Tuesday, March 27, 2012

A WALK IN THE PARK


MARRIAGE ~ NOT JUST A WALK IN THE PARK ~
It’s for a lifetime.

Song of Songs 8:6-7(NLT)
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as enduring as the grave.
 Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame.
Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned


Saturday, March 24, 2012

THE ARMOR ~ Part 3


THE ARMOR ~ Part 3

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (Eph.6:14, NKJV)

The breastplate of righteous is a critical piece of armor, without this piece our heart would be unprotected.  Righteousness means to be in right standing before God or walking rightly before Him.  The righteousness of man comes from within his own heart.  Another way of putting it is; a person’s physical actions always start from the intentions of that person’s heart.

Luke 6:45(NKJV)
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Even the Lord Jesus Christ is portrayed as wearing a breastplate of righteousness.

Isaiah 59:17(NKJV)
For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, And was clad with zeal as a cloak.

For a clearer picture of the heart let’s reflect on the following verses:

Ezekiel 33:13(NKJV)
When I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, but he trusts in his own righteousness and commits iniquity, none of his righteous works shall be remembered; but because of the iniquity that he has committed, he shall die.

Psalms 19:14(NKJV)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.



Psalms 44:21(NKJV)
Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart.



Psalms 51:10(NKJV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.


Proverbs 4:23(NKJV)
Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.



1 Chronicles 28:9(NKJV)
“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.

Does your breastplate have you covered?




Wednesday, March 21, 2012

CATCHING FISH

CATCHING FISH

The son-in-laws will be elated to know that by the end of today the fishing boat is ready and waiting.  I personally do not fish.  My son-in-laws are well aware…they catch them, clean them, I cook them - eat them. The majority of the time they catch and release but if I really prod them, they will catch perch for a fish fry.  A lot of work has to be done before the fishing can begin and in addition to that, they did not become skilled fishermen on the first cast.
In Matthew and Mark – Jesus has called us to follow after Him and He will make us fishers of men.
Matthew 4:19(NKJV)
Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 


Luke 5:10(NKJV)
and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 


All of us have been given different talents and temperaments. 
Just as it takes different lures to catch different fish; so it is when we are seeking to tell others about the salvation message, the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Different types of believers are used to lure different types of lost souls…we are all needed in the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:19(NKJV)
For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 


1 Corinthians 9:22(NKJV)
to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 

Proverbs 11:30(NKJV)
    The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,      And he who wins souls is wise.


Daniel 12:3(NKJV)
    Those who are wise shall shine     Like the brightness of the firmament,     And those who turn many to righteousness      Like the stars forever and ever.

Let’s shine as stars as we catch fish.


Just as this is a work in progess, so are we and the fish we are endeavoring to catch.

Rev. Scott Visser has written a study on becoming fishers of men.  Click the link below for more information.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

THE SEASONS

THE SEASONS
Is it summertime?  Who would have thought in mid-March Michigan would be enjoying summertime.  Michigan does have the four seasons and winter seems to dominate.  However the trend has turned this year.  Hey, six to eight months of summer instead of winter is okay by me. 
The creator gave us the seasons and it marks time.  A timetable that is moving toward the coming of the Lord.  Thank God we are not stuck in Narnia as always winter. The turning of the four seasons mark for us yet another year of living our hopes and dreams before the ultimate dream is fulfilled.  The seasons are a covenant, a reminder of who the creator truly is.
Here are a few verses in regards to the seasons:
Genesis 1:14(NKJV)
Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 


Jeremiah 33:20(NKJV)
“Thus says the Lord: ‘If you can break My covenant with the day and My covenant with the night, so that there will not be day and night in their season, 


Psalms 104:19(NKJV)
    He appointed the moon for seasons;      The sun knows its going down.


Daniel 2:21(NKJV)
    And He changes the times and the seasons;     He removes kings and raises up kings;     He gives wisdom to the wise     And knowledge to those who have understanding.


Jeremiah 8:7(NKJV)
    “Even the stork in the heavens      Knows her appointed times;     And the turtledove, the swift, and the swallow     Observe the time of their coming.     But My people do not know the judgment of the Lord.


I found the end of verse 7 in Jeremiah 8 very thought provoking;  But My people do not know the judgment of the Lord.

It would seem the animals God created are more in tune with the creator than the people…how can that be?  Let’s tune into the One who has marked time for us…through the seasons.



Is it summertime?
Picture taken 3/17/12 in Michigan - Temperature 79 degrees 

THE ARMOR ~ Part #2

THE ARMOR ~ Part #2
… Each of our daughters’ was captivated by this series of lessons covering the Armor of God.  I think they were greatly impacted because of the protection and power that was revealed as each piece of armor was described to them. 
We left off in part one of The Armor, learning about the different levels of evil.  Part #2 we are going to begin concentrating on verses 13-14.
Ephesians 6:13-14 (NKJV) Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 
·         To withstand means to:  oppose or resist (G436)
·         Evil is defined in (G2476 – Greek meaning – Strong Concordance) :  From a derivative of G4192; hurtful, that is, evil (properly in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from G4550, which indicates degeneracy from original virtue); figuratively calamitous; also (passively) ill, that is, diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, that is, derelictviciousfacinorous; neuter (singular) mischiefmalice, or (plural) guilt; masculine (singular) the devil, or (plural) sinners:—bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked (-ness)
·         Stand means:  abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (G2476)…did you notice the word continue, you cannot stop!
The NIV version says; with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.
What was the belt used for in the Roman army?
The belt—known as the cingulum or balteus—played a crucial role in the effectiveness of a soldier's armor. It was the belt that held the scabbard, without which there would be no place to put a sword. Imagine an overzealous soldier, fired up and charging out into battle—but without his belt, and consequently without a weapon!
In addition, the Nelson Study Bible says from the belt "hung strips of leather to protect the lower body." The Matthew Henry Commentary says the belt "girds on [secures] all the other pieces of our armor." Truth should cleave to us as a belt cleaves to our body.[i]

John 8:32(NKJV)
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
When we know the Word of God it will set us free!!
To be continued


[i] http://www.freebiblestudyguides.org/bible-teachings/armor-of-god-belt-of-truth.htm
i



Thursday, March 15, 2012


I have entitled this gift basket:  Taking Time For Two

WE PROMISE ~ 18 Foundational Stones for an Unshakeable Marriage
9-week interactive study of marriage ~ endorsed by The National Christian Counselors Association


This makes a great gift for:
Wedding Showers
Weddings
Anniversary
Valentine Day

We Promise is also a great resource for:
Pastors & Counselors
Small Group Studies


This gift basket is entitled:  Digging Deeper Together

You may purchase your copies of We Promise by clicking on link below:


or at Amazon, Barnes & Noble

BEACH DAY



Michigan is experiencing the warmest March in the history of record taking weather.  Yee Haw…since I am Michigander who lives on a lake, I say bring it on.  Truly I am ready for tropical Michigan.  Yesterday it reached a whopping 80 degrees and the extended forecast for the next 7 days is high 70’s to low 80’s.  You can bet your bottom dollar there will be beach goers this weekend.  In fact my husband has been working on our dock in hopes of putting it in the water on Monday.

When you head to the beach this weekend or summer and walk across the sands, remember that the Lord has numbered each grain.  Not only that, but He thinks of you more the number of grains of sand!

Psalms 139:13-18(NLT) 
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. 
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! 
I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you 
are still with me!



Tuesday, March 13, 2012

THE ARMOR

Years ago when we were raisings our daughters’ one of the Sunday School lessons that greatly impacted them was, The Armor of God. In fact I remember you could buy dress-up costumes of the Armor of God.  Each of our daughters’ was captivated by this series of lessons covering the Armor of God.  I think they were greatly impacted because of the protection and power that was revealed as each piece of armor was described to them.  Part of the teaching they received on the Armor of God was to include memorizing Ephesians 6:10-23.  I am truly amazed at the importance that was placed on this lesson. Due to the fact that I helped them memorize this passage the individual pieces of armor are forever etched in my mind.  I would consider myself a seasoned believer, who has heard thousands of sermons.  As I began to contemplate Ephesians 6:10-23 it occurred to me as an adult I have not heard The Armor of God preached that often.  I do believe it is time for to draw your attention to this incredible passage and as an adult digest the awesome wealth that is portrayed within this scripture.
Ephesians 6:10-23
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 
for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; 
whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 
Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Paul introduces us to the Armor of God by using an incredibly impactful group of words - be strong in Lord and in the power of His might. 
  • Strong means:  to empower:—enable, (increase in)
  • Power means:  vigor [“great”], (literally or figuratively):—dominion, might [-ily], power, strength.
  • Might means:  forcefulness (literally or figuratively):—ability, might ([-ily]), power, strength.
Paul makes evident what will transpire before he even goes on to describe putting on the armor of God and what each piece represents.  We are also urged to put on all of the pieces of armor because that is the only way we can ward off (stand:  abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up) the schemings, trickery, methods, (wiles) of the devil.  Although it may appear that we fight against other humans or circumstances in life there is a spiritual war going on and many of us ignore that this is the reality.
Verse 12 says:  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  
Four different types of powers are mentioned in verse 12 that we need to be aware; otherwise just the devil would have been mentioned but it appears that there are levels of evil and we would be wise to know what these levels are.  The Bible says in Hosea 4:6;  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.  Gaining knowledge is a vital key when engaged in spiritual warfare.
Is there a hierarchy (privates, sergeants, majors, generals, etc.) within the demonic kingdom of Satan?
In responding to this question, let us first examine a series of verses commonly used to support the theory of a "hierarchy" in the demonic realm. These will be analyzed in terms of their meaning and possible support for a hierarchy of demons. A number of key word studies will be included to give further insight into their intended meaning by the Biblical writers. Finally, this evidence will be summarized and critiqued.

Which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. (Eph. 1:20-21, NIV)

This could be taken as a simple reference to authority in general: earthly, spiritual, implied, explicit. The point is that Christ has been exalted above ALL authority and dominion. This complements Col. 1:16 which makes a very similar point. Paul's mention of "every title" distinct in the list from "rule and authority" or "power and dominion" states a difference between titles and these other items. This suggests that rule, authority, power and dominion are not titles for demonic positions. Paul also mentions "the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms" (Eph. 3:10, NIV) which, in context, could be either angelic or demonic. Nevertheless, they do point to different roles.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Eph. 6:12, NIV)

Of all the verses cited, this one comes the closest to "proving" some hierarchy within the demonic world. In this passage, Paul is discussing the struggle with Satan. Ephesians 6:12 denotes a struggle or conflict that believers will face in the world. The struggle is not with people, though people are often used as instruments of evil. Since the struggle is not with humans, the members of the spiritual realm are clearly in view. He mentions "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Since the only evil spiritual forces are fallen angels, Paul is clearly giving an account of the demonic "army" we face.
It would be natural to assume some hierarchy or grouping of the opposing force in a battle. This could simply be an exaggerated emphasis by Paul regarding the depth of the struggle -- each word or phrase being a restatement of the previous one. I believe the verse suggests different roles among the demonic beings. As John P. Newport observed, "Paul deliberately seems to employ a vague and varied terminology in regard to these powers. He alternates between the singular and plural forms of several of the words." (Montgomery, John Warwick. Demon Possession, Trinity Press, 1994.)
In conducting word studies, the following analysis indicates real distinctions in the terms Paul used:
  Rulers - From Strong's Concordance, "rulers" translates "arche" with a variety of possible meanings including a commencement, or chief (in various applications of order, time, place or rank):--beginning, corner, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule. The implication of this word is one who is the head or "in charge". It also appears first in the list which could indicate its preeminence.
  Authorities - From Strong's Concordance, "authorities" translates "exousia" (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subj.) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (obj.) mastery (concr. magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence:--authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength. This word indicates those with powers or influence in this age where evil exists.
  Powers of this dark world- From Strong's Concordance, "powers" translates "kosmokrator" indicating a world-ruler or an epithet of Satan. "dark" translates "skotos" indicating obscurity (literal or figurative) or darkness. "world" translates "aion" meaning an age; by extension perpetuity (also past); by implication the world. So this phrase would indicate those who rule in this present age of darkness or evil. It seems to indicate spiritual forces with a very high stature or perhaps a wide area of responsibility.
  Spiritual forces of evil - From Strong's Concordance, "spiritual" translates "pneumatikos" meaning non-carnal, e.g. supernatural or spiritual. "forces of evil" translates "poneria" meaning depravity or wickedness. Obviously, Paul is talking about spiritual beings on the side of evil.
While these terms might have been used as restatements of the general reference to demonic beings, I believe the word study shows strong distinctions in the types of references such that one is not simply a restatement of the other. They could actually be titles or positions of the demonic order. They could also be roles that are carried out by different demons. Regardless, I would order these terms from most to least important as follows:
  Rulers - these would be the "generals" in the Army of Satan.
 Powers of this dark world - these would be "commanders" or "captains."
  Authorities - these might equate to "lieutenants."
  Spiritual forces of evil - this phrase may refer to the "GI Joe soldiers" or the basic rank and file members.

The admonition by Paul to put on the full armor of God is a wise precaution. These terms regarding demonic forces point out the breadth of power they can exercise against the believer.

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. (Col. 1:16, NIV)

The picture in this chapter and verse is the supremacy of Christ. Paul's use of "thrones or powers or rulers or authorities" could and should be read to include human, angelic, and demonic powers. Christ is supreme over all. Christ created all for Himself. Does it explicitly or implicitly suggest a hierarchy of demonic beings? No, it does not. It merely enumerates various authorities which, in context, must include both the forces of good and evil.
Paul used the phrase "rulers [arche] and authorities [exousia]" in several other passages. In Ephesians 1:21, Christ is seated at the right hand of God far above all "rule and authority" meaning human, angelic, or demonic. A similar reference is made in Colossians 2:10. In Ephesians 3:10, the mystery of the Church reveals the wisdom of God to the "rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms," indicating both angelic and demonic beings. Paul's uses "rulers and authorities" in Ephesians 6:12 to mean specifically demonic beings. And, in Titus 3:1, Paul uses this phrase in reference to human authorities. It appears to indicate a role in the human or angelic realm (or both) rather than a type of angel or a title.
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Col. 2:15)
Paul is certainly referencing Satan's forces through the terms "powers" and "authorities." These were the forces defeated at the cross. Again, they could refer to different roles performed or different hierarchical levels. It is not clearly stated as such in this verse. "Powers" is elsewhere translated "rulers" in the New International Version. This verse is important for the believer in spiritual warfare since it emphatically affirms the victory we have in Christ. The war has already been won by our Lord Jesus Christ! We are on the winning side and nothing can change that.
In summary, it can be said that Paul definitely indicates distinctions in the angelic realm, for those on the side of good and of evil. These distinctions are made consistently in his epistles. They are sometimes applied to human beings (Titus 3:1). As such, they should not be taken as a reference to different types of angels since humans are not angels at all. They may refer to roles or positions in the angelic realm. This would mean that the angels of God are organized similarly to the fallen angels. There is, however, no clear verse which would indicate an actual hierarchy of positions. Though Ephesians 6:12 comes the closest to delineating such a hierarchy, it is ambiguous because of the vagueness of the terms used.
It might be inferred, from a human perspective, that since there are distinctions between demons that some sort of hierarchy must exist. This is a rather weak argument since it requires the application of the human need for leadership and organization to the angelic realm. One could point to other passages, such as Revelation 12:7 and 12:9, which reveal Satan leading the band of fallen angels. This is at least a two-level hierarchy. But this is the only clear reference in Scripture that I can find to an actual hierarchy of positions among the demons.
Whether a hierarchy or series of related roles exist among the demonic or not, it is clear that the believer should accept the reality of demons and respect their scope of power. The believer should also accept that our Lord Jesus Christ has won the war against Satan. Always, we live with the assurance that "the one [Christ] who is in you is greater than he [Satan] who is in the world: (1 John 4:4). [i]
We will continue on with this study in part #2  check back.






Wednesday, March 7, 2012

THE BRIDE WHO FORGOT IT WAS HER WEDDING DAY

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
Can you imagine the dream:  you’re the bride your wedding day is quickly approaching; you wake up in a panic.  As you lay on your bed, “what day is it”?  A sigh of relief, what a terrible dream you just had.  You have forgotten your wedding day.  The stage was set everything was ready but you, no wedding dress, flowers to carry, your hair is not done and your shoes are missing.  The day was finally here and you missed it, the most important day of your life.  Thank God it was only a dream.  What bride would ever forget her wedding day!  Church have you forgotten your wedding day?
We (the church) like this bride are to be preparing our selves for that day, our wedding day!  When Jesus Christ comes for His bride.  The groom, Jesus is coming for His Bride (us). 
 Am I ready?  Is my dress without spot or wrinkle?  Where are my shoes?  These questions could go on and on.  What is the solution?  How do we ready ourselves?  How do we become full of anticipation?  What is the Bible’s prescription to cure us from the complacency the “church” (us) has fallen into?
1 Peter 1:13-16 will aid us in revealing how to prepare for our groom.
(1 Pet 1:13 NIV)  Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
  • Prepare your minds for action.  Phil. 4:8 says:  (Phil 4:8 NIV)  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.  We can also read; (Isa 59:17 NIV)  He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.  (Eph 6:17 NIV)  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
  • Be self-controlled.   (1 Pet 5:8 NIV)  Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  9  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10  And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.   (Eph 4:22 NIV)  You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  Eph. 4:29  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  30  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  31  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  32  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  5:1  Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children  2  and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  3  But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.  4  Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.  5  For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (Eph 4:25 NIV)  Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.  Also read James 1:19-27, 3:13-18.
  • Set your hope.  Col. 3:1  Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  2  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  3  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  Heb.6: 19  We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,  20  where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.  (Heb 11:1 NIV)  Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
(1 Pet 1:14 NIV)  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
  • Be obedient.  (Rom 1:5 NIV)  Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.  (Rom 6:16 NIV)  Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness  (2 John 1:6 NIV)  And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.   (Deu 6:3 NIV)  Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.  (Deu 6:24 NIV)  The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today.  If you read in Deut. Chapters 6-11 and chapter 29-31 deal with blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience and they are while worth studying on how to walk obediently before our God.  (1 Sam 15:22 NIV)  But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
  • Do not conform.  (Rom 12:2 NIV)  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.  (1 Pet 1:14 NIV)  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
  • Do not be ignorant.  (Hosea 4:6 NIV)  my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. "Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.  (Eph 4:18 NIV)  They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.  (1 Tim 1:13 NIV)  Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.  (1 Pet 1:14 NIV)  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
 (1 Pet 1:15 NIV)  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;  (1 Pet 1:16 NIV)  for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
  • Be Holy.  To be holy is to be set apart-consecrated to God for His purpose and His use.  (Rom 11:16 NIV)  If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.  (Rom 12:1 NIV)  Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. (Col 3:12 NIV)  Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  (1 Th 4:7 NIV)  For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.  (2 Tim 1:9 NIV)  who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,  (Titus 1:8 NIV)  Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.  (Heb 12:14 NIV)  Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
The Holiness of the Lord God is beyond our comprehension. Isaiah recognized this . 
Isaiah 6:1  In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.  2  Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.  3  And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."  4  At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.  5  "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."  6  Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.  7  With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."  8  Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
There have been a few times in my life when I entered into a very Holy presence of the Lord.  I was privileged to enter into this Holy place through praise and worship.  I can but grasp a small vision of the presence Isaiah took part of.  This presence reflected such holiness, I wanted to crawl into a hole and hide and make sure no one could see me.  I became so aware of the true sinner I was and so unworthy of God’s Holy presence.  But His word says:
(1 Pet 2:9 NIV)  But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  Eph. 2: 4  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,  5  made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.  6  And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,  7  in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.  8  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--  9  not by works, so that no one can boast.  10  For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
The Wedding Day is approaching, what are we doing to make ourselves ready?