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For His Glory!
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Being Part of the Kingdom In the past several issues of the MEM we have looked at the Great I Am. By now we should understand that the One who was and is and is to come is the very Creator of all things. It was Yeshua (Jesus) that came to redeem and restore man to a relationship with the Father (Man is YHVH’s most important creation). What is the message Yeshua came to deliver? Mark 1:14 And after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." (NAS unless indicated)Yeshua reveals the Father’s purpose: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.John announced: Matthew 3:1 Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."Clarke: The kingdom of heaven is at hand] Referring to the prophecy of Daniel, … where the reign of Christ among men is expressly foretold. This phrase, and the kingdom of God, mean the same thing, viz. the dispensation of infinite mercy, and manifestation of eternal truth, by Christ Jesus, producing the true knowledge of God, accompanied with that worship which is pure and holy, worthy of that God who is its institutor and its object. But why is this called a kingdom? Because it has its laws…; and its subjects, all who believe in Christ Jesus: and its king, the Sovereign of heaven and earth. Barnes: The kingdom of heaven is at hand. The phrases, kingdom of heaven, kingdom of Christ, and kingdom of God, are of frequent occurrence in the Bible. They all refer to the same thing. The expectation of such a kingdom was taken from the Old Testament, and especially from Daniel, Daniel 7:13-14. The prophets had told of a successor to David that should sit on his throne, 1Kings 2:4; 8:25; Jeremiah 33:17. JFB: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand--This sublime phrase, used in none of the other Gospels, occurs in this peculiarly Jewish Gospel nearly thirty times; and being suggested by Daniel's grand vision of the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven to the Ancient of days, to receive His investiture in a world-wide kingdom (Dan 7:13-14), it was fitted at once both to meet the national expectations and to turn them into the right channel. A kingdom for which repentance was the proper preparation behooved to be essentially spiritual. Deliverance from sin, the great blessing of Christ's kingdom (Mat 1:21), can be valued by those only to whom sin is a burden (Mat 9:12). John's great work, accordingly, was to awaken this feeling and hold out the hope of a speedy and precious remedy. ***** The following Scriptures are given as a simple outline of the Kingdom; we suggest reading the surrounding verses to receive their full impact. YHVH’s Kingdom. (It was Tom and Catherine Schattke BrTom7@aol.com that inspired this outline.) Yeshua’s instruction concerning the Kingdom: The Message: Humility - the basis: Matt 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Luke 6:20 And turning His gaze on His disciples, He began to say, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Matt 18:3 and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. = 19:14, Mark 10:14-15, Mark10:23-24, Luke 18:16-17 Standing up for Righteousness: Matt 5:10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Righteousness is obedience to YHVH’s Torah.)
The Father never says to give up or quit or that is good enough - He expects us, with Yeshua’s help to continue to grow. When you move from the 1st grade to the 2nd grade you are expected to add to what you have already learned and grow - is next year the end? No, study to show yourself approved. Our united goal: Matt 6:10 'Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. =Luke 11:2(In the Hebrew Matthew we find, "Thy kingdom be blessed.") Matt 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.Matt 13:44 "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field. = Matt 13:47 Promise of the coming Kingdom: Matt 26:29 "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."There is only one way: John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.Luke 12:32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.The Kingdom is likened to: Matt 13:31 He presented another parable to them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; = Mark 4:30-32 = Luke 13:19.Matt 13:33 He spoke another parable to them, "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three pecks of meal, until it was all leavened." = Luke 13:21Matt 20:1 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.Not always easy: Mark 10:24 And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." … 27 …"This is impossible for mere humans, but not for God; all things are possible for God."Matt 25:13 "Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.
Matt 5:19 "Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and so teaches others, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 25:37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You drink? 38 'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 'And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'Matt 25:40 "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'Characteristics of Those That Will Not Be in the Kingdom: Matt 13:19 "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. (Seek to understand, ask for understanding.) Matt 13:41 "The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, Matt 18:35 "So shall My heavenly Father also do to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart." Matt 19:22 But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieved; for he was one who owned much property. = Luke 18:24-27 Matt 23:13 "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from men; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.Luke 9:62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Matt 25:41 "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.' 44 … 45 "Then He will answer them, saying, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'Position of the converted: Luke 22:28 "And you are those who have stood by Me in My trials; 29 and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.Thy Kingdom Come: John 18:36 Jesus answered (Pilate), "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm."Let us all consider our position with respect to YHVH’s Kingdom. This is not something we can leave until later. The things to be done in our life should be done now. Review the message Yeshua preached - ask for His direction and submit to His leading. Learn to Know Our Shepherd’s Voice: Our memory verse: Matt 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. |
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Proverb 10:17 He is on the path of life who heeds instruction…Proverb 4:18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day. Proverb 15:24 The path of life leads upward for the wise, That he may keep away from Sheol below. What is the Kingdom of God (Heaven)? It is restoration to YHVH and Eternal Life. All that is required is provided for by Yeshua (Jesus). We all have sinned and are destined for death (Romans 6:23). We need a change of heart and this we can have through repentance and acceptance of the Spirit of Yeshua within (inner being). He supplies the strength, forgiveness and light to see the right path; this keeps us away from Sheol (Hell/Death) and leads to His Kingdom of life. Be wise and watch the path of your feet - Ps 119:105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path.Thank you YHVH for Your truth (Word) and Your life giving Spirit. |
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"Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die." Daniel H. Burnham In reference to our ‘Message’ topic this is an excellent quote. If we do not aim high we will never reach the goal Yeshua has set for us. Our highest achievement is to be in the Kingdom of God. We have the plan laid out in His Word. Write it down; keep it ever before you; direct all your efforts toward our high calling in Messiah. Seek YHVH and allow Him to then write His plan on the tablets of your heart. Glory to YHVH. Jeremiah 31:33 … "I will put My law (instruction) within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. |
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In our pursuit of humility: (Lesson from humility in daily life.) "Humility always seeks, like Jesus, to be the servant, the helper and the comforter of others, even to the lowest and most unworthy." Andrew Murray In our pursuit of the Kingdom it is not for self alone. It is seeking the indwelling Spirit of unity. The Kingdom is a family committed to serving all the body of Messiah; we do this by humbly submitting to the direction of our Creator. |
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Understanding the precepts of prayer. Numbers 14:17 "But now, I pray, let the power of the Lord be great, just as You have declared, 18 ‘The LORD is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.’ 19 Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness, just as You also have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now."It is interesting to consider Moses as he pours his heart out to YHVH. He acknowledges the power of the Master and quotes His Word back to Him; calling upon "Your lovingkindness". Thus YHVH accepts Moses’ prayer and pardons the Israelites. In our pursuit of the Kingdom of God let us be familiar with YHVH’s words. That we may be emboldened when approaching Him in prayer; humbly quoting His promises back to Him when asking for forgiveness and guidance; not only for self but especially others. Ps 119:107 I am exceedingly afflicted; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word. |
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How does God feel about issues we face today? Our King Rev 17:14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them. For He is Lord of lords, and King of kings. And those who are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful.Lev 20:26 You must be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the other peoples to be mine.God wants us to live in a certain way, not to gain entrance to His kingdom, but to demonstrate what kind of people live in His kingdom. If He is our king, we are supposed to do what He asks simply because He is our king and for no other reason. Obedience brings blessing, it brings closeness to Him so that He can dwell with us without being annoyed by sin and unknown things that do not glorify Him. When we truly desire to live with Him, dwell in His presence, the things of this world will not matter. It will not be hard to give them up or not do. He is so much greater than any temporary pleasure on this planet. John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey my commandments.John 18:36a Jesus replied, "My kingdom is not from this world"…Material in this section is based on various prayer diaries. |
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Company Loyalty? How far would you go to show your devotion to your employer? Crain’s Chicago Business reported on a receptionist at Chicago-based Rising Medical Solutions who had her company logo, the crest of a wave over a sun, tattooed high on her chest. The logo, she said, was a nice design that made her feel good about coming to work. A tattoo artist at Chicago Tattooing & Piercing says such body art isn’t unique. One customer had a Marshal Field’s logo tattooed on his arm, he told Crain’s and then added a Macy’s tattoo when that company acquired Marshall Field’s in a takeover. Comment: At the rate some people change jobs they would soon run out of body parts to tattoo. I wonder what ever happened to just plain hard work, honesty, being on time, showing kindness, expressing your gratitude with a pleasing smile and a pleasant voice, etc. Some of the material contained in this section is for informational purposes only and has not been verified by us. |
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One Bad Saying Deserves Another A man’s home is his castle - in a manor of speaking. Dijon vu - the same mustard as before. Reading while sunbathing makes you well red. A bicycle can’t stand on its own because it is two-tired.
******* Making light of a Poor Economy The economy is so bad that … I got pre-declined for a credit card I ordered a burger at a fast food joint and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can you afford fries with that?" CEO’s are now playing miniature golf My ATM gave me an IOU A picture is now worth only 200 words I bought a toaster oven, and my free gift with purchase was a porcelain bank ******** The Miser A legendary miser bought two lottery tickets. When one paid off in the amount of $10 million dollars, his family expected him to be overjoyed. But he Wasn’t. Finally his nephew asked him what the problem was. The miser sighed and said, "I wish I hadn’t bought that other ticket!" **************** Have a good day! |
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95 Theses to the Modern Evangelical Church by Greg Gordon (founder of SermonIndex.net)1. The "church" at large has forgotten that the chief end of man is to glorify God. (Rom 16:27; 1Cor 6:20; Mt 6:9; 1Cor 10:31) 2. Christians ignore most of the methods, practices and principles found in the book of Acts. (Acts 2:42, 44; Acts 2:46; Acts 2:38) |
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(By Michael Boldea Jr.) I'm a scribbler, always have been. Today I noticed that my Bible was getting a little on the thick side, and so I decided to clean it out. I discovered I had accumulated allot of pieces of paper, old church bulletins from churches I've spoken in, gas receipts, napkins, and oddly enough one wedding invitation, all scribbled on with thoughts or ideas I had at a certain moment in time. Since tomorrow I will be going away for a few days, to see the Romanian countryside and spend some alone time with my wife, sans (w/o) laptop, cell phone, two way radio, telegraph machine or any other form of technological distraction, I decided to type up a few of the notes I'd found in my Bible and make them into a post. [Note: Many of these quotes have already been posted in past issues of the MEM] "I relish the idea of how simple my life would be if I would have never left my homeland. Chances are I’d be a farmer; chances are I’d know how to milk a cow by now." "How can one block out the sun? How can one deny the existence of fire as it burns and blisters? How can we reject life, when it beckons to us with every breath?" "What a savage enemy the fear of men can become when in pursuit of truth." (Michael Boldea Jr.) |
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Oversleeping will never make one’s dreams come true. The best way to wake up with a smile on your face is to go to bed with one already there. Memories are a family album filled with images and dreams. The happiness of your life depends on the wholesomeness of your thoughts. Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it. Genius is the gold in the mind; talent is the miner who digs it. |
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December Clean-up Not many days in December are above 40 degrees up here in Michigan so when this day made it to 50, I went out to the gardens to enjoy the sun and finish tidying up flower beds. Usually this isn’t a joyful chore for me as everything is dead and brown; evidence that beautiful summer is done and a long cold winter is in store for me. As I cut away the old dried growth, there at the base of the plant were new shoots ready and waiting to burst forth next spring. My peony shoots were dark red, the sedum had bright green tightly furled leaves that look like pinecones and the balloon flower had chartreuse little nibs just poking out of the soil. I know in my head that my perennials are just sleeping for the winter and will wake up next spring but my heart was wonderfully reminded and encouraged by seeing proof. I have an entire season of snow and cold to wait out yet but knowing that life is just waiting where all I saw on the surface was dead, brings hope and a promise. |
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Psalm 91 Promises we can take to YHVH when communing with Him. First consider our part: 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!"14 "Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.15 "He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.These Promises: Psalm 91:3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper And from the deadly pestilence.5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day;6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.7 A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you.10 No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent.11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. 12 They will bear you up in their hands, That you do not strike your foot against a stone.The ultimate promise: 16 "With a long life I will satisfy him And let him see My salvation."Blessed be YHVH (Genesis 14:20 And blessed be God Most High…) |
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1. "Let the dead bury their own dead" - Luke 9:59-60 2 Psalm 23 3. Jerusalem - Luke 4:9 4. Now - 2Corinthians 6:2 5. The ark of the covenant - 1Kings 8:6 6. Cain - Genesis 4:8 7. Ruth - Ruth 1:16 |