Posted in Hiding His Word

The Nazarite (one who is separated)

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

Numbers 6:1-2 – And the Lord spake unto Moses saying, speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, when either man or  woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the Lord.

Mark 12:11 – When they shall lead you and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

Mark 13:13 – and ye shall be hated by all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Psalm 49:15 – But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.

Psalm 49:20 – Man that is in honor and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.

Proverbs 10:27a; 28a – fear of the Lord prolongeth days; hope of the righteous shall be gladness.

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The Lord is speaking to me today about the Nazarite. I feel like I have separated myself unto the Lord. I pray that God helps me to be found faithful in all that He requires and asks me to do. Please God give me strength and help in this hour, from Your Word or from any source You chose. Please God give me discernment.

The Nazarite (means one separated) was a person who was separated completely to the Lord. Absention from wine, the symbol of natural joy, was the expression of  devotedness which found all it’s joy in the Lord. The long hair of the Nazarite, was naturally a reproach to others.  It was a visible sign of the Nazarite’s separation and willingness to bear reproach for the Lord’s sake. The Nazarite found the perfect fulfillment in Jesus who was holy, harmless, undefiled, “separate from sinners” and utterly set apart to the Father and allowed no mere natural claim to hinder or divert Him.

Scripture references for above statements:

Wine an expression of joy –

Psalm 104:15a – and wine that maketh glad the heart of man

Joy in the Lord –
Psalm 97:12 – Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. 
Habakkuk 3:18 – Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will joy in the God of my salvation. Philippians 3:3 – For we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:10 – But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

Hair as a reproach to men –

1 Corinthians 11:14 – Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

Holy, Harmless, Separate –

Hebrews 7:26 – For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens. 

Set apart to the Father –

John 1:18 – No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
John 6:38 – For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

No natural claim will hinder him –

Matthew 12:46-50 – While he yet talked to the people, behold his mother and his brethren stood without desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother and sister ad mother.

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These passages and the study regarding the Nazarite was a real encouragement for me. Often this walk is so difficult because of the loneliness. Sometimes for me though the loneliness is right in the middle of a crowd. Often it seems there is no where to fit. I don’t fit with one crowd or the other. Lord help me! I ASK YOU, PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS and TO BE CONTENT WHEREVER YOU MAY HAVE ME. In JESUS Name. Amen!!!

Must Everything Change?

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To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; He hath made every thing beautiful in his time. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, 11a

Everything must change. Just as God created the earth to move from one season to the next, He will also allow changes and seasons in our lives. Some of these changes, like the seasons, are expected, beautiful, and welcome. Others come unexpectedly, unwanted, and leave us wondering what to do next.

We tend to equate the winter season with death and the spring season with life. Although it may appear and feel that way in the natural, there is actually just as much life in the dormant seed as in the brightest bloom.

The answer to all of our changes and our changing times is to put our faith in God, who does not change! King Solomon said that God makes “everything beautiful in his time.” He will transform the winter season of your life into spring…in His time. When we accept changes and trust His timing, asking the Lord to show us the beauty and purposes of even our hardest seasons, our faith will grow and we will experience transformation like the landscapes of spring.

Posted in Hiding His Word

that I might not sin against Thee

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

These are the Scripture passages I am hiding in my heart.

Matthew 10:1 – And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Isaiah 53:5 – But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and with His stripes we are healed.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Revelations 4:8 – And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within; and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty, which was and is and is to come.

Luke 6:19 – And the whole multitude sought to touch Him; for there went virtue out of Him and healed them all.

John 11:35 – Jesus wept.

Psalm 103:2-3 – Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all His benefits who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.

Luke 4:40 – Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them, and healed them.

1 Peter 2:24 – Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

James 1:1-10 – James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. It any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: but the rich in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

 

 

 

Don’t Complain!

Don’t complain!!! Most especially don’t complain or murmur regarding leadership or align yourself with this form of rebellion. If you do, you are flowing in the same demonic spirit that caused the earth to open up and swallow a people. (see all of Numbers 16) This is how my morning conversation with the Lord and my daily Bible reading began.

“The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.” ~ Proverbs 11:6

“Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.” ~ Psalm 54:2

“And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.” And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? Behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marveled. – Mark 15:3-5

“Then Pilate said unto them, why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly. Crucify Him. And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. – Mark 15:15

God has really let me know without a doubt that He has indeed given “ear to the words of my mouth.”  He has been speaking about my words, the words of others, and His Word.

He wants me to check and deal with what I allow into my heart, words of others and my own thoughts. He wants me to be careful and purposeful regarding what I allow myself to meditate on. The Holy Spirit has shown me specifics in my life that create and allow an atmosphere of sin to develop. This kind of environment breeds thoughts in my head and an attitude in my heart that eventually leads to words coming out of my mouth that displeases Him. I noticed while reading in Numbers that is said the sin of the “children of Israel provoked the Lord.”  I believe although He is a God that loves and is long-suffering, that we provoke Him so much. We grieve the Holy Spirit. I am incredibly thankful for His mercy.

Over the years I have looked back at my life and wished I could go back and make changes. Why??? Because I wish there had been a different outcome to some areas of my life because hopefully I would live my life for a different result.  I have regrets that involve every area: marriage, family, friends, money, job. Looking at ALL my regrets from this vantage point, it is easy to see where I took the wrong path that led to the undesired outcome. Hindsight is 20/20, they say…they are right. But it would be good if we could use our regrets to learn some valuable lessons.

We can never go back and change or take away, but we can from this moment forward keep the outcome in mind when we make our choices. Today is the day to stop living in the “past” and live our nows with eyes on the “eternal” and outcomes in the future that are pleasing…be it outcomes of good word or deed  or meditation. Today we can make choices that will bear for us reward or bear for us regret in the future. If we chose correctly on this day we won’t have to wish we had done something or said something differently tomorrow.

As it regards this, I need to make decisions that are very purposeful – based on the Words of the Bible and everything; even the words of my mouth and my thoughts should mirror a Christ like life.

When Christ did not address the Chief Priest or Pilate to address the accusations of the people, His silence was very purposeful. I also believe that Pilate surely came to a place of regret that he was “willing to content the people” when it came to his moment of decision. I think, if we aren’t careful we will find ourselves standing before the altar guilty of that same sin and it could be consequences of a snap decision that we did not think through before we spoke or acted. Always, always our words and thoughts and actions just must line up with the Word.

Each person will be accountable for their own words, thoughts and deeds and as it said in Proverbs today, transgressors will be “taken in their own naughtiness.”  We have definitely had our warning.

A few of the ways we use words that displease the Lord:

  • Words of unbelief
  • murmuring
  • leading others to murmur
  • slander
  • evil report
  • denying Christ
  • complaining
  • gossip

Thanks for reading. This is some of what the Holy Spirit spoke to me today through my daily reading of the One Year Bible.

So, what has the Lord been speaking to you today?

Posted in Hiding His Word

The Power of Testimonies – Luke 24:8-12

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. ~ Luke 24:8-12

Early in the morning after Jesus’ burial, a group of women went to the tomb and found Jesus gone. They were greeted by an angel who reminded them of Jesus’ promise of resurrection. Then Luke records an astonishing detail: after they had remembered Jesus’ words, the women believed and went to share the good news with the disciples and “all the rest.” But, the disciples didn’t believe them.

Their testimonies were enough though to make Peter get up and investigate. He ran to the tomb and saw that Jesus was not there, but the linen cloth was, and Peter left “wondering” what had happened. We know that Peter later became a man of great faith, but isn’t this amazing – God used a few women in Peter’s life whose testimonies stirred him to get him to question, investigate and wonder.

Is there someone with whom you’ve shared the truth about Jesus that hasn’t yet believed? Do they think you or your faith seem crazy or excessive? Do they doubt your testimony? Don’t be discouraged. Keep telling them about Jesus, what you’ve seen and all He’s done for you. Maybe your testimony is what the Holy Ghost is going to use to stir someone to question, investigate and wonder about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection for themselves.

Posted in Hiding His Word

You Give Them Something to Eat!

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

This is a blog post I wrote in March of 2013. I came across it this morning and it made me cry out with a new burden but also thankfulness for all God has done and is doing in my life. Sorry, this is so long but if you know me… this is my heart!!!

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He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom He loved. Selah.”  ~ Psalm 47:4

The Lord has been so gracious to allow me to be in His presence in places where He has chosen to show up through His signs, His wonders, and His miracles. I know I am blessed and that He has used these times and situations to increase my faith. I have seen miracles of healing, miracles of food multiplied, I have experienced and seen deliverance from depression and anxiety and addiction. I long for the day that those that are God’s own children will not be as those from Jesus’ hometown, expecting so little and so receiving and seeing little of God’s power in their lives and communities.

I think so many think of God as sooooo familiar. Meaning they think they know all there is to know because they have sat in church and think they know all the stories. The Bible says though that the stories could fill volumes though so no way we could know them all. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. John 21:25. Yes, in many ways God is familiar but in many, many more ways or probably most ways, He is a God that we can not define or put into our little box or our little human minds. He is infinite and yet reachable. He can reach out to the most scholarly yet has made His gospel simple enough for a very small child. He is a mystery and yet tells us He wants to be known. He is magnificent but humble; the Lion and also the Lamb.

After a wonderful Sunday where God moved through our pastors to give the Word, I am pondering today His call on my life and how to apply His Word. I know in part what God can do and am confident in the Word and that He can do infinitely more….but there are times when I wonder how it will all come to pass since I wasted so much of my life and talents and resources on temporal things and the roadblocks seem endless. Will I go to my grave reminding myself not to look back with regret? Will these roadblocks turn out to actually be the steps to what has been prepared?  Though I am a person that is pretty focused and committed still, I wonder sometimes. I was thinking along these lines this morning, and I felt my Father pose a question to me. He told me upfront that it was hypothetical, but He told me to take it seriously nonetheless. The question was this…Excluding praise and worship, reading my Bible and prayer and excluding all other human opinion, if I could do only ONE thing of service for Him all the rest of the days of my earthly life, what would I do and why?

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It was early, so I had the time at 4:30am to ponder these things, but it wasn’t necessary. I immediately knew my answer. If I could only do one thing of service — I would feed the hungry.  I know you think now I am talking feeding the hungry physically and spiritually, but I am actually mostly talking in the physical.  I would feed the hungry real solid food and pray that God, in His mercy, would give me also an opportunity and ways to feed them spiritually as He saw their need and mine.

Why?

Because long before He told me to preach or pray, He told me “you give them something to eat” from Matthew 14:16, Mark 6:19, and Luke 9:13. When God spoke this to me, it was one of the first times I ever heard God speak directly to me through His written Word. It stuck with me. On looking over these last years, I have found that from my obedience to “you give them something to eat”  has come most of the miracles, signs, and wonders that I have been allowed to see and from obedience to that command, I have been given opportunity to share the Word and pray with people, and I have been able to see people saved. Real true lasting fruit. From obedience to that command I have met people that live in their cars and in the woods, and I have also met hungry ministers. I have been allowed to minister to those that have given their lives for the Gospel but found themselves being fed through my hand, but in that moment of divine appointment (and I believe that is what it was), I found them there feeding me in such beautiful ways. Truly I tell you, from obedience to that command “you give them something to eat” I, myself, have been fed and sustained by God and have felt the presence and LOVE of GOD HIMSELF through them toward me. It was never just me allowing the love of God through me. He gave me love through them.

I find myself now in a season where I am removed and separated at least for a time from that kind of ministry and there are days I grieve terribly. Not because I miss a ministry but because I miss the people and what they brought into my life. I miss the faith that desperation brings into a people. I miss the mutual need. God transformed my heart of prejudice and gave me love and acceptance and compassion. He gave me understanding. In return, so many of the people also accepted me and loved me back. For so many once a month I was a friend or a mama or a prayer partner. They were daily in my prayers, and that prayer created a bond. I look for them always when I drive the streets of Gastonia. I am so hopeful when I don’t see them out there. I made it a point to know their names and their children’s names and their situations and their hearts. I miss their hearts. I miss their hugs. I miss their stories. I miss how they bonded to others and how they helped their neighbors. They grabbed the concept we know as “church” so much better than most. They were rich in ways I think few know.

…..

A verse that struck me this morning during those early hours with the Lord was this: Psalm 47:4, “He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom He loved. Selah.”  I have always loved that promise. I have always asked the Lord for the nations, but my inheritance is His choice. When someone leaves you an inheritance, it is their choice as to what they leave each person. The poor and the poor in spirit are my inheritance…this I know though I can’t fully explain all of what that means yet or how my wonderful Father wants me to take care of this precious gift he leaves me.

Selah! [pause, and calmly think of that]

 

Posted in Hiding His Word

Set Your Mind – Daniel 10:12

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

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“Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.” ~ Daniel‬ ‭10:12‬

Chasten – to inflict suffering upon for purposes of moral improvement; chastise; to restrain; subdue.

Chastise – to discipline.

Remember that the moment that you go before the Lord to pray, God responds. You spend time humbling yourself as you continue in prayer to breakthrough the objections of the enemy.

So therefore set your mind.
Set your mind to seek the Lord.
Set your mind to consecrate yourself.
Set your mind to live godly.
Set your mind to rid yourself of what’s holding you back.
Set your mind to honor God in all you do.
It’s your decision.
Set your mind.

Daniel did just that. He did as Scripture directs and saw the results of 2 Chronicles 7:14-16. He Humbled himself and prayed.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. ~ 2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14-16‬

Posted in Hiding His Word

Notes to Self from Psalm 1:1-3

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” ~ Psalms‬ ‭1:1-3‬

Notes to Self from Psalms 1

1. Being around Godly counsel ensures safety
2. Meditating on the Word of God ensures a renewed mind
3. Everything you do prospers IF you keep #1 and #2 at the forefront of my mind

Posted in Hiding His Word

Chosen

Posted on by Melissa Lynne

God has been continuing to speak to me today about those that are chosen, the elect, those He has gathered.  There were other things as well, but these are the passages that struck my heart as I was reading.

Numbers 8:6 – Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them.

Numbers 8:10-11 – And thou shalt bring the Levites before the Lord: and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites: and Aaron shall offer an offering of the children of Israel, that they may execute the service of the Lord.  

Numbers 8:16 – For they are wholly given unto me from among the children of Israel; instead of such as open every womb, even instead of the firstborn of all the children of Israel, have I taken them unto me.  (these were the chosen, the firstfruits of the people set apart for God)

Numbers 9:8 – And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the Lord will command concerning you. (an example of the prophetic ministry of Moses)

Mark 13:20b but for the elect’s sake, whom He hath chosen, He hath shortened the days.

Psalm 50:5 – Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made the covenant with me by sacrifice.

Proverbs 10:29a; 30a – The way of the Lord is strength to the upright. The righteous shall never be removed.

Elect – to pick out, choose. To select by vote for an office. To determine in favor of. Selected. Chosen by God.

Chosen – elect; selected; preferred, pick.

Gather – to bring together into one group, collection, or place. To bring together or assemble; collect gradually. To pick or harvest. Pick up piece by piece.

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Proverbs 50:23 – Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me; and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of the Lord.

Off topic but I didn’t want to leave this out. The Word is so rich with instruction for our lives. Those that offer these praises and glorify Him, choosing to order their steps and conversations so as to be shown the salvation of the Lord will surely be set apart ones, so guess not really off topic after all.

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Help me today Jesus to be content with where you have me in this life. Help me to always strive for Your best for me but to cease striving in my own strength to be liked or accepted or included. Help me to always be aware that Your presence accompanies me, Holy Spirit, even in those most lonely moments of this life when I can’t sense it. Help me to trust totally in Your Word regarding that. Love to you, my Friend and Counselor. I pray this in the precious and glorious Name of Jesus. Amen!