Ride Them Like A Pony

Hi Everyone.

Think about these words and see if you cannot identify with the sentiments:

"As for me, my feet had almost strayed; my steps had nearly slipped. For I became envious of the arrogant when I would see the peace of the wicked." Ps. 73:2,3.

"Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence. " Vs. 13.

"But my heart was sour, and deep inside I felt sharp pain." Vs. 21.

Alright...

You've thought about it. Maybe some are thinking..."Oh...not me!" and others, "Yes! They (the unrighteous or dishonest or the just plain wicked) seem to win all the time. Why should I try and be righteous or good?" ... And then maybe others are thinking, "Yes, I felt that way before."

None of these feelings are wrong. Feelings arise inside us sometimes like a bubbling brook, an active volcano, or are deep inside us as a dark well.

However they exist is not important, since we are individuals with our own fingerprint dispositions.

How we act upon them is important.

Controlling our feelings, can be like breaking in a wild bucking horse. They may throw us off their sweaty backs sometimes, but we must hop right back on, crawl onto, or get some help ... whatever way is necessary.  But we must show them who really holds the reigns.

Get the feeling I've been viewing some Ponderosa? ...

Okay, so what is the point of the above verses today?

We have a destination; a particular goal...

"But as for me, drawing near to God is good for me. I have made the Sovereign Lord Jehovah my refuge, to declare all your works." Psalm 73:28.

This is how the author of the above mentioned verses ended his discouragement. With that reminder.

Sounds doable? ... It is :-)

His Awesomeness

Today, I felt a bit overwhelmed with life and all it has to offer. Looking around at creation; amazed at the tiniest of things and their intricacies and I thought, "How will I ever know all that I need to know?"

It was like I walked up to this growing immense mountain and decided that I must gobble it whole. The thought made me weak. I felt immobilized from all activity. 

Then I read this...

"Understanding the Almighty is beyond our reach; He is great in power, and he never violates his justice and abundant righteousness. Therefore, people should fear him. For he does not favor any who think that they are wise." Job 37:23, 24.

I don't need to know everything...just what is important at the moment and for my eternal future. And that is to get to know the Almighty even more, but in small bites.

I feel much better :-)

DECISIONS...

Hi Everyone!

Read a scripture and commentary I thought you may appreciate. Until I am settled, my posts will always try to be uplifting, though a little less of me bursting through....I apologize. 

Hopefully that will be fixed soon. Unless I want it otherwise....Pray about it.

Am I in your prayers? ... You are in mine:-)

Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding.—Prov. 3:5.

Decisions! Decisions! Every day we are faced with many of them. How do you feel about the typical decisions that you face? Some people are eager to decide everything for themselves. They insist on their right to make their own decisions, resenting even the thought of someone else deciding for them.

However, there are those who dread having to make decisions beyond the routine things in life. Some turn to guidebooks or counselors and perhaps spend large sums to get the advice they feel they need.

Many of us are somewhere in-between. We realize that some things are beyond our jurisdiction and we can do nothing about them; yet, we appreciate that in many areas of life, we can make decisions according to our personal preferences. (Gal. 6:5)

Even so, we likely admit that not all the decisions we make are necessarily wise or beneficial. 

Words to Ponder:

"' For this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: "Here I am, and I myself will search for my sheep, and I will care for them. I will care for my sheep like a shepherd who has found his scattered sheep and is feeding them. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered in the day of clouds and thick gloom. I will bring them out from the people's and collect them together from the lands and bring them into their land and feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams and by all the dwelling places of the land. They will lie down there in a good grazing land, and they will feed on choice pastures on the mountains of Israel." Ezekiel 34: 11-14

Are these not wonderful words to meditate upon? Jehovah will gather his sheep...from where were they scattered? He wants them in one place...can he not feed them wherever they are?

Are these not days of clouds and thick gloom? Are we gathered where we should be...among like-minded sheep willing to be fed? 

A More Excelling Way

Those of you here because you are waiting for a continuation of our discussion about surviving the oncoming destruction of this system of things, please bear with me. Hopefully you can enjoy the poem offered as appetizer to a more meaty future discussion:-)

A More Excelling Way

by Seah Greenhorn

(Poem with copyright)

Scars,
may snarl,
mar your flesh,
tarnish your outward beauty.

Wear these proudly
as medallions scored
from scaling bobbed wire

fleeing hypocrisy.

Courage
to defend

Truth and Honesty

require
constant strength

depend
upon a
complete heart

from whenever
The Finish

from the time that
You start.

A body
adorned
with ancient armor--
His Word

worn

fend off scathing flames
of caustic words
flung

to reduce you
to
conformity.

Your pressing forth
through
this wicked dark forest,
slaying discomfort

will instill

in some sincere others
confidence

power
to themselves
perform.

You can
stalwartly
proceed.

Succeed
in loving actions,
gracious
deeds.

Be
that light lit and shining
upon a hill.

Though
daily
battles
inward and out
may
mark you,

your righteous works
will herald you--

Victorious.

Beam tirelessly on
through this abrasive storm
of apathy.

Your brilliant
inner smile's
a beacon of hope
spotlighting 
a more excelling

Way,
today
till

Forever--
Love.

© Lucretia Mccloud, an hour ago

No word limit

No novels

Shine for me

Who can touch my heart the most?

If adult Mark as adult. Although I warn you a sex poem will probably not win this one.

No pre-writes

Have fun

Good luck!

This poem is based upon 1 Cor. 13; Eph. 6:10-20.

This Work We Do

Hi All,

I have been sadly deficit here due to family illness and other circumstances.  But I leave you today with a poem written for a contest.  I thought it fitting since we have been discussing "become doers of the word and not hearers only."

Though we all have personal character flaws that we must work on, there is a great work being done globally, prophecied about in Matthew 24:14. This poem describes what it takes to accomplish it. I hope you will enjoy. 

Until later,  my thoughts and prayers are with you!

This Work We Do

by Seah Greenhorn

(Poem with copyright)

Part of a sign of paradise to come
A word spread wide, good news to some.
A reigning king did prophecy
An army eager and willing to die
Would need his spirit and God's word
This message truth to all be heard.

So in the world to all nations proclaimed
A sanctifying of his Father's name.
In prison bonds, through orders banned
As locust plague still cover land.

Though coping with constant distress:
Economy, violence, also, little rest
God's message first proves much success
Since holy spirit he thus will bless
Our efforts shown to do our best.

We need this force to reach your door
For we too humans, imperfect for sure
Would like to please our neighbors too
Silence our work this could ensure.

But love for others as our brothers
makes us thoroughly continue our search
Using methods various and effective
to facilitate a life-saving work.

To make available to honest hearts
a hope for future ills to soon depart.
Also this command for us to adhere
To please our Creator instilled this fear.

To not complete this our Christian duty
With diligence and utmost purity
Would signify a lack of love.

So for holy spirit we petition
fitting us like hand to glove.

© Lucretia Mccloud, 9 days ago

Prompts

Prompt - Write how the Holy Spirit is working in you, the Church, or in this world.

My short poem might give you an idea of what I'm looking for...

  As the wind blows through the trees
  and all the leaves are stirred:
  The Spirit is like that breeze,
  stirring hearts with God's Word.
  Faith feels the call and responds,
  to serve his God in His Kingdom.

Tell me in 32 lines or less, how the Holy Spirit is, or has been working
in you, your Church, or in this world.

RULES

Rhyme or Free verse only
Max of 32 lines.
Rejoice and comment on 1 entry in this contest
Place a scripture ref. in AN notes showing this is
What the Holy Spirit has done in the past, or the promise
of what He would do after He came.
All other AP rules apply.

Peace, Love, and Joy to you all....James
Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20; Luke 11:11-13; Ezekiel 33

Hope • Spiritual • Love • Family

Doers and Not Hearers Only

I'm back! ... My feet were a bit more sore than I realized. You see, when I stopped to think about my loved ones and how they might view me I started hedging. Because...

It is easier to look outward than inward. I have reasons for my treatment of my family. I know what is best for them, right? 

Not really.

There are too many variables. We my have a general idea, but can we actually say we really know how they feel, what they are thinking, what happened to them before that influences their decisions, etc.?

Even if we say 'they told us,' how many of us are really good at knowing what is really bothering us? Something may have tipped the iceberg to cause us to react a certain way, but all that is underneath--background, health, finances, etc. has a bearing on our emotions and thinking ability. So we struggle and ask God to help and forgive us and then turn around and expect our family or friends or others to walk the road perfectly.

So you see why my toes were a little more than sore. They throbbed. I found that I needed to pray more for my loved ones and others to be able to progress and endure just as I needed their prayers.

That is why our Creator called the "Hearer of prayer" wants us to "pray for one another. " Psalm 65:2; James 5:16.

So, we must try a little harder to close the gap between saying and doing. Pray to follow James' counsel at James 1:21, 22:

"Therefore, put away all filthiness and every trace of badness, and accept with mildness the implanting of the word that is able to save you. However, become doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning."

Ouch again! ... See what I mean!? ... Almost makes you want to keep the Bible closed, right? ... Do I really need these kind of reminders when it is enough that I am trying to do all that I can to make it through these turbulent times?

Really...do I need this? ...

Yes. The end result means happiness.

James said this here:

"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. For he looks at himself, and he goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is. But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become,  not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does." James 1:23, 24.

I guess I will be back later. Have a bit more meditating to do :-)

What Must We Do?

I seem to be apologizing a lot lately, but again I am sorry. I know today is Tuesday and I said I would be here Monday. My life seems to be in a small twister lately. But rest assured, you are important to me.

Okay...

So we talked about imitating Jesus and his love for righteousness. He also had a love for people. That is why his ministry was food for him. Despite his tiredness and hunger he made sure they were spiritually fed. Said of him:

"On seeing the crowds, he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36.

And his message prepared them for the fast approaching destruction of Jerusalem. Something that they could not conceive of happening. So they, the honest hearted then, also had to prepare themselves by making some changes.

Changes?

Yes, they were doing good to follow the Christ and listen to his words, but that wasn't enough.

Would you become a patient of a doctor who only went to class, although he got all 'A's? Would you not want him to have some work experience too?

Is Christianity only about reciting words? ... I know, of course not!

However, can we pick and choose what we want to adhere to and still be considered Christians?

Would you hire someone for your business who had their own ideas on how it was supposed to be run? Would you not suggest that they get their own business? And then would you support theirs knowing that they were doing it in opposition to you?

It is the same with Christianity. Jesus set the pattern. Any in conflict are Christians in name only. Christians wear the new personality mentioned in Ephesians 4:22-24:

"You were taught to put away the old personality that conforms to your former course of conduct and that is being corrupted according to its deceptive desires. And you should continue to be made new in your dominant mental attitude, and should put on the new personality that was created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty."

The 'old personality' is composed of the works of the flesh mentoned in Galatians 5:19-21. As a person follows Christ he makes spiritual progress, he gradually gains mystery over undesirable traits.

Interested in what they are:-? ... please read.

Okay...

Sounds hard? ... maybe a bit? ... Is anything worth having an easy breezy cakewalk? 

As we cultivate godly qualities, others are likely to see that you are 'walking by God's spirit' and displaying it's fruitage. Galatians 5:16, 22-25. This is God's requirement for those who want to imitate Christ, His Son.

Time that we ask ourselves some pertinent questions: How are we doing with the 'fruitages of the spirit' in our relationship with our family, friends, neighbors, etc.?

Are we lenient when it comes to strangers, they get the royal treatment, but we expect our family members to understand what we have to go through on a daily basis, so we pull the short end of the straw for them? 

Does that endear us to them or vice versa?

Alright my toes are a little sore...I must stop and massage them a bit.

I'll be back:-)

How Does One Prove Themselves Ready?

I am sorry for the delay. Please forgive me.

Okay...here's a scripture to begin today's blog:

"The great day of Jehovah is near. It is near, and there is a hurrying of it very much." Zephaniah 1:14.

This is great news and bad news at the same time. Like final exams, but with an open book. You can pass with flying colors because of your intense past study habits or you can pass with flying colors because you are now aware and you will begin to cram.

How do we start to "prove yourselves ready"? Matt. 24:44.

Well, the main way is by imitating Jesus. Said of him:

"You loved righteousness, and you hated lawlessness."
Hebrews 1:9.

This is no small thing. Can you imagine surviving into a new cleansed earth and trying to bring with you porn, violent video games, degrading music?

We have to develop now a hatred of bad, not a mere dislike. Because if we do survive and don't hate bad, when resurrected ones arrive back on the scene with old habits...you see where we are going?

It would be only a short time before God would remove the bad elements. The final war means no more returning to a wicked state, as in the days of Noah.

And because Jesus loved his heavenly Father, he maintained integrity to him. If we develop a similar love for our Creator and live up to his requirements, our God will safeguard us.

Psalm 31:23 states:

"Love Jehovah, all you who are loyal to him! Jehovah protects the faithful, but he repays exceedingly anyone showing haughtiness."

Love and obedience will help us to be ready for the great day of Jehovah.

That went fast, but how about we just chew on this today?  Let those of us who don't already hate bad learn to do so and to love righteousness.

That's a good beginning to how to "prove yourselves ready" don't you think? I hope you do :-)

Back here Monday to continue? 

2 Peter 3:10 continued...

So we have taken in a lot about the understanding of
2 Peter 3:10-12.

Do we have to be afraid of a literal destruction of our earth? No. Just like in Noah's days, survivors will remain here.

However, there will be supernatural developments in our physical heavens to show that Jehovah and his Son are about to begin their epic battle in behalf of he righteous. This will occur after the cry of "Peace and Security!" 1 Thessalonians 5:3.

We have talked about that before, but it doesn't hurt to review:-)

Remember these words?

Following the proclamation of 'Peace and security!' political elements of Satan's system will suddenly turn on false religion and wipe it out. Never will she be seen again! Rev. 18:8, 10.

No more hypocrisy in worship to God!

So now 2 Peter 3:11, 12 goes on to say:

"Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah."

Actions are necessary? Isn't exercising faith enough?"

Let's discuss it and the supernatural phenomenon Friday.

"The Earth and the works in it will be Exposed"

So the "earth and the works in it will be exposed." 2 Peter 3:10.

Well...the earth has works, as if in the growth of vegetation? Would that be bad? ... Or growth as in mold...yes that is bad, but is this to be taken literally? 

Let's consider Genesis 11:1:

"Now all the earth continued to be of one language and of one set of words."

You already see the answer don't you? ... Who speak words? ... People, of course.

So the "earth" represents the world of mankind alienated from God. Such a world existed in Noah's day and, by divine decree, ended with the Flood. 2 Peter 3:7.

Whereas, the Flood destroyed the ungodly all at one time, the coming destruction will occur in stages during "the great tribulation." Revelation 7:14.

In the first phase of that tribulation, God will move the political rulers of this world to destroy false religion, called "Babylon the Great," thus showing his contempt for this religious harlot, as we have already discussed. Revelation 17:5, 16, 18:8.

However, the final phase of this great tribulation will be performed by Jehovah, using His faithful Son Jesus Christ, as the administrator of His Justice. Revelation 16:14, 16; 19:19-21.

But during the great tribulation, Jehovah will lay bare Satan's world, exposing it as being against Him and His Kingdom, thus deserving of destruction--Why the words "and the works in it will be discovered," since the word "discovered" can also be rendered "found out" or "laid bare."

Stated Isaiah 26:21 prophetically of this time:

"For look! Jehovah is coming from his place to call the inhabitants of the land to account for their error, and the land will expose her bloodshed and will no longer cover over her slain."

During Jehovah’s day, those who have been molded by the world and it's evil spirit will display their true nature, even slaughtering one another. In fact, it could well be that the numerous forms of violent entertainment popular today is training or conditioning of the minds of many for the time when each man's hand "will come against the hand of his companion." Zechariah 14:13.

Does this not show the value of rejecting, movies, books, video games, etc. that may breed within us traits that God despises, such as pride and the love of violence? 2 Sam. 22:28; Ps. 11:5.

Should we not now cultivate the fruitage of God's holy spirit--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,  mildness, and self-control? Gal. 5:22, 23.

For these are the qualities that the survivors of this destruction will possess. These ones will make up the "new earth," that we will discuss.

This was some lesson, huh? A lot to chew on?... Okay, Wednesday we will recap, alright? 

The heavens destroyed in flames?

So today we are here to discuss the meaning of 2 Peter 3:10:

"But Jehovah's day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed."

Hummm....what is this all about? With natural disasters occurring worldwide is this to be taken literally?

Where there is a contradiction there is untruth. And "God's word is truth." John 17:17

If you have been a regular reader of these posts you may remember this scripture:

"A generation is going, and a generation is coming,  but the earth remains forever." Eccl. 1:4.

Based upon this scripture alone we need not fear a literal fulfillment of verse 2 Peter 3:12:

"As you await and keep close  in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense heat!"

Thank goodness, right?

So what Does it mean?

When used symbolically in the Bible, the term "heavens" often refers to ruling powers, which are elevated above their subjects. Isa. 14:13, 14; Rev.21:1, 2.

"The heavens [that] will pass away" represent human
rule over ungodly society. Their passing away with a loud "hissing noise"--or "a mighty roar," according to another rendering--may indicate the swift annihilation of these heavens.

Then what does the earth represent?

Be here Monday :-) ... In the meantime, why not look up the verses to examine them yourselves. You can even run the marginal references.

So again until Monday ... at least for this subject :-)

What is the Future for the earth

So here we are wanting to know why things are going to get difficult worldwide.

2 Peter 3:10 describes the future world situation:

"But Jehovah's day will come as a thief,  in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed."

Just what are "the heavens" and the "earth" here mentioned? And "the elements" being dissolved mean what? Then Peter says "the earth and the works in it will be discovered. What does that mean?

Knowing the answers will help us be prepared or help us to "keep awake" for the fear-inspiring events that will occur in the near future.

Let's start Friday with what the Bible means when it speaks of "the heavens" and "the earth." Are these to be taken literally?

World Peace...When

Hi...if you are back with us from Friday, it's to continue discussing the cry of "Peace and security!" mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3.

If we are not to be caught off guard by this declaration, we need to "stay awake and keep our senses, " as verse 6 of the same chapter states. To help us be awake and then to stay awake we should understand what leads up to this noteworthy proclamation.

Okay, we are aware of the world's strong desire for peace in the wake of World War I and II.

That is why the League of Nations was first formed, to establish peace worldwide, but then World War II showed that it was not capable of attaining this desired peace. Thus the reason for the United Nations. Government and religious leaders have looked to both those agencies to bring peace to mankind.

Take for example. . . 1986.

Wasn't that year designated the International Year of Peace?

Many gathered to offer prayers for peace. . .Was that the cry of 1 Thessalonians? . . . No...remember sudden destruction was follow. . . Of who?

Babylon the Great., the world empire of false religion. Revelation 16:12; 7:15-18; 18:7, 8, 21 show that "Peoples and crowds and nations and tongues" won't be able to effectively support her. To be able to save her from her sudden demise.

Can you see this happening? 

Well check the news media.

Are not religion and religious leaders increasingly under attack?

However, the leaders of Babylon the Great don't feel
any real danger. They feel no threat.

But remember...it is to be sudden. Unexpected. 

Following the proclamation of 'Peace and security!' political elements of Satan's system will suddenly turn on false religion and wipe it out. Never will she be seen again! Rev. 18:8, 10.

No more hypocrisy in worship to God!

Worth the wait, right?

But after that things will get difficult for the whole earth. Want to know why....

Come back Wednesday.

What Exactly Are We Waiting For?

Yesterday, the question was raised: What exactly are we waiting for?

For those of you just tuning in, yesterday we discussed the Prophet Micah's anguish or plain disgust with the deteriorating spiritual, in turn physical conditions, of the nation of Israel.

Justice did not exist between friend or brother. But Micah had the attitude that is good for us to imitate ... wait on the God of our salvation. Micah 7:7.

What! You maybe thinking. Hold up.

True...Many don't even recognize a Creator, let alone want to wait on him. But, let's consider the following text:

"Now as for the times and the seasons, brothers, you need nothing to be written to you. For you yourselves know very well that Jehovah's day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. Whenever it is that they are saying, "Peace and security!" then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them, just like birth pains on a pregnant woman, and they will by no means escape."
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

Now before preceeding with the meaning of the verses above think about this:

Some live in areas predisposed to disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. However, now-a-days, these may occur in a number of places. If one never lived in an area of this sort, but received warnings of an impending storm, would it not behoove them to give heed to the warnings anyway?

With that thought in mind, consider the scripture. We may be waiting on a cry of Peace and security or we may have already heard it. We do not fully understand prophecy sometimes until after the fact.

But the scripture did mention that immediately after the cry of Peace and security sudden destruction was to "come upon them."

"Them" who?  ... And what leads up to that cry? Who makes the cry?

Come back Monday...we will continue.

Does This Sound Familiar?

The time period is between 777-717 B.C.E. And the writer is #Micah, a prophet during the reigns of Kings #Jotham, #Ahaz, and #Hezekiah of the ancient nation of #Israel. He was a #contemporary of the #prophets #Hosea and #Isaiah, but for how long was he a prophet? ... One cannot say for sure.

And why do we care?

Because ... Doesn't he sound like many of us today?

Notice how he #laments his day in the following verses of Micah 7:2-6:

"The loyal one has perished from the earth; among men there is no one upright. All of them lie in ambush for bloodshed. Each hunts his own brother with a dragnet. Their hands are expert at doing what is bad; the prince is making demands, the judge asks for a reward, the prominent one makes known his desires, and they work it out together. Their best one is like thorns, their most upright one is worse than a thorn hedge. The day of your watchmen and of your reckoning will come. Now they will panic. Do not put your faith in your companion or trust a close friend. Guard what you say to the one who lies in your embrace. For a son despises his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, and a daughter-in-law is against her mother-in-law; a man's enemies are the men of his household."

Do not many feel the same repulsion against #injustices today? And isn't the news also regarding harm done to family members by family members?

And why shouldn't people express the same sentiments?

Notice what is foretold for our day:

"But know this, that in the Last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather lovers of God, having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away." 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

Yes, in Micah's day, he saw conditions in Israel deteriorate spiritually until they were appallingly unbearable under King Ahaz's rulership, as the above stated verses in Micah showed.

He said in verse 4:

Their best one is like a brier, their most upright one is worst than a thorn hedge. . . OUCH!

Just as a brier or a thorn hedge injures anyone walking into it, those corrupt Israelite brought harm to anyone with whom they delt. Even family members. . . Sound familiar?

But like Micah, although our hands may be symbolically tied, we can still pray, pour out our utmost anger or anguish to our heavenly Father, Jehovah.

True...we must wait patiently for Him to act, but be assured that his faithful Son, Jesus Christ, is working things out as we speak, so to speak:-)

Micah had #confidence that Jehovah would settle matters in His own time. And although, like Micah, we have to live among selfish people, be assured... the heavenly calvary is coming!

Let's mimic Micah's attitude:

"But as for me, I will keep on the lookout for Jehovah. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me."

Is that not the most comforting assurance? And does not that raise the question...What exactly are we waiting for?

Check back here tomorrow. . . If you like :-)

The Grand Banquet

The Grand Banquet

by Seah Greenhorn

(Poem with Copyright)

This is what I saw:

First, the river red flowing up to their bridles, the horses, snorting; no longer cavorting, or under extreme duress. The stress felt from victims put to eternal rest. As 1,600 furlongs or 300 kilometers or 180 English miles of blood receded, as the winds abated and the calvary retreated,  the #Grand #Banquet around the earth began.

I saw gathered some unlikely flocks, to feed on the flesh of men and horse stock. As manure on earth's surface spread the world over, the stench invited birds the heavens did cover.

I saw eagles and owls and vultures galore, dressed in their finest to dine and to gorge.  #Harpy, Phillipine, Golden, African Crowned and #Bearded #Vulture,  Lapped Faced Vulture and #Eurasia Eagle Owl too, flapping and landing on heaps upon heaps,  happily they squawked and chattered and leaped

from one mound to another.

Darkness added atmosphere to their humongous feast. Their beaks ripping greedily at hands and feet of commanders and strong men and freeman and slave. Of small men and great ones not to be buried in graves. Do not bewail, to gather as clutter. "The Harvest is great!" the vultures will mutter.

This day is not designed for the usual meat: fish, little birds, guinea fowl, baby sheep. This one time smorgasbord of God's enemies to eat, put to shame, disgraced, perished forever. The host and protected loyal survivors now worldwide will endlessly Honor His name.

Written in a style similar to #Juan #Felipe #Herrera in This Is My Last Report

Based upon 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Jer. 25:32, 33; Isa. 63:3-6; 66:15, 16; Joel 3:12-14; Dan. 2:34, 44; Ps. 83:17, 18; Rev. 14:18-20.

The Last Covenant ... that we will be discussing for now :-)

So here we are, probably needing a bit if a repeat...right?

I need a refresher.

We talked about the Abrahamic covenant, which our Creator made with Abraham because of his obedience. This ensuring that the seed/offspring of the woman, representing God's heavenly organization of faithful angels, would come through Abraham's line. This separating Abraham's family as God's chosen people.

Then came the David ice covenant, promising David that the Messiah would be a descendant of his. This was a kingly line. And it would be established forever because Jesus and his throne will exist forever.

Got it?

However, in order for all mankind to fully benefit, the offspring would need to be more than just a king. They would also need to be a priest.

While the Abrahamic and Davidic covenant makes sure that the offspring of the woman would have a kingly function, for all the nations to be truly blessed, freedom from their sinful state was needed before being brought into Jehovah's universal family. This required that the offspring would also serve in a priestly capacity.

You'll understand why :-)

Our wise Creator provided another legal arrangement, the covenant for a priest like Melchizedek.

Jehovah revealed through David that he would make a personal covenant with Jesus with a two-fold objective: to have Jesus "sit at God's right hand" until he subdues his enemies and for him to be a "priest forever in the manner of Melchizedek."

Why "in the manner of Melchizedek"?

Because, long before any descendants of Abraham inherited the Promised Land, Melchizedek, the king of Salem, served as "priest of the Most High God." Heb. 7:1-3. He was directly appointed by Jehovah to do so. He is the only one mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures who served as both a king and a priest.

This was highly unusual.

And since he was without a recorded predecessor or successor, it was as if he held this position forever. Why he can be called "a priest for all time."

The tie-in?

Jesus is directly appointed to be a priest by means of this personal covenant that Jehovah made with him, and he will remain "a priest forever in the manner of Melchizedek," Heb. 5:4-6.

This clearly shows Jehovah has legally bound himself to use the Messianic Kingdom, for which we pray, to accomplish his original purpose concerning humans on earth.

Are you not uplifted?  ... A brand new day is on the horizon!

King David ... Where Does He Fit In God's Purpose?

So is your head spinning around in covenants? Shall I throw another one in?

Sure ... you can handle it. Watch!

Remember, the questions are:

Will the Messianic Kingdom ever become corrupt?
Will this Kingdom government need to be replaced?

The simple answer is "no".

Why not?

Because Jehovah God made another covenant to insure that this won't happen.

The Messiah’s rule will never become corrupt, and the benefits that come from his rule will be/last forever because Christ's death and ransom provided that security.

But before this took place, Jehovah made a promise to King David of ancient Israel called the Davidic covenant. 2 Samuel 7:12, 16.

Jehovah promised that the Messiah would be one of David's descendants. Luke 1:30-33.

In this way, Jehovah gave more specific information about the family line of the Messiah. He said that this descendant of David would have "legal right" to be King of the Messianic Kingdom.  Ezekiel 21:25-27.

David’s kingship will rule forever because Jesus, the descendant of David, "will endure forever; his throne will endure like the sun." Psalm 89:34-37.

Do you see the sun going anywhere?

So we can be confident that the Messiah’s rule will never become corrupt and that the benefits that result from it will last forever!

How do you feel about that? ... Talk about a secure future.

Okay, so again ... the Abrahamic covenant and the Davidic covenant guarantee that the offspring of the woman would rule as a king.

But in order for all mankind to fully benefit, the offspring would need to be more than just a king. The offspring would also need to be a priest.

Do you want to know why? ... Well, I'll tell you Monday anyway :-)

How Does A #Covenant With #Abraham Affect Us?

So, yesterday we discussed that faithful Abraham was the reason the Jews were once chosen as God's favored people. 

But while the Abrahamic covenant was literally fulfilled by his descendants when they inherited the Promised Land, the Scriptures showed that there would also be a spiritual fulfillment. Gal. 4:22-25.

In this greater fulfillment,  the Apostle Paul under inspiration explained: The primary part of the offspring (seed) of Abraham is Christ and the secondary part refers to 144,000 spirit-anointed Christians chosen to rule with him. Gal. 3:16, 29; Rev. 5:9, 10; 14:1, 4.

Awww, come on now ... you know it makes sense!

How many times have you complained against your congressmen or senators, or leaders of any government because of their lack of understanding or compassion?

Jesus learned a lot while here on earth. The scriptures said "he learned obedience from the things he suffered." Heb. 5:8, 9.

However, are you not comforted by the fact that these individuals are chosen from all walks of life? 1 Cor. 6:9-11.

When judged during the 1,000 years wouldn't you want sympathetic representatives to speak up in your behalf as you work towards perfection?

Not that Jehovah and Jesus would be unfair, by any means! It's just our nature to want to know that another human--or a spirit creature once a human being, understands us. Will vouch for us.

You know you agree:-)

So let's back up. As a reminder, the woman of Gen. 3:15 producing the offspring is none other than "the Jerusalem above"--the heavenly part of God's organization, made up of loyal spirit creatures. Gal. 4:26, 31. And as the Abrahamic covenant promised ... all mankind will be blessed.

It, the covenant, points to the King and his corulers in God's Kingdom, and it forms a legal foundation of the Kingdom of the heavens. This was Jehovah's sworn oath with Abraham that it would come through his line. It's a kingly covenant. Heb. 6:13-18.

How long will this covenant stay in effect?

It is "an everlasting covenant." Gen 17:7. It remains in effect until the Messianic Kingdom destroys God's enemies and all the families of the earth have been blessed. 1 Cor. 15:23-26.

No elections every four years since the rulers are crowned with immortality. Rev. 20:6; 1 Cor. 15:50-54.

However, those who will then live on earth will benefit in an everlasting way. God's covenant with Abraham shows that Jehovah is determined to fulfill his purpose that righteous humans 'fill the earth"! Gen. 1:28.

But you may wonder ... will the Messianic government ever become corrupt and then have to be eliminated? 

That takes us into another covenant.

Shall we discuss that Friday?

Why God Chose One Nation Over Another

So, back to Eden and the Edenic promise.

Wasn't ìt awesome how Our Creator showed his immense love for us as future offspring of the now imperfect Adam by making provisions for our salvation immediately? ... Gen. 3:15.

And ... the Messianic Kingdom with Christ Jesus as its established King would be/is solidly based on God's righteous standards. Ps. 89:14.

Are these not reasons enough to find out more about this kingdom government?

Okay, then let's continue.

If you ever wondered why God chose one nation over another here is the Biblical reason why.

2,000 years after passing sentence on Satan, Jehovah commanded the patriarch Abraham to leave Ur, his hometown in Mesopotamia to go the land of Canaan. Acts 7:2, 3. Jehovah said to him:

"Go out from your land and away from your relatives and from the house of your father to the land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great, and you will become a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who calls down evil on you, and all the families of the ground will certainly be blessed by means of you." Gen. 12:1-3.

Sounds familiar? 

This is the earliest recorded account of the Abrahamic covenant--the covenant that Jehovah made with Abraham. We don't know exactly when this covenant was first made known to Abraham. But we do know that it went into effect in 1943 B.C.E., when Abraham left Haran and crosses the Euphrates River ... at the age of 75 years!

Now, how many of us think that we want to relocate from all that we know based upon a promise that seems a bit unbelievable? ... To live in tents! ... And when was this to take place? ... He was already getting up in years.

Were those his thoughts?

Well ... Jehovah restated his promise to Abraham many times, adding further details. Gen. 13:15-17; 17:1-8, 16.

So Jehovah was considerate even if Abraham didn't voice his concerns. Although, maybe Sarah did. Or maybe not. . . Maybe you can ask them when they are resurrected back to earth.

Imagine them finally getting a chance to literally see the fulfillment of that covenant. Not just through the eyes of faith. Their faith will be realized right before their eyes...all nations serving Jehovah unitedly on a cleansed earth. Ps. 37:10, 11, 29; Rev. 21:3, 4.

Sorry, where was I ...

That's right ... Abraham showed a willingness to offer up his only son--as a foregleam of Jehovah's willingness to offer up his only-begotten Jesus in our behalf ... so the deal was sealed!

Jehovah reinforced the covenant with an unconditional promise stated in Genesis 22:15-18; Hebrews 11:17, 18.

After the covenant went into effect, Jehovah gradually revealed important details about the offspring of the woman: It would descend from Abraham, would be many in number,  would have a kingly function, would destroy all enemies, and would be a blessing for many others.

So you understand why the Jews were chosen over other nations?

Abraham, God's faithful friend, with whom he made a covenant was a Jew. And Jehovah is loyal to his friends. So the Jewish nation, for awhile because of him, held a special position with God.

But remember, all nations would be blessed by means of Abraham's seed.

And before we move on from this covenant, ...

While the Abrahamic covenant had a literal fulfillment for the descendents of Abraham when they inherited the Promised Land, the Scriptures show that there also was a spiritual fulfillment.

This affects us even today.

Shall we discuss that tomorrow?

Should We Allow The World To Mold Us?

Should We Allow The World To Mold Us?

What do you think about this question?

Many would say why not? ... Whereas others may already be aware of the dangers in doing this.

So, instead of continuing with the blogs about the Edenic Promise and Why God Chose One Nation Over Others, today let's temporarily divert.

The reason?

Read a Bible commentary today and so enjoyed the topic, thought I'd share. Especially because many find it difficult not to follow the crowd.

It may start in the family. The more dominant or vocal member drowns out any of the others until they are flooded out mentally and emotionally.  So then they bob, non-to-merrily, along.

They figure why fight it?

Then, in school the same thing happens. After that the workplace. And it has been happening for centuries.

So again you may ask: why fight it?

Every answer is personal. I would just like to share something I've learned.

That is this:

That prophecies in the Bible regarding the end usually have two fulfillments. The first, because of Israel's rejecting and eventual killing of God's Son, Jesus foretold the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.

Why Jesus said in Matthew 23:37-39:

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the killer of the prophets and stoner of those sent to her--how often I wanted to gather your children together the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings! But you did not want it. Look! Your house is abandoned to you. For I say to you, you will by no means see me from now until you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in Jehovah's name!"

The Disciples were not told the date of this destruction. But they were given a sign about when to flee Jerusalem.  Many Jews saw that sign four years before the end.

The Roman armies surrounded the city, then amazingly withdrew without any apparent explanation, allowing all believers to exit quickly. Their faith further tested in their living/waiting for this to happen in the mountains without their creature comforts. Some eased back into the city and were caught in its demise.

Further details of this are found in The War of the Jewish by Flavius Josephus.

(However, there is no evidence that he--Josephus, was himself a Christian, or even that he was familiar with Jesus' prophecies.)

And the Second fulfillment is in regards to Our Day.

We are admonished:

"Be transformed by making your mind over." Romans 12:2.

What does that mean?

Here is what the commentary stated:

"The "mind" relates to our thinking faculties. But as used in the Bible, it includes our mental inclination, attitude, and power of reason. Earlier in his letter to the Romans, Paul described people who reflected a "disapproved mental state."

Such ones were given to "unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, badness, being full of envy, murder, strife, deceit," and other hurtful things. Romans 1:28-31.

Sadly, we are surrounded by people in the world who fit Paul's description. For us not to be fashioned, or molded, by the world any longer, we need to make an honest appraisal of our innermost attitudes and feelings, our goals, and our values.

Such things may be hidden from public view. Others may tell us that we are doing well. Yet, we alone know if we really have allowed what we have learned from the Bible to transform us in these critical areas. James 1:23-25."

Although this quote was not written for the world in general, I felt that some of you may enjoy this reminder that just like in Jesus' day, Jehovah has a time frame in mind. The final end was not prophecied for Jesus' day. Jehovah has given humankind an additional 2,000 years to demonstrate their ability to rule themselves, really under Satan's direction.

How are they doing?

Do you think that anyone can rule better than Jesus, under Jehovah's direction when they have sacrificed so much already in our behalf?

And when he lovingly choses humans--starting with his disciples, to rule with him, because they that can relate to us better than angels, does this not show us their further concern for our future development? Rev. 5:9, 10; 7:4.

Can anyone show greater love for us than they have? 

So, when Our Creator says that he will "bring to ruin those ruining the earth" should we not be happy and try to comply with his standards for the new earth? Revelation 11:18; 2 Peter 3:13.

Is this not something worth considering?

Part V ... Who Do They Represent?

So we are to discuss the identity of the serpent and his seed and the woman and her seed mentioned in Genesis 3:15. Before we do let's recap...

Our beautiful planet was prepared for human habitation and the Creator issued three decrees regarding humans:

God would create mankind in his image

Humans were to expand Paradise globally, filling it with perfect righteous offspring

And ... Humans were prohibited from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and bad. Gen. 1:26, 28; 2:16, 17.

Was anything else needed? ... Food, a home, and work ... check!

So after God created man in his image, all Adam and Eve needed to do was fulfill the other two decrees to have God's purpose accomplished.

Well, we've discussed the outcome.

Yet, what if God had just destroyed them right off the bat? You know, started over?

Destroying the rebels, Satan included, would have ended the #rebellion, but God's expressed purpose
to have the earth filled with obedient descendants of Adam and Eve would go unfulfilled.

So our wise Creator responded with the profound prophecy of Genesis 3:15. He saw the need for a new #government over mankind. So the Edenic promise was issued to indicate how this would be accomplished and to ensure that every detail of his word would come true.

By means of this promise, Jehovah passed judgement on the serpent and its offspring representing ... Satan the Devil and all those who would take his side on the issue on God's right to rule or of God's #sovereignty.

The true God gave to the offspring of his heavenly woman the authority to destroy Satan and reverse the ill effects of his actions by means of the woman and her offspring.

Who is this #heavenly #woman and her offspring?

Since her offspring was to crush the serpent's head, or to "bring to nothing" the spirit creature Satan the Devil, the "#seed" would have to be a spirit person. Heb. 2:14.

So, the woman giving birth to the offspring would also have to be of a spiritual nature too?

Yes. She is not an earthly woman. Satan has not had any special hatred toward any human female that we know of.

Rather, this is a symbolic woman identified in Revelation. She is described as being "adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with the twelve stars on her head."

She, "The woman brought a male child into the world, the son who was to rule all the nations with an iron sceptre, and the child was taken straight up to God and to his throne." #Revelation 12:1-5, The Jerusalem Bible.

Learning the identity of the "male child" will help us identity her.

Is the child literal?

Couldn't be; just as the woman is not a real human female.

Remember the scripture says the male child would do what?

"Rule all the nations." Not possible from a human standpoint.

So the child represents God's government with Jesus Christ ruling as king.

Therefore, "the woman," represents God's organization of faithful heavenly creatures.
Just as the "male child" came forth from "#the #woman," so the king, Jesus, came forth from the heavenly organization, the body of loyal spirit creatures in heaven that work together to carry out God's purpose.

You recall that Jesus was the "first-born of all creation," "Image of the invisible God," "by means of him all other things were made to exist," ... right? Col. 1:13-20. (Any questions, please ask.)

Okay ... so we will continue

Galatians 4:26 calls this organization "the #Jerusalem above. "

So then, when Adam and Eve first rebelled against God's rulership, Jehovah made this arrangement for a Kingdom government that would serve as #hope for lovers of righteousness.

As, Satan's "seed" or offspring increased, the identity of the woman and her offspring stayed a mystery for almost 4,000 years after Jehovah gave this Edenic promise.

Meanwhile,  Jehovah made several covenants that identify the offspring and assured His servants that this offspring would undo the damage done to the human family by Satan.

We will discuss those covenants later... give our brains a rest.

Part IV ... Was God Too Harsh In His Punishment?

Was God Too Harsh In His Punishment?

Well ... was it really just a matter of eating a piece of fruit? 

No.

Sadly, Adam and Eve were not content to have Jehovah as their Sovereign.  Instead, they chose to follow a rebellious spirit son of God, Satan. Gen. 3:1-6. And as we have seen in our time, life apart from God's rule brings/brought pain, suffering, and death to them and their offspring.  Gen. 3:16-19; Rom. 5:12.

Our Creator no longer had obedient subjects on the earth.

This was the beginning and all the heavenly angels were watching.

How sad! ... And how this emboldened Satan.

But did this mean that The Almighty lost control, that he had relinquished sovereignty over the earth and its inhabitants?

Absolutely not!

He exercised his authority by driving the man and woman out of the garden of Eden; prevented their return by assigning cherubs to stand guard at the entrance. Gen. 3:3, 24.

Is this not what companies do to those no longer under their employment ... have them escorted out?

However, at the same time, Jehovah showed his fatherly love by confirming that his purpose to have a universal family of devoted spirit sons as well as humans sons would be accomplished.  He promised an "offspring" who would bring an end to Satan and undo the effects of Adam's sin.

This first prophecy is found in Genesis 3:15:

"And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring.  He will crush your head, and you will strike him in the heel."

The mystery began ... how does it affect us? 

Let us first identify the players.

Why Obedience Is Better ... Part III

Why #Obedience is Better.

Pure and simple ... You are happier. No looking over your shoulder with a soiled and guilty conscious, hiding, covering over your tracks, etc.

It's Freedom! ... Okay, in the world it doesn't seem so. But let's go back a second to yesterday's post.

Do you not think that Eve would have done things differently if she had known or really given consideration to what her husband said? He was the one given the instructions. He even added: "You must not touch it: otherwise you will die." Genesis 3:3.

Do we know how long Adam lived before Eve was created? ... No.

What we do know is: the earth God provided, even now, is beautiful. Adam, made in the image of God, was the crowning touch on the Creator's earthly works. Gen. 1:26-28.

So, should not God expect Adam's obedience?

Jehovah conveyed all of his instructions with love and kindness. In no way did those directives unduly restrict man's freedom. Gen. 2:15-17.

And think about it. Adam lived in a marvelous self-sustaining home.

And working under Jehovah's direction should have been the ultimate, since he is pleased to delegate responsibility to his subjects, treating them as trusted members of his family--unlike many human monarchs.

Adam had #authority over other living creatures. He even was assigned the enjoyable and challenging task of naming the animals. Gen.1:26; 2: 19, 20.

So, Adam was an intelligent man. What we don't know is why and how Eve manipulated him.

But was she happier with increased birth pangs, a husband now working a job that was more difficult to provide for his family? Murder and the exile of a son, which probably made it harder for her to see those grand children? And the list goes on and on...

Was she happier?

But you may be asking: Was God too harsh in his punishment?

Is It Fair... Part II .... Ask "My Mother"

My #Mother

by Seah Greenhorn

So the question was raised...Is it Fair ... that, in order to live in the New World of 2 Peter 3:13, we must obey God in every little thing? ... I mean, at least try to?

Maybe the following will help us understand the consequences of disobedience:



In sin my mother conceived me

though #naive, decisive she'd be
when a narcissistic serpent deceived she
enamored, her man,
his power he'd concede

and his "head" he also
disloyally forsook.

In sin my mother #conceived me

at times happy, yet sadly she'd see
early, how sin birthing #envy
in the heart of one seed
sprouted hatred. Now a wicked river
courses centuries between brothers,
their blood mingling tears

flowage from the roots.

In sin my mother conceived me

Disunity of nations the fruit
commencing with families #dysfunctional,
foundations makeshift ... then poof!
Into sinkholes of depression and death
in succession--the proof.

In sin my mother conceived me

Just think how different it'd be
If only she'd loved and obeyed "He"
then families, not racially divided
would've lived Eternally perfect,

Universally in "Truth."

Yes ...

In sin my mother conceived me

So,

though Adam is responsible
for our sin and death
unfathomable,

Eve was accountable
too.

In sin my mother conceived me
In sin my mother conceived me

In sin

My Mother

Conceived
Me.

Is obedience a small thing?