Month: September 2021

Posted in Hiding His Word

But If Ye Bite and Devour One Another

Posted on by Melissa Lynne
Galatians 5:15

Isaiah 33:10–36:22; Galatians 5:13-26; Psalm 64:1-10; Proverbs 23:23

Thou Shalt Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. – Galatians 5:13-14

But If Ye Bite and Devour One Another
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. – Galatians 5:13-15

But if you bite and devour one another [in bickering and strife], watch out that you [along with your entire fellowship] are not consumed by one another. – Galatians‬ ‭5:15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Walk in the Spirit and Ye Shall Not Fulfil the Lust of the Flesh
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. – Galatians 5:16-18

The Works of the Flesh
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. – Galatians 5:19-21

The Fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23

They that are Christ’s Have Crucified the Flesh
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. – Galatians 5:24-26

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Behold, Your God will Come with Vengeance
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. – Isaiah 35:3-4

Then…
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. – Isaiah 35:5-7

The Way of Holiness
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: and the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. – Isaiah 35:8-10

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Suddenly Shall They Be Wounded
But God shall shoot at them With an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: All that see them shall flee away. And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; For they shall wisely consider of his doing. The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; And all the upright in heart shall glory. – Psalm 64:7-10

Who is “them” that is spoken of in these verses – the wicked, the workers of iniquity, those that do evil and plot evil and think no one knows what is in their heart.

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Truth, Wisdom, Instruction, Understanding
Buy the truth, and sell it not; Also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. – Proverbs 23:23

Posted in Hiding His Word

Thus Will I Bless Thee While I Live

Posted on by Melissa Lynne
Psalm 63:3-4

Isaiah 30:12–33:9; Galatians 5:1-12; Psalm 63:1-11; Proverbs 23:22

Thus Will I Bless Thee While I Live
Because thy lovingkindness Is better than life, My lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; And my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, And meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, Therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me. – Psalm 63:3-8

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In Returning and Rest Shall Ye Be Saved
For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift. One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill. And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him. – Isaiah 30:15-18

Woe to Them that Trust in Chariots Because They are Many
Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD! Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity. Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together. – Isaiah 31:1-3

O LORD, Be Gracious Unto Us
O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble. – Isaiah 33:2

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Stand Fast Therefore in the Liberty
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. – Galatians 5:1

We Through the Spirit Wait for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. – Galatians 5:2-6

Who Did Hinder You that Ye Should Not Obey the Truth?
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you. – Galatians 5:7-12

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Hearken Unto Thy Father, Despise Not Thy Mother
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, And despise not thy mother when she is old. – Proverbs 23:22

Posted in Hiding His Word

Guide Thine Heart in the Way

Posted on by Melissa Lynne
Proverbs 23:19

Isaiah 28:14–30:11; Galatians 3:23–4:31; Psalm 62:1-12; Proverbs 23:19-21

Guide Thine Heart in the Way
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, And guide thine heart in the way. Be not among winebibbers; Among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: And drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. – Proverbs 23:19-21

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Shall the Work Say of Him that Made It, He Made Me Not?
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us? Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? – Isaiah 29:13-16

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Shut Up Unto the Faith Which Should Afterwards Be Revealed
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. – Galatians 3:23-25

Children of God by Faith in Christ Jesus
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. – Galatians 3:26-29

That We Might Receive the Adoption of Sons
Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be Lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. – Galatians 4:1-5

No More a Servant, but a Son
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. – Galatians 4:6-7

How Turn Ye Again to the Weak and Beggarly Elements
Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. – Galatians 4:8-11

Where is Then the Blessedness Ye Spake of?
Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. – Galatians 4:12-20

One by a Bondmaid, the Other by a Freewoman
Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; Break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: For the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. – Galatians 4:21-27

We are the Children of Promise
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. – Galatians 4:28-31

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Pour Out Your Heart Before Him
My soul, wait thou only upon God; For my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, Pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. – Psalm 62:5-8

Posted in Hiding His Word

Christ Hath Redeemed Us

Posted on by Melissa Lynne
Galatians 3:13

Isaiah 25:1–28:13; Galatians 3:10-22; Psalm 61:1-8; Proverbs 23:17-18

The Just Shall Live by Faith
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. – Galatians 3:10-12

Christ Hath Redeemed Us
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. – Galatians 3:13-14

Now to Abraham and His Seed Were the Promises Made
Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. – Galatians 3:15-18

Wherefore then Serveth the Law?
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. – Galatians 3:19-22

Why, then, the Law [what was its purpose]? It was added [after the promise to Abraham, to reveal to people their guilt] because of transgressions [that is, to make people conscious of the sinfulness of sin], and [the Law] was ordained through angels and delivered to Israel by the hand of a mediator [Moses, the mediator between God and Israel, to be in effect] until the Seed would come to whom the promise had been made. Now the mediator or go-between [in a transaction] is not [needed] for just one party; whereas God is only one [and was the only One giving the promise to Abraham, but the Law was a contract between two, God and Israel; its validity depended on both]. Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a system of law had been given which could impart life, then righteousness (right standing with God) would actually have been based on law. But the Scripture has imprisoned everyone [everything—the entire world] under sin, so that [the inheritance, the blessing of salvation] which was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe [in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s precious Son]. – Galatians 3:19-22 AMP

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Thou Wilt Keep Him in Perfect Peace
Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: for he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust. The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy. – Isaiah 26:2-6

Thou, Most Upright, Dost Weigh the Path of the Just
The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just. Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. – Isaiah 26:7-9

Thou Wilt Ordain Peace for Us
LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us. O LORD our God, other Lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name. – Isaiah 26:12-13

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The Heritage of Those that Fear Thy Name
For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name. – Psalm 61:5

Let Not Thine Heart Envy Sinners
Let not thine heart envy sinners: But be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. – Proverbs 23:17

Posted in Hiding His Word

For if Righteousness Come by the Law, then Christ is Dead in Vain

Posted on by Melissa Lynne
Galatians 2:21

Isaiah 22:1–24:23; Galatians 2:17–3:9; Psalm 60:1-12; Proverbs 23:15-16

For if Righteousness Come by the Law, then Christ is Dead in Vain
But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. – Galatians 2:17-21 

Galatians 2:21 in the Amplified version reads: I do not ignore or nullify the [gracious gift of the] grace of God [His amazing, unmerited favor], for if righteousness come through [observing] the Law, then Christ died needlessly, [His suffering and death would have had no purpose whatsoever.]

Who Hath Bewitched You, that Ye Should Not Obey the Truth
O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. – Galatians 3:1-6

They Which are of Faith, the Same are the Children of Abraham
Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. – Galatians 3:7-9

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The Land Shall be Utterly Emptied and Spoiled
Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him. The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word. – Isaiah 24:1-3

They Shall Sing for the Majesty of the LORD
When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done. They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea. Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea. From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, even glory to the righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously. – Isaiah 24:13-16

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Vain is the Help of Man
Give us help from trouble: For vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: For he it is that shall tread down our enemies. – Psalm 60:11-12

If Thine Heart Be Wise
My son, if thine heart be wise, My heart shall rejoice, even mine. Yea, my reins shall rejoice, When thy lips speak right things. – Proverbs 23:15-16

Posted in Hiding His Word

But I Will Sing of Thy Power

Posted on by Melissa Lynne
Psalm 59:16

Isaiah 19:1–21:17; Galatians 2:1-16; Psalm 59:1-17; Proverbs 23:13-14

But I Will Sing of Thy Power
But I will sing of thy power; Yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: For thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: For God is my defence, and the God of my mercy. – Psalm 59:16-17

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In That Day
In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD. And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them. And the LORD shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the LORD in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the LORD, and perform it. And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.

In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance. – Isaiah 19:19-25

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I Went Up By Revelation
Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. – Galatians 2:1-2

False Brethren Brought In To Spy Out Our Liberty
But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: and that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: to whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. – Galatians 2:3-5

Given the Right Hands of Fellowship
But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: but contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (for he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. – Galatians 2:6-9

Why Compellest Thou the Gentiles to Live as Do the Jews?
Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? – Galatians 2:10-14

By the Works of the Law Shall No Flesh be Justified
We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. – Galatians 2:15-16

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Withhold Not Correction
Withhold not correction from the child: For if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, And shalt deliver his soul from hell. – Proverbs 23:13-14

Posted in Hiding His Word

He Preacheth the Faith He Once Destroyed

Posted on by Melissa Lynne
Galatians 1:23-24

Isaiah 15:1–18:7; Galatians 1:1-24; Psalm 58:1-11; Proverbs 23:12

Unto the Churches of Galatia
Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) and all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. – Galatians 1:1-5

There Be Some That Would Pervert the Gospel of Christ
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. – Galatians 1:6-9

But I Certify You, Brethren…
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. – Galatians 1:10-12

Certify – to attest as being true or as represented or as meeting a standard; confirm; to inform with certainty; to guarantee

Beyond Measure I Persecuted the Church of God
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: and profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. – Galatians 1:13-14

But When it Pleased God to Reveal His Son in Me
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. – Galatians 1:15-19

He Preacheth the Faith He Once Destroyed
Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; and was unknown by face unto the churches of Judæa which were in Christ: but they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me. – Galatians 1:20-24

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And in That Day it Shall Come to Pass
And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean. And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim. Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel.

At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel. And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images. In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation.

Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips: in the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: but the harvest shall be a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow. – Isaiah 17:4-11

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Verily There is a Reward
The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: Verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth. – Psalm 58:10-11

Verily – in truth; certainly, truly, confidently

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Apply Thine Heart and Thine Ears
Apply thine heart unto instruction, And thine ears to the words of knowledge. – Proverbs 23:12

Apply – to put to use especially for some practical purpose; to bring into action; to lay or spread on; to employ diligently and with close attention

Posted in Hiding His Word

The LORD JEHOVAH is My Strength and My Song

Posted on by Melissa Lynne
Isaiah 12:2

Isaiah 12:1–14:32; 2 Corinthians 13:1-14; Psalm 57:1-11; Proverbs 23:9-11

The LORD JEHOVAH is My Strength and My Song
And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. – Isaiah 12:1-6

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Since Ye Seek a Proof of Christ Speaking in Me
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. – 2 Corinthians 13:1-3

Examine Yourselves, Whether Ye Be in the Faith
For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. – 2 Corinthians 13:4-6

For We are Glad, When We are Weak, and Ye are Strong
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. – 2 Corinthians 13:7-10

Be Perfect, Be of Good Comfort, Be of One Mind, Live in Peace
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy kiss. All the saints salute you. – 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, Love of God, Communion of the Holy Ghost, Be with You All
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas. – 2 Corinthians 13:14

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In the Shadow of Thy Wings Will I Make My Refuge
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: For my soul trusteth in thee: Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; Unto God that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me From the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. – Psalm 57:1-3

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Speak Not in the Ears of a Fool
Speak not in the ears of a fool: For he will despise the wisdom of thy words. – Proverbs 23:9

Posted in Hiding His Word

I Will Trust in Thee

Posted on by Melissa Lynne
Psalm 56:3

Isaiah 10:1–11:16; 2 Corinthians 12:11-21; Psalm 56:1-13; Proverbs 23:6-8

I Will Trust in Thee
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. – Psalm 56:3

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The Light of Israel Shall be for a Fire, and His Holy One for a Flame
Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood. Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire. And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame: and it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briers in one day; and shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standardbearer fainteth. And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them. – Isaiah 10:15-19

There Shall Come Forth a Rod Out of the Stem of Jesse
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: and the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. – Isaiah 11:1-10

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The Signs of an Apostle Were Wrought Among You
I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. – 2 Corinthians 12:11-13

I Seek Not Yours, But You
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your’s, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps? – 2 Corinthians 12:14-18

We Do All Things for Your Edifying
Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: and lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. – 2 Corinthians 12:19-21

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As He Thinketh in His Heart, So is He
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee. – Proverbs 23:7

Posted in Journal

Some Friends are for a Lifetime

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

Home from Yorktown, VA. It felt like a whirlwind – packing up our offices to get ready for the move and closing down our practice—two days of intense work. We traveled through a tropical storm to get there and on the way home a car came in our lane and we almost had a head-on collision. Whew! Our time ended with Dan and I visiting with our friend and my business partner. It has been 33 years of friendship and 30 years working together in York Family Therapy. What a ride. Many, many great years and laughs. A few tough years and tears. Today I walked away having said goodbye to the business, although there is still much I must do. Goodbye seems necessary to get it done.

I also walked away knowing unless God intervenes, in all likelihood, I will never see this man – my friend and business partner – again. So, I said everything over again that I needed to say and had already said quite a few times.

Can I tell you a little bit about this man? His is the most compassionate heart mixed with the most brilliant mind I have ever known. He has always been so giving and I always felt like he gave too much away. He always listened, laughed at me, and gave it anyway.

His mind is something else. He indeed has the mind of a genius…but today he couldn’t remember how to do the simplest of tasks or recall the best of memories. The hardest part of all though was when he told me he knew that he once could remember all of what he can’t today. He tried so hard but it wasn’t there. Trying made him very confused. You could see his despair and I tried to hide mine as best as I could.

He then leaned forward and said, “visiting hours are over.” Haha. I laughed but he was serious. So I prayed for him, hugged him, and told him I loved him and was so glad he was a part of my life. He smiled a little and thanked me for coming and all the work I did at the office. I said that is what friends do, right? And he said, yes. I said, well, then if friends do that, friends that are business partners should do double and for free. He looked at me funny. Did he understand? Hard to say…but I knew he always chuckled when I said things like that because he’s a giver and didn’t want to be outgiven (if there is such a thing).

Some friends you have for a lifetime, and even if your lives change drastically and work goes virtual, when you do see each other, you can pick up where you left off as best you can. The circumstances might be difficult, but somehow friendship has a way of flowing. I thought today’s visit would be hard, and some parts were, but most of it flowed despite circumstances and the hardest part (for me) was walking out that door.

Please pray for him and his family.