Author: wordofgod

Continuing: today let’s consider winds, earthquakes and fires. Of course this is going to eventually takes us to 1 Kings 19 and Elijah’s encountering all three as he heard the voice of the LORD while on the mountain (see yesterday’s post). When all of these seemingly random occurrences passed the still small voice of the LORD remained.

Right now we have: warnings of hurricane Matthew possibly hitting the east coast of the US, harbingers indicating a possible massive earthquake imminent on the west coast, and the fires of chaos continually engulf the planet. When we see all these things what should we expect? Do we anticipate the LORD is in them, or do we expect to hear the calming small voice of the LORD after they pass?

The truth is the storm is coming, as storms do; the earthquake will come as expected, and the fires will burn up the world, as is the nature of fire. The answer to all these is found in Psalms 46, and what we should know is summarized in verses 10 & 11.

Psalms 46
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he has made in the earth.
9 He makes wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and cuts the spear in sunder; he burns the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

This last verse above is telling us of Immanuel, meaning God with us, here at the head of His army (hosts – us).

In Isaiah 7 the LORD speaks to the epitome of the evil ruler (Ahaz) telling him to ask for a sign from the LORD. He is told it can be a sign in the depths [of the earth], or in the heights above [in the cloud]. Ahaz refuses to ask, and the response from the LORD is Immanuel, God with us. The deeper point here is Ahaz wasn’t going to accept the sign; no matter what it was he wasn’t going to change his evil ways. Therefor the LORD has given us a sign.

This brings us to the remnant. The “sign” explained in more detail in the next chapter after it speaks of not joining the existing establishment and warns against the ways of the corrupted leadership. In verse 18 we read of the sign being the one mentioned in the prior verse (17) as he who is looking for the LORD, and the children given to him (enjoined).

Isaiah 8
13 Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
15 And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.
16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.
17 And I will wait upon the LORD, that hides his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.
18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwells in mount Zion.
19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
21 And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.
22 And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.

Hebrews 2:13 quotes Isaiah 8:18 in a passage that tells of the LORD through suffering (as a man) becoming Captain of our salvation, so that He could bring many sons into glory. In this we see the person identified in the Isaiah quote as “I” is the LORD manifest in flesh, Immanuel. We are also told of the children his LORD has given him are sanctified and He is their Sanctifier, and they are all One [sign].

Hebrews 2 describes the LORD as being made a little “lower” than the angels, and then defines it by telling the way He is lower is that He willing lessened his ability to influence (as in becoming a still small voice), and thereby suffered with His brethren, even in experiencing death. This is the context in which we should read Isaiah.

Hebrews 2
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard [the still small voice], lest at any time we should let them slip.
2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just repayment as reward;
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders [see verse 13], and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
5 For unto the angels has he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that you are mindful of him? or the son of man that you visit him?
7 You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor, and didst set him over the works of your hands:
8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both he that sanctified and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 Saying, I will declare your name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto you.
13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God has given me.
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
17 Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
18 For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.

Isaiah 8:13 tells us to “sanctify” the LORD of host, and in doing He will be our “sanctuary.” It is what Hebrews 2:10 & 11 are speaking of when they tell of His sanctifying us, as the Captain of our salvation bringing many sons to glory. We see the mutual acknowledgment by proclamation of the Divine sanction is what enjoins into one – Captain and children.

It is telling of His going into the battle with us and suffering along with us to bring us to glory (the reconciliation).

Isaiah 9 goes on to explain this as our seeing the light shining in a dark world. The chapter tells of this being a battle to bring forth [extricate] a child, and upon his shoulders shall rest the governments of the nation.

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.
3 You have multiplied the nation, 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, Counselor, 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 for ever. 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 and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,
10 The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.
11 Therefore the LORD shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him, and join his enemies together;
12 The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
13 For the people turned not unto him that smites them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.
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.
17 Therefore the LORD shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
18 For wickedness burns as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.
19 Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.

Now on to 1 Kings 19 and the still small voice that continues through all the events of the world and once it is understood the instruction is given. This instruction is just as Isaiah 9 mentions when it speaks of the governments being upon the shoulders of the “One” born. It is correcting the root of problem we are told of just after telling of the nation [other than the remnant] not seeking the LORD: “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.”

This is the mission given to Elijah once he realizes the LORD’s still small voice is sufficient. He is told to go anoint the replacements who will bring about the LORD’s purpose. The passage tells of the elect remnant the LORD has kept for this purpose, and they have not bowed to the idol of the world every time the news media and the pop-culture elites played some new tune.

We know in context all the false prophets have been destroyed and the establishment government’s leaders have all been totally corrupted. The only remaining are Elijah and children the LORD has given him, as it is this day with only the elect remnant remaining – outside the establishment religious and civil camps. (Hebrews 13: 12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.)

1 Kings 19
7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for you.
8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb [telling of Elijah being parched and weakened and his being reinvigorated here in this sanctuary] the mount of God.
9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What do you here, Elijah?
10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What do you here, Elijah?
14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus [sow in tears – Psalms 126]: and when you come, anoint Hazael [seeing as God sees] to be king over Syria [those who have elevated themselves]:
16 And Jehu [Jehovah is he] the son of Nimshi [extricated] shall you anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha [the true riches of God – His wisdom in His children] the son of Shaphat [judgment] of Abelmeholah [(grown in) field of purpose/plan] shall you anoint to be prophet in your room.
17 And it shall come to pass, that him that escapes the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.
18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal [the idols (governments) the world worships], and every mouth which has not kissed him.

Ephesian 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 fullness 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 in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
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 body, the fullness of him that fills all in all.

Psalms 126
1 When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD has done great things for them.
3 The LORD has done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
6 He that goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Continuing: we ended yesterday with a brief mention of the show-bread (shewbread), and it being used by the LORD to tell of breaking the fast. In using this one word (written as two words), and our exploring it, is found a much deeper understanding of our purpose. (Warning: Deep waters ahead!)

In yesterday’s post was included, with the Matthew 12:4 mention of the “show-bread,” this bracketed statement of definition, “the presence of the LORD who supplies all our needs (even in the fires).”

The first time the shewbread is spoken of is in Exodus 25:30 in the instructions the LORD gave to Moses for building the tabernacle. It tells of the all the utensils that prepare the table for the shewbread to be placed, and there is where we are told the shewbread is before the LORD always. “30 And you shall set upon the table shewbread before Me always.” (Psalms 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.)

This table is in the chamber before the Holy of Holies. This first outer chamber was where all the priests did their service, and the Holy of Holies was where only the high priest was allowed, to meet with the LORD.

The Hebrew words translated “shewbread before Me always” are lechem paneh paneh tamiyd. The literal translation of the words are, bread face face perpetuity. Lechem is the same word making up the name Bethlehem, meaning house of bread. It is the same word used to tell us that man shall not live by “bread” alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. The word paneh literally means to turn and is used for the face as the part of the body that turns independent of the body. Tamiyd is telling of something that stretches (unbroken forever).

The phrase it telling of the word of God as what nourishes our mind, and what prepares us by tuning us to face the LORD with a mind inclined toward Him. This being true and lasting into perpetuity is what the LORD meant when he said, (Matthew 24:35) “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

The idea being explained is of our being turned to the LORD as our minds are awakened by His word at breaking the fast (breakfast).

John 14
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19 Yet a little while, and the world sees me no more; but you see me: because I live, you shall live also.
20 At that day you shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.
21 He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
22 Judas says unto him, not Iscariot, LORD, how is it that you will manifest yourself unto us, and not unto the world?
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24 He that loves me not keeps not my sayings: and the word which you hear is not my, but the Father’s which sent me.
25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
28 You have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If you loved me, you would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, you might believe.

This is what we are being warned of and enlightened to in Deuteronomy 8 where in verse 3 we are told of our life being found in the word of the LORD, and prosperity found in a mind (overwritten) inclined toward His commandments.

Deuteronomy 8
1 All the commandments which I command you this day shall you observe to do, that you may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD swore unto your fathers.
2 And you shall remember all the way which the LORD your God led you these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you, and to prove you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments, or no.
3 And he humbled you, and suffered you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you knew not, neither did your fathers know; that he might make you know that man does not live by bread only, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD does man live.
4 Your raiment waxed not old upon you, neither did your foot swell, these forty years.
5 You shall also consider in your heart, that, as a man chastens [corrects] his son, so the LORD your God chastens [corrects] you.
6 Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.
7 For the LORD your God brings you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;
8 A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;
9 A land wherein you shall eat bread without scarceness, you shall not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you may dig brass.
10 When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which he has given you.
11 Beware that you forget not the LORD your God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command you this day:
12 Lest when you have eaten and are full, and have built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;
13 And when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied;
14 Then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;
15 Who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought you forth water out of the rock of flint;
16 Who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers knew not [what it was – bread from the mouth of God – angel’s food], that he might humble you, and that he might prove you, to do you good at your latter end;
17 And you say in your heart, My power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth.
18 But you shall remember the LORD your God: for it is he that gives you power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore unto your fathers, as it is this day.
19 And it shall be, if you do at all forget the LORD your God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.
20 As the nations which the LORD destroyed before your face, so shall you perish; because you would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.

Hebrews 8 & 9 are very specific in telling us it is the word from the mouth of God that we are meant to hear and thereby incline our purpose toward His will. We know that Hebrews 12 tells us of God as our perfect Father corrects us (overwriting our minds) into the way of life, as does Deuteronomy 8:5. Hebrews 8 quotes from Exodus 24:8 in telling of the sprinkling of the blood of the Covenant concerning these words. The “words” it concerns are what is quoted in Exodus 24:7 (“All that the LORD has said will we do, and be obedient.”), after in verse 6 we are told of half the blood being sprinkled on the alter and of Moses reading from the book of the Covenant and sprinkles blood on the People.

The deeper meaning is what we are told of in Hebrews 12 of our arriving in the presence of the LORD.

Hebrew 12
22 But you are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel.
25 See that you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven:
26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he has promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

This is referring to (Exodus 24) when after the people and the leaders heard the word, and the sprinkling of the blood, said, “All that the LORD has said will we do, and be obedient.” What follows in Exodus 24 tells of those being enjoined in Covenant in this way then seeing God and seeing/perceiving where they were standing. In Hebrews 12 this same perceiving is being explained when we are warned to not refuse the One speaking from heaven, where those being corrected then perceive they have entering (the Holy of Holies defined in Hebrews 12 as Heavenly Jerusalem).

Exodus 24
4 And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and built an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.
5 And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD.
6 And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.
7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, “All that the LORD has said will we do, and be obedient.”
8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD has made with you concerning all these words.”
9 Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:
10 And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
11 And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.

Hebrews 8:5 quoted from Exodus 25:40 in telling of being sure to make all things according to the pattern shown in the mount. This is where Moses went after the events described above in Exodus 24. It is the pattern of our meeting with the LORD in cloud at His coming, and our hearing His voice as we are told in Hebrews 12.

Exodus 24
12 And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give you tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that you may teach them.
13 And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.
14 And he said unto the elders, Tarry you here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them.
15 And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.
16 And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.
17 And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.
18 And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.

Hebrews 8:8 thru 12 then go on to describe the teaching and the correction. It is summed up in verse 11: “And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.”

As you may know, these verses are quoted from Jeremiah 31:31 thru 34. Before going further a quick look at the word “shewbread” in Hebrews 9:2. Here it is also translated from two words, prothesis and artos. The phrase is only used here, and three times in the Gospels as the LORD tells of David doing what wasn’t lawful for anyone but the priest to do. The offense was giving the loaves (artos) to the hungry masses, as the LORD did by dividing the few loaves to feed all. (Of course we are not talking about loaves, but teaching (expanding/dividing) the word of God.)

The greater point is found in the word prothesis, which is used eight times other than the four already mentioned. Each of the other times it is translated “purpose” and is telling of the LORD’s purpose shown (shew) in His word, and this understanding by Divine inspiration/teaching.

Hebrews 8
1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the LORD pitched, and not man.
3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, says he, that you make all things according to the pattern showed to you in the mount.
6 But now has he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
8 For finding fault with them, he says, Behold, the days come, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, says the LORD.
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
13 In that he says, A new covenant, he has made the first old. Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away.

Hebrews 9
1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
5 And over it the cherubim of glory shadowing the mercy-seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh:
14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God [sanctifying the mind]?
15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives.
18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.
19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,
20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God has enjoined unto you.
21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.
22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others;
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the age has he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for [expecting] him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Continuing: today is a good time to once again look at Daniel 3 and the understanding it imparts to us in telling the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Most know the story: the king of Babylon made a golden image and commanded, through all his officers and officials, that when the news media played the music all were required to bow down and worship the created image. We know Babylon symbolizes a nation confused by a language confounded and thereby void of meaning. (And of course their news media wasn’t as advanced as ours in getting out the word on the latest created image we are expected to bow to.)

So, the story goes on to tell us that when the music played these three God worshipping men refused to bow to the (lying) image that was set up. We know the penalty for not bowing to the image when the news media projected it was to be cast into a fiery furnace.

In recent days we have discussed the fires burning in the earth and their causing the elements to melt away (2 Peter 3). We have also seen these as refining fires that separated the worthless impurities from that of value (Malachi 3). We know the word used in 2 Peter 3, translated “elements,” is stoicheion, meaning the foundational principles upon which reason relies. We know when these are spoken of in 2 Peter 3 they are telling of the ways of the world that melt away in the fire these ways themselves have kindled. Following it is contrasted with the new earth and new heaven we look for, wherein dwells righteousness. The Greek word used there for “righteousness” is dikaiosune, meaning equity, and in context meaning justified and innocent by it becoming self-evidently true.These are the eyes through which we should see Daniel 3.

There is a word used in Daniel 3 to tell of the “command” being given to bind the three men. It is the Chaldean word ‘amar, meaning to bring forth words. It is virtually the same as the word ‘immar, meaning and translated, lamb. It is telling of the way most sacrifices of God’s people occur. They aren’t something we choose. What we choose is to be faithful to God in our response to a corrupted and confused society; the ensuing sacrifice comes from the world in response when we refuse to bow to their creations (non-reality, delusions, and deceptions projected by the news media – every network).

This brings us to what those casting us in their fires see in the fire. It is the same as was seen in Daniel 3. They see a forth man walking in the fire with us. Before this we read of those casting the innocent into the fire being consumed by the flames in doing so. This is the truth that should be seen, and is for all those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Daniel 3
22 Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spoke, and said unto his counselors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.
25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spoke, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the most high God, come forth, and come here. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.
27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.
28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spoke, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.
29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

Everything is just as it should be.

Our worry shouldn’t be of being cast into the fires of these self-proclaimed, so-called experts and their failed counsel; our choice should be faith and being faithful. The fires have no effect on God’s children except to make us stronger.

What are the images of our time? They are the distortion meant to manipulate people, the words meant to make men cower in fear and not dare to speak contrary to the delusion of the day. The response, to our speaking truth in this world bound in a prison state of confusion, is to fire every evil and slanderous attack at us with the intention to burn us up. This is where the LORD is seen, as in the Bush that burned but was never consumed.

2 Peter 3
1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the LORD and Savior:
3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the LORD as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The LORD is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the LORD will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements [stoicheion] shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the WORKS that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements [stoicheion] shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15 And account that the longsuffering of our LORD is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Malachi 3
1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, says the LORD of hosts.
2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:
3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers [those manipulating with word], and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, says the LORD of hosts.
6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed.
7 Even from the days of your fathers you are gone away from my ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, says the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
8 Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings.
9 You are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed me, even this whole nation.
10 Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house [not the house of the calf where the robbery occurs], and prove me now herewith, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, says the Lord of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for you shall be a delightsome land, says the LORD of hosts.
13 Your words have been stout against me, says the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?
14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?
15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.
16 Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him.
18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that serves him not.

What is the sacrifice and offering the LORD desires?

The final verse above tells of separating between those severing God, and those not serving Him – therefor serving themselves. The word in verses 8 & 10 above, translated “tithes,” is from the root word that tells of an accumulation of all the digits of both hands. It is speaking of increase and the idea’s deeper meaning of – with hands full delivering unto God what is His (pure and of greatest value).

Most overlook the fact that the two preceding chapters warn multiple times against offering the corrupted.

Malachi 1
6 A son honors his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is my honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised your name?
7 You offer polluted bread upon my altar; and you say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that you say, The table of the Lord is contemptible.
8 And if you offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto your governor; will he be pleased with you, or accept your person? says the LORD of hosts.
9 And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? says the LORD of hosts.
10 Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for naught? neither do you kindle fire on my altar for naught. I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.
11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, says the LORD of hosts.
12 But you have profaned it, in that you say, The table of the Lord is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.
13 You said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and you have snuffed [claimed it to be valuable when it isn’t] at it, says the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn [stolen], and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? says the LORD.
14 But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and vows, and sacrifices unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.

Malachi 2 (The intended state of the priest.)
6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.
7 For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
8 But you are departed out of the way; you have caused many to stumble at the law; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts.
9 Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as you have not kept my ways, but have been partial [unequal] in the law.
10 Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?
11 Judah [the leaders] have dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.
12 The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offers an offering unto the LORD of hosts.
13 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regards not the offering any more, or receives it with good will at your hand.

Hosea 6:6 tells of retuning to the LORD and of the offering He desires from us (our best is what is most valued – the full use of our cognitive ability).

Hosea 6
1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.
2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day [today is the day] he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.
3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
4 O Ephraim [God’s children in the latter days – us now], what shall I do unto thee? O Judah [the leaders of God’s people], what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goes away.
5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goes forth.
6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
7 But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.
8 Gilead [spring of testimony] is a city of them that work iniquity, and is polluted with blood [fouled waters of death].
9 And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness.
10 I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel [God’s people]: there is the wh*redom [worshipping idols instead of God] of Ephraim, Israel is defiled.
11 Also, O Judah [the leaders of God’s people], he hath set an harvest [time of judgment] for thee, when I returned the captivity of my people.

Matthew records the LORD twice quoting Hosea 6:6 above in defining what we should consider, and know. They appear in Matthew 9:13 & 12:7.

In Matthew 9 it is when the religious leaders (the experts of our day – ask them they will tell you they are) question why the LORD is eating with sinners. The response in quoting Hosea 6 sums up the reason by invoking the chapter where the understanding, the LORD tells them they lack, is found. The new wine and new bottles He speaks of is the understanding (squeezed from fruit of the same old vine/source) and the people it is being poured into; the ignorant reprobate leaders and their establishments are the old bottles.

Matthew 9
11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eats your Master with publicans and sinners?12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
13 But go you and learn what that means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bride-chamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
16 No man puts a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up takes from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runs out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

Matthew 12:13 adds the fullness to our understanding of the tithe and the storehouse spoken of in Malachi 3:8 – 10. The LORD is telling of the things in the storehouse actually being for the mental nourishment of God’s people, and the things held there are the knowledge of God. This both tells of the fast the LORD speaks of in Matthew 9 above, and of the fast being broken as when David opened the storehouse. This is the new wine now poured into new bottles.

Matthew 12
1 At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungry, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat.
2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, your disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath day.
3 But he said unto them, Have you not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they that were with him;
4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the show-bread [the presence of the LORD who supplies all our needs (even in the fires)], which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the Sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless?
6 But I say unto you, That in this place is One greater than the temple.
7 But if ye had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless [in your fires].
8 For the Son of man is LORD even of the Sabbath day.

Continuing: there is a characteristic we must discuss in relation to in the prior message and many before it illuminating the same point. Yesterday’s focus was on the difference between the advice and counsel of God in contrast to that of all others, and reiterating in these is found life and death. We have seen these described as waters flowing, either from God in its pure form direct from the source, or as fouled with the impurities of men’s inventions, or additions and deletions.

To begin let’s look at Proverbs 26 and where we are told about sending a message by those who willingly or unwilling foul the waters. The point this will/should take us to is understanding that not identifying the authority of message removes the power. We must further clarify this due to the fact that many come in the name of LORD saying, “I am anointed.” In doing this they invalidate the claim even when sanctioned and reduce it to a cliché as they have with so many truths. They spout truths in sound bites as if all know the deeper meaning, when very few do, and thereby render the term meaningless.

Proverbs 26
6 He that sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet [meaning the message will never reach the destination], and drinks damage.
7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools [meaning the fool chooses what point he will emphasizes more that others].
8 As he that binds a stone in a sling, so is he that gives honor to a fool [meaning not to elevate those who aren’t worthy of it].
9 As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools [meaning the fool has no idea what he has taken hold of in His hand – he doesn’t understand the message].
10 The great God that formed all things both rewards the fool, and rewards transgressors [should read – The Great makes plain all things, but he that hires a fool (to deliver his message) hires one that changes the meaning and covers (the message)].
11 As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.
12 See you a man wise [so wise he continually returns to his own vomit/folly] in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
13 The slothful [refusing to work] man says, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
14 As the door turns upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed [moving but going nowhere].
15 The slothful hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

Matthew, Mark and Luke all record the LORD warning of this time saying, “Many shall come in my name, saying, ‘I am Christ.'” In all three cases it is to begin His telling us of the events that precede the coming of the Son of man. Matthew and Mark follow this with saying, “And shall deceive many,” and all three Gospels begin it saying, “Take heed that no man deceive you.” We are being told of those who will deceive God’s people about the subject: the end of the age and the coming of the Son of man.

We are told to “Take heed,” using the Greek word blepo, meaning to look at and perceive. It is telling us to see for ourselves, and not where these false ones are telling us to look. In the same passage the LORD tells of who it is He warns against: those who won’t let us look where we should. It says they will come trading upon His name (selling salvation as the way they make their living), saying, “I am Anointed (Christos).” It is speaking of those who say they have the anointing. (2 Timothy 3:1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.)

The word used for the deception is planao, meaning to cause to wander away (from truth, safety, and moral virtue). It is the false ones telling you they are anointed as they go on to sport themselves with the deceptions they’ve invented out of their own imaginations, saying, “God says,” when He didn’t say anything to them. They are hearing from a Spirit, but it isn’t God. (see yesterday’s post and 2 Corinthians 11. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ (anointing). 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”)

2 Timothy 4
1 I charge you therefore before God, and the LORD Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.

We have discussed planao (deceive) and the many variations of the word planos several times in previous posts. These discussions have been in this same context of determining the authentic from the false. The following is from the post of September 18, titled, “Unto You it is Given to Know the Mystery of the Kingdom of God.”

This is the end of the matter: I am the Son of man, and I am the One sent by my Father on this mission, with His message and in His name. This is the authority the false ones leave out of the message.

Philippians 2
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfill you my joy, that you be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father.
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world;
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18 For the same cause also do you joy, and rejoice with me.
19 But I trust in the LORD Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
22 But you know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he has served with me in the gospel.
23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
24 But I trust in the LORD that I also myself shall come shortly.
25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that you had heard that he had been sick.
27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
29 Receive him therefore in the LORD with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

Again: (When verse 25 speaks of Epaphroditus and later of his recovering it is telling of his regaining his stability. Here are two paragraphs from June 28, 2016 and the post titled, “Fear God, and Give Glory to Him; for The Hour of His Judgment is Come.”

“The name Epaphroditus actually describes one who was a deceiver but now has recovered from his disease. The name is actually derived from epi, meaning distribution (in this case, of wisdom), and Aphrodite, which is another name for Venus the Roman goddess of beauty and love. The planets themself were symbols of deception (false gods), the name planet even coming from the Greek word planos, meaning rover. It is also the root word of planetes, meaning erratic teaching; and of plane, meaning fraudulent; also planao, meaning cause to stray from safety, truth or virtue.The idea of planets being associated with deception is the fact that they appear in the night sky as if stars. The way you can tell the difference is they move all over the sky, as opposed to the stars that don’t go astray, nor do they lead astray those using them to keep their way as they journey.

These false teachers lie in wait to deceive (see Ephesians 4:14), as a roaring lion, walking about, seeking whom he may devour (see 1 Peter 5:8).”)The word translated “Sought out” in Isaiah 62:12 is the word used in Isaiah 8 when we are asked, “Should not a people ‘seek’ unto their God?”)

Isaiah 8
13 Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
15 And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.
16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.
17 And I will wait upon the LORD, that hides his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.
18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwells in mount Zion.
19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
21 And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.
22 And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.

The same word is used in Isaiah 65:1 telling of those who haven’t sought the LORD finding Him. We understand this by what we are told in Isaiah 62:12; it is He who has sought us out so that we were able to find Him. Isaiah 65 goes on to tell of those who finding the LORD remain among the dead and choose to linger there eating unclean and abominable things (corrupted truth) which have caused the desolation.

Isaiah 65
1 I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.
2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walk in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;
3 A people that provoke me to anger continually to my face; that sacrifice in gardens, and burn incense upon altars of brick;
4 Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;
5 Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than you. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burns [contention] all the day.
6 Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,
7 Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, says the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills [My high places I have caused to rise out of the earth – even this one nation under God]: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom [return to them their own works shall be their destruction].
8 Thus says the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants’ sakes, that I may not destroy them all.
9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.
10 And Sharon [corrected to be right – straightened out] shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor [where the waters had been troubled, now become stilled] a place for the herds [My flock] to lie down in, for my people that have sought Me.
11 But you are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number [the culture (church and civil) that has rejected Me].
12 Therefore will I number you to the sword, and you shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.
13 Therefore thus says the LORD God, Behold, my servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but you shall be ashamed:
14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but you shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.
15 And you shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the LORD God shall slay you, and call his servants by another name:
16 That he who blesses himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that swears in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

Psalm 145
1 I will extol you, my God, O king; and I will bless your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day will I bless you; and I will praise your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 I will speak of the glorious honor of your majesty, and of your wondrous works.
6 And men shall speak of the might of your terrible acts: and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of your great goodness, and shall sing of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
10 All your works shall praise you, O LORD; and your saints shall bless you.
11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and talk of your power;
12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The LORD upholds all that fall, and raises up all those that be bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon you; and you give them their meat in due season.
16 You open your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
19 He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
20 The LORD preserves all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

Habakkuk 3:8 asks if the LORD is angry at the rivers, or if His wrath is against the sea. Those who study here know this is asking if the LORD is angry against the instruments that carry information to the people, and thereby implying His anger is actually against the advice in the waters. We know the flowing waters as advice and counsel; the pure waters are the truth of God and the corrupt waters are those coming from Godless men. We know God’s advice brings health and renewal, and we know the advice of the wicked produces nothing but decline through confusion and ends in chaos.

These are the waters of life and of death. Therefore in this we see the answer is, No, the LORD isn’t angry at the rivers; He is angry at the death that is in the waters coming from these wicked sources.

The sea is what the rivers flow into and is it how/why it symbolizes the body politic (the people). The death these rivers bring is what kills what is in the sea. The answer to the question, is the LORD’s wrath against the sea, is answered in the same verse in Habakkuk 3. It tells us these are horses and chariots the LORD rides upon as He comes with salvation, delivering us from this death by countering the bad advice of corrupt men.

Those studying here see the verse following as defining from where this bad advice comes. We understand the mountain are the high places where the spiritually wicked have elevated themselves to loom over the earth. We understand the sun and the moon as symbolizing church and civil government as God intended them to shine and reflect His light on the earth, meaning ruling over His people in the ways of peace and truth as he intended it, and them now totally corrupted.

This is what was intended: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that, to SECURE these rights, governments are instituted among men…”

The advice of the groups that put these principles under threat are those We reject and are now separating Ourselves from. This is what Habakkuk is declaring: it is the LORD who fights for us and will insure His people are delivered from evil. AMEN!

Habakkuk 3
8 Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was your anger against the rivers? was your wrath against the sea, that you didst ride upon your horses and your chariots of salvation?
9 Your bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even your word. Selah. You didst cleave the earth with rivers.
10 The mountains saw you, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high.
11 The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of your arrows they went, and at the shining of your glittering spear.
12 You didst march through the land in indignation, you didst thresh the heathen in anger.
13 You went forth for the salvation of your people, even for salvation with your anointed; you wounded the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.
14 You didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly.
15 You didst walk through the sea with your horses, through the heap of great waters.
16 When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.
17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

The idea of these waters of corrupted advice turning to blood and the resulting death is what Revelation 16 is speaking of. The chapter goes on to tell us of all the other effects of this advice coming from those marked with this Godless thinking – in the their heads.

Friends, the false prophets have the church and the world looking for the lying signs and wonders they have exaggerated and invented, and cause God’s people to look away from the intended simplicity. This is the subtle deception of men who refused to wait on the LORD’s time to loose the understanding.

Revelation 16
1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.
2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image [see Daniel 3 and the image set up in Babylon (the kingdom in confusion by a confounded language)].
3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.
4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.
5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, You are righteous, O LORD, which are, and was, and shall be, because you have judged thus [judged in this way].
6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, LORD God Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments.
8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire [the light in the church consuming men as fuel instead of giving light to see by].
9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which has power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast [Godless civil government]; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,
11 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.
12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up [so people were able to see the death lurking in the waters], that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.
13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs [as the unclean spirit that were hidden in the waters are now seen as words coming from these men’s mouths] come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty [and here we are in the middle of it and still not seeing it for what it is].
15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done.”
18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon [the kingdom of confusion] came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.
20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

This is why we read in Revelation 20:13 of the sea giving up her dead. This comes after Babylon is destroyed: the confusion and those who made their living by/in it – the dragon (death by bad advice – as the serpent in the garden) in the waters, the beast (the Godless government and culture) the dragon gives power, and the false prophets (who have the church looking everywhere except where they would see the time is now).

Revelation 20
1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and the place of eternal self-inflicted torment delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and the place of eternal self-inflicted torment were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

2 Corinthians 11
1 Would to God you could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 For if he that cometh preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted, you might well bear with him.
5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been thoroughly made manifest among you in all things.
7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that you might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
11 Wherefore? because I love you not? God know.
12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
16 I say again, let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
17 That which I speak, I speak it not after the LORD, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
19 For you suffer fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.
20 For you suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit where in so ever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.

2 Peter 2
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the LORD that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not.
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
9 The LORD knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the LORD.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceptions while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: by the dumb jackass speaking with a man’s voice forbid the madness of the false prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

2 Timothy 3
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 But you have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the LORD delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue you in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them;
15 And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 4
1 I charge you therefore before God, and the LORD Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.

Psalms 120
1 In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and He heard me.
2 Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue.
3 What shall be given unto you, or what shall be done unto you, you false tongue?
4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper!
5 Woe is me that I sojourn among those that sow violence (in Meshech), that I dwell in a time with the house departed from truth and light (tents of Kedar)!
6 My soul has long dwelt with him that hates peace.
7 I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.

Today a few comments about what may seem to be totally disassociated topics.

I was just reading a story about a scientific breakthrough that allowed an unreadable ancient Hebrew scroll to be read. Of course the comments were replete with attacks from God haters and believer bashers. One of the comments was from some self proclaimed genius asking, “Who created God.” Of course the question was meant to produce strife and doubt by asking an unanswerable question. I am going to spend a moment answering the question with one equally as mysterious, while also giving a perspective of understanding to both. The original question was meant to insinuate that if it is true that all things are created then God himself must have been created. My question: Was time created? Time existed even before the universe was created. Do we know what existed in the time before the universe? No we do not, but it must be considered and realized that something exited in that time, even if only time itself. The point is time has always existed; our understanding of it and our ability to measure it actually makes up an undistinguishable moment, and more so our understanding of God.

The next point is something more topical and having to do with the way we measure police use of deadly force. The dilemma lies in an inability to distinguish between a numerator and a denominator. Fully understanding the use of deadly force has to be seen with the police as the common denominator, and thinking about it in these terms we must agree it is so. Those killed by peace officers would then be seen as the numerator.

For those who don’t understand this is the way it works, you divide the number of police officers by the number of those killed. Whatever the answer it is stated as being the “one in” that many officers will shoot a person in the numerator group.

Here is paragraph from a recent (July 11) Washington Post article that gives the numbers: “In 2015, The Washington Post launched a real-time database to track fatal police shootings, and the project continues this year. As of Sunday, 1,502 people have been shot and killed by on-duty police officers since Jan. 1, 2015. Of them, 732 were white, and 381 were black (and 382 were of another or unknown race).” The Post of course goes on to reverse the numerator and the denominator and thereby misrepresent the truth in the light and context of the accusation, “cops kill,” which makes the cops the common denominator.

Here are the numbers: there are between 900,000 and 1.1 million state and local police officers (depending on whose numbers you use). Let’s split the difference and use a number of 1 million in this evaluation. Using the Washington Post’s numbers, 732 whites/1,000,000 cops = one in every 1366 police officers shot and killed a white person during the time between January 1, 2015 and July 2016 — Blacks 381/1,000,000 cops = one in ever 2625 police officers shot a black person during the same time. The real numbers say that police officers are almost twice as likely to shoot a white person than a black person.

This truth dispels the lie that police are racist, and therefore based on their racism kill blacks at a higher rate than whites. This also should expose the truth that the news media and the liberal elites in this country are using propaganda and outright lies to agitate and manipulate a community into violence that only severs these liberal elites. Where is the outrage about this? The inciters of this terror are those who only seek to use it for political power, and/or for TV ratings, which equals to big money for those reporting/distorting it.

Here again is the Merriam-Webster definition of terror: violence that is committed by a person, group, or government in order to frighten people and achieve a political goal.

Seems like we have a problem understanding and this come from those we look to for our information and to lead us. It’s all basic math and understanding the time. It’s mostly about who you are listening to – there’s a serpent in the garden giving some bad advice.

Psalms 140
1 Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;
2 Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.
3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah.
4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.
5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins [traps] for me. Selah.
6 I said unto the LORD, You are my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.
7 O God the LORD, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.
9 As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
10 Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
11 Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto your name: the upright shall dwell in your presence.

Romans 3
1 What advantage then has the Jew [those of the House/faith of God called believers]? or what profit is there of circumcision [keeping His Law/Commandments]?
2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That you might be justified in your sayings, and might overcome when you are judged.
5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who takes vengeance? (I speak as a man)
6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
7 For if the truth of God has more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin [error];
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13 Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:
17 And the way of peace have they not known:
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.
19 Now we know that what things so-ever the law says, it says to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption [apolutron – paid the price to free us from error] that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation [reconciliation] through faith in his blood [sacrifice – his life to bring us to life], to declare his righteousness for the remission of [separated us from] sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith [to believe and declare] without the deeds of the law.
29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision [those keeping the law/commandment] by faith, and un-circumcision [those without the law/commandments] through [our] faith.
31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law [by (our) faith].

Continuing on today assuming you’ve read the previous post titled, “Praise the LORD of Hosts who Delivers Us (from the wicked who want the world to burn).” To begin let’s again define the two sides in the context of our ongoing conversation. First we know there are two effects of the fires that are now raging through the nation and the world. Those opposing God and His people have stoked the fires and inflame by agitation the mindless and Godless, with intention to destabilize and destroy what has traditionally held nations and peoples together in peace. This brings us to the means used and the goal of their agitating neighbor against neighbor and it being the false promises of utopia they claim is found in communism; meaning by force taking from those who have by claiming some nonexistent right entitling them ownership and share in all property.

Today we will look at this hate of neighbor/brother in the context of Esau. The one chapter book of Obadiah begins with telling us it is speaking to Edom, another name for the people of Esau. Esau epitomizes those hating God’s people and thereby they bring the wrath of God upon themselves. In our time these include those calling themselves Christian while agitating by inciting hate against their neighbors, whether to vote or by riot, with the intention of putting under threat the life, liberty and property of others, and thereby disrupting the peace. They target the innocent to terrorize them into what they claim is social justice. The truth is it is terror for nothing more than material (mere morsels of meat).

The Merriam-Webster definition of terror: violence that is committed by a person, group, or government in order to frighten people and achieve a political goal.

Hebrews 12 speaks of Esau after it tells of the LORD correcting us as His sons, and goes on to use him as the example of those rejecting the correction and thereby disrupt the peace it (correction) was meant to produce. In the previous posts we have looked at these same folks as those refusing to be healed because they prefer the reward of the evil deeds, forgetting the ultimate wages of sin is death and separation into the place of eternal self-inflicted torment.

Hebrews 12
13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed [by the LORD’s correction].
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the LORD:
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
17 For you know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Verse 15 above urges us to look diligently, using the Greek word written as episkopountes. It is said to be the word episkopeo, meaning to oversee, as in being a careful watcher over. The full word in context and as written says – beware of what you are actually purchasing. This is further evidenced in verse 16 by the use of the word pornos, translated “fornicator,” meaning to purchase (men), from the root word meaning to traffic in. It is telling of those who refuse to accept the LORD’s correction and are trafficking in that which opposes His advice toward peace (libertine – despising government). The word translated “profane.” used to describe those speaking these things, is bebelos, meaning and speaking of this being a threshold crossed.

I am going to paste Obadiah, and then 2 Peter 2 & 3, 2 Timothy 3 and Hebrews 12. All of these are speaking of this time and directly to us for this moment. Please read and understand today is the day of salvation.

Again warning: these will be better understood by those having filled their lamps by reading previous posts. Please, if you haven’t don’t assume it means the end of the world, but rather it tells of self-inflicted fire burning up the corrupted ways of man (elements (stoicheion – principles) melting away being the foundation upon which they base their decisions). It is telling of the new earth and heaven (age) wherein dwells righteousness and it coming as the same fires are used to refine and perfect us (people seeking the LORD with a pure heart) into the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.

Psalm 96
1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; show forth his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Honor and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7 Give unto the LORD, O you kindreds [denominations – tribes] of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the heathen that the LORD reigns: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof.
12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
13 Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

Obadiah
1 The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the LORD God concerning Edom; We have heard a rumor from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise you, and let us rise up against her in battle.
2 Behold, I have made you small among the heathen: you art greatly despised.
3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you that dwells in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that says in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?
4 Though you exalt thyself as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, thence will I bring you down, says the LORD.
5 If thieves came to you, if robbers by night, (how art you cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grape-gatherers came to you, would they not leave some grapes?
6 How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!
7 All the men of your confederacy have brought you even to the border: the men that were at peace with you have deceived you, and prevailed against you; they that eat your bread have laid a wound under you: there is none understanding in him.
8 Shall I not in that day, says the LORD, even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau?
9 And your mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter.
10 For your violence against your brother Jacob shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off for ever.
11 In the day that you stood on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even you were as one of them.
12 But you should not have looked on the day of your brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither should you have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither should you have spoken proudly in the day of distress.
13 You should not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, you should not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity;
14 Neither should you have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither should you have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress.
15 For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as you have done, it shall be done unto you: your reward shall return upon your own head.
16 For as you have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.
17 But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.
18 And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the LORD has spoken it.
19 And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and they of the plain the Philistines: and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria: and Benjamin shall possess Gilead.
20 And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath; and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south.
21 And saviors shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’s.

2 Peter 2
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily [based on their own imaginations and not loosed by the LORD in his time] shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the LORD that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not.
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
9 The LORD knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the LORD.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceptions while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness [wages of sin – error];
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: by the dumb donkey speaking with man’s voice forbid the madness of the [false] prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

2 Peter 3
1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2 That you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the LORD and Savior:
3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the LORD as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The LORD is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the LORD will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15 And account that the longsuffering of our LORD is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him has written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17 You therefore, beloved, seeing you know these things before, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

2 Timothy 3
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres [the opposing priests, arguing for enslavement] withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate [without proof] concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 But you have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the LORD delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue you in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them;
15 And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Hebrews 12
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children, My son, despise not you the chastening of the LORD, nor faint when you art corrected of him:
6 For whom the LORD loves he disciplines, and molds every son whom he receives.
7 If you endure discipline, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father disciplines not?
8 But if you are without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not sons.
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
11 Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the LORD:
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
17 For you know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
18 For you are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard demanded that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
22 But you are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel.
25 See that you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven:
26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he has promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
27 And this word, Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Today a few words to aid us in understand healing, the sick, and their disease in general. Let’s begin with a joke told to me by a friend (Alcee), which gets right to the heart of the matter.

The LORD comes to a group of three men, all of them suffering from some type of infirmity. Of course He sees the need and goes to the first man and laying His hand on him he is healed. He does the same to the second man. Then to the third man He reaches out his hand and the man pulls away terrified, and says, “Don’t touch me LORD, I get 100% disability from the VA.”

The point is some people refuse to be calmed from their dis-ease, because of what they get from being sick.

This takes us to the riots – some people just have to have something to complain about. Yes, I am directly calling out the protestors and those who are inciting them (and the worst of those call themselves men of God). Most of these folks, the pawns, have no moral standard that tells them it’s wrong to loot and burn their own cities, and to act out their race hate, and when it happens those inciting it wash their hand of their responsibility for it. None of these folks want to be healed because it allows them to remain in a constant state of justified rage. Those justifying it are the same anarchists in suits who incite it, and then shield from the deserved public condemnation the armies they’ve deployed to work their destruction.
They make the criminals icons of the pop-culture and heap praise upon them, while in truth they are being manipulated into a mindless response acting out hate that only benefits the puppet masters.

The goal of these inciters of violence is chaos and confusion, as they tell us the way to solve the dis-ease is to do what we have done in the past. The past record is of moral decline by bad policy, and in the decline an ever-increasing volume of the same poison materialist remedy accelerated by the surrender of traditional opposition. The opposition was once with sound moral and well reason foundational truths that resulted in policy with positive effect. We know this past opposition was battered into surrender and retreat by accusations of racism and every other isms, spewed at it and a stupefied world by academia, liberal elites, pop-culture icons, social justice preachers, the modern political class, globalists, crony capitalists, and their mouthpieces in the establishment media networks.

Some people just want to see it burn, and these are those used by those who have something to gain from it (Soros should be arrested/charged). Many of the dis-eased don’t want to be cured, because they like it where they are. That is truth we must face.
It is the idea seen in John 3 when it says: “and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

John 3
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hates the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

This is the message He gives us: Believe God and place His wisdom and ways above all those offered by men to replace Him, which are mere reinventions of the same evil committed throughout history against your neighbor. This is the same message we have heard from the beginning:

1 John 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world hears them.
6 We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God.
8 He that loves not knows not God; for God is love.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12 No man has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwells in him, and he in God.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God has to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.

We have often discussed the ideas invoked by our Declaration of Independence when it gives the reason for our separation from British rule as our being entitled to do so under the law of nature and nature’s God. Both these standards of civilized living tell of the reality that there will always be those who refuse to live in a state of mutual security and will therefor put life, liberty and property of others in a constant state of jeopardy and dis-ease.

The foundation of our civil and Christian law is based on the mandatory separation from the civilized those who reject its ways. In civil law it is by imprisonment, and with Christianity it is the idea of separation into the place of eternal self-inflicted torment. Both of these provide means of repentance and recovery when the old life is cast away in favor of the new way that will not threaten the peace of the society. They must just as surely allow or the self-inflicted consequences to occur to those individuals and societies that continually not only reject and refuse correction, but also openly condemn and vilify those choosing right.

These are the rules of civilization and peace and I give you our world in chaos without them as the undeniable evidence of their validity.

Isaiah 57
1 The righteous perishes [is separated – wanders away – frees himself], and no man lays it to heart: and merciful men are taken away [assembled or gathered], none considering that the righteous is taken away [assembled or gathered] from [out of] the evil.
2 He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.
3 But draw near hither, you sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and those selling themselves to their Idols.
4 Against whom do you sport yourselves? against whom make you a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are you not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood.
5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clefts of the rocks?
6 Among the smooth stones of the stream [shaped by the flow (of corrupted advice)] is your portion; they, they are your lot: even to them have you poured a drink offering, you have offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these?
7 Upon a lofty and high mountain [high places risen to power in the earth] have you set your bed: even there went you up to offer sacrifice.
8 Behind the doors also and the posts have you set up your remembrance: for you have discovered yourself to another than Me, and are gone up; you have enlarged your bed, and made you a covenant with them; you loved their bed where you saw it.
9 And you went to the king with ointment, and did increase your perfumes, and did send your messengers far off, and did debase thyself even unto the place of eternal self-inflicted torment.
10 You are wearied in the greatness of your way; yet said you not, There is no hope: you have found the life of your hand; therefore you were not grieved.
11 And of whom have you been afraid or feared, that you have lied, and have not remembered Me, nor laid it to your heart? Have not I held my peace even of old, and you fear Me not?
12 I will declare your righteousness, and your works; for they shall not profit you.
13 When you cry, let your companies deliver you; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that puts his trust in Me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;
14 And shall say, Cast you up, cast you up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling-block out of the way of My people.
15 For thus says the high and lofty One that inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
16 For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made.
17 For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on perversely in the way of his heart [own reasoning].
18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.
19 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, says the LORD; and I will heal him.
20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
21 There is no peace, says my God, to the wicked.

Psalm 69
1 Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.
3 I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.
4 They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.
5 O God, you know my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from you.
6 Let not them that wait on you, O LORD God of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek you be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.
7 Because for your sake I have borne reproach; shame has covered my face.
8 I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother’s children.
9 For the zeal of your house has eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached you are fallen upon me.
10 When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.
11 I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them.
12 They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.
13 But as for me, my prayer is unto you, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of your mercy hear me, in the truth of your salvation.
14 Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.
15 Let not the water-flood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.
16 Hear me, O LORD; for your loving-kindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of your tender mercies.
17 And hide not your face from your servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.
18 Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies.
19 You have known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonor: mine adversaries are all before you.
20 Reproach has broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
22 Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.
23 Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.
24 Pour out your indignation upon them, and let your wrathful anger take hold of them.
25 Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.
26 For they persecute him whom you have smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom you have wounded.
27 Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into your righteousness.
28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.
29 But I am poor and sorrowful: let your salvation, O God, set me up on high.
30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
31 This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that has horns and hoofs.
32 The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.
33 For the LORD hears the poor, and despises not his prisoners.
34 Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moves therein.
35 For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.
36 The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein.

Let’s begin today with the assumption there are many who believe, and their acknowledgment in response is Joel 2:22 forward to the end of the book. This means they see the LORD among us reigning in Zion, and know it’s time for the unbelieving world to be called to the valley of decision. They see the sun, moon and stars have been darkened, meaning church and civil governments have ceased to shine and reflect God’s light on the earth, and the stars are God’s people moved from their fixed and certain positions in heaven. In this occurring light no longer shines on earth and it has become darkened, as if a great cloud cover coming between the light and the inhabitants.

Joel 2 ends telling of the calling we’ve been studying and says that who so ever calls upon the name of the LORD shall be delivered. Chapter 3 then goes on to tell of the mission of those who have called on (confessed) His name and have therefore been called. Through them the call goes out to the nations (unbelievers) to come to the point of decision.

Let’s begin with understanding the “decision” mentioned in Joel 3:14 as occurring while the war for the souls of humanity is raging. The Hebrew word used is charuwts, meaning a decisive cut that has resulted from a sharp or pointed instrument (the well honed sword of the LORD – the Word of God). In the past we’ve studied and therefor understood John 3:16 – 21 to be speaking of this same decision process. There it is the Greek words krino and krisis, translated as judgment and condemnation. One speaks of the point of decision and the other is the decision itself. “John 3:19 And this is the condemnation [krisis – crisis], that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” It is telling of men who are condemned, not by the LORD who comes into the world to save humanity, those willing to become His children by accepting his correction, but rather by CHOOSING to condemn themselves by rejecting correction and to remain on the course to self-destruction they are already on.

John 3
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus [victory over the pop-culture], a ruler of the Jews:
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Truly, truly, I say unto you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus said unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Truly, Truly, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again.
8 The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound thereof, but can not tell from where it comes, and where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Are you a master of Israel, and know not these things?
11 Truly, Truly, I say unto you, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and you receive not our witness.
12 If I have told you earthly things, and you believe not, how shall you believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
13 And no man has ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hates the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
24 For John was not yet cast into prison.
25 Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.
26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with you beyond Jordan, to whom you barest witness, behold, the same baptizes, and all men come to him.
27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
29 He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaks of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32 And what he has seen and heard, that he testifies; and no man receives his testimony.
33 He that has received his testimony has set to his seal that God is true.
34 For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God: for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto him.
35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand.
36 He that believeth on the Son has everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him.

The following is what is written in the post of September 8, 2016, about the names appearing in verse 23 above. The post is titled, “Apocalypse – Fires Burn the Earth and the Elements Melt.”

“In yesterday’s description of this awakening it was defined as, ‘the deeper meaning of God’s wisdom taking hold one person at a time, as the day spring in their mind.’ The place where John is baptizing, prior to his being cast into prison, is said to be, ‘Aenon near to Salim.’ Aenon means, place of springs, and is from the Hebrew word, ‘ayin, meaning an eye (understanding), as a fountain (of life). The word Salim has a superficial meaning as agitated, toppled and destroyed; and the deeper meaning seen is in its original spelling as saleim, which is Salem with an I added.

The meaning I see is in removing the “I,” Salem, meaning peace (as in Jerusalem), is again found upon the rubble of the destruction produced by inserting “I” into a relationship meant to be between the LORD and every individual. This is why John the Baptists says, “I must decrease.” The wedding, and the baptism, is the direct connection the LORD must have with each and every individual. The interference of men into this relationship is what is symbolized by telling of John’s eventual imprisonment – meaning the true friend who knows when to get out of the way (decrease) had become a dead understanding and action, and what replaced it was peace turned into agitation and destruction.

To the preachers and politicians: your place is to get out of the way and let people live an abundant life. Lead them to this place of awakening, and then set them free from your control.”

The meaning is that even those making the choice to answer the call must be born again by the Spirit igniting the spirit to life, and the evidence by action to produce the same thing in others. We pour on the living water and they are conceived into life beginning, and then when the Spirit determines they are ready He is the one who brings them to birth. Then we get out of the way and the relationship from there is direct with them having only One LORD. This is the deep meaning be imparted.

So, back to calling the unbelievers and our mission:

Romans 10
1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel [all those called to/by His name] is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
5 For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, Say not in your heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8 But what says it? The word is near you, even in your mouth, and in your heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if you shall confess with your mouth the LORD Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture says, Who-so-ever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same LORD over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved.
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, LORD, who has believed our report?
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes truly, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses said, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
20 But Isaiah is very bold, and says, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
21 But to Israel he says, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

There are many quotes referencing other scripture in the above chapter; all we have studied and most in very recent posts. Let’s begin our focus on those appearing in verses 5 thru 8. They tell of where we find the LORD by referring to Deuteronomy 30:12 – 14.

Deuteronomy 30
10 If you shall hearken unto the voice of the LORD your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if you turn unto the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul.
11 For this commandment which I command you this day, it is not hidden from you, neither is it far off.
12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
14 But the word is very near unto you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it.
15 See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil;
16 In that I command you this day to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that you may live and multiply: and the LORD your God shall bless you in the land where you go to possess it.
17 But if your heart turn away, so that you will not hear, but shall be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;
18 I denounce unto you this day, that you shall surely perish, and that you shall not prolong your days upon the land, where you pass over Jordan to go to possess it.
19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your seed may live:
20 That you may love the LORD your God, and that you may obey his voice, and that you may cleave unto him: for he is your life, and the length of your days: that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore unto your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

Romans 10 goes on to quote Isaiah 28:16 and Joel 2:32 to tell of what the word should produce in us (believing – faith as the evidence of what isn’t seen with natural eyes).

Isaiah 28
14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, you scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.
15 Because you have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with h*ll are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
16 Therefore thus says the LORD God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.
18 And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with h*ll shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then you shall be trodden down by it.

Joel 2
28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
30 And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come.
32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD has said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

At this point Romans 10 answers the question about how the call has been heard by quoting from Psalms 19. It tells of rightly dividing the word (waters), as if with a sharp two-edged sword. (See Hebrews 4:12)

Psalms 19
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork.
2 Day unto day uttering speech, and night unto night showing knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them has he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices as a strong man to run a race.

Paul continues in Romans 10 with Isaiah 52:7 telling of publishing the message of peace (Jeru-Salem) and telling it is the LORD speaking. Paul follows this with asking the question from Isaiah 53:1, and in doing tells us how it appears to our natural eye and what we are actually seeing (with our eyes of understanding) when this occurs.

Isaiah 53
1 Who has believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he has no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he has borne our grief, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opens not his mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he has put him to grief: when you shall make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he has poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

The quotes end with Isaiah 65 boldly telling of those who don’t remain with the corruption and haven’t been looking for a Deliverer. “1 I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name. 2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walk in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; 3 A people that provoke me to anger continually to my face; that sacrifice in gardens, and burns incense upon altars of brick; 4 Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; 5 Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than you. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all the day. 6 Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom, 7 Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, says the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom. 8 Thus says the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants’ sakes, that I may not destroy them all.”

This actually harkens back to Isaiah 52 and it saying: “10 The LORD has made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.11 Depart you, depart you, go you out from there, touch no unclean thing; go you out of the midst of her; be you clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. 12 For you shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your reward. 13 Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. 14 As many were astonished at you; his visage [appearance] was so marred [by lies] more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: 15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.”

Let’s continue with our study of Proverbs 27 and the idea of iron sharpening iron. Summarizing our understanding of the idea – it is God’s Holy Spirit through and in us refining our inner man, then called out into action, become the finest of swords in the Hand of the LORD, to be wielded by Him in bringing about His purposes in the earth as it is in heaven. We know this as never for our glory, neither for fame, personal gain or elevation, but rather always for/as the Glory of the LORD in the earth. Amen!

Today additionally let’s look at those called out and thereby exposing themselves as the tares: those awakening to the work of opposing and denying the LORD at His coming out.

Again I must here warn the reader: do not expect to fully understand this unless you have been studying along and have read the previous posts (see Matthew 25 posted below). Feel free to read but refrain from commenting with your critiques telling what you believe or have been taught to the contrary.

Psalms 19
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork.
2 Day unto day uttering speech, and night unto night showing knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them has he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices as a strong man to run a race.
6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is your servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his [own] errors? cleanse you me from secret faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalms 19 begins by telling of the LORD’s handiwork in the firmament, and this being His Glory seen in the heavens. As we have seen in our recent studies, the firmament is the LORD dividing the waters and the division is what is called Heaven. The waters above are the pure words of God and those below are those corrupted in the earth. We’ve seen this described in Genesis 1 as the LORD’s work in creating the new earth after man has made it become without form, and void. We have seen the term “without form, and void,” translated from the three times used Hebrew phrase tohuw bohuw, elsewhere translated and contextually telling us this is the earth once man’s language and control has become totally confused, and empty (without any form of truth or reality, and void of any value to advance humanity in an upward direction).

We know the waters are what carries the counsel; God’s advice and ways as the waters of life, man’s being the death of humanity (traded for the morsel gained by those men deceiving the world into chaos).

Here now stand we at the brink of self-destruction and all humanity seemingly without an answer – other than those offered by those destroying it: the same false saviors, who have offered solution which exacerbate the troubles, proposing more of the same – the only gain is theirs personally as the world burns in their fires (crisis created to force degenerate change – now seen to have no hope of changing anything for the better – as they couldn’t care less about the macro consequences on society).

The Psalm tells of this “error” being what the LORD’s creation handiwork corrects, and it goes on to describe those refusing to receive the correction as being part of the great “transgression.” The Hebrew word translated “error” is shgiy’ah, and is only used this one time. The word it is derived from is the very enlightening word shagah, meaning to stray away, mislead, or mistake, and to be enraptured by these wanderings. (See yesterday’s post and the definition of the name Epaphroditus.)

The word translated “transgression” is pesha’, meaning to revolt. It also is from a more definitive word, pasha’, meaning to break away from just authority, by apostasy and through quarreling (from and with the authority).

This brings us to Matthew 25 and the LORD telling of those who miss the bridegroom, who we are told of in Psalms 19. It is he who is defined by the traits we are told of there, “…as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices as a strong man to run a race.” When Matthew speaks of those neglecting their lamps it is referring to being so caught up in their own deceptions that they refused to even try to understand – yet they vigorously rebelled against what/who they refused to know. This is speaking to those ruling over God’s children as if lords (as they now all look at the other guy and point at how someone else is so much worse than they are – they have their reward).

Here we must look again at Proverbs 27 and the passages that reads: ” 15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. 16 Whosoever hides her hides the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrays itself [and the remedy (exposing her) is in his power to boldly call her out]. 17 Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. 18 Whoso keeps the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waits on his master shall be honored.”

The passage tells of these virgins, defined as contentious women (arguing and revolting), and of calling them out to the remedy (for their error). The Hebrew word there translated “ointment” (remedy) is shemen, meaning oil, as in the richness (pressed from the fruit).

Matthew 25
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go you out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go you rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, LORD, LORD, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Truly I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his LORD’s money.
19 After a long time the LORD of those servants cometh, and reckoned with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, LORD, you delivered unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His LORD said unto him, Well done, you good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter you into the joy of your LORD.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, LORD, you delivered unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His LORD said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter you into the joy of your LORD.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, LORD, I knew you that you art an hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the earth: lo, there you have that is your.
26 His LORD answered and said unto him, You wicked and slothful servant, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 You ought therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which has ten talents.
29 For unto every one that has shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that has not shall be taken away even that which he has.
30 And cast you the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was hungry, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in:
36 Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, LORD, when saw we you hungry, and fed you? or thirsty, and gave you drink?
38 When saw we you a stranger, and took you in? or naked, and clothed you?
39 Or when saw we you sick, or in prison, and came unto you?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Truly I say unto you, Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42 For I was hungry, and you gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink:
43 I was a stranger, and you took me not in: naked, and you clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and you visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, LORD, when saw we you hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto you?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Truly I say unto you, Inasmuch as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Matthew 5
1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13 You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
18 For truly I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Psalms 55:21 speaks of words (of the rebels who have broken the covenant) being softer than oil, yet as drawn swords (See Proverbs 5:1 – 5 & Revelation 13:10 & 11). It goes on to tell us to cast all our burdens upon the LORD, and He shall sustain us. It continues with defining the two groups; the first as the righteous who shall never be moved (as stars fixed in the heavens), and the other as bloody and deceitful men who the LORD shall bring down (from the places they have elevated themselves – wandering false stars of deception). This is what Peter was referencing when he tells us, in 1 Peter 5:5, that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. He goes on to tell us to humble ourselves and God will raise us up in due time. He then says, “Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you,” as he paraphrases Psalms 55:22.

Psalms 55
1 Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not yourself from my supplication.
2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;
3 Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.
4 My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.
5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me.
6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.
7 Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.
8 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.
9 Destroy, O LORD, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.
11 Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.
12 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:
13 But it was you, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.
14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.
15 Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into h*ll: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.
16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
18 He has delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.
19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abides of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
20 He has put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he has broken his covenant.
21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
22 Cast your burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain you: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
23 But you, O God, shall bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in you.

1 Peter 5
1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.
5 Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10 But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.
11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein you stand.
13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, salutes you; and so does Marcus my son.
14 Greet you one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.