Blessed Be the Name of the LORD Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, and said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. Job 1:20-22
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Depart from Evil and Do Good Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell for evermore. For the LORD loveth judgment, And forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: But the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell therein for ever. Psalm 37:27-29
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The Desire of the Slothful Killeth Him The desire of the slothful killeth him; For his hands refuse to labour. He coveteth greedily all the day long: But the righteous giveth and spareth not. Proverbs 21:25-26
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Desire Spiritual Gifts, But Rather that Ye Prophesy Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 1 Corinthians 14:1-5
Revelation or Knowledge or Prophesying or Doctrine Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?1 Corinthians 14:6-8
Words Easy to Understand So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 1 Corinthians 14:9-11
Seek that Ye May Excel to the Edifying of the Church Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 1 Corinthians 14:12-14
I Will Pray with the Spirit and I Will Pray with the Understanding What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 1 Corinthians 14:15-17
Yet Shew I Unto You a More Excellent Way Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:27-31
The More Excellent Way Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Charity • suffereth long • is kind • envieth not • vaunteth not itself • is not puffed up • doth not behave itself unseemly • seeketh not her own • is not easily provoked • thinketh no evil • rejoiceth not in iniquity • but rejoiceth in the truth • beareth all things • believeth all things • hopeth all things • endureth all things • never faileth 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
That Which is in Part Shall Be Done Away With but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 1 Corinthians 13:8b-10
But Then Shall I Know When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Corinthians 13:11-12
Faith, Hope, Charity And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; 1 Corinthians 13:13a
But the Greatest of These… but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Corinthians 13:13b
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Purim And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them; because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them; but when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them, the Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year; and that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed. Esther 9:23-28
Mordecai – Great Among the Jews For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed. Esther 10:3
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Proud, Haughty Scorner Proud and haughty scorner is his name, Who dealeth in proud wrath. Proverbs 21:24
“Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names Who acts with overbearing and insolent pride. Proverbs 21:24 AMP
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Rest in the LORD Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: But those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: Yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psalm 37:7-11
Concerning Spiritual Gifts Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 12:1-3
Diversities of Gifts, But the Same Spirit Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Dividing to Every Man Severally as He Will For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11
As the Body is One, and Hath Many Members For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 1 Corinthians 12:12-17
God Set the Members Every One of Them in the Body But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: and those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 1 Corinthians 12:18-25
And Whether One Member Suffer, All the Members Suffer with It And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 1 Corinthians 12:26
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Think Not With Thyself That Thou Shalt Escape In today’s reading of Esther, Haman devised a plan to destroy the Jewish people, and he convinced the king to go along with it. Neither knew that Esther was a Jew. In agony, Mordecai sent word to Queen Esther, pleading for her to intervene for her people. She said she couldn’t because going before the king without invitation could mean death. Mordecai sent this familiar and powerful message to Esther. It is a message that is for us even today in our current world situations.
Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:13-14
And Esther responded:
Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. Esther 4:15-16
Is this not a message to us all for today? It is not coincidental that these verses are in our reading today. Should we not respond in this very same way? Should we not fast, pray, and raise our voice against evil to save our people (our brothers and sisters in Christ)? Should we not know that if we hold our peace now that they will see great deliverance but we set ourselves up to be destroyed? Should we not see and know that God has us at this place at this time for such a time as this? Should we not be willing today to do whatever it takes…and if we perish, we perish???
Heavenly Father, Help our family!!! As we have seen through Your Word today, when one member suffers, we all suffer. It affects us all. Help our brothers and sisters that stand face-to-face with evil today. Protect and deliver them, Lord. Help our family here to use our power, authority, voice, and our lives to stand in the gap and fight (in prayer and in the natural), no matter the costs. God help us all to see You brought us into our place in Your Kingdom for such a time as this. Please help us, Holy Ghost! Help me…In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen!
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In Thy Light Shall We See Light Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; And thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; Thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; And thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: In thy light shall we see light. Psalm 36:5-9
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He That Followeth After Righteousness He that followeth after righteousness and mercy Findeth life, righteousness, and honour. Proverbs 21:21
My Tongue Shall Speak of Thy Righteousness I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people. Psalm 35:18
And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness And of thy praise all the day long. Psalm 35:28
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The King Asks for Counsel The book of Esther begins with king Ahasuerus throwing a banquet to show off his wealth. He requests queen Vashti to come so that he can show her off, and she refuses. The king is furious and asks his wise men for counsel regarding Vashti and her disobedience.
And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.
For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not. Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king’s princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.
If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she. And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.
And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan: Esther 1:16-21
Search for a New Queen The king did as counseled. Over time, his anger waned, and he became lonely. His counselors suggested that he find a new queen, and they suggested he bring in the fair, young virgins of the kingdom to prepare them for his search. The king was pleased with this and the search began and Esther was brought to the palace.
So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. Esther 2:8-9
Esther was brought to the palace and gained favor with Hegai, the keeper of the women. But as her Uncle Mordecai instructed her, she didn’t let anyone know that she was Jewish.
Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it. Esther 2:10
Esther Becomes Queen – Mordecai Overheard a Plot When it was her turn to meet the king, Esther didn’t ask for special privileges or gifts. She went before the king, and the king was pleased and loved her. He selects her the new queen. A grand celebration begins.
Meanwhile, Mordecai sat at the king’s gate and overheard two eunuchs plotting to assassinate the king. He lets queen Esther know of the plot. She tells the king and lets him know this information came from Mordecai. The men were found guilty and hanged, and all the details of this specific event were written in the book of the Chronicles.
Haman is Promoted – Mordecai Refuses to Bow to Him King Ahasuerus promoted Haman and commanded his servants to bow before this man. Mordecai refused, and when the people questioned him, he let them know he could not bow to anyone because he was a Jew. It got back to Haman that Mordecai not only refused to bow but that he was a Jew, and Haman was enraged. He developed a plot not only to kill Mordecai but all of the Jewish people.
Justification to Kill the Jews Haman goes to the king and justifies why Mordecai and all Jews needed to be killed. The king agrees, gives Haman his signet ring (his authority), and he also gives him the funds to do as he pleased. In others words, the king tells Haman to make it happen.
And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them. If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries. And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy. And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee. Esther 3:8-11
The People Mourn – The King and Haman Celebrate Haman sends letters out to all the provinces that on a certain day of the twelfth month, all Jews will be killed. Confusion and mourning cover the land as the king and Haman sit down and have a drink together.
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Precious Treasure and Oil There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man spendeth it up. Proverbs 21:20
There is precious treasure and oil in the house of the wise [who prepare for the future], But a short-sighted and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it. Proverbs 21:20 AMP ______
I Hear that There be Divisions Among You Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. 1 Corinthians 11:17-22
In Remembrance of Me For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Let A Man Examine Himself Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 1 Corinthians 11:27-34
Separated from Israel All the Mixed Multitude On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever; because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing. Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude. Nehemiah 13:1-3
Tobiah Given a Great Chamber (in the Courts of the House of God) And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah: and he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests. But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king: and I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber. Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense. Nehemiah 13:4-9
Portions of the Levites Had Not Been Given Them And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field. Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place. Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries. Nehemiah 13:10-12
Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof. Nehemiah 13:14
Profaned the Sabbath Day In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?Nehemiah 13:15-17
Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. Nehemiah 13:22b
Marrying Strange Wives In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: and their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people. And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin. Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives? And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me. Nehemiah 13:23-28
Nehemiah Cleansed Them Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business; and for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good. Nehemiah 13:30-31
Remember me, O my God, for good. Nehemiah 13:31b
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Be Ye Followers of Me, Even as I Also am of Christ Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1-2
But I Would Have You Know But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. 1 Corinthians 11:3-16
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My Soul Shall Be Joyful in the LORD And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: It shall rejoice in his salvation. All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, Yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him? Psalm 35:9-10
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A Ransom for the Righteous The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, And the transgressor for the upright. Proverbs 21:18
The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, And the treacherous in the place of the upright [for they fall into their own traps]. Proverbs 21:18 AMP
Flee From Idolatry Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? 1 Corinthians 10:14-18
Ye Cannot Drink the Cup of the Lord, and the Cup of Devils What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? 1 Corinthians 10:19-22
All Things are Lawful for Me, But All Things Are Not Expedient All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
Expedient – Suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance; characterized by concern with what is opportune
Edify – to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge; build, establish; uplift, enlighten, inform
The Earth is the Lord’s, and the Fulness Thereof Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. 1 Corinthians 10:25-26
For the [whole] earth is the Lord’s, and everything that is in it. 1 Corinthians 10:26 AMP
Paul was quoting here from Psalm 24
The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein. Psalm 24:1
Asking No Question for Conscience Sake If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 1 Corinthians 10:27-30
Do All to the Glory of God Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31-33
1 Corinthians 10:31
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Singers Over the Business of the House of God The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God. For it was the king’s commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day. – Nehemiah 11:22-23
Praise and Give Thanks According to the Commandment of David And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward. – Nehemiah 12:24
Ezra the Priest, the Scribe These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe. – Nehemiah 12:26
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The Lord Redeemeth The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: And none of them that trust in him shall be desolate. – Psalm 34:22
The Man that Wandereth The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall remain in the congregation of the dead. – Proverbs 21:16
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Singers Over the Business of the House of God The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God. For it was the king’s commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day. Nehemiah 11:22-23
Praise and Give Thanks According to the Commandment of David And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward. Nehemiah 12:24
Ezra the Priest, the Scribe These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe. Nehemiah 12:26
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The Lord Redeemeth The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: And none of them that trust in him shall be desolate. Psalm 34:22
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The Man that Wandereth The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall remain in the congregation of the dead. Proverbs 21:16
For Thy Great Mercies’ Sake Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations. Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.
But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies; and testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law:
yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear. Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.
Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God. Nehemiah 9:26-31
A Sure Covenant And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it. Nehemiah 9:38
A Curse and an Oath And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding; they clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes; Nehemiah 10:28-29
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The Angel of the LORD The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them. Psalm 34:7
Psalm 34:7
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Servant Unto All that I Might Gain the More For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Run, That You May Obtain Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
That Rock was Christ Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 1 Corinthians 10:1-5
These Things Were Our Examples Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 1 Corinthians 10:6-9
Neither Murmur Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 1 Corinthians 10:10
Murmur – A mumbled or private expression of discontent; to complain in a low tone or in private
Ensamples Written for Our Admonition Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:11-13
Ensample – Example
Example – a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated or avoided; serving as a warning to others
Admonition – Counsel, advice, or caution
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Whoso Stoppeth His Ears Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. Proverbs 21:13
When the Wise is Instructed, He Receiveth Knowledge When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. Proverbs 21:11
When the scoffer is punished, the naive [observes the lesson and]becomes wise; But when the wise and teachable person is instructed, he receives knowledge. Proverbs 21:11 AMP
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Ezra Brought the Law Before the Congregation And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose. Nehemiah 8:2-4
Ezra Opened the Book; Ezra Blessed the LORD, the Great God And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: and Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Nehemiah 8:5-6
The Joy of the LORD is Your Strength So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:8-10
And the Seed of Israel Separated Themselves And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God. Nehemiah 9:2-3
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Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the LORD Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; And the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; He considereth all their works. Psalm 33:12-15
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Am I Not an Apostle? Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 9:1-2
Mine Answer to Them that Do Examine Me Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, Have we not power to eat and to drink? Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? 1 Corinthians 9:3-7
Saith Not the Law the Same Also? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 1 Corinthians 9:8-10
They Which Minister About Holy Things Live of the Things of the Temple If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 1 Corinthians 9:8-13
The Counsel of the LORD Standeth Forever The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Psalm 33:10-11
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Knowledge Puffeth Up, But Charity Edifieth Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. 1 Corinthians 8:1-3
We Know an Idol Is Nothing in the World As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:4-6
Howbeit There is Not in Every Man that Knowledge Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 1 Corinthians 8:7-8
Take Heed Lest Your Liberty Becomes a Stumblingblock But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 1 Corinthians 8:9-10
When Ye Sin So Against the Brethren, Ye Sin Against Christ and through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. 1 Corinthians 8:11-13
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The Way of Man The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right. Proverbs 21:8
Froward – willfully contrary; not easily managed
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Think Upon Me, My God Nehemiah as governor, could have taken from the people but instead, because of the burden the people were already under, he did not. He took all the resources needed for himself and the 150 in his household. All he asked was that the Lord remember what he did.
Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people. Nehemiah 5:19
O God, Strengthen My Hands Over and over, Sanballat and Tobiah asked Nehemiah to meet with them. Over and over, Nehemiah refused. So they made up rumors that the reason he built the wall was that he was setting himself up to be king. They once again asked him to come and meet with them. Nehemiah instead sent his answer to them and prayed to God.
Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. 9 For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. Nehemiah 6:8-9
My God, Think Thou Upon These According to Their Works Then prophets came to tell him that he would be killed that night and go with them to hide in the temple. Nehemiah, though, discerned that these “prophets” were not sent by God but hired by Sanballat and Tobiah to prophesy against him. They wanted him to be afraid and in fear, then sin. If he sinned by entering the temple to save his life, they could report it to the people, and the people would turn away from him. Nehemiah prayed.
My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear. Nehemiah 6:14
The Wall was Finished and Our Enemies Perceived This Work was Wrought of Our God So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God. Nehemiah 6:15-16
A Mind to Work So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4:6
This verse reminded me of another:
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10
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Mercy of the Lord to Be Faithful Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. 1 Corinthians 7:25
This is Good for the Present Distress I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; and they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. 1 Corinthians 7:26-31
That Ye May Attend Upon the Lord Without Distraction But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: but he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
He that Giveth Her in Marriage Doeth Well; But He that Giveth Her Not in Marriage Doeth Better But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. 1 Corinthians 7:36-38
Liberty to Be Married But Happier If She Doesn’t The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 7:39-40
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The Thoughts of the Diligent The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance and advantage, But everyone who acts in haste come surely to poverty. Proverbs 21:5 AMP
Diligent – Constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything; done or pursued with persevering attention; characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort
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He Will Instruct Me and Teach Me in the Way I Should Go I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Psalm 32:8-10
Psalm 32:8
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Oh Lord, please give us (individually, as a church body, and as a nation) minds to work as You have instructed us and taught us, with all diligence and without distraction. Guide us today, Holy Ghost, and give us a great understanding of Your will and your ways. Please have mercy on us and give us hearts that would trust in You no matter what this day holds. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen!
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