Making

Making wise 

Psalms 19:7 

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

Making many books 

Ecclesiastes 12:12 

Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.

Making supplication 

Daniel 6:11 

Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.
Making covenant 

Hosea 10:4 

They make many promises, take false oaths and make agreements; therefore lawsuits spring up like poisonous weeds in a plowed field.

Making ephah small 

Amos 8:5 

saying, “When will the New Moon be over that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath be ended that we may market wheat?”— skimping the measure, boosting the price and cheating with dishonest scales,

Making Word of no effect 

Mark 7:13 

Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”

Making Himself equal with God 

John 15:18 

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

Making many rich 

2 Corinthians 6:10 

Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Our Help in Prayer

How should we cooperate with the Spirit’s intercession for us? First, we must recognize God’s authority, holiness, and glory. Then, we need to submit our lives to His leadership.
When we do, God’s will and desires become foremost in importance for us. Finally, we must submit our future to Him, trusting Him to bring great good out of negative as well as positive events in our lives. 

A Tale of Two Seas

As you probable recall, the Dead Sea is really a Lake, not a sea. It’s so high in salt content that the human body can float easily. You can almost lie down and read a book!  The salt in the Dead Sea is as high as 35% almost 10 times the normal ocean water. And all that saltiness has meant that there is no life at all in the Dead Sea. No fish. No vegetation. No Sea animals. Nothing lives in the Dead Sea.

And hence the name: Dead Sea.

While the Dead Sea has remained etched in my memory, I don’t seem to recall learning about the Sea of Galilee in my school Geography lesson. So when I heard about the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea and the tale of the two seas - u was intrigued. 

Turns out that the Sea of Galilee is just north of the Dead Sea. Both the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea receive their water from river Jordan. And yet, they are very, very different.
Unlike the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee is pretty, resplendent with rich, colorful marine life. There are lots of plants. And lots of fish too. In fact, the Sea of Galilee is home to over twenty different types of fishes. 

Some region, same source of water, and yet while one sea is full of life, the other is dead. How come?

Here’s apparently why. The River Jordan flows into the Sea of Galilee and then flows out. The water simply passes through the Sea of Galilee in and then out - and that keep the sea healthy and vibrant, teeming with marine life.

But the Dead Sea is so far below the mean sea level, that it has no outlet. The water flows in from the river Jordan, but does not flow out. There are no outlet streams. It is estimated that over 7 million tons of water evaporate from the Dead Sea every day.  Leaving it salty. Too full of minerals. And unfit for any marine life.

The Dead Sea takes water from the River Jordan, and holds it. It does not give.
Result? No life at all.

Think about it.

Life is not about getting. It’s about giving. We all need to be a bit like the Sea of Galilee. We are fortunate to get wealth, knowledge, love and respect. But if we don’t learn to give, we could all end up like the Dead Sea. The love and the respect, the wealth and the knowledge could all evaporate. Like the water in the Dead Sea.

If we get the Dead Sea mentality of merely taking in more water, more money, more everything the results can be disastrous. Good idea to make sure that in the sea of your own life, you have outlets. Many outlets. For love and wealth - and everything else that you get in your life. make sure you don’t just get, you give too.

Open the taps. And you’ll open the floodgates to happiness. Make that a habit. To share. To give.

And experience the magic of life!

Sickness and Sin

Both death and sickness originated with sin and are now being propagated by Satan -  

Romans 5:12-21 

12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned— 

13 for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. 

14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.

15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 

16 Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification.

17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

18 Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 

19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

20 The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 

21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Job 2:6-7 

6 The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”

7 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

Luke 13:16 

Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”

John 10:10 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Acts 10:38 

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

1 John 3:8 

He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.

Christ Was Human

He was scourged

Matthew 27:26 

Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

John 19:1 

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged.

Crucified on the cross

Luke 23:33 

When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.

John 19:18 

Here they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.

Put in a grave

Matthew 27:59-60 

59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 

60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.

Mark 15:46 

So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.

Emptied Himself

Philippians 2:6-8 

6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Psalm 95:1

1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Thoughts on Today's Verse....

Having a loving God who is Eternal, a Rock of stability in a "topsy turvy" world, is really something to shout about. So much of what we get excited about in our world today is just a fleeting victory, a vicarious sporting thrill, or personality worship. But in God, we have something to truly sing about with joy. He has known us since our conception, he has loved us from before the foundation of the world, he has sent his Son to save us, and he will bring us home to himself! No quiet song will do today. Let's sing with joy and shout out loud to the LORD!

Overcoming pride

Luke 18:9-14

9 o some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 

10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 

11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 

12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 22:22 

22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him.” 

23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.

24 Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.

25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 

26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 

27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

Romans 12:14-16 

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 

16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

About Truth

Psalms 19:7-9 

9 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are 
trustworthy, making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.

Psalms 119:97-98 

97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.

Psalms 119:160 

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

1 John 5:20 

We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Psalms 109:1-2

1 O God, whom I praise, do not remain silent,

2 for wicked and deceitful men have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues.

Thoughts on Today's Verse....

Satan has a way of discouraging us by using unscrupulous and evil people to spread lies and false rumors about us. This often occurs when we are most effective in our discipleship. We must not let the criticisms of wicked people derail our efforts to please the eternal and almighty God!

Thoughts

You must manage yourself before you can lead someone else.

Hope is the foundational quality of all change, and encouragement is the fuel which keeps hope alive.

The greatest source of happiness is the ability to be grateful at all times.

Bible Verses on Fear

There are more than 300 verses on fear in the Bible. Read the Bible and it will guide and encourage you when dealing with fear and anxiety, fear of love, fear of the unknown and fear of death. Read and memorize these verses about fear in relation to God, Jesus Christ, and the Christian faith. These verses are taken from New International Version (NIV), New Living Translation (NLT) and the Amplified Bible (AMP).

1. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Tim. 1:7 NLT).

2. “What does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good?” (Deut 10:12-13).

3. “Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him” (Deut. 13:4 NLT).  

4. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deut. 31:6). 

5. “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9 NLT).  

6. “You must always act in the fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart” (2 Chron. 19:9 NLT).  

7. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for   You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4). 

8. “The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant” (Ps. 25:14). 

9. “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life,  of whom shall I be afraid?” (Ps. 27:1 NIV). 

10. “But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love” (Ps. 33:18 NLT).  

11. “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears” (Ps. 34:4). 

12. “Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need” (Ps. 34:9).  

13. “In God, whose word I praise in God I trust and am not afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?” (Ps. 56:4 NIV).   

14. “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you” (Ps. 91:4-8 NLT).  

15. “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him” (Ps. 103:13).  

16. “They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them” (Ps. 112:7). 

17. “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Prov.12:25).

18. “Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm” (Prov.19:23).  
19. “True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life” (Prov.22:4).

20. “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety” (Prov.29:25).

21. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised” (Prov.31:30 NLT).

22. “His delight is in the fear of the Lord” (Isa 11:3).

23. “He will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and   knowledge. The fear of the Lord will be your treasure” (Isa. 33:6). 

24. “Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you” (Isa. 35:4 NLT). 

25. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa 41:10).

26. “Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to  shame; For you will forget the shame of your youth, and will not remember the reproach  of your widowhood anymore” (Isa 54:4).

27.  “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs” (Zeph. 3:17 NLT).  

28. “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell”(Matt. 10:28 NLT). 

29. “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” Matt. 10:31).  
  
30. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)  

31. “But Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith” (Mark 5:36).  

32. “I am leaving you with a gift, peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27 NLT).

33. “At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God” (Acts 10:1-2).

34. “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love”(Rom. 8:38). 

35. “But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats”(1 Peter 3:14 NLT).     

36. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18).

37. “Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last” (Rev. 1:17 NIV).     

38. “Fear God,” he shouted. “Give glory to him. For the time has come when he will sit as judge. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the springs of water.” (Rev. 14:7). 

39. “Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested."  (Rev 15:4).

40. “And from the throne came a voice that said, “Praise our God, all his servants, all who fear Him, from the least to the greatest.”  (Rev. 19:5 NLT).  

How We Should Live Our Lives

Ephesians 4:29-32 

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.

Colossians 1:10 

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

Ephesians 4:25 

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Hebrews 12:12-16 

12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 

13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 

15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 

16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.

Colossians 3:12-17

12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 

13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 

14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.