Author: Melissa Lynne

Posted in Hiding His Word

Better Than Rubies

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

One Year Bible passages – Exodus 26:1-27:21; Matthew 25:1-30; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 8:1-11

Secret Places
And thou shalt hang up the veil under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the veil the ark of the testimony: and the veil shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy. – Exodus 26:33

This passage reminds me that because of the price Jesus paid on the cross, there are secret places with the Lord, available to those who seek Him.

Pure Oil
And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. – Exodus 27:20

There was a pure oil that burned and brought Light that was to never go out. Oil the symbol of the Holy Ghost. God charges us to remain faithful and diligent to “keep the lamp burning.” As those who are to be reflections of His light (light-bearers), we are only able to do God’s work through the power and strength granted by the Holy Ghost, who lives within and fills them.

Stewardship
“For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” – Matthew 25:29

Stewardship is important to Jesus. How I handle what He’s given to me matters. The servants who stewarded well received back more and was entrusted with more. We all have a calling in our lives. You have one and I have one. What I do with my calling, my purpose, my life. What I do with my gifts matter. We have been given freedom to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ; we have been given the opportunity to reflect Jesus along our way. How are we doing with that? How am I? it matters to the Master.

Hesed
I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities; – Psalms 31:7

David rejoiced in God’s lovingkindness. His Hesed. He has joy because he knows that God has seen his affliction and has known his troubles. God knows our troubles too. Not only because He knows all things, but because He came to earth as a man and lived and endured all the things we endure. He suffered loneliness, rejection, pain, sickness, hunger, abuse, torture, and even death. He experienced the utter sorrow of being cut off from God’s love. But these things happened so that we would have a perfect High Priest who understood our sufferings. Those sufferings brought us to God, that we may live with Him eternally.

Wisdom
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. – Proverbs 8:11

I can desire many things – houses, land, relationships, riches, gifts, easy life, peace. But the best thing I can ever desire is WISDOM. The Word tells me here that nothing compares to it.

Father, I come before You today, so thankful for all that You have given to me. Thank You for Your Hesed that sent Your perfect Son, Jesus, into this world to pay a price I could not pay for my sins. Thank You, Jesus! Thank You for Your Instruction through Your Word. You said if we lacked wisdom to ask for it. Lord, I ask for more wisdom that I may live in holiness and that I may be able to go into the secret places You have set aside for those that seek You with their whole hearts. Thank You, Lord, that if I steward the things You have given – prayer, study of Your Word, obedience to Your voice, yield to Your Holy Ghost, love for Your Son…that more will be given. Father, if You never gave me another thing, You have given me LIFE, and I am so grateful, and I love You so much. Thank You for always meeting me here as I seek You more and more. Increase my desire for Your Word and all Your ways. Help me to avoid temptations that may throw me off of Your perfect path for me. Help me to bear Your Light faithfully today and that Your reflection through my life will touch someone. I ask this all in Jesus’ holy and precious Name. Amen! Amen

Posted in Hiding His Word

Obey, Watch, Attend, Remember, and (once again) Hearken!

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

One Year Bible passages – Exodus 23:14-25:40; Matthew 24:29-51; Psalm 30:1-12; Proverbs 7:24-27

Hearken – to hear and to give heed or attention to what is said; to listen
Listen – to give pay attention; heed; obey; to wait attentively for a sound
Attend – to take care of; minister to ; devote one’s services to; to wait upon; watch over; to be present at

Obey the voice of the angel
Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. – Exodus 23:20-22

Many times we are unaware of what God has given us. He gives us His Word. He provides us Pastors and other ministers to guide and direct us. He gives us the Holy Ghost to teach us and comfort and be with us every step of the way. And He gives us angels. In Exodus, God told them that He had given them An Angel. They couldn’t see the angel, but they were to listen and obey his voice.

Of angels, Hebrews 1:14 says, they are ministering spirits sent to serve us (who will inherit salvation).

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

We are never alone. We have Holy Ghost who is always with us. And we have angels to do their assigned work on His behalf and for our good. In Exodus, we learn that the angel of God bears His Name. And so if the Israelites were to hear and heed the voice of His angel, so should we hearken if an angel speaks, and we should always, always hearken to what the Holy Ghost says because that is God Himself speaking.

Watch as the Day approaches
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” – Matthew 24:35-39

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” – Matthew 24:42-44

No one knows when Jesus will return. No one except the Father. It will be as in the days of Noah. No one knew until it was on them. Even Noah did not know, but Noah did know to listen and hearken unto the voice of God. God instructed Noah to get on that ark and take his family and the animals as Noah had to hearken to the voice of God we too have to hearken. We do not need to worry about when the end is coming. We need to work for the Kingdom of God as though it were today and listen and do everything that God instructs us to do.

In His favour is life
Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. – Psalm 30:4-5

Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper. – Psalms 30:10

Such beautiful promises that his anger endureth but a moment, in His favor is life, and joy cometh in the morning. How do we obtain His favor? Praise Him!!! Remember His holiness!!! Hearken unto His voice!!! Know that even if you are in a season of weeping, it is only a season, and His joy is coming. Ask Him to have mercy and help you in the “night” season, but have faith in what He has promised is coming in “the morning.”

Hearken Unto Him; Attend to His Words
Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. – Proverbs 7:24-25

Over and over in Proverbs, we are told to hearken unto the voice of God and His Word.

Father, Thank You for Your Word today. Thank You that You give us exactly what and who we need along this path. Thank You that You sent Your Holy Ghost to be with us and that You sent those that would write this very Word that we may hear Your instruction. Thank You that You sent angels to protect and work on our behalf. Father I don’t see the angels, but I have faith that they are there. Sometimes I feel so lonely, but I know I am not alone because the angels and Holy Ghost are in and around. Father, help me truly hearken to Your voice, Your Word, and those You send to speak to me. Help me to wait attentively while working diligently and faithfully for You and Your Kingdom. Lord, would you set me on FIRE for You and the things of You. Would You give me holy zeal to share the Gospel? Would You teach me Your Word and fill me with compassion and seal me into the secret places of prayer as even You sealed Noah into the ark. I love You, Father, and I love Your Son, Jesus. I love Holy Ghost, who is even the One helping me to ask this prayer. Fill me again today Holy Ghost that I may be pleasing and an imitator of Christ. Oh, Holy Ghost, help me reflect Jesus to this lost and dying world. In Jesus Name, I ask and pray. Amen! Amen!

Posted in Hiding His Word

Warnings and Promises

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

One Year Bible passages – Exodus 21:22-23:13; Matthew 24:1-28; Psalm 29:1-11; Proverbs 7:6-23

The price for hurting widows and orphans
Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. – Exodus 22:22-24

WARNINGS FROM MATTHEW 24:4–12

Don’t let anyone deceive you
“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

Many will come in My Name
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Wars and rumors of wars
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

People will rise up against people; even earth warns
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Just the beginning
All these are the beginning of sorrows.

You will be hated for My Name
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

Offense, betrayal, hate are common
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

Many false prophets shall deceive
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Sin will be common so love will grow cold
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

PROMISES OF MATTHEW 24:13-14

Promise – endure and you will be saved
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Promise – the Gospel will be preached in ALL the world and THEN the end will come
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” – Matthew 24:4-14

Will signs and wonders deceive you?
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” – Matthew 24:24

Everyone will see the coming of Jesus
“For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.” – Matthew 24:27-28

Sin promises much but delivers only death
With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. – Proverbs 7:21-23

Promise – strength and peace
The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. – Psalms 29:11

My Father and my God, I come before You today to thank You for Your Word, Your warnings, and Your promises. Help me to put them within my heart that they may guide and encourage me today and in the days to come. Thank You for sending Your precious Son, Jesus, that I may live eternally with You. Thank You for sending Your Holy Ghost to comfort, guide, and strengthen me. Touch my family with Your healing, and touch me with Your wisdom and divine knowledge. Show Yourself mighty in our nation today. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen! Amen!

Posted in Hiding His Word

His Law is the Apple of My Eye

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

God gives His Law: He is Holy
And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. – Exodus 19:16

And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. – Exodus 20:18-21

God wants a face-to-face meeting with the Israelites to give them His law. When it is time for the meeting, they become afraid. An up-close encounter with God can be as troubling as it is comforting. God is a holy God, and Israel couldn’t see, feel, hear God, and not be acutely aware that He is altogether perfect and holy, and they were not.

Jesus confronts distortion of God’s Law – Be Ye Holy
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.”

“Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” – Matthew 23:25-26; 28

The leaders of Jesus’ day were more concerned with what others thought than faithful obedience to God’s Law. These leaders knew the law and knew it very well. The law (as we read in the passages today from Exodus) was given by a loving God instructing a people who had never lived any way but as slaves. They needed direction and guidance.

Now, fast forward to this passage in Matthew. Jesus is angry because the religious leaders have taken His law and are now using it to control people rather than to teach them to be holy, as He is holy. How often do I fall into this same trap? Clean me up, Lord, that I can be holy as You are holy. As a child of God, I ought to desire to be pure and holy rather than to appear so.

God’s Law is the Apple of My Eye
Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. – Proverbs 7:2-3

Treasure, honor and share His commands. Keep them. Bind them into everything you do. Love His commandments always. They are the “apple of my eye,” and I have written them on my heart.

He is My Strength and Shield
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed. Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever. – Psalms 28:7-9

David learned that God would not fix everything or make everything perfect for him. But, God would give David protection and strength to fight and overcome his trials. I am so thankful that God does the same thing for us.  God doesn’t promise to fix every problem we face, but oh yes, He does promise to give us what we need to overcome them.

Passages for today: Exodus 19:16-21:21; Matthew 23:13-39; Psalm 28; Proverbs 7:1-5

Oh Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your Word. Thank You for your instruction and guidance. Thank You that it was given in Love because You are Love. Help me to show that same Love. I want to be Holy as You are Holy, Lord. Please shine Your Light on those things in my cup that needs cleaning. Please help me to cease worrying about the outside of my cup and what others think about that. Help me to focus on You. I love Your Word. Holy Ghost, help me to always treasure, honor, and LOVE it. I cannot do it without You filling me again and again. Father, You are my strength and my shield. I love you, Jesus. My Eternal God, I thank You for sending Your precious Son to pay the ultimate price on the Cross that I can even ask for Your Help and thank You and praise You today. Please help me to hold fast against the trials and temptations that come against me today. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen! Amen!

Posted in Hiding His Word

Thy Face, Lord, Will I Seek

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

One Year Bible passages: Exodus 17:8-19:15; Matthew 22:34-23:12; Psalms 27:7-14; Proverbs 6:27-35

Lift their arms
And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. – Exodus 17:11-12

Honor the leaders and serve them by holding up their weary hands. Realize that you have no idea all that the Father has placed as assignments in their lives, even as they have no idea the full extent of your call. Honor. They are chosen for the purpose of leading, shepherding, teaching. Honor them.

Teach me Thy way
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.. – Psalms 27:8, 11

Don’t play with fire (sin)
Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? – Proverbs 6:27-28

Accept and give yourself no titles
“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” – Matthew 23:8-12

Abase – To reduce or lower, as in rank, office, reputation, or estimation; humble, degrade

These verses make me pause. They are the Words of Jesus, and as the Psalm today says, they teach and lead on a plain path. They cause me to pause and think on what I allow others to call me. No one calls me Rabbi or Master, but do I ever glory when a title is attached? Do I ever long to be called, as others are called, with titles that exalt in some way. No, that should not be. We all are brothers and sisters. We are all chosen but not chosen because we are better than others. We are chosen for a purpose. We are in this together as the body and God placed us as He desired…brothers and sisters…. and we should leave it at that.

Heavenly Father, You have told me to seek Your face, and Your face have I sought today. Thank You for your presence and Your Word. Help me today to honor You by exalting You and You alone. Help me not to desire any form of exaltation. Help me honor my leaders and serve them by holding up their hands as Aaron and Hur did for Moses but not placing any tempting and burdensome titles upon them. Help me to avoid the pitfalls of the enemy lest I grab hot coals because they entice me while all the while expecting not to be burned. I ask for discernment today. I ask for wisdom and knowledge. Help me to walk in holy fear that I may avoid those coals. Let all I do today glorify You and honor You. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen! Amen!

Posted in Hiding His Word

Diligently Hearken to His Voice

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

Today in our Bible reading, we heard the complaints and murmurings of the children of Israel. They didn’t like the struggles of the wilderness and would have given up their freedom and their Promised Land for an easier path.  Truly it is amazing how the Word of God so often a mirror exposing my own heart.

Jesus did the same thing to us through the reading of the New Testament. His stories seem to always become the stories of our lives. 

How many times do we have freedom and we knew  God rescued us, but then things get difficult again? And in difficulty, our hearts are exposed. Things intensify, and it is evident that we too, would trade our gift of  liberty for slavery. We would choose slavery over freedom because slavery might be more comfortable than bondage. It might be easier temporarily, but bondage will kill us in the end.

This is true of the Israelites, but it doesn’t take much time or effort to recognize it also in my own lives.

To live victoriously and free I believe we will have to fight for freedom. The fight is to resist the enemy and learn to trust Him alone. Now, once you are set free things may get harder for a season but even so…nothing can be taken from you. You can give it back to the enemy as the Israelites thought they wanted to do but if you just stand…nothing can be taken. You know WHO you belong to, and you know that He is the Most High God. For eternity, forever,  you will be His child and in fellowship with Him. He is our Promised Land.

But until we know that we know that, we will just keep making circles in the same wilderness, going around and around while God tries to teach us lessons we refuse to learn. Help us, Father!!!

Today’s reading – Exodus 15:19 – 17:7, Matthew 22:1-33, Psalms 27:1-6; Proverbs 6:20-26

If Thou Wilt Diligently Hearken to the Voice of the Lord…

He shall heal me
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee. – Exodus 15:26

And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? – Exodus 16:28

He shall call and choose me
Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen. – Matthew 22:8-14

He shall hide me
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. – Psalms 27:1, 3, 5

He shall lead, keep, and talk with me
My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: – Proverbs 6:20-23

Oh, eternal Father, help me I pray to learn the lessons I need to learn in this wilderness. Help me to yield that I can draw ever closer to You and my Promised Land. Help me to diligently hearken to Your voice and to be obedient once I hear. Help me to focus only on You and the abundant gifts you give. Lead and guide me through this day, Holy Spirit. Heal me of my infirmities. Deliver me from the mind battles that try to take me off the path You have chosen for me. Seal this Word and let it grow in my spirit. I ask this all in the Name above all Names. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Posted in Hiding His Word

The Lord is a Man of War

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

The passages for today from the One Year Daily Bible are: Exodus 13:17 – 15:18; Matthew 21:23-46; Psalms 26; Proverbs 6:16-19

PASSAGES THAT SPOKE TO ME

Free, but still a work to be done in the wilderness
And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. – Exodus 13:17-18

Free, but still a battle to be fought
And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. – Exodus 14:11-14

Free, but still a work to be seen
Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses. – Exodus 14:30-31

Free, but still a song to be sung
Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name. – Exodus 15:1-3

The children of Israel were free, and they went from slavery to the desert toward the Promised Land. They were free, but God didn’t take them the easiest and quickest route. There was a work to do in the desert, and the desert season for them would last over 40 years. Like the Israelites, I should embrace my desert seasons because there are so many lessons to be learned there.

One lesson is that even when I do everything right, many times, things get worse. In those times, the only thing I need to do is shut my mouth (stop complaining) and watch God fight and win these (His) battles.

A nation bringing forth the fruits thereof
Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. – Matthew 21:43

In the passages today, Jesus told the disciples, all that were listening, and that only those who produce the fruit and give it to its rightful owner will receive a reward in the end. Am I producing fruit with the Gospel that has been entrusted to me? I must be about the Father’s business, and I must bear fruit – for His GLORY!

I will bless the Lord
Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men: In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord. – Psalms 26:9-12

Seven things the Lord hates
These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. – Proverbs 6:16-19

Oh, my Father, You are a Man of War. Thank You that You fight my battles and don’t leave me alone to do it. Thank You for leading and guiding me through this day. It hasn’t been an easy one, but You knew it wouldn’t be. Help me to keep my eyes on You and to do Your work assigned to me while there is time. Touch my mind and spirit Holy Ghost and keep me in Your presence where I know there is fulness of JOY. I love You, Jesus. Amen! Amen!

Posted in Hiding His Word

Let Me Not Be Ashamed

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

Passages for today: Exodus 12:14-13:16; Matthew 20:29-21:22; Psalm 25:16-22; Proverbs 6:12-15

The Lord brought us out
And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the Lord did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt. And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the Lord’s law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the Lord brought thee out of Egypt.

And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the Lord brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage: 
-Exodus 13:8-9, 14

That our eyes may be opened
And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. – Matthew 20:30-34

Let me not be ashamed
O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. – Psalms 25:20-21

Broken without remedy
A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord. Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy. – Proverbs 6:12-15 KJV

Read the same verse in the Amplified Bible. It gives some clarity.

A worthless person, a wicked man, Is one who walks with a perverse (corrupt, vulgar) mouth. Who winks with his eyes [in mockery], who shuffles his feet [to signal], Who points with his fingers [to give subversive instruction]; Who perversely in his heart plots trouble and evil continually; Who spreads discord and strife. Therefore [the crushing weight of] his disaster will come suddenly upon him; Instantly he will be broken, and there will be no healing or remedy [because he has no heart for God]. – Proverbs 6:12-15 AMP

Thank You, Lord, that you are my God! Thank you that you brought me out of the bondage of the enemy and that you are not left me ashamed while I trust in you and Your mighty hand. Thank You that You preserve me as I wait on You! Father, thank You so much that You sent Your Son, Jesus, as the remedy for my brokenness. Thank You for Your Word that gives me Life. Oh, today, I just want to thank You and say I love You, Jesus! I love You, Father! I love You, Holy Ghost.

Posted in Hiding His Word

The Way You Choose for Me

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

Today’s passages: Exodus 10:1-12:13; Matthew 20:1-28; Psalms 25:1-15; Proverbs 6:6-11

That you may know that I am the Lord
And the Lord said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him: And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the Lord. – Exodus 10:1-2

Everything that God was doing, all the plagues, the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart was not just to change Pharaoh so he would let God’s children go. It was also, maybe even more so, for the Israelites. A sign that the Israelites and their children and their children’s children and all the generations to come would know that He is the Lord. THAT YOU MAY KNOW “that I am the Lord.”

Many are called, but few are chosen
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Many people are called to follow Jesus and do God’s work. God uses all types of people in many different ways. The reason only a few are chosen is that when people are called, they don’t respond, or they choose to ignore the call. Many want Jesus, but they don’t want the duty of following Him. We must go when we are called and do it speedily. If we don’t, we will miss the great opportunity and great blessing of following and serving Him.

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. – Matthew 20:16, 22-23

The Son of Zebedee and their mother did not know what they were asking. When Jesus asked them if they could drink of His cup and be baptized in His baptism, they replied, “We are able.” What was the cup and the baptism? It was a cup and a baptism of suffering for the sake of the Kingdom. It was also a cup of death…the cup of God’s wrath.

It is interesting to note what happened in the lives of these two sons. James was beheaded in Jerusalem. He was the first of the disciples to be martyred. He drank from the cup of death. John did not die a martyr although he gave his life willingly to the Lord to die a martyr, a miracle of God spared him, he was baptized in the baptism of suffering. He was hated and persecuted. He was exiled to the Island of Patmos. In Rome, they tried to kill him by plunging him into boiling oil. But John did not die. He escaped, and because of the miracle and escaped from death, he went on to plant churches and write books of the Bible.

Teach me, O Lord!
Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. ~ Psalms 25:4-5

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and testimonies. ~ Psalms 25:10

What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. ~ Psalms 25:12

Oh Lord, give me a holy fear and teach me in the way You choose for me! Teach me Your paths and Your truths, my God!

Provide and Gather
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. ~ Proverbs 6:6-8

Do everything you can today to make sure you have a harvest and be prepared to gather it.

Heavenly Father, I thank You that You have called and chosen and are teaching me. I ask You to give me strength day-by-day to follow and serve You. Help me to hide Your Word today and to get in so deep in my heart that it will do an excellent work and never leave me. Your Word is my bread Lord, and I pray that in season it will bring forth a great harvest. Holy Ghost, I ask You to go where I can’t go and touch those in my family and community that need You. Bring conviction and repentance to our hearts. Bring revival to our homes and churches, and nation. Bring revival to me, Jesus. I know You order my steps, and I ask You to use me as You will today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

Posted in Hiding His Word

The Things that Bind

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

Today in the One Year Bible, we read these passages: Exodus 8-9; Matthew 19:13-30; Psalms 24; Proverbs 6:1-5.

Our promises that bind us

And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the Lord had spoken by Moses. – Exodus 9:34-35

We, like Pharaoh, often make cry out to God when we are in distress. We make promises and take vows only to break them when the crisis is over—making a promise to God, though is binding. Making a promise to others is just as binding. We should be people known for keeping our word.

Our wealth that binds us

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. – Matthew 19:16-24

The rich, young ruler wanted to serve God. He obeyed the commandments and came to Jesus seeking eternal life. But the young ruler had great wealth, and Jesus offered him the same thing he offered his disciples. “Come and follow me!” Only, he told him first to sell all he had and give it to the poor. And what is one of the saddest verses in the Bible was the verse about this young ruler’s response. “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” His identity was in the things he had accumulated. Is ours? Would we be willing to not only stop accumulating wealth but to give it all away to have eternal life? Jesus offers us the same thing He offered this young man. “Come and follow me…”

Our dirty hands and heart bind us

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. – Psalms 24:3-5

If you want to enter into the holy places of God, you must have clean hands and a pure heart. You must live in holiness. Sin of any kind cannot and will not stand in His holy place!

Our debt binds us

My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler. – Proverbs 6:1,5

This proverb speaks of debt. Debt, even incurred while helping another, can lead to problems. We shouldn’t  live beyond our means. If we find though that we have  overextended, it’s time as this proverb teaches us, to get it taken care of. Get to work and settle your debts because it binds your to other people o institution in ways that make your more vulnerable to corruption.

This passage isn’t just a warning for the poor with debt. Very wealthy people who accumulate huge debt are even more vulnerable to corruption. They can do harm to themselves, their families, and other people because their creditors have so much power over them and can pressure them into compromise. Debt, no matter how innocently or wickedly incurred, can bind us to the world systems and the enemy while drawing us farther and farther away from God.

Thank You, Lord, for yYour Word, Your warnings, Your wisdom, and Your teaching on some of those things that can bind us. Our promises, our wealth, our sin, and our debt. Help us to take and heed Your Words and what You have revealed today that we may be free. Thank You that You have told the devil to “Let Your people go!” and that we can live in that freedom if we do not turn and bind ourselves again to the enemy. Lord, help us to be bound only to You!!! Thank You for Your blood and the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, that we may have eternal life and live victoriously through Him. I love You, Jesus. Reveal to us, Holy Ghost, any other areas in our lives and our hearts that are still bound to this world. In Jesus holy Name I pray. Amen! Amen!