NIV- “When I say to a wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. “
Ouch.
Fun fact: the Dead Sea provided salt for most of the Palestine, but the rock salt that was excavated was mixed with other minerals including gypsum. By the time it was purely salt, the potency was weak. Jesus was saying that we, as believers, need to be strong and potent. Half-hearted commitment to Him will not suffice. He requires a full hearted commitment. without this state of complete commitment, we are as useless as flavorless salt.
“…And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” -Revelation 13:8
“…The Lamb that was slain from the beginning of the world.”
God, from the very beginning, was merciful enough to send His son. Though He would get angry in the OT, His wrath was never unjustified. Even through this, He knew that His son would be slain. From the beginning! He didnt get a rush of mercy after a chunk of time, but knew that His child, only child, would be Slain- not just killed, murdered, or abused… Slain.
Jesus knew from before the world began that He would go to Earth to be slain. Slain! He knew this, and yet when they were creating and God said that it was good, He didnt speak up or chime in. He knew! He knew what would be asked of Him. From before the world! This is our King? Our Ruler? The One that knew, and was in agreement -it is good.
So basic but so powerful.
Going to Seattle last week and then the Kirkland conference shadowed my life in the span of ten days. Being in the Seattle Sheraton hotel was a struggle for me; I didnt realize until we drove up that I had been there before. My prior experience was not a pleasant one, but God brought me right back to the center of it all so I would trust and lean on Him and that no matter where I am, His protection is enough. As the Seattle part of the trip came to a close, we walked around Seattle for a day. It was so hard, even dove behind some cars out of fear at one point. But, (the wonderful ‘but’,) the next few days consisted of peace and the resemblance of life with God. Once in kirkland, I was just in peace! His perfect love casts out all fear, and though times may still be hard, Hebrews says He never leaves or forsakes us. So true, but it is more than that-He redeems us. He doesn’t leave us in the pit, or the miry clay. Our Redeemer.
I realized that I have been saved for years, but I have only recently been redeemed. What a faithful God we serve.
Deliverance tomorrow. Rough day today. Help please! Prayers and encouragement are very helpful!
This Christmas break was suprising. The first day was great, but after that was a challenge. I figured that there would be struggles when I went home for the break, but I was not expecting the intensity - even to the point of loosing conciousness. Talking with Pastor Joe, though, I realized how much power I give to the enemy with my silence. Sharing what I have been walking through is important, and a great testimony when I honestly tell it without dulling the severity because it is intense. As I talked with Pastor Joe, I feel like something left me. I feel freed to talk about my life, all areas; not just the good or neutral part. Where the light is, darkness has to flee!
I also got a revelation of how necessary it is for us to fight. God can heal and protect without human help, but I think it is vital that we come into agreement with what He is doing in our lives. Our decisions can legally give the devil more footholds in our lives, or can give God more power and authority. Keep actions intentional!
God is in control! Day one consisted of chatting with my parents, repeating treasure hunting testimonies, then a visit to the pastor, a 6 hour talk with some great on fire friends about what God is doin in our lives, followed by a trip back to old work for a visit, and ending with a several hour talk with my brother about the reality of God!! It was such an amazing day!!
God, thank you for such a blessed day yesterday where I was able to discuss you all day! God I ask that as we all go into this christmas day, your presence would be tangible. Lord you are so good to your children, and I thank you that you have a bigger and stronger love for our families than we do. Thank you that we do not slip through your fingers, that you continue to knock on the door of our hearts, that you do not guit and turn away. I thank you that you are El Shaddai, God Almighty. We are so unworthy of your attention, yet we are able to have a national holiday to celebrate your passionate love for us! God as we go into this day, show us how to connect with our families. Give us the words to say to them that will touch their hearts! We pray against frustration between people that would come into our homes, Lord capture our attention throughout the day. It is about you, help us show who you are. Give us the words you would speak, guide us to do your intended actions. We love you with all we have, and thank you for your persistent work in our lives. Amen!
You are wonderful! Each day I am so blessed with a little suprise! I know that it takes a lot of effort and I am so thankful to you! :) -Kassi
Last night I was sitting listening to a wonderful individual playing beautiful music on our grand piano. It was amazing, but got even better when a dear friend of mine gave me a backrub! Then she began to sing! (Her voice is impeccable!) When I was sure it couldn’t get better, she sings God’s Word to me! It wasn’t rehearsed, or straight scripture, but it was flow of prophetic sentences that I didn’t realize I needed to hear! She started with a scripture, which was actually given to me about a week earlier. Plus for a scripture to memorize, I went to Luke 12:4-5. Talks about fearing the Lord over man because He is the one who can throw you into Hell. I then learned that I should memorize more of it, and the next 2 verses are eerily similar to the ones I received yesterday! She prayed and sang the most amazing words along with the piano! As I was sitting just listening and absorbing, He said to me, “I put this together, all for you.” He put the right people together at the right time just so He could speak to me in the way I would enjoy it most!! Our God created the heavens and the Earth, yet is mainly concerned with our hearts. What kind of God do we serve… Today, I am just in awe of who He is.
