June 17 - Evening
"The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment;
he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind.
He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.
He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.
You covered it with the watery depths as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.
But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight;
they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them.
You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth."
- Psalms 104:2-9
he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind.
He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.
He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.
You covered it with the watery depths as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.
But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight;
they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them.
You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth."
- Psalms 104:2-9
Bless the Lord and Give Him Credit For His Great Works!
Psalm 103 began with the words, “Bless the Lord, O my soul” in reference to David’s soul remembering “all his benefits” concerning the redemption of man from his fallen state.
Psalm 104 begins the same way, “Bless the Lord, O my soul,” but this time is praising God for his work of creation (“stretching out the heavens like a tent”), revealing his splendor and greatness in creation (“covering yourself with light as with a garment”) and his daily maintenance of his creation (Psalm 104:14-25).
- 104:1 – The Lord’s invisible qualities – “splendor and majesty” – are seen in the light of our created universe. This is a similar characteristic that is seen in Genesis 1:3, “And God said, ‘Let there be light.’ And there was light.” This light was the same personal presence as identified in John 1:1-10.
- 104:2 – He stretched out the universe like a tent over his creation.
- 104:3 - Above the waters of Genesis 1:6-7 (Isaiah 40:22) the Lord laid the beams of his own private chamber and used the clouds as his personal chariot and the wind as a source of locomotion.
- 104:4 – Angelic beings appear from the spiritual dimension as natural phenomena such as wind or fire.
- 104:5 – Though the earth orbits in space the divine decree has established it in this stable orbiting position.
- 104:6 – Water covers the globe like a garment concealing the mountains and the valleys of the earth’s surface. (Genesis 1:2)
- 104:7-8 – The Lord transformed the surface of the earth causing the valley to enlarge and the mountains to rise higher. In this way the waters receded and land formation surfaced from under the waters. (Genesis 1:9-10)
- 104:9 – By his divine decree the Lord established boundaries for the water so that life could exist on the dry land that had appeared. (This is also seen in Job 38:9-10 and Jeremiah 5:22)
How tragic to ascribe the wonder creative works of the Lord and his daily provision and care them to a godless philosophy driven by random chance wand dominated by the heartless theory of survival for the fittest. No. Instead, remind yourself (your “soul”) of the wonderful, and, the obvious, manifestation of the splendor and majesty of your Lord who has clothed himself with light and designed the physical universe in which you now live.
Exaireo (Gr) – to cut out (Eng) – the Greek word exaireo is formed from the preposition
ex- (“out”) and the simple verb aireo which means “take, remove, seize.”
Together ex-aireo mean “out-take” or “out-remove.” Exaireo appears 5x in the NT:
• Matthew 5:29 – to exaireo your right eye
• Acts 7:10, 34 – to exaireo (rescue) out of trouble
• Galatians 1:4 – Jesus exaireo (rescued) us out of this evil age
• Acts 26:17 – Paul would be exaireo (rescued) out from his people
• Matthew 5:29 – to exaireo your right eye
• Acts 7:10, 34 – to exaireo (rescue) out of trouble
• Galatians 1:4 – Jesus exaireo (rescued) us out of this evil age
• Acts 26:17 – Paul would be exaireo (rescued) out from his people
Today I will look at all that God has created. I will stand amazed at His majesty!
Bible Reading Descriptions Here
Personal
USA and Israel relationship
Church
Conviction
Nation
Health care
World
Hungary
Someone to Quote
"Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary graces."
- Matthew Henry
- Matthew Henry
Something to Ponder
Saladin (1137-1193), a Kurdish Muslim, the first Sultan of Egypt and Syria, founder of the Ayyubid dynasty, a Saracen General and the Sultan of Damascus and Cairo said to Beha-ed-Din at Ashkelon in December 1188/January 1189:
"When God has given into my hands the rest of the Christian towns, I shall divide my State among my children; I shall leave them my last instructions and then, bidding them farewell, I shall embark on that sea to go and subdue the isles and the countries of the West. I do not want to lay down my arms until there is no longer a single infidel on earth."
"When God has given into my hands the rest of the Christian towns, I shall divide my State among my children; I shall leave them my last instructions and then, bidding them farewell, I shall embark on that sea to go and subdue the isles and the countries of the West. I do not want to lay down my arms until there is no longer a single infidel on earth."
Here’s a Fact
An early church document called Pseudo-Barnabas was written as early as 70 AD. The author of this book was familiar with the first three Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke; the Gospel of John was not written until 15 years later in 85 AD). The author is also familiar with the letters of Ephesians, 2 Timothy, Titus, Hebrews, 1 Peter and 2 Peter at that early date of 70-130 AD. We have documentation of these books being referred to, sited, or quoted very early in the second generation of Christianity, even while the Apostle John was still alive.
Proverb
"Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly." - Proverbs 17:12
Coach’s Corner
If you do not know where you are going, then you probably won’t get there. Have a purpose, set a goal and make a decision.
Jeremiah 3
New International Version (NIV)
3
“If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him and marries another man, should he return to her again? Would not the land be completely defiled? But you have lived as a prostitute with many lovers— would you now return to me?” declares the Lord.
2
“Look up to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been ravished? By the roadside you sat waiting for lovers, sat like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness.
3
Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen. Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to blush with shame.
4
Have you not just called to me: ‘My Father, my friend from my youth,
5
will you always be angry? Will your wrath continue forever?’ This is how you talk, but you do all the evil you can.”
Unfaithful Israel
6 During the reign of King Josiah, the Lord said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every spreading tree and has committed adultery there. 7 I thought that after she had done all this she would return to me but she did not, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it. 8 I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery. 9 Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood. 10 In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the Lord.
11 The Lord said to me, “Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah. 12 Go, proclaim this message toward the north:
“‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord, ‘I will frown on you no longer, for I am faithful,’ declares the Lord, ‘I will not be angry forever.
13
Only acknowledge your guilt— you have rebelled against the Lord your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every spreading tree, and have not obeyed me,’” declares the Lord.
14 “Return, faithless people,” declares the Lord, “for I am your husband. I will choose you—one from a town and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion. 15 Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. 16 In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land,” declares the Lord, “people will no longer say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the Lord.’ It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made. 17 At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the Lord, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the Lord. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. 18 In those days the people of Judah will join the people of Israel, and together they will come from a northern land to the land I gave your ancestors as an inheritance.
19 “I myself said,
“‘How gladly would I treat you like my children and give you a pleasant land, the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.’ I thought you would call me ‘Father’ and not turn away from following me.
20
But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, so you, Israel, have been unfaithful to me,” declares the Lord.
21
A cry is heard on the barren heights, the weeping and pleading of the people of Israel, because they have perverted their ways and have forgotten the Lord their God.
22
“Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.”
“Yes, we will come to you, for you are the Lord our God.
23
Surely the idolatrous commotion on the hills and mountains is a deception; surely in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel.
24
From our youth shameful gods have consumed the fruits of our ancestors’ labor— their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters.
25
Let us lie down in our shame, and let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the Lord our God, both we and our ancestors; from our youth till this day we have not obeyed the Lord our God.”
New International Version (NIV)
3
“If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him and marries another man, should he return to her again? Would not the land be completely defiled? But you have lived as a prostitute with many lovers— would you now return to me?” declares the Lord.
2
“Look up to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been ravished? By the roadside you sat waiting for lovers, sat like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness.
3
Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen. Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to blush with shame.
4
Have you not just called to me: ‘My Father, my friend from my youth,
5
will you always be angry? Will your wrath continue forever?’ This is how you talk, but you do all the evil you can.”
Unfaithful Israel
6 During the reign of King Josiah, the Lord said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every spreading tree and has committed adultery there. 7 I thought that after she had done all this she would return to me but she did not, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it. 8 I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery. 9 Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood. 10 In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the Lord.
11 The Lord said to me, “Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah. 12 Go, proclaim this message toward the north:
“‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord, ‘I will frown on you no longer, for I am faithful,’ declares the Lord, ‘I will not be angry forever.
13
Only acknowledge your guilt— you have rebelled against the Lord your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every spreading tree, and have not obeyed me,’” declares the Lord.
14 “Return, faithless people,” declares the Lord, “for I am your husband. I will choose you—one from a town and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion. 15 Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. 16 In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land,” declares the Lord, “people will no longer say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the Lord.’ It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made. 17 At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the Lord, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the Lord. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. 18 In those days the people of Judah will join the people of Israel, and together they will come from a northern land to the land I gave your ancestors as an inheritance.
19 “I myself said,
“‘How gladly would I treat you like my children and give you a pleasant land, the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.’ I thought you would call me ‘Father’ and not turn away from following me.
20
But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, so you, Israel, have been unfaithful to me,” declares the Lord.
21
A cry is heard on the barren heights, the weeping and pleading of the people of Israel, because they have perverted their ways and have forgotten the Lord their God.
22
“Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.”
“Yes, we will come to you, for you are the Lord our God.
23
Surely the idolatrous commotion on the hills and mountains is a deception; surely in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel.
24
From our youth shameful gods have consumed the fruits of our ancestors’ labor— their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters.
25
Let us lie down in our shame, and let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the Lord our God, both we and our ancestors; from our youth till this day we have not obeyed the Lord our God.”
Proverbs 26
New International Version (NIV)
26
Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool.
2
Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
3
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!
4
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.
5
Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
6
Sending a message by the hands of a fool is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison.
7
Like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
8
Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.
9
Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
10
Like an archer who wounds at random is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.
11
As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.
12
Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
13
A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!”
14
As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.
15
A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
16
A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer discreetly.
17
Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.
18
Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death
19
is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”
20
Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
21
As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
22
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
23
Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24
Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit.
25
Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.
26
Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.
28
A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
New International Version (NIV)
26
Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool.
2
Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
3
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!
4
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.
5
Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
6
Sending a message by the hands of a fool is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison.
7
Like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
8
Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.
9
Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
10
Like an archer who wounds at random is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.
11
As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.
12
Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
13
A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!”
14
As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.
15
A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
16
A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer discreetly.
17
Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.
18
Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death
19
is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”
20
Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
21
As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
22
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
23
Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24
Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit.
25
Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.
26
Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.
28
A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.