StMatthew2429
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Holy Bible Fellowship with StMatthew!!! (2)
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StMatthew2429
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Tuesday, February 21 2006
Sedges
Sedges are a related classification of plants that are commonly found in marshes. References to varieties of sedges that are found in the Bible, directly or indirectly, include bulrushes (also spelled bullrush) and papyrus ("paper rush" - see below). Sedges were used for a wide variety of products during Bible History, including baskets, mats, clothing and furniture. Bible translations often do not distinguish between bulrushes and other species of rushes, although most are somewhat similar in appearance and were used similarly. "she took for him an ark of bulrushes"
One of the most Biblically-famous uses of sedge was when Moses' mother made an ark of bulrushes to preserve the life of her son (see also The Education Of Moses).
See Where Did The "Bible" Come From?
This Day In History, February 21
1173: Pope Alexander III canonized Thomas Becket. As Archbishop of Canterbury, Becket was martyred 3 years before by King Henry II.
1437: King James I of Scotland was assassinated.
1613: Michael Romanov became czar (the Russian form of "Caesar") of Russia, beginning the Romanov dynasty.
1744: The British blockade of Toulon was broken by 27 French and Spanish warships attacking the 29 British ships.
1885: The Washington Monument was dedicated.
1915: During the First World War, the Germans under Hindenberg heavily defeated the Russians under Baron Siever at the Winter Battle of Masuria which ended this day. Over 200,000 Russians were lost.
1916: During the First World War, German forces launched an attack on the French fortress at Verdun. The battle ended December 18, with 434,000 German and 543,000 French casualties.
1918: During the First World War, Australian cavalry captured Jericho.
1940: The Nazis begin construction of the slave labor/death camp at Auschwitz.
http://ecosyn.us/Bush-Hitler/
http://www.georgewalkerbush.net/bushgang.htm
http://www.country-liberal-party.com/pages/Bush-Nazi-links.htm
1965: Malcolm X, U.S. black activist, was assassinated at age 39.
1972: Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president to visit China.
1975: John Mitchell, H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman were jailed for obstruction of justice in the Watergate affair.
Sedges
Sedges are a related classification of plants that are commonly found in marshes. References to varieties of sedges that are found in the Bible, directly or indirectly, include bulrushes (also spelled bullrush) and papyrus ("paper rush" - see below). Sedges were used for a wide variety of products during Bible History, including baskets, mats, clothing and furniture. Bible translations often do not distinguish between bulrushes and other species of rushes, although most are somewhat similar in appearance and were used similarly. "she took for him an ark of bulrushes"
One of the most Biblically-famous uses of sedge was when Moses' mother made an ark of bulrushes to preserve the life of her son (see also The Education Of Moses).
"And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime [see Bitumen] and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink." (Exodus 2:1-3 KJV)
Larger floating vessels were also built from sedge i.e. "vessels of bulrushes upon the waters":"Woe to the land shadowing with wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia: That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!"
The reference to paper being made from papyrus ("paper reeds") is stated very plainly."The paper reeds by the brooks, by the mouth of the brooks" (Isaiah 19:7 KJV)
The original words, or their translations, do not always specify the variety or species of all of the very similar appearing marsh plants. The "rush" as it is translated below was actually written in the original Hebrew to mean either the bulrush or papyrus. The "flag" ("plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals") is used to translate the original Hebrew word that also actually referred to bulrushes."Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water?" (Job 8:11 KJV)
Sedges, reeds and rushes were found in marshes; so were one of the kinds of Biblical dragons (see Dragons)."And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes." (Isaiah 35:7 KJV)
Fact Finder: What connection is there between papyrus ("paper rush") and the origin of the word "Bible"?See Where Did The "Bible" Come From?
This Day In History, February 21
1173: Pope Alexander III canonized Thomas Becket. As Archbishop of Canterbury, Becket was martyred 3 years before by King Henry II.
1437: King James I of Scotland was assassinated.
1613: Michael Romanov became czar (the Russian form of "Caesar") of Russia, beginning the Romanov dynasty.
1744: The British blockade of Toulon was broken by 27 French and Spanish warships attacking the 29 British ships.
1885: The Washington Monument was dedicated.
1915: During the First World War, the Germans under Hindenberg heavily defeated the Russians under Baron Siever at the Winter Battle of Masuria which ended this day. Over 200,000 Russians were lost.
1916: During the First World War, German forces launched an attack on the French fortress at Verdun. The battle ended December 18, with 434,000 German and 543,000 French casualties.
1918: During the First World War, Australian cavalry captured Jericho.
1940: The Nazis begin construction of the slave labor/death camp at Auschwitz.
http://ecosyn.us/Bush-Hitler/
http://www.georgewalkerbush.net/bushgang.htm
http://www.country-liberal-party.com/pages/Bush-Nazi-links.htm
1965: Malcolm X, U.S. black activist, was assassinated at age 39.
1972: Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president to visit China.
1975: John Mitchell, H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman were jailed for obstruction of justice in the Watergate affair.
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StMatthew2429
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Today's Promise from the Bible
Ephesians 2:7
"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
Reflection
Eternity to come shall show forth the evident proof of God’s promise to give us part in immeasurable riches! To be sure, these are not the petty and childish riches of this present world, but only the best and truest gifts to reflect the Holy Nature of God Himself! Sing O children of the Most High: “Thou and Thou only, first in my heart—High King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art!”
AMEN!!!
Ephesians 2:7
"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
Reflection
Eternity to come shall show forth the evident proof of God’s promise to give us part in immeasurable riches! To be sure, these are not the petty and childish riches of this present world, but only the best and truest gifts to reflect the Holy Nature of God Himself! Sing O children of the Most High: “Thou and Thou only, first in my heart—High King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art!”
AMEN!!!
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StMatthew2429
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Meditation for This Morning
Charles Spurgeon
February 21 - Morning
"He hath said." —Hebrews 13:5
If we can only grasp these words by faith, we have an all-conquering weapon in our hand. What doubt will not be slain by this two-edged sword? What fear is there which shall not fall smitten with a deadly wound before this arrow from the bow of God's covenant? Will not the distresses of life and the pangs of death; will not the corruptions within, and the snares without; will not the trials from above, and the temptations from beneath, all seem but light afflictions, when we can hide ourselves beneath the bulwark of "He hath said"? Yes; whether for delight in our quietude, or for strength in our conflict, "He hath said" must be our daily resort. And this may teach us the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore you miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it, you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is so near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopoeia of Scripture, and you may yet continue sick unless you will examine and search the Scriptures to discover what "He hath said." Should you not, besides reading the Bible, store your memories richly with the promises of God? You can recollect the sayings of great men; you treasure up the verses of renowned poets; ought you not to be profound in your knowledge of the words of God, so that you may be able to quote them readily when you would solve a difficulty, or overthrow a doubt? Since "He hath said" is the source of all wisdom, and the fountain of all comfort, let it dwell in you richly, as "A well of water, springing up unto everlasting life." So shall you grow healthy, strong, and happy in the divine life.
Charles Spurgeon
February 21 - Morning
"He hath said." —Hebrews 13:5
If we can only grasp these words by faith, we have an all-conquering weapon in our hand. What doubt will not be slain by this two-edged sword? What fear is there which shall not fall smitten with a deadly wound before this arrow from the bow of God's covenant? Will not the distresses of life and the pangs of death; will not the corruptions within, and the snares without; will not the trials from above, and the temptations from beneath, all seem but light afflictions, when we can hide ourselves beneath the bulwark of "He hath said"? Yes; whether for delight in our quietude, or for strength in our conflict, "He hath said" must be our daily resort. And this may teach us the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore you miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it, you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is so near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopoeia of Scripture, and you may yet continue sick unless you will examine and search the Scriptures to discover what "He hath said." Should you not, besides reading the Bible, store your memories richly with the promises of God? You can recollect the sayings of great men; you treasure up the verses of renowned poets; ought you not to be profound in your knowledge of the words of God, so that you may be able to quote them readily when you would solve a difficulty, or overthrow a doubt? Since "He hath said" is the source of all wisdom, and the fountain of all comfort, let it dwell in you richly, as "A well of water, springing up unto everlasting life." So shall you grow healthy, strong, and happy in the divine life.
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StMatthew2429
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[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular][SIZE=+1]February 21[/SIZE] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular][FONT=Times New Roman, New York,Serif][SIZE=+2]Do You Really Love Him?[/SIZE][/FONT] [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]If what we call love doesn’t take us beyond ourselves, it is not really love. If we have the idea that love is characterized as cautious, wise, sensible, shrewd, and never taken to extremes, we have missed the true meaning. This may describe affection and it may bring us a warm feeling, but it is not a true and accurate description of love. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Have you ever been driven to do something for God not because you felt that it was useful or your duty to do so, or that there was anything in it for you, but simply because you love Him? Have you ever realized that you can give things to God that are of value to Him? Or are you just sitting around daydreaming about the greatness of His redemption, while neglecting all the things you could be doing for Him? I’m not referring to works which could be regarded as divine and miraculous, but ordinary, simple human things— things which would be evidence to God that you are totally surrendered to Him. Have you ever created what Mary of Bethany created in the heart of the Lord Jesus? "She has done a good work for Me." [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]There are times when it seems as if God watches to see if we will give Him even small gifts of surrender, just to show how genuine our love is for Him. To be surrendered to God is of more value than our personal holiness. Concern over our personal holiness causes us to focus our eyes on ourselves, and we become overly concerned about the way we walk and talk and look, out of fear of offending God. ". . . but perfect love casts out fear . . ." once we are surrendered to God ( 1 John 4:18 ). We should quit asking ourselves, "Am I of any use?" and accept the truth that we really are not of much use to Him. The issue is never of being of use, but of being of value to God Himself. Once we are totally surrendered to God, He will work through us all the time.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]http://www.rbc.org/utmost/
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular][FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]She has done a good work for Me[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular][SIZE=-1]
—Mark 14:6[/SIZE][/FONT] [/FONT]
—Mark 14:6[/SIZE][/FONT] [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Have you ever been driven to do something for God not because you felt that it was useful or your duty to do so, or that there was anything in it for you, but simply because you love Him? Have you ever realized that you can give things to God that are of value to Him? Or are you just sitting around daydreaming about the greatness of His redemption, while neglecting all the things you could be doing for Him? I’m not referring to works which could be regarded as divine and miraculous, but ordinary, simple human things— things which would be evidence to God that you are totally surrendered to Him. Have you ever created what Mary of Bethany created in the heart of the Lord Jesus? "She has done a good work for Me." [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]There are times when it seems as if God watches to see if we will give Him even small gifts of surrender, just to show how genuine our love is for Him. To be surrendered to God is of more value than our personal holiness. Concern over our personal holiness causes us to focus our eyes on ourselves, and we become overly concerned about the way we walk and talk and look, out of fear of offending God. ". . . but perfect love casts out fear . . ." once we are surrendered to God ( 1 John 4:18 ). We should quit asking ourselves, "Am I of any use?" and accept the truth that we really are not of much use to Him. The issue is never of being of use, but of being of value to God Himself. Once we are totally surrendered to God, He will work through us all the time.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]http://www.rbc.org/utmost/
[/FONT]
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StMatthew2429
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Day By Day By Grace
Bob Hoekstra
February 21th
The New Covenant of Grace: A Holy Spirit Covenant
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
As noted earlier, the new covenant is about grace, as contrasted with the old covenant, which is about law. "For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). The connection between grace and the Holy Spirit can be seen in various scripture passages on the new covenant, including this glorious prophecy. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." The first verse in this prophetic promise concerns regeneration, spiritual new birth. Through faith in the Lord, our original, hard, lifeless heart is removed, and a new, pliable, living spirit is given to us.
The second verse pertains to transformation, the ongoing development of this new life. "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes." The developing of a life that increasingly complies with the will of God depends upon the work of the Holy Spirit within us. We know that unredeemed humanity has no hope of living a life that is pleasing to God. Yet, many Christians could be unaware that even the new creature in Christ cannot please God on his own resources. The Spirit of God must be the heavenly cause that produces a heavenly lifestyle in believers.
What is promised here is not an automatic experience. The life of many Christians does not consistently match what is described here in Ezekiel 36:27. The reason is that they are not relating properly to the Lord in humble dependence. Yes, these two relational realities (humility and faith) also determine whether or not the Spirit of God is our resource, just as they were determinative concerning grace.
Two statements by Jesus expound upon this fact. "You have no life in you . . . It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing" (John 6:53,63). We do not innately possess life as God intends it to be lived. Natural human resources are of no benefit in developing a godly life. Such revelation is very humbling. If we embrace Jesus' evaluation of our personal inadequacy, then we are willing to relate to God in humility. Further, there is truth in which we are to place our trust. "It is the Spirit who gives life." As we count on this truth, we are relating to the Lord in faith. The result of such humble reliance is God's Spirit becomes our vitality for living godly.
O Lord, the source of true life, thank You for establishing such a gracious arrangement as the new covenant. I praise You that Your Holy Spirit is my heavenly dynamic for godliness. I confess that my fleshly attempts to please You are so inadequate. I humbly ask You to cause me to walk in Your good will, by the power of the Holy Spirit, AMEN!!!
Bob Hoekstra
February 21th
The New Covenant of Grace: A Holy Spirit Covenant
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
As noted earlier, the new covenant is about grace, as contrasted with the old covenant, which is about law. "For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). The connection between grace and the Holy Spirit can be seen in various scripture passages on the new covenant, including this glorious prophecy. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." The first verse in this prophetic promise concerns regeneration, spiritual new birth. Through faith in the Lord, our original, hard, lifeless heart is removed, and a new, pliable, living spirit is given to us.
The second verse pertains to transformation, the ongoing development of this new life. "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes." The developing of a life that increasingly complies with the will of God depends upon the work of the Holy Spirit within us. We know that unredeemed humanity has no hope of living a life that is pleasing to God. Yet, many Christians could be unaware that even the new creature in Christ cannot please God on his own resources. The Spirit of God must be the heavenly cause that produces a heavenly lifestyle in believers.
What is promised here is not an automatic experience. The life of many Christians does not consistently match what is described here in Ezekiel 36:27. The reason is that they are not relating properly to the Lord in humble dependence. Yes, these two relational realities (humility and faith) also determine whether or not the Spirit of God is our resource, just as they were determinative concerning grace.
Two statements by Jesus expound upon this fact. "You have no life in you . . . It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing" (John 6:53,63). We do not innately possess life as God intends it to be lived. Natural human resources are of no benefit in developing a godly life. Such revelation is very humbling. If we embrace Jesus' evaluation of our personal inadequacy, then we are willing to relate to God in humility. Further, there is truth in which we are to place our trust. "It is the Spirit who gives life." As we count on this truth, we are relating to the Lord in faith. The result of such humble reliance is God's Spirit becomes our vitality for living godly.
O Lord, the source of true life, thank You for establishing such a gracious arrangement as the new covenant. I praise You that Your Holy Spirit is my heavenly dynamic for godliness. I confess that my fleshly attempts to please You are so inadequate. I humbly ask You to cause me to walk in Your good will, by the power of the Holy Spirit, AMEN!!!
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StMatthew2429
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Todays Glory of GOD Photo for Feb 21, 2006...ENJOY!!!!
"The Heavens Declare the Glory of GOD:"~~Psalms 19:1
"Wisps Surrounding the Horsehead Nebula"
Zoom in right here..Praise the LORD!!!!
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0602/horseregion_ssro_big.jpg
"The Heavens Declare the Glory of GOD:"~~Psalms 19:1
"Wisps Surrounding the Horsehead Nebula"
Zoom in right here..Praise the LORD!!!!
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0602/horseregion_ssro_big.jpg
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StMatthew2429
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Good Evening everybody...
Oh where oh where has my angelwind gone? Oh where oh where can she be?
Yall have a wonderful night, dont forget to read your bibles!
Oh where oh where has my angelwind gone? Oh where oh where can she be?
Yall have a wonderful night, dont forget to read your bibles!
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Is someone looking for little ole me...StMatthew2429 said:Good Evening everybody...
Oh where oh where has my angelwind gone? Oh where oh where can she be?
Yall have a wonderful night, dont forget to read your bibles!
The horse shoer came today...and I also called the vet...the mare has a nasty skin infection...she is 20 years old...I don't ride anymore...but on the other hand...I had a wonderful time in the word...have a devotional by Wesley...wow!!!
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StMatthew2429
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angelwind said:
Hey there sister. Good to hear from ya.
Do you think it has to do with your weather out there? Or just age of your horse...? Or neither? I pray all is well for your companion...
Cant wait till worship service tomorrow. I need conviction!
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StMatthew2429
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Todays BIBLE Study...ENJOY!!!
Wednesday, February 22 2006
Widows
The English word widow is derived from an old Anglo-Saxon word widuwe which itself originated from a Latin word, vidua, meaning deprived (the English word void, meaning emptied, originated from the same word as widow). Widow is used to translate the Hebrew word of the Holy Scriptures, pronounced al-maw-naw, which although is used to refer to a widow, literally means an empty house. All of the literal meanings of widow starkly convey the physical void that is left in the life of someone who loses a spouse. But, as is made very plain in the Word of God, no widow is ever left alone if she is someone who looks to God. The Lord cannot be lost by those who seek Him, and it is by the power of The Lord that all who have died will have the means to live again. It's just a matter of time (see the Fact Finder question below). "if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home"
Right from the very beginning, The Lord was a defender of righteous widows; those who oppressed a widow risked making their own wives a widow i.e. "My wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows":
See What Happens When You Die? and When Will You Be Judged?
This Day In History, February 22
896: Arnulf was crowned emperor by Pope Formosus, who later declared Lambert deposed.
1370: Robert II succeeded his uncle, David II, as King of Scotland, beginning the Stuart dynasty.
1512: Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, died at age 61. "America" was derived from his first name.
1630: Indians introduced popcorn to British colonists in America.
1732: George Washington, the first U.S. President, was born.
1797: The last invasion of Britain occurred when 1,500 French troops landed at Fishguard, in Wales.
1819: The United States acquired Florida from Spain.
1825: Russia and Britain established the Alaska/Canada boundary. The United States purchased Alaska in 1867.
1862: Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as president of the Confederate States of America.
1879: Frank Woolworth opened his first "Five Cent Store."
1911: The Parliament of Canada voted to keep Canada as a member state within the union of the British Empire.
1913: Francisco Madero, revolutionary president of Mexico, was assassinated by the military, along with vice-president Pino Suarez.
1935: All airplane flights over the White House were banned because they were disturbing President Roosevelt's sleep.
1979: The Caribbean island of Saint Lucia gained full independence from Britain after 165 years. It became the 40th member state of the British Commonwealth.
1980: Israel introduced its new currency, the shekel. It replaced the Israeli pound.
1984: The U.S. and Britain sent warships to the Persian Gulf following an Iranian offensive against Iraq.
http://www.keyway.ca/htm2006/20060222.htm
Wednesday, February 22 2006
Widows
The English word widow is derived from an old Anglo-Saxon word widuwe which itself originated from a Latin word, vidua, meaning deprived (the English word void, meaning emptied, originated from the same word as widow). Widow is used to translate the Hebrew word of the Holy Scriptures, pronounced al-maw-naw, which although is used to refer to a widow, literally means an empty house. All of the literal meanings of widow starkly convey the physical void that is left in the life of someone who loses a spouse. But, as is made very plain in the Word of God, no widow is ever left alone if she is someone who looks to God. The Lord cannot be lost by those who seek Him, and it is by the power of The Lord that all who have died will have the means to live again. It's just a matter of time (see the Fact Finder question below). "if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home"
Right from the very beginning, The Lord was a defender of righteous widows; those who oppressed a widow risked making their own wives a widow i.e. "My wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows":
"Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto Me, I will surely hear their cry; And My wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless." (Exodus 22:21-24 KJV)
There were no hungry righteous widows in God's Israel; when harvest time came, their needs were supplied:"When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that The Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands. When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow" (Deuteronomy 24:19-21 KJV)
There were also no destitute righteous widows in God's Israel:"When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled; Then thou shalt say before The Lord thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them" (Deuteronomy 26:12-13 KJV)
While on the run from those who sought to kill him, the prophet Elijah was supplied with food by a widow, who was miraculously supplied with food, because she supplied Elijah with food. It was a time of drought (1 Kings 17:7) in which the unrighteous went hungry, but righteous Elijah and the righteous widow had all that they needed, "the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of The Lord.""And the word of The Lord came unto him, saying, Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand." "And she said, As The Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die."
"And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith The Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that The Lord sendeth rain upon the earth."
"And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of The Lord, which he spake by Elijah." (1 Kings 17:8-16 KJV)
And how do we know that the widow who took Elijah in, as described in the verses above, was a righteous widow, while all of the unrighteous people, including unrighteous widows, in the land went hungry during that time? Because Jesus Christ said so (the King James Version uses the Greek transliteration "Elias" in the New Testament for the Hebrew "Elijah" in the Old Testament)."And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith The Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that The Lord sendeth rain upon the earth."
"And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of The Lord, which he spake by Elijah." (1 Kings 17:8-16 KJV)
"And he said, Verily, I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow" (Luke 4:24-26 KJV)
The people who rejected the Christ also "devoured widows' houses":"And He said unto them in His doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation" (Mark 12:38-40 KJV)
The distinction between righteous and unrighteous widows was explained by the apostle Paul, who also made plain how the Fifth Commandment, "Honour thy father and thy mother", included all relatives, "if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home," but on the other hand, "if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.""Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews [see Aunt Mary?], let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." "Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work."
"But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." (1 Timothy 5:3-13 KJV)
Fact Finder: What happens to the dead? When do the dead stop being dead?"But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." (1 Timothy 5:3-13 KJV)
See What Happens When You Die? and When Will You Be Judged?
This Day In History, February 22
896: Arnulf was crowned emperor by Pope Formosus, who later declared Lambert deposed.
1370: Robert II succeeded his uncle, David II, as King of Scotland, beginning the Stuart dynasty.
1512: Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, died at age 61. "America" was derived from his first name.
1630: Indians introduced popcorn to British colonists in America.
1732: George Washington, the first U.S. President, was born.
1797: The last invasion of Britain occurred when 1,500 French troops landed at Fishguard, in Wales.
1819: The United States acquired Florida from Spain.
1825: Russia and Britain established the Alaska/Canada boundary. The United States purchased Alaska in 1867.
1862: Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as president of the Confederate States of America.
1879: Frank Woolworth opened his first "Five Cent Store."
1911: The Parliament of Canada voted to keep Canada as a member state within the union of the British Empire.
1913: Francisco Madero, revolutionary president of Mexico, was assassinated by the military, along with vice-president Pino Suarez.
1935: All airplane flights over the White House were banned because they were disturbing President Roosevelt's sleep.
1979: The Caribbean island of Saint Lucia gained full independence from Britain after 165 years. It became the 40th member state of the British Commonwealth.
1980: Israel introduced its new currency, the shekel. It replaced the Israeli pound.
1984: The U.S. and Britain sent warships to the Persian Gulf following an Iranian offensive against Iraq.
http://www.keyway.ca/htm2006/20060222.htm
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Today's Promise from the Bible
Psalms 57:3
"He shall send from heaven, and save me [from] the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth."
Reflection
The believer has three persistent enemies in this world: the devil, the wicked, and his own wicked nature. God has promised to deliver His people and trample their enemies. And so He shall! The devil’s day is dawning—his time is soon come! The wicked shall be brought low and judged righteously for their lives of iniquity! And the Lord has already begun to tear the sin nature from the very being of His people! Praise God for His forbearance and His ultimate victory!
Psalms 57:3
"He shall send from heaven, and save me [from] the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth."
Reflection
The believer has three persistent enemies in this world: the devil, the wicked, and his own wicked nature. God has promised to deliver His people and trample their enemies. And so He shall! The devil’s day is dawning—his time is soon come! The wicked shall be brought low and judged righteously for their lives of iniquity! And the Lord has already begun to tear the sin nature from the very being of His people! Praise God for His forbearance and His ultimate victory!
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Meditation for This Morning
Charles Spurgeon
February 22 - Morning
"His bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." —Genesis 49:24
That strength which God gives to His Josephs is real strength; it is not a boasted valour, a fiction, a thing of which men talk, but which ends in smoke; it is true—divine strength. Why does Joseph stand against temptation? Because God gives him aid. There is nought that we can do without the power of God. All true strength comes from "the mighty God of Jacob." Notice in what a blessedly familiar way God gives this strength to Joseph—"The arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." Thus God is represented as putting His hands on Joseph's hands, placing His arms on Joseph's arms. Like as a father teaches his children, so the Lord teaches them that fear Him. He puts His arms upon them. Marvellous condescension! God Almighty, Eternal, Omnipotent, stoops from His throne and lays His hand upon the child's hand, stretching His arm upon the arm of Joseph, that he may be made strong! This strength was also covenant strength, for it is ascribed to "the mighty God of Jacob." Now, wherever you read of the God of Jacob in the Bible, you should remember the covenant with Jacob. Christians love to think of God's covenant. All the power, all the grace, all the blessings, all the mercies, all the comforts, all the things we have, flow to us from the well-head, through the covenant. If there were no covenant, then we should fail indeed; for all grace proceeds from it, as light and heat from the sun. No angels ascend or descend, save upon that ladder which Jacob saw, at the top of which stood a covenant God. Christian, it may be that the archers have sorely grieved you, and shot at you, and wounded you, but still your bow abides in strength; be sure, then, to ascribe all the glory to Jacob's God.
Charles Spurgeon
February 22 - Morning
"His bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." —Genesis 49:24
That strength which God gives to His Josephs is real strength; it is not a boasted valour, a fiction, a thing of which men talk, but which ends in smoke; it is true—divine strength. Why does Joseph stand against temptation? Because God gives him aid. There is nought that we can do without the power of God. All true strength comes from "the mighty God of Jacob." Notice in what a blessedly familiar way God gives this strength to Joseph—"The arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." Thus God is represented as putting His hands on Joseph's hands, placing His arms on Joseph's arms. Like as a father teaches his children, so the Lord teaches them that fear Him. He puts His arms upon them. Marvellous condescension! God Almighty, Eternal, Omnipotent, stoops from His throne and lays His hand upon the child's hand, stretching His arm upon the arm of Joseph, that he may be made strong! This strength was also covenant strength, for it is ascribed to "the mighty God of Jacob." Now, wherever you read of the God of Jacob in the Bible, you should remember the covenant with Jacob. Christians love to think of God's covenant. All the power, all the grace, all the blessings, all the mercies, all the comforts, all the things we have, flow to us from the well-head, through the covenant. If there were no covenant, then we should fail indeed; for all grace proceeds from it, as light and heat from the sun. No angels ascend or descend, save upon that ladder which Jacob saw, at the top of which stood a covenant God. Christian, it may be that the archers have sorely grieved you, and shot at you, and wounded you, but still your bow abides in strength; be sure, then, to ascribe all the glory to Jacob's God.
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[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular][SIZE=+1]February 22[/SIZE] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular][FONT=Times New Roman, New York,Serif][SIZE=+2]The Discipline of Spiritual Perseverance[/SIZE][/FONT] [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Perseverance is more than endurance. It is endurance combined with absolute assurance and certainty that what we are looking for is going to happen. Perseverance means more than just hanging on, which may be only exposing our fear of letting go and falling. Perseverance is our supreme effort of refusing to believe that our hero is going to be conquered. Our greatest fear is not that we will be damned, but that somehow Jesus Christ will be defeated. Also, our fear is that the very things our Lord stood for— love, justice, forgiveness, and kindness among men— will not win out in the end and will represent an unattainable goal for us. Then there is the call to spiritual perseverance. A call not to hang on and do nothing, but to work deliberately, knowing with certainty that God will never be defeated. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]If our hopes seem to be experiencing disappointment right now, it simply means that they are being purified. Every hope or dream of the human mind will be fulfilled if it is noble and of God. But one of the greatest stresses in life is the stress of waiting for God. He brings fulfillment, "because you have kept My command to persevere . . ." ( Revelation 3:10 ). [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Continue to persevere spiritually.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]http://www.rbc.org/utmost/
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular][FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Be still, and know that I am God . . .[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular][SIZE=-1]
—Psalm 46:10[/SIZE][/FONT] [/FONT]
—Psalm 46:10[/SIZE][/FONT] [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]If our hopes seem to be experiencing disappointment right now, it simply means that they are being purified. Every hope or dream of the human mind will be fulfilled if it is noble and of God. But one of the greatest stresses in life is the stress of waiting for God. He brings fulfillment, "because you have kept My command to persevere . . ." ( Revelation 3:10 ). [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Continue to persevere spiritually.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]http://www.rbc.org/utmost/
[/FONT]
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Day By Day By Grace
Bob Hoekstra
February 22th
The Holy Spirit Giving Life
It is the Spirit who gives life . . . [God] also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (John 6:63 and 2 Corinthians 3:6)
The Lord's new covenant of grace is a covenant of the Spirit: " [God] also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant . . . of the Spirit." Any approach to God other than by the Spirit results in spiritual deadness.
People need life, initially and continually. We need it initially, because all of us began spiritually dead due to our sin and guilt. "And you . . . were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh . . . and were by nature children of wrath" (Ephesians 2:1-3). The only remedy for such spiritual death is spiritual life. "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)" (Ephesians 2:4-5).
People also need life continually, "for the letter kills." If we were left to our best efforts after we were given new life in Christ, we would be struggling under a human performance bondage of rules and regulations. That is spiritually deadening.
Jesus came to earth to offer people fullness of life. "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). Jesus taught that if we looked to Him for our spiritual nutrition, we would find ongoing life. "And Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life'" (John 6:35). Jesus did not refer to Himself as a leader establishing a new religion. Rather, "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' " (John 14:6). When the early disciples were freed from prison, they were not told to recruit members to a movement. Instead, they were instructed to "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life" (Acts 5:20).
The life Jesus came to provide is His life expressed in and through us: "Christ who is our life" (Colossians 3:4). That life produces a lifestyle marked by His love, His joy, His peace, His wisdom, His courage - - and whatever else is of His holy character. The new covenant of His grace holds forth this life, and the Holy Spirit delivers that life into humble, trusting hearts. "It is the Spirit who gives life."
Lord Jesus,You are my life. I have no other hope or source for finding true life. I praise You for Your patience with me when I try to produce a Christlike life by rules and regulations. Lord, just as You gave me life initially, please flood me now with new measures of Your life, as I humbly rely upon Your Spirit, AMEN!
Bob Hoekstra
February 22th
The Holy Spirit Giving Life
It is the Spirit who gives life . . . [God] also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (John 6:63 and 2 Corinthians 3:6)
The Lord's new covenant of grace is a covenant of the Spirit: " [God] also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant . . . of the Spirit." Any approach to God other than by the Spirit results in spiritual deadness.
People need life, initially and continually. We need it initially, because all of us began spiritually dead due to our sin and guilt. "And you . . . were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh . . . and were by nature children of wrath" (Ephesians 2:1-3). The only remedy for such spiritual death is spiritual life. "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)" (Ephesians 2:4-5).
People also need life continually, "for the letter kills." If we were left to our best efforts after we were given new life in Christ, we would be struggling under a human performance bondage of rules and regulations. That is spiritually deadening.
Jesus came to earth to offer people fullness of life. "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). Jesus taught that if we looked to Him for our spiritual nutrition, we would find ongoing life. "And Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life'" (John 6:35). Jesus did not refer to Himself as a leader establishing a new religion. Rather, "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' " (John 14:6). When the early disciples were freed from prison, they were not told to recruit members to a movement. Instead, they were instructed to "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life" (Acts 5:20).
The life Jesus came to provide is His life expressed in and through us: "Christ who is our life" (Colossians 3:4). That life produces a lifestyle marked by His love, His joy, His peace, His wisdom, His courage - - and whatever else is of His holy character. The new covenant of His grace holds forth this life, and the Holy Spirit delivers that life into humble, trusting hearts. "It is the Spirit who gives life."
Lord Jesus,You are my life. I have no other hope or source for finding true life. I praise You for Your patience with me when I try to produce a Christlike life by rules and regulations. Lord, just as You gave me life initially, please flood me now with new measures of Your life, as I humbly rely upon Your Spirit, AMEN!
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