11 – 13 July 2023
For all those things has my hand made, and all those things have been, says the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word.
The LORD, above in Isaiah 66:2, is speaking of heaven and earth made by His work. He speaks to those who’ve built Him a house as a place where they say He rests. In verse 3, he tells of these houses (now) ignorantly offering what they’ve defiled and worshiping idols they put in His place, all abominations in which they delight.
The title verse speaks of the man the LORD looked to, now when all the houses called by His name are filled with abominations, to be His habitation where He rests.
Isaiah 66
1 Thus says the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that you build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
2 For all those things has my hand made, and all those things have been, says the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word.
3 He that kills an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrifices a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offers an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burns incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations.
The LORD then says, because they’ve chosen their own way, abominations in which their souls delight, “I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spoke, they did not hear [shama’ – obey]: but they did evil before my eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.”
As often discussed, the word rendered “delusion” is the twice used Hebrew word ta’aluwl, meaning “from 5953; caprice (as a fit coming on), i.e. vexation; concretely a tyrant.” It is from the Hebrew words ‘alal (5953), meaning “to effect thoroughly,” and ta’a’, meaning “to cheat; by analysis to maltreat:– deceive, misuse.”
The word speaks of the tyrants now in power, who gained it by deception (the COVID HOAX, the hype they used to create irrational fear and panic over a common cold virus) to cheat in the Presidential election. They are those, domestic enemies conspiring with foreign powers, who now tyrannically rule by deception as policy: cultivated mass delusion: systemic gaslighting: to demoralize and destroy us, our nation, our culture.
The one other use, in Isaiah 3:4, definitively tells us precisely who they are. The chapter begins with the LORD telling His people and their leaders that He will take their “stay,” meaning everything they rely on for protection, from the five times used word mish’en.
Isaiah 3
1 For, behold, the LORD, the LORD of hosts, does take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay [mish’en] and the staff upon [which you lean on as you choose your own way], the whole stay [mish’en] of bread [understanding from those in who you put your trust], and the whole stay [mish’en] of water [your own words in which you trust].
2 The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient,
3 The captain of fifty, and the honorable man, and the counselor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator [are all taken away].
4 And I will give children to be their princes, and babes [ta’aluwl – tyrants and the insane] shall rule over them.
5 And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another [the enemies mixed among us, the army of the insane that are attacking us, against which the ways you’ve chosen have no defense], and every one by his neighbor: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honorable.
6 When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, saying, You have clothing [you will cover us, to protect us from the elements, the corruption of those in power], be you our ruler, and let this ruin [of our people and the earth] be under your hand:
7 In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be a healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing [but instead abominations in which my people delight]: make me not a ruler of the people.
8 For Jerusalem [God’s people] is ruined, and Judah [their leaders] is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes [seeing this ruin, and manifesting His presence against it as this fountain of living waters] of his glory.
9 The show of their countenance [hakkarah paniym – their disrespect of His presence] does witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.
10 Say you to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.
11 Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.
12 As for my people, children [the ignorant] are their oppressors, and women [the unfaithful] rule over them. O my people, they which lead you cause you to err, and destroy the [good] way of your [ancient] paths.
13 The LORD stands up to plead, and stands to judge the people.
14 The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for you have eaten up the vineyard [humanity which He by understanding planted in the earth]; the spoil [you’ve stolen] of the poor [the powerless] is in your houses.
15 What mean you that you beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? says the LORD [‘Adonay – the King of kings] God [Jehovah] of hosts [a man of war].
16 Moreover the LORD says, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty [proud of their abominations], and walk with stretched forth necks [looking for what they lust for] and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [taphaph – only here, meaning they trip over their own ways: the shuffle of those in shackles] as they go, and making a tinkling [‘akac – only here, meaning their ways become shackles, the sound of the shuffle] with their feet:
17 Therefore the LORD will smite with a scab [caphach – those attached to; only appearing in Isaiah here and 14:1] the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.
Isaiah 14
1 For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they [the strangers in power, who are far from God] shall cleave [caphach – be yoked] to the house of Jacob.
2 And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.
3 And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give you rest from your sorrow, and from your fear, and from the hard bondage wherein you were made to serve,
4 That you shall take up this proverb against the king of Babylon [confusion], and say, How has the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!
5 The LORD has broken the staff [deception upon which they rely] of the wicked, and the scepter of the rulers.
6 He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hinders.
7 The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing.
Suffer me again as I must digress and speak of the “hard bondage” when yoked to wickedness in power: men who care nothing about the people they oppress and rob. I run several businesses, all of which we own. These companies together carry the burden of millions in debt. Over the past two years, under the current corrupt administration, the interest rate on most of our debt has (roughly) doubled (from about 5% to now 9.75% and climbing quarterly).
Each percentage point rise equals (about) $120,000 a year, increasing our yearly payment by about $600,000 higher than two years ago. This money would typically go back into growing our companies; instead, it now goes to the banks, or the Fed, which raises the rates and uses the banks (it has, in effect, nationalized) to rob and intentionally force out of business companies like ours.
This (rising interest rates and the necessary inflation it produces) is the “hard bondage” of the day that is callously pressing upon and enslaving (to the tyrants in government) every person in the country. The only thing growing or benefiting is the government (and its cronies) and the spiritually wicked sitting in seats of power. There is (without an intervention) an economic (and national) collapse coming, as we know is their plan. And don’t be ignorant; they aren’t going to change or give up power ever again (until forcibly removed – they are absolutely corrupt: delusionally claiming their evil is good and good is evil, and very willing to use their evil power when needed).
Ephesians 5
6 Let no man deceive you with vain [worthless] words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not you, therefore, partakers with them.
8 For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light [have understanding] in the LORD: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the LORD.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever does make manifest is light.
14 Wherefore he says, Awake you that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light [understanding].
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be you not unwise, but understanding what the will of the LORD is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs [repeating this understanding as received], singing and making melody in your heart to the LORD;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name [identity] of our LORD Jesus Christ [as the children of God in His ONE BODY raised];
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the LORD.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the [ONE] body.
24 Therefore, as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Ephesians 6
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the LORD, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you 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 [put in power by the ignorant they control] of this world [the ignorant who’ve sold their souls for the crumbs of what they’ve with them stolen from their neighbors], against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you 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:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel [this conversation in which the LORD’s presence is manifested],
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
The word “finally,” in verse 10 above, is from the 14 times used word loipon, meaning what remains (to complete). This thing (that remains to be done) is to stand against the “wiles” of the devils among us in power. The stand is in the LORD’s strength, in the power of His “might.”
The word rendered “wiles” is the twice used word methodeia, from meta, meaning accompaniment, amid, association, or succession; and hodeuo, from hodos, meaning “a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means:–journey, (high-)way.” It is speaking of the devil in our midst, journeying with us, to prevent us from reaching the promised end. The one other time it (methodeia) appears is in (Ephesians 4:14) telling how it is combatted.
Ephesians 4
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the LORD, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation [the work of the LORD] wherewith you are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is ONE BODY, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One LORD, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he says [in Psalms 68:18], When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the [hell on] earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11 And he gave [these same gifts I received] some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying [building] of the [ONE] body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity [of the same Spirit] of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man [referring to Psalms 37:37, when the wicked can’t be found among us, and the perfect man, whose end is peace, is realized], unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of [false] doctrines, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive [methodeia];
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him [the perfected man] in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together [into ONE BODY] and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working [the power of His word in us] in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying [building] of itself in love [charity, giving this word from the mouth of God as received].
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the LORD [speaking through me], that you henceforth walk not as other Gentiles [not knowing God] walk [not believing He is walking with us], in the vanity [worthlessness] of their [ignorant] mind,
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated [apallotrioo – “to estrange away”] from the life of God [alive in us] through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart [their corrupted foundational minds that cannot recognize reality]:
19 Who being past feeling [referring us to Acts 17:27, unable to comprehend the effects evidenced among the living] have given themselves over unto lasciviousness [without self-control, speaking deception], to work all uncleanness with greediness [coveting what isn’t theirs].
20 But you have not so learned Christ;
21 If so be that you [by a sound mind] have heard him, and have been taught [into understanding] by him, as the truth is in Jesus [Jehovah’s Salvation manifested in the flesh speaking His word]:
22 That you put off [corruption] concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts [to get what you covet]; [contrasting this with the conversation of the perfected man, saying in Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation {in which the presence of the LORD is manifested} be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. 6 So that we may boldly say, The LORD is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. 8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. 9 Be not carried about with {with the winds of} divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace {these gifts of God}; not with meats {the works of dead flesh}, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.]
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.
26 Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon [don’t let the light in you be darkened by] wrath:
27 Neither give place [among you] to [the misleading ways of] the devil.
28 Let him that [led by the devils: misleaders among you] stole steal no more: but rather let him labor [diligently seeking the LORD], working with his hands the thing which is good [this word of God], that he may have to give to him that needs.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying [building the ONE BODY], that it may minister grace [these gifts] unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby [His working unknown] you are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice [wrath intended to harm]:
32 And be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.
Psalms 37
27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
28 For the LORD loves judgment, and forsakes not his saints; they are preserved forever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off [karath].
29 The righteous shall inherit the land [‘erets – the earth], and dwell therein forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of judgment.
31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
32 The wicked watch the righteous, and seeks to slay him.
33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt you to inherit the land [‘erets – the earth]: when the wicked are cut off [karath], you shall see it.
35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end [‘achariyth] of that man is peace.
38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end [‘achariyth] of the wicked shall be cut off [karath].
39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble [tsarah – tribulation].
40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
Psalms 68
9 You, O God, did send a plentiful rain [this word from heaven], whereby you did confirm [your promise to] your inheritance when it was weary.
10 Your congregation has dwelt therein: you, O God, have prepared of your goodness for the poor [who are without power].
11 The LORD gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
12 Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried [waited from the LORD] at home divided the spoil.
13 Though you have lien among the pots, yet shall you be as the wings of a dove [knowing this is the expected end] covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.
14 When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon [His pure word frozen in heaven, reserved for this time of war, and now sent into the darkness].
15 The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan [fruitfulness that flows from His throne]; a high hill [exalted] as the hill of Bashan [fruitful above all others].
16 Why leap you, you high hills? this is the hill which God desires to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell in it forever.
17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels [His messengers]: the LORD is among them, as in Sinai [against the misleaders: thorns overgrown], in the holy place.
18 You have ascended on high [Your Voice is heard above all others], you have led captivity captive: you have received gifts for men [and I have given them as received, as the LORD commanded when He sent me]; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
19 Blessed be the LORD, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation [yshuw’ah – Joshua: Jesus: Jehovah’s Salvation manifested in the flesh]. Selah.
20 He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God [Jehovih – the LORD of lords] the LORD [‘Adonay – the King of kings] belong the issues [towtsa’ah – the going out, escaping] from death.
21 But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such a one as goes on still in his trespasses.
22 The LORD said, I will bring again from Bashan [fruitfulness of this work], I will bring my people again from the depths [the deep understanding hidden] of the sea [from all people]:
23 That your foot may be dipped in the blood of your enemies, and the tongue of your dogs [those barking ignorantly in the darkness] in the same.
24 They have seen your goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.
25 The singers went before [repeating your word], the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.
26 Bless you God in the congregations, even the LORD, from the fountain of [His living waters: light that lighted upon] Israel.
Isaiah 9
2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them has the light shined [understanding is sent].
3 You have multiplied the nation [the people who don’t know You, who walk in darkness], and not increased the joy: they joy before you according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4 For you have broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.
5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
8 The LORD sent a word into Jacob, and it has lighted upon Israel.
9 And all the people shall know, even Ephraim [God’s people in this generation] and the inhabitant of Samaria [who are worshiping idols they put in His place and call by His name], that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,
10 The bricks are fallen down, but we [the same destroyers] will build with hewn stones: the sycamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.
14 Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day.
15 The ancient and honorable, he is the head; and the prophet that teaches lies, he is the tail.
16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.
Proverbs 4
1 Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake you not my law.
3 For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let your heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve you: love her, and she shall keep you.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she shall promote you: she shall bring you to honor, when you do embrace her.
9 She shall give to your head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to you.
10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of your life shall be many.
11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.
12 When you go, your steps shall not be straitened; and when you run, you shall not stumble.
13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is your life.
14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
20 My son, attend to my words; incline your ear unto my sayings.
21 Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart.
22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23 Keep your heart [your sound mind] with all diligence; for out of it [out of a sound mind, into insanity] are the issues [towtsa’ah – is going out] of life.
24 Put away from you a froward mouth [twisting truth], and perverse lips put far from you.
25 Let your eyes look right on, and let your eyelids look straight before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.
27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove your foot from evil.
The LORD’s “might,” by which we stand against the wiles of the devil, is from the eleven times used word ischus, meaning “forcefulness (literally or figuratively):–ability, might(-ily), power, strength.”
Ephesians 1
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he has made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8 Wherein he has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself:
10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will:
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13 In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the LORD Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17 That the God of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance [alive] in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power [by His light raising us to life from the dead] to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power [ischus],
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his [ONE] body, the fulness of him that fills all in all.
1 Peter 4
6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
7 But the end of all things is at hand: be you therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
10 As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability [ischus] which [is the might] God gives [us to stand against the wiles of the devil]: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If you be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you; for the spirit of glory and of God RESTS upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
16 Yet if any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begins at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
John, in Revelation 5:12, tells us exactly how we receive the LORD’s ischus, when it is there rendered “strength” that comes to one sent to prevail and open the sealed book. The one said to be sitting on the throne is the LORD, who first opened it to a Lamb among lambs, who sacrifices self as is necessary to preach the word of God as His word from His mouth.
The word rendered “lamb” is arnion, from aren, from arrhen (arsen), meaning a male (as strong for lifting); from the word hairetizo, meaning to make a choice; from the word haireomai, meaning to take to oneself; i.e. to prefer, as in the word airo, meaning to lift, as in to take away.
Together, these embedded meanings speak of the choice of good over evil, to sacrifice oneself to lift others by taking away the conscience that wills to sin: not yet learned to choose the good and refuse the evil. This is accomplished when the word of God is understood: effectually working in us to change our minds through His gospel, revealing His presence as the One with us on the throne.
Revelation 5
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for you wast slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10 And have made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength [ischus], and honor, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that lives forever and ever.
The word arnion is used thirty times, all by John; twenty-nine in Revelation and once in John 21:15.
John 21
14 This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
15 So when they had dined, Jesus says to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah [the first to come out of confusion, from the belly of hell to preach the words the LORD has given him], love you me more than these? He says unto him, Yea, LORD; you know that I love you. He says unto him, Feed [these words I have given you, revealing the life below the surface] my lambs [arnion].
16 He says to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonah, love you me? He says unto him, Yea, LORD; you know that I love you. He says unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He says unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonah, love you me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Love you me? And he said unto him, LORD, you know all things; you know that I love you. Jesus says unto him, Feed my sheep. [I have asked you three times, before the morning has come, and you have denied me three times – speaking of now, this moment when the LORD has asked you to give this word as receive, and you would not.]
18 Truly, truly, I say unto you, When you were young, you girded yourself [you prepared yourself as you willed, as a child doing childish things], and walked whither you would [denying me]: but when you shall be old [putting away childish things and acting as a man {arsen}], you shall stretch forth your hands, and another shall gird [prepare you as I have] you, and carry you whither you would not [when you have refused me these three times].
19 This spoke he, signifying by what death he should glorify God [sacrificing self, subordinating your will, doing the Father’s will, as a lamb sent to lambs, on earth as it is in heaven where He is on the throne]. And when he had spoken this, he says unto him, Follow me [into glory].
Church, do you hear His calling?
Revelation 12
5 And she brought forth a man [arrhen] child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child [becoming a man] was caught up [harpazo – lifted out of sin] unto God, and to his throne.
6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared of God, that they should feed her [as lambs fed by Peter] there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael [who is like God] and his angels [messengers speaking the same message, making war with good advice] fought against the dragon [the great serpent in whose mouth is venom, by which he poisons the mind and devours the body into the belly of hell]; and the dragon fought and his angels [evil messengers, the known liars telling known lies, false accusers falsely accusing good as evil while calling their evil good],
8 And prevailed not [against the might of God]; neither was their place found any more in heaven [they were realized to be without any understanding, and therefore no one living listens to their confusion and insanity any longer].
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceived the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in [the new] heaven [where understanding again sits on the throne], Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood [the sacrifice] of the Lamb [delivering the word of God, confessing it is from His mouth], and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens [you that have received this understanding], and you that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea [who have not yet learned to choose good and refuse evil]! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time.
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man [arrhen, who was before as a child doing childish things].
1 Corinthians 13
8 Charity [giving this word from the mouth of God, as received] never fails [always prevails]: but whether there be prophecies [men’s presumptions while the book was sealed], they shall fail; whether there be tongues [speaking God’s word not understanding their deep meaning], they shall cease; whether there be knowledge [falsely so called by those who’ve corrupted it and compliment themselves for it], it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come [again, referring to Psalms 37:37, the end of this conversation, when peace {Shiloh} comes], then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly [ignorant of what is on the other side]; but then face to face [the presence of God with and in us]: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity [because it is the might of the LORD that brings victory over death and hell].
Isaiah 28
3 The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet:
4 And the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, and as the hasty fruit before the summer; which when he that looks upon it sees, while it is yet in his hand he eats it up.
5 In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem [tsphiyrah – the crowning that is the morning] of beauty, unto the residue [the elect remanent who’ve received this understanding] of his people,
6 And for a spirit of judgment to him that sits in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate [opening the gates of hell].
Matthew 16
15 He says unto them, But whom say you that I Am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona [son of Jonah: the dove, the sign of the end reached, the confession of the LORD’s presence]: for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto you, That you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
Psalms 24
1 The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
2 For he has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that has clean hands, and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek your face [presence], O Jacob. Selah.
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates [whose mouths must be opened]; and be you lift up, you everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; even lift them up, you everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.