samuel.

Nevertheless:

1) It took the young David to slay the mighty Goliath.

2) Saul became very proud and was obsessed with jealousy towards David and tried to kill him.

3) 1 Samuel 13:8, “And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.” Saul became impatience and he offered the burnt offering. This was a serious transgression as Saul was acting as both priest and King. There were only two men who were both priest and King, Jesus, and Melchizedek king of Salem. Someday we, the Church, will also be priests and Kings.

5) Saul was losing any grip on reality and ordered the priests he accused of helping David killed. His guards refused so “Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.” The deaths of 85 priests didn’t satisfy Saul and he also attacked Nob, Ahimelech's city, and killed all the inhabitants and livestock.

4) & 6) Saul disobeyed the commandment by God to destroy the Amalekites but spared their king Agag. Samuel quickly dispatched the king. 1 Samuel 15:35, “And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.” 

Later Saul was facing battle and wanted council from the dead Samuel. Saul had the witch of En-dor conjure Samuel, a very major transgression against God's commend. 1 Samuel 28:19, "Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and tomorrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines." The next day Saul and his sons were dead.

The early promise of Saul and his fall from grace demonstrates what pride, arrogance, impatience, not taking council, and breaking God’s laws can do. Better to remember the words of Micah 6:8, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

How the values in Luke 6:17-26. compare with those promoted by the media? 531-1 - 6 - 1

These are the days of Isaiah 5:20 with respect to the media and to their audience.

Luke 16:18, “And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.” The old adage goes, “If it bleeds, it leads.” Negative and more frequently fake news takes precedence.

Luke 6:19, “And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.”

Rather than quiet healing often the Christian media promotes showmanship such as slaying in the spirit.

Luke 6:20, ‘And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.”

Here Jesus was speaking about our self-imposed poverty for His sake. 180 degrees out of sync with many of today’s televangelist that pass for Christian teaching. The media’s focus is more often on these “name it and claim it” preachers rather than on those ministering and suffering throughout the world.

Luke 6:21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

Our self-denial to help alleviate human need, both spiritual and physical will be rewarded in a future day. There are worthy organizations in addition to an individual’s church. Funds could go to material things, however, better to heed Matthew 6:20, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” We are assured that “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy,” paying it forward.

Luke 6:22-23 “22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”

True rings very true given the media’s propensity to isolate and slandered individuals (groups) because of their stand for Jesus.

Luke 6: Luke 6:24-25, “24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.”

No paying forward so no future rewards. The media  nearly deified the wealthy, sadly much effort of both the wealthy and the media support a liberal agenda.   

Luke 6:26, “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.”

Isaiah 5:20 really applies to the media, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

Luke 6:22-23 helps me to remember that although many friends and family roll their eyes at me, perhaps I’m planting a few seeds.

Is it wise to be curious about holy things? 510-1 - 5 - 4

To be curious about holy things of God can lead to reverence or it can lead to transgression.

1 Samuel 6:1, “And the ark of the Lord was in the country of the Philistines seven months.” The Philistines captured the Ark and had months of adversely. They had respect for the Ark and called it the “ark of the Lord.” There are no indications that the Philistines opened the Ark. The Philistines returned the Ark with a coffer containing trespass offerings.

Upon the return of the Ark to Bethshemesh the people opened the Ark, a very costly transgression. God held the Philistines to a lower standard as they, unlike the Israeli, didn’t know that the Ark represented the presence of God.

Daniel 12:8-10, “8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? 9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Here the book is shut up.

Revelation 10:10-11, “10 And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. 11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” John ate the book but was told to prophesy, a partial opening of the book?

As it was in thousands of years ago both in the garden and in land of Shinar, as it is today, the drive to become like God. Genesis 3:5, “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.“

Genesis 10:8, “And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth.” Nimrod possibly was a Nephilim, a son of a fallen angel. Today there is research into transhumanism and super-soldiers.

"Chapter 6: Transhumanism and Super-Soldiers introduces the subject of “transhumanism,” which seeks to combine the “best” of man and machines and a concept embraced by the Pentagon’s science arm in order to field the twenty-first century’s super-soldier. However, the “creation” of “cyborgized” soldiers— beings with both organic and bio-mechatronic body parts— raises very serious ethical and moral issues as well as provides good reason to believe these super-soldiers are yet another sign of the end times."

[Maginnis, Lieutenant Colonel Robert L.. Future War: SUPER SOLDIERS, TERMINATORS, CYBERSPACE, AND THE NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY FOR 21ST CENTURY COMBAT]

Genesis 11:4, “And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” Today it’s the search for “The God Particle” and attempts to open a portal to other dimensions.

Stephen Hawking Says, 'God Particle' Could Wipe Out the Universe

"The famous theoretical physicist is warning that the particle could one day be responsible for the destruction of the known universe.

Hawking is not the only scientist who thinks so. The theory of a  Higgs boson doomsday, where a quantum fluctuation creates a vacuum "bubble" that expands through space and wipes out the universe, has existed for a while. However, scientists don't think it could happen anytime soon." How very reassuring!

[http://www.livescience.com/47737-stephen-hawking-higgs-boson-universe-doomsday.html]

Human sacrifice’ staged at Cern, home of the God Particle

[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/cern-human-sacrifice-video-watch-hadron-collider-god-particle-a7196881.html]

This video was play acted under a status of Shiva.

To be curious about holy things of God is good if it leads to a thirst for the Word. Nevertheless, attempting to become a god and/or denigrating God’s creation will lead to destruction at worst or scattered and confounding of languages as with Babel.

What are the two lies about sin and the two lies of Satan. 531-1 - 5 - 3

Per CM “Sin controls by two lies: 1) Nothing is wrong with us.  2) Nothing can be done for us; we are beyond help. Our misconceptions about Satan are the same way: He doesn’t exist; He is too powerful to conquer”

Many people make the mistake of not believing in the existence of Satan. As I observed the evil in the world it is impossible for me to doubt the existence of Satan. The dictator of North Korea Kim Jong-un, Syria President Bashar al-Assad’s recent chemical bombings in a northern rebel-held area, ISIS are just a few examples. Closer to home is the far left who seem to have appropriated Isaiah 5:20, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!’

Yes, Satan most definitely exists and is perpetrating much evil on the earth and it seems his minions are growing exponentially. However, it would be a mistake to fear him as when we fear something, we give it an undue control over our life. I hold to the middle ground and acknowledge that Satan exists and yet hold strong to my victory over him through Jesus.

In 1 Peter 5:8 we are told, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." Be sober, be vigilant, good advice in these end days.

The DNC holds itself above God’s Word, “Nothing is wrong with us.” Per DNC chairman Tom Perez, “Every Democrat, like every American, should support a woman’s right to make her own choices about her body and her health,” Perez said in a statement. “That is not negotiable and should not change city by city or state by state.”

[http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/23/dnc-chair-calls-for-abortion-rights-litmus-test-for-democrats/]

Women's choice is code for abortion even of viable babies. By not negotiable the DNC gives antecedence to the Federal gov’t over States Rights.

“Democrats applaud last year’s decision by the Supreme Court that recognized that LGBT people—like other Americans—have the right to marry the person they love. But there is still much work to be done.”

[https://www.democrats.org/people/lgbt-community]

Are we as a country passed the point of no return, that nothing can be done for us; we are beyond help as was Judah for a time. Ezekiel 22:30, “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.”

Satan holds the title deed to earth and perhaps God is dropping any hedge of protection from Satan. As a BAC, I know I’ll be OK and must continue to pray for revival. I struggle with the temptation to remain in my circle of church family, a form of giving into Satan. Remembering and praying for the many loss people helps me to enter the spiritual battleground.

How does corruption in its leadership impact the culture of a nation? 510-1 - 3 - 1

Full disclosure, this is an important topic to me so borrowing and updating from past postings…  

Proverbs 29:2, “When the righteous (H6662) are in authority, the people rejoice (H8055): but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn (H584).”

Righteous, H6662, From H6663; just, lawful, righteous (man). H6663, to be right cleanse, clear self, just, turn to righteousness.

Rejoice, H8055, probably to brighten up, that is, be made gleesome, glad, joy, merry

Mourn, H584, to sigh: groan

Regardless of who is in authority, Paul tells us to pray for them. 1 Timothy 2:1-4. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

Easier said than done, for me the Obama administration was a long and painful eight years of witnessing the denigration of morals in an age where many conformed to Isaiah 5:20, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness (H2822) for light (H216), and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

Darkness, H2822, From H2821; the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness: night, obscurity. H2821, A primitive root; to be dark (as withholding light); transitively to darken: - be black, be (make) dark, darken, cause darkness, be dim, hide.

Light, H216, From H215; illumination, happiness, bright, clear. H215, A primitive root; to make luminous (literally and metaphorically): break of day, glorious, kindle, set on fire, shine.

With the election of President Trump, it seems like emerging from a long dark tunnel into the light. Unfortunately, there seems to be an Obama/ Soros shadow government emerging, no surprise given the decades the Rothschilds and their ilk have promotion the OWG.

Prayers are very much needed for the protection of President Trump, his family and administration. And for the continuance of greater transparency than last eight years with its culture of corruption.

Leprosy, a type of sin and is this relevant to us today? 531-1 - 5 - 4

“Isaiah1:4-6 The people are guilty of aggravated iniquity in turning their backs on the Holy One. God's chastenings have not succeeded, even though the body is covered with wounds and bruises and putrefying sores.”

[Believer’s Bible Commentary]

Per CM, leprosy is a sin that constitutional, loathsome, infectious, It (was) incurable. Constitutional means legitimate, so a proper punishment for arrogance such as that of King Uzziah.

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

Isaiah served under these four kings of Judah.  As it seems to be with Judah, good kings, and then bad kings, and then… And here in the United States… President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, and President Trump…

Uzziah was a good king, however, he presumed to offer incense in the temple, a sacrilege, and "the LORD had smitten him" with leprosy. Jotham was a good king, but he did not remove the high places, from places of idol worship.

2 Kings 16:2, "Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father."

Hezekiah, another of the good kings brought reform to counter the idolatry of his father Ahaz, and thoroughly cleansed the land.

God was upset with the Judah even with three of four kings being “good” compared to our last four presidents, two out of four being “good.”

Numbers 12:10, “And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.” Miriam and Aron spoke against their brother Moses marrying an Ethiopian woman as cover for their resentment of Moses' leadership.  Jealousy and covertness very today. God restored Miriam after seven days, will our country be cured of this loathsome and infectious disease jealousy and covertness or is It incurable?

Naaman, a Syrian, was healed of leprosy by obedience, 2 Kings 5:10, "And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean." Seven times washing in the Jordan, extreme cleansing, needed today. There is a warning of consequences of fraud given the actions of Elisha’s servant Gehazi. 2 Kings 5:27, “The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed forever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.”

Luke 5:12-13, “12 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 13 And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.” Should there be a great revival humbly imploring God for a cleansing, or is it too late?

Idolatry, alive and promoted today 510-1 - 2 - 2.

Idolatry is a man-made religion worshipping the created rather than the Creator such as in image-worship, fetishism, the worship of trees, rivers, hills, stones, and more. The worship of trees, rivers, hills, stones is closely akin to nature worship, the worship of the sun, moon, and stars, as the supposed powers of nature. Much of this idolatry is found in the New Age, recycled Eastern pagan religion. In Romans chapter one Paul deals with the consequences of denying God as the Creator.

Not too far removed from the worship of pagan gods is today’s hero worship of sports figures. Some worship deceased ancestors in the belief that spirits continue to reside on earth after death still influencing the lives of the living. However, Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

Atheism has become a form of idolatry greatly advanced by best-selling authors such as Richard Dawkins and the late Christopher Hitchens. People have long argued whether Einstein believed in God, I'll leave that up to them. No God to Stephen Hawking, rather gravity, now where/ from whom did gravity come from?

“Because there is a law like gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing in the manner described in Chapter 6. Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the universe exists, why we exist. It is not necessary to invoke God to light the blue touch paper and set the universe going.”

[Hawking, Stephen; Mlodinow, Leonard. The Grand Design]

God elegantly repudiates this in The Book of Job starting with chapter 38. Job 38:4, “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.”

As an aside and digging deeper, as I understand it, there is a difference between an "abomination" and the "abomination that make desolate." An abomination would be the false worship of idols rather than of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Idols would include anything/ anybody such as power, money, lust, and sexual perversion sought after rather than God. Abomination that make desolate would be where/ when these “idols” were brought into the “Holy of Holies” as with Antiochus IV. Sound familiar?

Nearly four years ago I wrote that "the abomination of desolation should serve as a warning to anyone/ any country into extreme false worship. In this country millions of babies are sacrificed on the altar of choice. Contemporary idols are greed, thirst for power, homosexuality and many perversions. Our children are being corrupted with non-Biblical teachings. Our churches are so far removed from the teachings of Jesus that they are becoming, IMO, an abomination for which God will hold them responsible."

Hopefully, the election of 2016 will bring our country closer to her Christian beginnings.

Hopefully, the election of 2016 will bring our country closer to its beginning.

My perspective about the historical and prophetic significance of the Mercy Seat. 510-1 - 2 - 1

The Ark of the Covenant with its Mercy Seat is the only furniture allowed within the Holy of Hollies. The ark was a chest made of acacia wood with a gold overlaid both inside and out. It was to hold three items: a golden pot of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the two stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written.

“The atonement cover was the lid for the ark. On top of it stood two cherubim (angels) at the two ends, facing each other. The cherubim, symbols of God’s divine presence and power, were facing downward toward the ark with outstretched wings that covered the atonement cover. The whole structure was beaten out of one piece of pure gold. The atonement cover was God’s dwelling place in the tabernacle. It was His throne, flanked by angels.”

[http://the-tabernacle-place.com/articles/what_is_the_tabernacle/tabernacle_ark_of_the_covenant]

Years ago, I was shopping in a Christian bookstore in which was papier-mâché facsimile of the tomb in the garden. I looked in and saw the empty slab on which Jesus's body would have rested. While shorter than the resting place of Jesus, is the bare slab and the two angles a facsimile of the mercy seat? Would the Mercy Seat be a fitting throne for Jesus on the Bema Judgment seat and during the Millennium? Absolutely, as perhaps His blood was still dripping onto the original garden slab. No more requirement for blood from sacrificed animals as Jesus paid the final price!

Paul tells of being like the wise master builder, 1 Corinthians 3:11, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." All else is wood, hay, and straw which will be burnt. Thinking freely, all that is worthwhile is the Mercy Seat of pure gold as the wood in the Ark would decay do as wood, hay, and straw. As for the gold overlay, not long lasting as I can attest to with jewelry.

Jesus will be seated on the Mercy Seat as He judges the survivors of the Tribulation. On this, the Bema Seat of judgment, Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats depending on their treatment of Israel. Believers will have their Inheritances and Rewards judged/ burnt as being analogous to gold, silver, and precious stones or wood, hay, stubble.

As an aside, CM lists five Biblical references to the Bema seat of Judgment. The first four are pass and the final judgment is yet to come. Maranatha!

“• Pilate judging Christ, Matthew 27:19

• Herod (smitten by worms), Acts 12:21

• Gallio sentencing Paul, Acts 18:16,17

• Festus: trial, sentencing Paul, Act 25:6,10,17

• Judgment Seat of Christ, Romans 14:10”

[CM's Inheritance & Rewards]

Discuss the different elements of the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). 531-1 - 4 - 1

Paul tells us to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” and “If God be for us, who can be against us?” In Ephesians 6:11-13, “11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

“The helmet of salvation helps me to keep my focus positive by deflecting negative thoughts that Satan tries to contaminate my mind with. The “darts and arrows” of Satan bounce off my helmet which is reinforced by “The shield of faith.” Both “the helmet of salvation” and “the shield of faith” are defensive weapons to help us/ me in keeping our mind stayed on Jesus.

Ephesians 16-17, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Paul doesn’t mention prayer as a part of the armor, However, the “sword of the spirit”/ the Word of God provides authority to our/ my prayers.

“And prayer should be in the Spirit, that is, inspired and led by Him. Formal prayers recited merely by rote (without giving thought to their meaning)—of what value are they in combat against the hosts of hell? There must be vigilance in prayer: watchful to this end. We must watch against drowsiness, mind-wandering, and preoccupation with other things. Prayer requires spiritual keenness, alertness, and concentration. And there must be perseverance in prayer. We must keep on asking, seeking, knocking.”

[Believer’s Bible Commentary]

Our feet are to be “shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” And in we are to “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.” We are to walk in peace and our feet will stay on the path of righteousness.

Much as I try to keep on the Armor of God my helmet often slips a little and then devil inspired nagging doubts try to sneak in, thankfully the shield of faith comes to the rescue. My best offensive weapon is prayer and prayer wearing the whole armor of God.

Paul again makes his point in 2 Corinthians 10:4, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” And in Romans 13:12, “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.”

The 3 temptations the devil brought against Jesus, my temptations 531-1 - 4 - 3

Luke 4:3,"And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread." Here the devil was appealing to Jesus' physical well-being.

Luke 4:4, "And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." The Word is far more fulfilling than bread, it fills that inborn need for God.

In the second temptation, Luke 4:5-7, the devil petitions Jesus with power and glory. This is a valid temptation as the devil holds the deed to our fallen world.

Luke 4:8, “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." God, not the devil, is to be worshiped.

Luke 4:9-11, here in the third temptation the devil is trying to get Jesus to manipulate God, to put God "to the test" by saving Him (Jesus) from a deadly fall.

Luke 4:12, “And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”

As an aside, one Discussion Question really resonated with me when taking Spiritual Disciplines SD501, “Why is it important to ‘make deposits’? What biblical passages have served you well over the past few months?” Since that time, I have maintained a file on my computer desktop of often quoted verses including the words Sola Scriptura. These deposits of verses are a great help to me and I often draw against this account.

The seven deadly sins are Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, and Pride. Three most applicable to me are gluttony, greed (non-material), and pride.

The could devil tempt me with greed for Knowledge, pride in winning arguments and gluttony.

Greed: Years ago, when I would hold a book it would seem to take on a life of its own, nearly vibrating in my hand. Now I carry hundreds of books on my smart phone, computers, tablets, and Kindles. So, greed for knowledge coupled with a greed for electronic gizmos.

Pride: I work to be right and win arguments. I’ve channeled some of that drive to becoming a better Christian Apologist. Now to learn to moderate my discussions that can become rather preachy.

Gluttony: Monday will be half price day for all that wonderful but pagan “Easter” candy. Solid milk chocolate rabbits and creamy eggs. Now my mouth is watering.

These temptations do not begin to compare to those of Jesus by enduring severe beatings and the horrific pain and humiliation of crucifixion for our/ my sins. Jesus didn’t give into temptations

1. Physical, to escape the agony of the cross.

 2. Jesus, equal to God humbled Himself by foregoing both His power and glory.

3. Matthew 27:46, “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” By calling out “My God” Jesus acknowledged that God would not look on Him as He was carrying our sins. Jesus didn’t “Put God to the test.”

By being a prepper am I guilty of doing what is right in my own eyes," not completely trusting in the Lord? 510-1 - 1 - 8

Judges 21:25: “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” When the time of the Judges ended, the people wanted a king. As a result, they were given King Saul of The Tribe of Benjamin rather than God’s intended David of the tribe of Judah who was too young to be king. Had the people been more patient, far fewer problems such as the continued persecution of David by King Saul.

Full disclosure, I’m something of a prepper. Some of my Christian family I think that I may be guilty of doing it my way, what is right in my own eyes. Most of my Christian friends fall into one of two groups. Most are pre-trip and expect to be taken out before the horror of the Tribulation begins.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 

The other group think we'll be here for part or all the tribulation but will be protected in place. While the following refers to saved Israel, we are grafted in.

Micah 2:12, “I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men.”

Although I agree we believers will be taken care of I feel that I should make a certain amount of preparation. So yes, I'm a little bit of a prepper while I wait for the good Lord to either call me home or call me up with a trumpet blast.

Several Christian websites promote the procurement of long term storage food products and other prepper items such as water purification. Although the Mormons have a very different theology they are a great example prepping. Attendees at one of their prepper classes were taught to construct faraday storage containers. 

Many survival items are necessary in addition to food and water, medical supplies being just one. I’m slowly adding to my suppliers.

I have ample solar power at my summer off-the-power-grid home and a lesser amount at my winter on-the-power-grid home. In a normal emergency, I will have this advantage, however, an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) would likely wipeout the electronics required with solar power.

I've taken the added precaution of placing an electric Bible, flash drives with Bible teachings and Bible commentaries along with small electronics and solar charger in faraday pouches. I will be able to satisfy my hunger for the Bible as well as share scripture with my neighbors no matter what happens. I think the Lord is OK with my peppering. 

What is the work of the Holy Spirit.How does it help me on my Christian journey? 531-1 - 3 - 2

The Holy Spirit is with us, convicting of sin; in us indwelling, regeneration once and for all; upon us for infilling, repeated empowerment.

I’m very blessed to have the Holy Spirit as well as CM’s commentaries and the Internet available as I seek to become a better Christian apologist.

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Old Testament saints was selective and temporary.

What is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit?

“The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the action by which God takes up permanent residence in the body of a believer in Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the Spirit would come and go from the saints, empowering them for service but not necessarily remaining with them.

[https://www.gotquestions.org/indwelling-of-the-Holy-Spirit.html]

How did the Holy Spirit operate in the lives of OT saints?

https://bible.org/question/how-did-holy-spirit-operate-lives-ot-saints

John 14:15-17, “15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he Dwelleth (G3306) with you, and shall be in you.”

Dwelleth, G3306, A primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): - abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), X thine own.

What an honor, Jesus was, is, always will be indwelling us. We have this further assurance from 1 Peter 2:9-10, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” 

To be effective in my Christian journey I must receive the power of the Holy Spirit. With the power of the Holy Spirit I’m “on fire for God.” Within the Church family we can feel the indwelling spirit in our brothers and sisters. It provides the power to become a better and bold witness.

Spirit Of The Living God Lyrics

“Spirit of the living God fall fresh on me

Spirit of the living God fall fresh on me

Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me

Spirit of the living God fall fresh on me”

If I am obedient the spirit continually falls fresh on me melting and molding me, filling me, and using me as a servant to the living God.

Lots about Shoes in the Bible 531-1 - 3 - 1

Exodus 3:5, "And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." Joshua 5:15, "And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so." The Lord commanded Moses and Joshua to remove their shoes when standing on Holy Ground.

Joshua 9:5, “And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy.”  Here shoes were used in deception.

Psalm 110:1, “A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” Here Jesus confounded the Pharisees who generally agreed that the Messiah would be the Son of David. How could He be David's Lord and David's Son at the same time?

These few references in the Old Testament to shoes or related items reminds me that as a Christian when I reflect on the Word I’m on Holy ground, I’m not to be deceived by “old shoes” and I’m to use scripture as a Christian Apologist.

Matthew 10:10, “Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.” Repeated in Luke 10:4, “Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.” The disciples were to go on a short mission without provisions.

Matthew 10:14, “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.”

If rejected the disciples were to shake the dust off their feet to bring home God's displeasure as in rejecting Jesus’ disciples, a family was rejecting Him. In both Matthew and Mark Jesus is quoted “It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.”

When they return Jesus asked them Luke 22:35, “And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing.”

I find that sometimes it is best to “shake the dust” and move on after planting a seed for God. It is up to the Holy Spirit to do the convicting.

Ephesians 6:15, “And your feet shod (G5265) with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”

Shod, G5265, to bind under one’s feet, that is, put on shoes or sandals: - bind on, (be) shod.

Acts 13:25, “And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes (G5266) of his feet I am not worthy to loose.”

Shoes, G5266, From G5265; something bound under the feet, that is, a shoe or sandal: - shoe. G5265 to bind under one’s feet, that is, put on shoes or sandals: - bind on, (be) shod.

Matthew 18:18, “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Quite a responsibility for Christians.

Hannah’s “model” prayer. 510-1 - 1 - 5

“Hannah's Song (Samuel 2:1-10) The devotedness of Elkanah's wife and son stands out against the depravity of Eli's family. After giving her son to the Lord, Hannah poured out her heart in thanksgiving. Her words reveal an in-depth knowledge of God, His character, and His deeds. The prayer seems to rebuke Peninnah for the many spiteful things she had said to Hannah, but it prophetically goes beyond this domestic squabble to the triumph of Israel over her foes and to the eventual reign of Christ.”

[Believer’s Bible Commentary]

1 Samuel 2:1, “And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.”

1 Samuel 2:2, “There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock (H6697) like our God.”

Rock, H6697, figuratively a refuge; mighty God, rock, strength, strong. Suggests that Hannah knows that the holy God is her refuge.

1 Samuel 2:3-4, “Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.” 4, The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.” A foretelling of Psalm 2?

1 Samuel 2:5, “They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.”

Hannah’s husband Elkanah had two wives; Hannah, and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren. Did the barren Hannah give birth to seven children while her sister wife “waxed feeble?”

1 Samuel 2:6, “The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.” Jesus’ death on the cross and the empty tomb?  

1 Samuel 2:7, “7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.: An example eons later would be the beggar and the rich Lazarus. The thought continues in 1 Samuel 2:8.

1 Samuel 2:9, “He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.” The coming tribulation?

1 Samuel 2:10, “The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.” The coming Day of the Lord?

No king of Israel at time of Hannah’s prayer and long before Samuel anointed Saul. Horn used to hold the anointing oil, also mentioned in verse 1. The final anointed King with be Jesus.

As for me and my family, my children are long grown up and my only grandchild is very low functioning Autistic. I pray for grown children and extended family but leave it to the Holy Spirit to convict them.

God spoke to Mary, Zechariah and the shepherds while they were attending to their usual duties. 531-1 - 2 - 2

Zacharias was going about his Temple duties and tending the Golden Altar, the Altar of Incense, when the angel Gabriel visited him. Imagine his surprise when he was informed that his wife would give birth to a son who would Luke 1:17, "And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

John, the son of Zacharias and Elisabeth would go before the coming Messiah, Jesus. Zacharias was skeptical as his wife Elisabeth was barren and well up in years. Zacharias was struck dumb for the duration of Elisabeth’s pregnancy.  

Mary was recently engaged and likely looking forward to her marriage. She also was skeptical when visited by the angel Gabriel as she was a virgin, nevertheless, she acquiesced, Luke 1:38, “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” 

Luke 2:8, "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." The shepherds were visited by the angel Gabriel, Luke 2:10, "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."

The shepherds "said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." Afterwards, Luke 2:20, "And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

A priest and his wife were to be the parents of the man who would “go before” Jesus. A village virgin in the line of David would be the mother of the coming Messiah.

Shepherds were the outcasts in Israel as their work made them ceremonially unclean. Per CM they were kept away from the temple weeks at a time. Lowly shepherds, not the religious leaders, welcomed Jesus into His incarnation.  

All three fulfilled the charge Jesus later gave to the disciples in The Parable of the Ten Minas. A foretelling of what we have been given and are expected to do with it?

Luke 19:11, “And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.” Today as with these early believers, many believers rest on their “Blessed Assurance” rather than waging spiritual warfare. Luke 19:13, “And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy (G4231) till I come.” 

Occupy, G4231, From G4229; to busy oneself with, that is, to trade: occupy. G4229, From G4238; a deed; by implication an affair; by extension an object (material): - business, matter, thing, work. Digging deeper, G4238 is a primary verb; to “practise”, that is, perform repeatedly or by implication to execute, accomplish, etc.; specifically to collect (dues), fare (personally): - commit, deeds, do, exact, keep, require, use arts.

This speaks to me as I have been given my salvation and I’m to occupy until Jesus comes for me,  I’m in the business of bringing people into the Kingdom.

Who was Simeon and what did Simeon predict? Are the prophecies of Simeon being fulfilled today? 531-1 - 2 - 4

“Simeon was one of the godly remnant of Jews who was waiting for the coming of the Messiah. It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Christ or Anointed One.”

[Believer’s Bible Commentary]

Luke 2:25, “And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation (G3874) of Israel (G2474): and the Holy Ghost was upon him.” 

Consolation, G3874, From G3870; imploration, hortation, solace: - comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty. G3870, to call near, that is, invite, invoke by imploration, hortation or consolation: - beseech, call for, be of good comfort, desire, give exhortation, intreat, pray.

A foretelling of comfort to come, Luke 2:30, “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation…”

Israel, G2474, Of Hebrew origin (H3478); Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively): - Israel. H3478, he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity: - Israel.

That comfort shall literally be for Israel and figuratively for the descendants of Israel/ Jacob one of whom was Mary and to the Gentiles. Luke 2:32, “A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”

Luke 2:34-35, “34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall (G4431) and rising again (G386) of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword (G4501) shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Fall, G4431, a crash, that is, downfall (literally or figuratively): fall.

Again (Rising), G386, a standing up again, that is, (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, general or by implication (its author)), or (figuratively) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth): - raised to life again, resurrection, rise from the dead, that should rise, rising again.

Jesus would fall, be crucified, and rising again, be resurrected.

Sword, G4501, probably of foreign origin; a sabre, that is, a long and broad cutlass (any weapon of the kind, literally or figuratively): - sword.

A sword would figuratively pierce Mary’s soul and a sword would literally pierce the side of the dead Jesus.

As for the phase, “that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed,” refers to past, present, and future reactions to our redeemer, Jesus. The Holy Spirit knows what is truly in our hearts.

Is there a “Grieving the Holy Spirit” today? Jesus said that speaking a word against the Son of man can be forgiven but whosoever “speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”

Matthew 12:31, 32: “These verses mark a crisis in Christ's dealings with the leaders of Israel. He accuses them of committing the unpardonable sin by blaspheming against the Holy Spirit, that is, by charging that Jesus performed His miracles by the power of Satan rather than by the power of the Holy Spirit. In effect, this was calling the Holy Spirit Beelzebub, the ruler of demons.”

[Believer’s Bible Commentary]

Jesus performed miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit, nevertheless, the Pharisees claimed that it was through the power of Satan. Fast forward to the present, for several years, there have been/ are “revivals” where gold dust appears, masses of people are blown over by what is called the Holy Spirit, feathers float through the air and more. A reversal of the unpardonable sin? What of false teachers/ teachings?