Watch Your Mouth!

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Verneda Lights
  • “..the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63
  • So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 (NKJV)
  • Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)

Watch Your Mouth!

Frans Floris - The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, ...

Frans Floris – The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Gathering and Protecting Mankind – WGA7949 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When talking to my mother recently, she raised an important point: That we should read the word of GOD out loud. Reading God’s word out loud helps us to remember and hide His word in our hearts. Having the word of God etched on your heart is a barrier to sin. Hearing God’s word also builds faith. Obviously, hearing the word of God is a good thing, and it’s useful for us to increase the ways we have for hearing the word of God.

One of the most handy and low cost ways to hear the word of God is to use it in our daily conversation. Speaking the word of God plants seeds of faith that aid the hearer. Perhaps a hardened heart will have its soil so broken up that the hearer will one day receive Christ. Maybe the backslidden Christian will be convicted by the word sown from your lips or your life.

Not speaking the word of God puts you at risk. You risk forgetfulness and weaken your faith, because “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of GOD.” If you don’t hear it, you will forget it. What you don’t hear repeatedly, you will not recall. Because the word of God is spirit and life, speaking the word of God allows you to create and enforce healthful and righteous things in your life.

The Word of God Sows Seeds of Life Into Your Life

There is much in this world that hurts and confounds us, but only one cure for the sin-sick soul: the blood of Jesus. As Christians, we dispense the reality of Jesus through our words and deeds. Speaking the word of God gives wisdom and access to spiritual insight to any situation, and anoints our reality with the blood of Jesus. So having the word of God ready on your lips makes it hard for deceptive people and lies to enter and dominate your environment.

Speaking the Word of God Keeps You Humble 

Speaking the word of God, makes us aware of the sovereignty of God. Being aware of the magnificence of God keeps us humble. I don’t know about you, but I have much to learn about humility. To have pride slumber is a good thing. To have pride die is even better. The same is true of wrath. Until we are dead to pride and wrath we will look at Jesus with closed eyes, and our praise becomes a well that is sealed.

Speaking the word of God reminds us of His righteousness. Looking for righteousness apart from the Son of GOD is hopeless. Fresh Anointing is available for each day from the throne of grace. We should seize it every day. Without the mercies of God the wounds of life are too much to bear.

Speaking the Word of God Reminds Us of God’s Blessings and Mercies.

Until we receive God’s mercy and forgiveness, we cannot be merciful, and we will not know how to forgive. If we do not know mercy, then we cannot execute right judgement, because without mercy there can be no judgement.

The grace which God has lavished upon us is unfathomable. LORD grant us the grace to be gracious. Help us to accept and speak Your words. Help us to be conformed to the image of Christ Jesus. Help us to humbly accept your grace and mercy, and show Your grace and mercy.

The name of The LORD is a strong tower. The righteous run into it, and they are saved. So run to the LORD. Be saved. Be safe, today!

May these words educate, comfort and encourage you to pray today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).

- Verneda

© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.

 

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Don’t Be a Victim of Counterfeit Miracles!

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Verneda Lights

Rev 13:13-14 (KJV) 13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. (Emphasis, mine) 

The Beast of the Apocalypse

The Beast of the Apocalypse (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Don’t Be a Victim of Counterfeit Miracles!

In every Earthly realm and dimension there are real things and counterfeit things. For every emotion, dream, strategy, and possession we have, there is a true version and a false version. The true version is the gift of God. The false version is a satanic deception.

The end product tells if the gift is from God or a satanic deception. The gifts of God result in life and healing, even though the experience of the gifts might be painful. The satanic deception leads to loss and death, even though the experience offered by the deception might be initially pleasant. Remember: The pleasures of sin lasts but for a season (Hebrews 11:5).

Every Miracle Does Not Come From God

Some Christians are tricked into accepting satanic deceptions because the gift or opportunity presents with a supernatural part. Far too many believers indulge in seances and trust in horoscope readings. They embrace every angel as being divine (remember, demons are fallen angels), and equate all that is supernatural as having a Godly origin. Today’s verses show us that the devil uses supernatural manifestations to deceive and intimidate. Here we see a strange beast that has the power to “bring down fire from Heaven.” He deceived people with the “miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast.” The deception was so thorough, that it convinced many to worship the beast. Resisting this deception had grave consequences, spelled out in Rev 13:15-18 (KJV):

“as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” 

Satanic Miracles Deceive & Seduce You Into False Worship

Ah! So here we see how Satan uses supernatural manifestations and fear of physical suffering such as starvation and poverty to bully masses of people into accepting the dreaded “mark of the beast.” The faithful should depend on God to supply their need (Philippians 4:19). The unbelieving trust wealth and access to commerce as the security for their survival. Kneeling to the threats of satan is the last coup in a life-time of thinking that we can take care of ourselves. The mark of the beast is the brand of idolators, and the seal of those who habitually do not trust the Lord.

Beware & Live a Life of Vigilance

Christian friend, we have a dire need to have our priorities straight at all times. The Lord is our Salvation, our Shepherd, our Healer, our Righteousness, and our Banner. He is the strength of our lives. Our help comes from the Lord Who made the Heavens and the Earth (Psalms 121:2). He is our Shepherd Who supplies our need: All of them.

The Lord supplies our need, whether the bank account is empty or full; whether our health is good or bad. He supplies our need whether married or single, working or jobless. The Lord’s desire and ability to take care of us does not depend on any circumstance in our lives. He alone is God. Trust Him at all times, so that when the time of testing comes, you will not be deceived or bullied into denying Him Who is our one, true, and only wise GOD.

May these words educate, comfort and urge you to pray today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).

- Verneda

© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.

 

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Naked!

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Verneda Lights

Rev 3:18-19 (KJV) 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

English: Laodicea - Lycos Français : Laodicée ...

English: Laodicea – Lycos Français : Laodicée du Lycos (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Naked!

There’s more to clothing than what we put on our bodies. Like our physical bodies, our minds and spirits are likewise clothed. Our education, jobs and family roles are just a few of the many types of “coverings” we acquire as we journey through this life.

Just as there are times of adding things to our physical and spiritual being, there is also a time of stripping away. While it is true that many live a lifetime without being truly exposed and seen for who they are, such is not the fate for the children of God who seek after righteousness. It is the way of the Lord to chasten and rebuke His children.

In today’s verses, Jesus is telling the church at Laodicea to buy gold tried in the fire and white raiment to cover the shame of their nakedness. Earlier in the chapter, the Lord sternly rebuke d this church because they were “lukewarm” or “neither hot nor cold.” In other words, they were not firm in their commitment to Jesus. In failing to put on the righteousness of Christ, they had refused the spiritual  covering offered by the Lord.

The Laodiceans had pride, but they did not have Jesus. Because they didn’t have Jesus, they were bereft of righteousness and spiritually naked. Pride and self-righteousness cannot cover and protect the human heart, soul or spirit. They give our minds the “sense” or feeling of a covering, but in the eyes of God, absence of righteousness is absolute nakedness.

Sometimes the Lord has to physically strip us of the things we cling to before we can see just how naked and defenseless we are. Like people addicted to drugs or alcohol, sometimes we have to hit bottom: lose a job, a spouse or child, or even our health before we know just how absolutely helpless we are.

For Christians, being stripped of external coverings is used by the Lord to cleanse us. Just as a tree is pruned so that it can bear more fruit, the Lord cuts away the dead branches of evil habits, thoughts, desires and realities from our lives. Those who value their wealth, education, and job positions can love these things more than they love the Lord. This is idolatry. So, losing a job or having our educational goals stalled can be a wake-up call for those who do not see that these things are a gift from God, and it is He Who should be praised for making them possible.

Have you been stripped of a prized title or possession? How did it make you feel? Like Adam, did you run to cover yourself with the fig leaves of family, friends, drugs, alcohol or sex? When you heard the Lord call your name, did you run away?

Friend, there is no hiding from God; for “All things are naked and open unto the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13). Repent now. There is no state so low that the love of God cannot raise you up. Reach out for the hand of the Lord at all times. He is the only true Guardian and covering for your soul.

May these words educate, comfort and encourage you to pray today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).

- Verneda

© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

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What Heaven Is Like

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Verneda Lights

The London Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Sir Colin Davis) performs the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah.

Revelation 11:15 (KJV) 

The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

What a joyful anticipation that Jesus will one day endlessly reign over the kingdoms of this world. The righteousness and absolute power of Jesus guarantees that the citizens of His Kingdom will not suffer any lack. The Bible tells us what Heaven is  like:

  • There is no lack of love, because God is love (1 John 4:8 ).
  • There is no hunger, because God owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10).
  • There is no thirst, because Jesus is the endless source of living water (John 7:38).
  • There is no lack of joy, because in His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
  • There is no darkness, because God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).
  • There are no lies or deceptions because Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).
  • There are no wars because Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
  • There is no death because Messiah Jesus has conquered death and hell (Revelation 1:18).

So, no matter how difficult your journey is today, no matter how many mistakes you have made, know this: One day, all the troubles of this world will end, and those who love the Lord God will reign with Him in peace.

May these words educate, comfort and encourage you to pray today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).

- Verneda

© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.

Note: The video of The London Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Sir Colin Davis) performing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah was posted on LSO’s Youtube Channel. Verneda Lights and E-graphX Omnimedia have no ownership in this video. It is used for educational purposes only.

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Your Prayers Shake-up the Whole World

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Verneda Lights

2 Chronicles 16:9 (KJV): 9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Rev 8:4-5 (KJV): 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. 5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

English: I took photo with Canon camera.

English: I took photo with Canon camera. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your Prayers Shake-up the World

Compared to the great size of heavenly bodies and the greatness of the Lord, we humans are quite small and vulnerable. Because we are aware of our smallness and vulnerability, we might also think that our communication with the Lord, (our prayers), are likewise small. The Bible; however, says the opposite. According to the Word of God, our prayers are powerful. James 5:16 says:

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (Emphasis, mine)

Keep in mind that it is the prayer of a “righteous” person that avails much. A heart that is right with God prays powerful prayers that are answered. Being right with God involves a lifestyle of prayer, and diligent study of God’s word, which enables us to have the mind of Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Rev 8:4-5 gives us a glimpse into the magnitude of the power that the prayers of the righteous have. We see how the prayers of the saints mingle with incense on the altar of the Lord. The smoke of the incense mingled with the prayers of the saints, rises out of the hand of the angel into the presence of the Lord. When we consider that the distance between Earth and the nearest star outside of our solar system is  4.22 lightyears, it is amazing that prayers spoken on Earth travel to Heaven itself, which is infinitely further away in terms of dimensionality and physical reality. Please note that a lightyear is the distance traveled in one year when moving at the speed of light which is 186,000 miles per second.

Even more amazing is how the angel casts the fire from the altar where the incense is mingled with our prayers, and casts it to the Earth. The impact causes “voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.” Things get all shook-up! The prayers which seem so small and helpless to us, ascend before the Lord GOD Himself, and initiates tumultuous changes on Earth.

Today, has your life been turned upside down? Perhaps someone has prayed for your break-through, but in order for you to receive it, the world around you has to be reconfigured. Let it change. Maybe you’re distressed because something that needs to change hasn’t changed. Pray, and make it change. Just as important is for you to pray and let the Lord change you!

Earthquakes cause landscapes to change. Likewise, prayers change the world-at-large and the world around you. Need a change? Pray! Let us get on our knees and pray to the Lord everyday!

May these words educate, comfort and encourage you to pray today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).

- Verneda

© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.

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How to Overcome Evil With Good

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Verneda Lights

Romans 12:21
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

English: no original description

English: no original description (Photo credit: Wikipedia) How to Overcome Evil With Good

How to Overcome Evil With Good

From the moment you accept Christ as your Savior, the battle is on! Open eyes make you sense and see the differences between your old self and the new you that God has created you to be. Your soul is like a ship at sea: Sometimes the sailing is smooth and the winds are favorable. At other times the sky is dark and storms of life toss you about. Whether the sea is calm or stormy, your goal is to navigate in accordance to the will of God.

The Storms in Live Are In & Around You 

The storms of life are often brought about by evil. The evil that tosses your life about can live within your own mind and heart because of old habits you haven’t abandoned. Sometimes the evil comes from enemies around you. Regardless of the source, our instructions are simple: We are to overcome evil with good.

Faith & Hope Help You Overcome Evil With Good

But how do you overcome evil with good? The journey of the overcoming Christian starts with faith in our Savior Jesus. Faith and hope allow you to be objective and not get lost in negative emotions. Faith and hope give you a positive attitude. It allows you to take the high road and not be afraid. Faith and hope in God are the antidotes to fear. Fear is not of God.

2 Timothy 1:7 (King James Bible, Cambridge Ed.) says: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1 John 4:18 (KJV) says: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Fear is dangerous because it can paralyze your will. When your will is paralyzed, you can’t act as you should. A paralyzed will is powerless to overcome evil with good.

Perfect love casts out fear. God is love, and in Him is our love for Him perfected. The more you know the Lord, the less you will fear. The love of God empowers you to be bold and equips you to overcome in all the storms of life.

Faith & Hope Empowers You to Overcome

Faith and hope empowers you to “be of good cheer.” You can smile, no matter what your circumstances are. Smiles are a great example of balm in Gilead: They cause your mind and body to relax. Smiles also make people around you feel good. You can positively charge the air just by being of good cheer. Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ has overcome the world. This alone is cause for victorious smiles and confidence that we are “more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).

Take It to the Lord in Prayer

Prayer is a two-way street. When you pray, you talk to God, but God also talks back to you. During and after prayer, the Lord will speak comfort, confidence and instructions to your heart and mind. We are to let our requests be made known unto God, Who has all power, and has given unto us the water of life that we may have life that is eternal and abundant.

What Then Is Your Prayer?

Having learned these things what is my prayer? My prayer is: Father forgive me the sins of pride and unbelief. I have not seen you as the mighty God, and I have doubted your power to help me in my everyday life. Lord, please make me a overcomer. Help me to overcome evil with good, and to bring all the pertains to my life to you, that I may live in the strength of your love and wisdom, to the glory of your holy and precious name.

May these words educate, comfort and encourage you to pray today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).

- Verneda

© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.

 

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Only Wise God

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Verneda Lights

(KJV) 

17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen

Only Wise God

English: a Venn diagram-like symbol for the Ch...

A Venn diagram-like symbol for the Christian Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

To understand the magnitude of the words: “King eternal, immortal, invisible, and only wise Go” requires faith. But not just any old faith. Jesus paid the price for humanity to know and be at one with the King Eternal, so being unified with God requires faith in Him.

Faith Is a Living Thing

Faith is a living thing, so it must grow. The faith that allows us to see the King Eternal and immortal, invisible, only wise God needs to be fed by reading the word of God and prayer. It also requires that we abandon self as the center of our lives, will, and world.

The Natural Mind Does Not Understand What It Cannot See

Our frail natural eyes can scant see the stars in the Heaven, and it took the power of the Almighty Himself to make it possible for us to see Him. Born rebellious and spiritually blind, we struggled against the inner witness of the reality and power of God. Our natural minds doubt what we cannot see. Absence of faith makes us suffer loneliness, despair, and sickness. The world beat us down before we could learn to kneel. Our spirits raised its fist against God before we learned to pray. The anvil of God shapes our hearts, and hence our insight anew by grace, to the glory of God the Father.

Knowledge of the King Eternal Has Benefits

Knowing God makes us wise and gives us a vision and appreciation of the invisible. Faith in Jesus makes us one with the Father and Holy Spirit makes us immortal. One glorious day, we will reign with our God. So, walk gladly in humility and praise of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Let us all praise the Lord God every day of our lives.

May these words educate, comfort and encourage you to pray today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

- Verneda

© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.

 

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Is That Smoke?

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Verneda Lights

Rev 9:2 (KJV) And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

Time & Again, Hell Breaks Loose

Christ in Gethsemane (Christus in Gethsemane),...

Christ in Gethsemane (Christus in Gethsemane), oil painting by Heinrich Ferdinand Hofmann (Heinrich Hofmann). The original is at the Riverside Church (Riverside Church, New York City). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Revelation 9:2 gives a frightening description of what happens when the pit of hell is literally opened. It is also an excellent metaphor for what happens when you are under satanic attack. Note the progression of events: the pit was opened, smoke arose, the sun and air were darkened. When the devil attacks you a similar series of events occurs.

Like Smoke, Lies & Deceptions Cloud Your Vision

Smoke represents the lies and deceptions that the enemy of your soul releases into your life. Smoke is dangerous because it obscures your vision: You can’t see where you are going, danger is hidden and your path is uncertain. Smoke also injures your lungs. If inhaled too long, it will replace the oxygen you need to live. Smoke suffocates. The devil comes to “kill, steal, and destroy” (John 10:10). Lies, deceptions, confusion and busyness are forms of satanic smoke that the devil uses to kill, steal, and destroy.

Satanic Smoke Is Dangerous

Perhaps the most deadly aspect of satanic smoke is that it darkens the sun. The sun is a source of life for every living thing and creature. Likewise, satanic smoke diminishes our ability to see the Son. The life of Christians depends upon the Son of  God. Without Him, we do not have life. The devil attacks our desire to read and know the Word of God. We grow busy with the smoke of our daily lives. Our time and attention are tossed about in a whirlwind of activity. We get lost in the smoke of distractions. We put off spending time in God’s presence. We become self-important and self-reliant. The Son becomes obscured, and our lives are choked out of abiding in the vine. We lose track of the fact that without Jesus we “can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Where There’s Satanic Smoke, There’s (Hell) Fire

Friends, look up. Look around you. Do you see the Son, or do you see “stuff?” When others look at you, do they see Jesus? If care and worries have darkened your ability to see the Son, pray to the Father now. Ask forgiveness, and embrace the life and strength so freely given by Jesus.

May these words educate, comfort and encourage you to pray today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

- Verneda

© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.

 

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What Is Peace?

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Verneda Lights

1 Tim 1:2 (KJV) Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Definition of Peace

The past two posts were about grace and mercy. Today’s blog post is about peace. What is peace? According to Strong’s Talking Greek and Hebrew Dictionary, the word peace in 1 Timothy 1:2 comes from the eek Word: εἰρήνη (Transliteration: eirēnē). Eirēnē means “one, peace, quietness, rest.” By extension, eirēnē also means prosperity. The peace of God comes when we unite with God by faith in Jesus. Being at one with the Father brings peace, quietness, rest and prosperity.

Jesus Is the Prince of Peace

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, promised us “peace that passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). The promise of peace is not something that does not involve work. Christ completed His work when He died and rose from the grave. The Bible says, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and “by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus’ perfect and eternal sacrifice, heals us from the curse of sin and all manner of natural and spiritual afflictions. The Savior poured out His precious blood, which ended our war against God, that we may have access to rivers of the living water that come from abiding in Him.

The Peace of God Has Conditions

In earthy wars there are terms of peace. Heavenly peace also has its terms of peace. Acceptance of and abiding in the will of a God is a condition for receiving the peace of God. It is a daily battle to deny our flesh. Every day, we have to take up our cross to follow Jesus, and allow the fire of the Holy Spirit to burn away the dross of sin that lays dormant in all the children of God. Even in the Old Testament, the  peace-offering was an offering made by fire. Leviticus 3:9 says:

And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, and the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards…

The use of fat in the peace-offering has both physical and metaphorical significance for us. In the Western world, excess comforts and sedentary lifestyles have created an epidemic of obesity and death from related illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and premature death. The fiery trials spoken of by Paul are ways that the Lord burns through the fat of comfort, possessions, attachments and past errors that lay “hard by” our backbone (will), in our rumps (things we rely and rest on instead of God) and inwards (thoughts and passions).

1 Peter 4:12 says:

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

The Opposite of Peace Is War

If you are at war with anyone (yourself included) today, stop and consider. Peace is a weapon in the battles of life. It is not for no reason that having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace is a key part of the armor of God detailed in Ephesians 6.

Being at war causes confusion. Being confused makes it hard for you to obtain your goals. Confusion wastes time and causes emotional distress and fear. The Lord does not want us to be distressed or fearful. Even in your deepest confusion, know this: The Lord desires that you have peace. Take time to meditate on your relationship with yourself and others.

Not at Peace? Then You Are at War.

Are you at war on your job, in your marriage or parenting relationships? Are you constantly angry or fighting with neighbors and friends? Think about why you are at war. Make a list of reasons for each embattled situation. Pray about and consider ways to make peace. If you are seeking the peace of the Lord today, here are some verses about peace for you to put in your pocket and meditate on. If you don’t have time to write them down right now, come back later. Please take you time and meditate on them. Have a blessed day, and may the peace of the Lord be with you.

Verses to Help You Know Peace

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 6:15
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Colossians 1:20
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

May these words educate and comfort you today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

- Verneda

© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.

 

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Meditations on Mercy

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Verneda Lights

1 Tim 1:2 (KJV) Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Meditations on Mercy 

English: An image of Psalm 23 (King James' Ver...

English: An image of Psalm 23 (King James’ Version), frontispiece to the 1880 omnibus printing of The Sunday at Home. Scanned at 800 dpi. Français : Illustration du Psaume 23 (version autorisée par le roi Jacques), en frontispice de l’édition omnibus du Sunday at home. Version numérisée à 800 dpi. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The second element in Paul’s blessing upon Timothy is mercy. Mercy and grace work hand-in-glove. Mercy is a manifestation of grace. A quick word study reveals that the original Greek word translated as “mercy” in this verse is ἔλεος (Transliteration: eleos, Phonetic Pronunciation:el’-eh-os);  meaning: compassion (human or divine, especially active):- (+ tender) mercy (Strong’s Talking Greek and Hebrew Dictionary, n.d.). Mercy is compassion, which implies an ability to understand the suffering of others. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had compassion upon mankind. Jesus suffered, just as we suffer. His suffering means He understands us in a personal way. The Bible says:

Hebrews 4:15 King James Version (KJV) 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

What Is Mercy?

According to Miriam-Webster’s Dictionary, the word mercy entered the English language in the 13th Century. It is from the Anglo-French word, merci, from the Medieval Latin merced-, merces, and from Latin meaning “price paid, wages, from merc-, merx merchandise.” Mirriam-Webster’s Dictionary further states that mercy “implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.” In love, Jesus gave His life to pay the price or wages of sins committed for all time. His sacrificial death was an act of mercy.

The Work of Mercy

Studying the origins of the word mercy sheds light on the character of God, Who in His mercy, made it possible for men and women to be saved from the sure manifestation of His wrath, which is the just payment for sin. He did so by sending His Son, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and was resurrected so that we, through faith in Him, could be made true children of God. We are saved from death because the price was paid. The work of mercy is salvation. The work of mercy is eternal life. Have faith in Jesus. Mercy!

Bible Verses About Mercy

The Bible mentions mercy many times. What are some of the ways God has shown you mercy? Take time to thank God for His mercy. Here are some Bible verses to help you meditate on mercy today. Taking a generous helping. The table is full!

Exodus 25:20

And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.

Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;  

Psalm 4:1
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

Psalm 13:5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalm 32:10
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

Psalm 86:15
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Psalm 103:17
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;

Psalm 118:1
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

Micah 6:8
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Habakkuk 3:2
O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Romans 9:15
For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

James 5:11
Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Jude 1:21
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

My next post will discuss peace.

May these words educate and comfort you today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

- Verneda

© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.

 

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