Podcast: Part 1: Proverbs: The wisdom God gives to Solomon

 

 

 

I Kings 3

5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

Solomon asked God to give him a wise heart whereby he could communicate with the great nation of Israel.

10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

And God answered:

12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

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When I read this as a new Christian in 1975, and when I understood that Solomon wrote Proverbs for us, I knew this contained a type of godly wisdom that I wanted as a Christian.  So I began reading The Book of Proverbs and meditating in many of the sayings to enable me to do these things.

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Proverbs 1

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

(Psalm 111:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do HIS commandments: HIS praise endureth for ever.)

8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:

14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:

15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.

19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:

21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,

22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

23 Turn you at MY reproof: behold, I will pour out MY spirit unto you, I will make known MY words unto you.

24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

25 But ye have set at nought all MY counsel, and would none of MY reproof:

26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

28 Then shall they call upon ME, but I will not answer; they shall seek ME early, but they shall not find ME:

29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

30 They would none of MY counsel: they despised all MY reproof.

31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

33 But whoso hearkeneth unto ME shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

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I saw that which we must do is hear what God has to say and follow HIS instructions, doing that word!

I spent many months on different proverbs, putting these instructions into my own life by doing these instructions.

To record these on this Podcast and to speak of that which God showed me, was like to revisit an old friend!

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Proverbs 2

1 MY son, if thou wilt receive MY words, and hide MY commandments with thee;

2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of HIS mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: HE is a buckler (shield) to them that walk uprightly.

8 HE keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of HIS saints.

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Proverb 3

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

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Included on this podcast are the following:

Proverbs of Solomon: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

 

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Hymn: Great is THY faithfulness

(Click forward arrow > to play music:)


1.  Great is Thy faithfulness,
O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning 
  with Thee;

Thou changest not, 

Thy compassions, they fail not

As Thou hast been 
  Thou forever wilt be.

Chorus:

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy WORD hath provided— 

Great is Thy faithfulness, 
Lord, unto me! 


2.  Summer and winter, 
and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

3.  Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!


(Click pause symbol,  "  ... at beginning of hymn, to stop music)

***** 

Scriptures pertaining to this hymn:

James 1:17    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.


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Genesis 8:22  While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

God set all things in the solar system and they are faithful to continue in the commandment of God.  We see the faithfulness of God's word day by day as the seasons continue and as the sun is visible day by day.

As God is faithful in this word, we can have faith God will perform every word HE has given us.

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Podcast: Solomon warns the young men about "strange women"

 

 

 

 

Three times in the early chapters of Proverbs,  king Solomon warns the young men concerning the "strange women" and tells the young men what will happen to them if they choose to go after a "strange woman".

Proverbs 5

1  My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:

2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.

3 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:

4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.

5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.

7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of MY mouth.

8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:

10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;

11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

12 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

14 I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.

16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.

17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.

18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and HE pondereth all his goings.

22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

Death and destruction are the fate of the man who follows after "a strange woman".

(Also see:  Proverbs 6 & Proverbs 7) 

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Proverbs 6

23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.

27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;

31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

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Proverbs 7

1 MY son, keep MY words, and lay up MY commandments with thee.

2 Keep MY commandments, and live; and MY law as the apple of thine eye.

3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,

7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:

10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,

14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:

20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.

21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.

25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.

27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

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Hymn: Blessed Assurance

(Click forward arrow > to play music:)


1.   Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, 

Born of His Spirit, 
washed in His blood.


Chorus:

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.


2.   Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. 

3.   Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.


(Click pause symbol,  "  ... at beginning of hymn, to stop music)

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Scriptures pertaining to this hymn:

v. 2  Angels descending, bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Work of Angels:  Bible examples

Angels come down from heaven as commanded by God to do various works of God according to the will of God.

* An angel of the Lord told Zacharias that his wife Elisabeth would bear a son and they were to call his name John.

Luke 1:11-15    And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.  

And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 

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Luke 1:39-44    Mary, who is carrying Jesus in her womb, visits her cousin, Elizabeth, who is carrying John the Baptist in her womb  ...  The baby, John the Baptist, is filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb as soon as Mary with the baby Jesus enter the room ...

And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. 41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:  

And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.  And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

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Luke 1:16-17  ... concerning John the Baptist ...

And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

And he shall go before HIM (before Jesus) in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

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* The angel Gabriel was sent to Mary to tell her she would have a son and to call His name Jesus.

Luke 1:26-38    And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,  To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.  And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name Jesus.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David:

And HE shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of HIS kingdom there shall be no end.

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

For with God nothing shall be impossible.  

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. 

And the angel departed from her.

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* An angel told Joseph not to fear to take Mary for his wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.  

Matthew 1:18-25  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for HE shall save His people from their sins. 

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called His name Jesus. 


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* An angel of the Lord told the shepherds that the Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born and they could find Him in a manger in Bethlehem.

Luke 2:8-15    And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

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* An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream to tell him to take Mary and Jesus and flee into Egypt and to remain in Egypt until the angel gave him word to return. 

Matthew 2:13-14  And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him.

When he arose, he took the young child and His mother by night, and departed into Egypt

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* Later an angel told Joseph to return into the land of Israel for the ruler who wanted to kill the baby Jesus was now dead. 

Matthew 2:19-21  But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

And he arose, and took the young child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. 

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* When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan 40-days, angels ministered to Him.

Mark 1:12-13  And immediately the spirit driveth Him (Jesus) into the wilderness. 

And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto Him.

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* An angel of God moved the great stone which sealed the tomb of Jesus.

Matthew 28:2   And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

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* An angel of God came down from heaven to free Peter from prison.

Acts 12:1-11  Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 

And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 

And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

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* An angel delivered a message to the apostle Paul, telling Paul no harm would come to him and those on the ship.

Acts 27:18-25    And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;
And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.   

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. 

*** 

Genesis 28:10-12    And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

Angels descend, carrying messages from God and doing works of God.

Then angels go back to heaven where God assigns them as He wills.

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Psalm 103:20   Bless the Lord, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word.

*** 

(Comments by Joan Boney ...) The night of January 10, 1980, I was asleep and awakened by a very loud trumpet-like voice which blew 3 words into my ear as follows: "Hartford, Seattle, KWJS" ... I believe this to have been an angel of God speaking to me. By this and through prayer, I came to believe God was leading me to go on radio. Within about 5 days of this word, I was broadcasting exhortations week-days on KWJS radio. Within a year I was on radio stations from NYC (Hartford) to Seattle.

*** 

Psalm 104:4   Who maketh His angels spirits; His ministers a flaming fire:

*** 

Exodus 23:20-25    God says:    Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.

Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for MY name (the Word) is in him.

But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

For Mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.

Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.

And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and HE shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.

*** 

Notice how angels deliver messages from God to individuals.

Angels also do great works.  It was an angel who moved the large stone from the front of the tomb of Jesus.

***

It is not so much delighting in the fact that an angel appeared to you but rather delighting and following that word which the angel of God delivered to you.

Share the Word.

Focus on the Word.

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Podcast: King Solomon: His greatest moment. And Solomon's downfall.

 

 

I Kings 3

3 And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.

4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.

5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: 

and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

6 And Solomon said, THOU hast shewed unto THY servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before THEE in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with THEE; and THOU hast kept for him this great kindness, that THOU hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

7 And now, O LORD my God, THOU hast made THY servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.

8 And THY servant is in the midst of THY people which THOU hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

9 💥  Give therefore THY servant an understanding heart to judge THY people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this THY so great a people?

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I Kings 3

10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.

14 And if thou wilt walk in MY ways, to keep MY statutes and MY commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

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I Kings 3

15 And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. 

And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.

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The downfall of Solomon:

I Kings 11

1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;

2 Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods:

Solomon clave unto these in love.

3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.

4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.

7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

8 And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.

9 And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,

10 And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.

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God places a penalty upon Solomon:

I Kings 11

11 Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.

12 Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.

13 Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

14 And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.

23 And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:

26 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.

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Hymn: Beneath the cross of Jesus

(Click forward arrow > to play music:)

1.  Beneath the cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock
Within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness,
A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat,
And the burden of the day.

2.  Oh, safe and happy shelter!
Oh, refuge tried and sweet!
Oh, trysting place where heaven’s love
And heaven’s justice meet *.
As to the holy patriarch
That wondrous dream was given,
So is my Savior by the cross
A ladder up to heaven.

3.  There lies beneath its shadow,
But on the farther side,
The darkness of an awful grave
That gapes both deep and wide;
And there between us stands the cross,
Two arms outstretched to save,
Like a watchman set to guard the way
From that eternal grave.

4.   Upon that cross of Jesus
Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One,
Who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart, with tears,
Two wonders I confess,
The wonders of His glorious love,
And my own worthlessness.

5.  I take, O cross, thy shadow
For my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
The sunshine of His WORD;
Content to let the world go by,
To know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame,
My glory all the cross.


(Click pause symbol,  "  ... at beginning of hymn, to stop music)

***

* where heaven’s love And heaven’s justice meet: heaven's love is shown by God's sacrifice of His Son, and Jesus' willingness to die for us.  Heaven's justice requires payment for our sins for it to be just.  The only payment sufficient to justify our sins is the blood of Jesus. 

***

Scriptures pertaining to this hymn:

Hebrews 9:22 ... and without shedding of blood is no remission.

*** 

John 14:6   Jesus says:  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by ME.

The way of life and truth is The Word of God.

When we go that way, we live in HIM, doing that which HE says.

***

Psalm 119:105    Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:130   The entrance of THY words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

***

II Timothy 3:16-17    All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

***

I Timothy 4:13    Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

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Podcast: Part 6: Psalms of David (Prayers of David)

 

 

 

This Podcast contains Psalm 109 through Psalm 145.

Examples:

Psalm 109

21 But do THOU for me, O GOD the Lord, for THY name's sake: because THY mercy is good, deliver THOU me.

Psalm 124

1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;

2 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:

3 Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:

4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:

5 Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.

6 Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.

7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 127

1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

2  It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so HE giveth HIS beloved sleep.

3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is HIS reward.

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Psalm 131

1 LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.

2 Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.

3 Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever.

Psalm 133

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Psalm 138

1 I will praise THEE with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto THEE.

2 I will worship toward THY holy temple, and praise THY name for THY lovingkindness and for THY truth: for thou hast magnified THY word above all THY name.

Psalm 139

1 O LORD, THOU hast searched me, and known me.

2 THOU knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, THOU understandest my thought afar off.

3 THOU compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, THOU knowest it altogether.

5 THOU hast beset me behind and before, and laid THINE hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

7 Whither shall I go from THY spirit? or whither shall I flee from THY presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven, THOU art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, THOU art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall THY hand lead me, and THY right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from THEE; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to THEE.

13 For THOU hast possessed my reins: THOU hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14 I will praise THEE; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are THY works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from THEE, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 THINE eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in THY book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious also are THY thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with THEE.

19 Surely THOU wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

20 For they speak against THEE wickedly, and THINE enemies take THY name in vain.

21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against THEE?

22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 140

1 Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;

2 Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.

3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. 

4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

Psalm 141

1 LORD, I cry unto THEE: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto THEE.

2 Let my prayer be set forth before THEE as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

Psalm 142

(A Prayer of David when he was in the cave.)

1 I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.

2 I poured out my complaint before HIM; I shewed before HIM my trouble.

3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then THOU knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

5 I cried unto THEE, O LORD: I said, THOU art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.

6 Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise THY name: the righteous shall compass me about; for THOU shalt deal bountifully with me.

Psalm 143

8 Cause me to hear THY lovingkindness in the morning; for in THEE do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto THEE.

9 Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto THEE to hide me.

10 Teach me to do THY will; for THOU art my God: THY spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

11 Quicken me, O LORD, for THY name's sake: for THY righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.

12 And of THY mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am THY servant.

Psalm 144

1 Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

2 My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and HE in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

Psalm 145

1 I will extol THEE, my God, O king; and I will bless THY name for ever and ever.

2 Every day will I bless THEE; and I will praise THY name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and HIS greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall praise THY works to another, and shall declare THY mighty acts.

5 I will speak of the glorious honour of THY majesty, and of THY wondrous works.

6 And men shall speak of the might of THY terrible acts: and I will declare THY greatness.

7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of THY great goodness, and shall sing of THY righteousness.

8 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

9 The LORD is good to all: and HIS tender mercies are over all HIS works.

10 All THY works shall praise THEE, O LORD; and THY saints shall bless THEE.

11 They shall speak of the glory of THY kingdom, and talk of THY power;

12 To make known to the sons of men HIS mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of HIS kingdom.

13 THY kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and THY dominion endureth throughout all generations.

14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

15 The eyes of all wait upon THEE; and THOU givest them their meat in due season.

16 THOU openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

17 The LORD is righteous in all HIS ways, and holy in all HIS works.

18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon HIM, to all that call upon HIM in truth.

19 HE will fulfil the desire of them that fear HIM: HE also will hear their cry, and will save them.

20 The LORD preserveth all them that love HIM: but all the wicked will HE destroy.

21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless HIS holy name for ever and ever.

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Hymn: Up from the grave HE arose

(Click forward arrow > to play music:)


1.   Low in the grave He lay —
Jesus my Savior!
Waiting the coming day —
Jesus my Lord!

Chorus:

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes.
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever in His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!


2.   Vainly they watch His tomb
Jesus, my Savior!
Vainly they seal the dead—
Jesus my Lord!

3.  Death cannot keep his prey—
Jesus, my Savior!
He tore the bars away—
Jesus my Lord!


(Click pause symbol,  "  ... at beginning of hymn, to stop music)

 

*****

Scriptures pertaining to this hymn:

Matthew 27:59  And when Joseph had taken the body (of Jesus), he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

Matthew 27:62-66  Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.  Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 

Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.

So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.


***

Matthew 28:1-4  In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

(These women also prepared and brought to the tomb fine smelling spices, for when the body decays there is a stink and they wanted to cover up that odor.  They didn't know there would be no decaying body where Jesus was concerned for God would not "suffer" Jesus' body to see corruption as other flesh saw corruption.  Jesus' body and soul were removed by God from the tomb.) 

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

His (the angel's) countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.


***

Luke 24:1-7  Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, 

Why seek ye the living among the dead?
He is not here, but is risen: 

remember how HE spake unto you when HE was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.


***

Acts 13:35-37   Wherefore he (David) saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.
For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
But HE, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

When they entered the tomb of Jesus, His body was gone as well as His Spirit.  God did not allow Jesus' body to decay the way of normal flesh.

*****

Podcast: Part 5: Psalms of David (Prayers of David)

 

 

 

This Podcast contains Psalm 61 through Psalm 108.

Examples:

Psalm 61

1 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto THEE, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For THOU hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

4 I will abide in THY tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of THY wings.

Psalm 62

1 Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from HIM cometh my salvation.

2 HE only is my rock and my salvation; HE is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

Psalm 63

(A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.) 

1 O God, THOU art my God; early will I seek THEE: my soul thirsteth for THEE, my flesh longeth for THEE in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

2 To see THY power and THY glory, so as I have seen THEE in the sanctuary.

3 Because THY lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise THEE.

4 Thus will I bless THEE while I live: I will lift up my hands in THY name.

5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise THEE with joyful lips:

6 When I remember THEE upon my bed, and meditate on THEE in the night watches.

7 Because THOU hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of THY wings will I rejoice.

Psalm 64

1 Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:

3 Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:

4 That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.

5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

6 They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.

7 But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.

8 So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.

9 And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of HIS doing.

10 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in HIM; and all the upright in heart shall glory.

Psalm 65

4 Blessed is the man whom THOU choosest, and causest to approach unto THEE, that he may dwell in THY courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of THY house, even of THY holy temple.

Psalm 66

16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what HE hath done for my soul.

17 I cried unto HIM with my mouth, and HE was extolled with my tongue.

18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

19 But verily God hath heard me; HE hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

20 Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor HIS mercy from me.

Psalm 68

32 Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; 

33 To HIM that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, HE doth send out HIS voice, and that a mighty voice.

34 Ascribe ye strength unto God: HIS excellency is over Israel, and HIS strength is in the clouds.

35 O God, THOU art terrible out of THY holy places: the God of Israel is HE that giveth strength and power unto HIS people. Blessed be God.

Psalm 69

14 Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.

15 Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.

16 Hear me, O LORD; for THY lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of THY tender mercies.

17 And hide not THY face from THY servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.

Psalm 70

4 Let all those that seek THEE rejoice and be glad in THEE: and let such as love THY salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.

5 But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: THOU art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.

Psalm 72

18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.

19 And blessed be HIS glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with HIS glory; Amen, and Amen.

20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

Psalm 86

(A Prayer of David.) 

1 Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.

2 Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O THOU my God, save THY servant that trusteth in THEE.

3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto THEE daily.

4 Rejoice the soul of THY servant: for unto THEE, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

5 For THOU, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon THEE.

6 Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.

7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon THEE: for THOU wilt answer me.

 

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Hymn: Trust & Obey

(Click forward arrow > to play music:)


1.  When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
While we do His good will,
He abides in us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Chorus:

Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.


2.  Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His WORD quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear,
Not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

3.  Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss,
Not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.

4.  But we never can prove
The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

5.  Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do;
Where He sends, we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.


(Click pause symbol,  "  ... at beginning of hymn, to stop music)

*****

Scriptures pertaining to this hymn:

Psalm 111:10    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do HIS commandments: HIS praise endureth for ever.

The fear of the Lord is a deep respect for God and The Word.

When we "fear" God, we are basically afraid to go in a way opposite to God's Word for we have an inner understanding that God knows what is best and to violate what HE says is to go in a way of self destruction.

Therefore our trust is based on the awe we have for God.

And we obey God, doing what HE says to us by HIS Spirit.

***

In December, 2018, at the age of 81, I fell at my house.

As the ambulance people were removing me and we reached the front door, I heard the following word in the form of a thought that came to my mind:  "You'll never see this house again."

 I believed that thought was from God.

Therefore I believed there would be another way for me to go if I survived the accident.

I put my house up for sale even as I was awaiting surgery.

A church person said to me, "I don't see how you can do that."  (I don't think she understood faith in God.)

I explained to her that when you believe you have heard from God and there is a way to go, you simply obey ... no hesitation.

I never looked back and I never saw that house again.

I did not know where I would go when I put the house up for sale but I knew God would work it out for me and reveal it to me and God did within a few weeks.  A woman in our little church group took me (and my cat) into her house to live in Colorado.  She is a very godly woman and prays over everything!  It is a great joy for me to live in a house with such a person.

My life was made better after my accident, not worse.

God had a plan for me and I knew HIS plan was all that mattered.


Ecclesiastes 3:1   To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

*****

Acts 17 ... NIV Original Translation ... God chooses the exact places we will live and the times we will live there.

KJV  Acts 17:26 … And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

(God determines the times we live and the places we live.)

27-28 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though HE be not far from every one of us:  28 For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring.

 

 

*****