_ The season of favor for anointing (Part 1of 3)
2-Kings 2:1-15 The Bible says that the anointing breaks the yoke according to Isaiah 10:27 And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. Therefore, the anointing leads us to understand that the greatest among us is a servant.
The Hebrew word anointed is ‘maw-shakh' and means, to smear, spread, stroke with the hand, as consecration, solemn setting apart to an office or consecrate to religious service, or the "chosen one." The Bible says that Jesus Christ was anointed with the Holy Spirit to spread the Good News and free those who have been held captive by sin according to Luke 4:18-19. And the word anointing in Greek is ‘khris'-mah’ and means, unction, God inwardly persuading the believer of His preferences, the special endowment of the Holy Spirit or to rub with oil.
Therefore, when someone is anointed, it means that they are a chosen one and is chosen for a specific task. But when someone has the anointing it means that they have the gift of the anointing resting upon their life. You can have the anointing upon your life and not be anointed to do a specific work but only to work in the kingdom of God, in 1 John 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
Understand that it is only God that can anoint a person for a specific purpose. If we use oil, it is only a symbol of what God is doing. After Christ left ascended into Heaven, He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit according to John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.
It’s the anointing we need in this time to function properly in our gift and calling. The anointing upon our lives will help us to release others from bondage, heartache, distress and /or heavy place of captivity. Therefore, we all have the anointing but not all of us are anointed. To be anointed by God is not only to be picked, but also to be empowered by Him for the task or position to which He has called you.
Origin of Anointing
The anointing originated was from a practice of shepherds. Lice and other insects would often get into the wool of sheep, and when they got near the sheep's head, they could burrow into the sheep's ears and kill the sheep. So, ancient shepherds poured oil on the sheep's head. This made the wool slippery, making it impossible for insects to get near the sheep's ears because they would just slide off. From this, anointing became symbolic of blessing, protection, and empowerment.
Even so, in Biblical times, people were anointed with oil to signify God’s blessing or call on their lives for example Aaron was anointed when he was selected to be a minister in Exodus 29:7 and the things in the tabernacle were anointed in Exodus 40:9. A person was anointed for a special purpose—to be a king, to be a prophet or to be a builder. Like Kathryn Kuhlman Aimee Semple McPherson:
- Kathryn Kuhlman was an American faith healer and evangelist who traveled extensively in the United States and in many other countries, holding "healing crusades" between the 1940s and 1970s. She had a weekly TV program in the 1960s and 1970s called I Believe In Miracles that was aired nationally
- And Aimee Semple McPherson, was a Canadian-American. She was a pioneer in the use of modern media, especially radio, and was the second woman to be granted a broadcast license. She was one of the first female evangelists, the first divorced evangelist, and the founder of the Foursquare Gospel church)
Anointing can only be effective in the kingdom of God, if, and only if, we allow it to be prominent in our lives. Some of us are not aware of the anointing on us, but others will notice. Keep in mind that it is God who gives the anointing so we can do the things we can't do on our own, such as preach, hold forth the Word of life, pray for deliverance, shine forth in godly character and do the work of Christ with compassion. The anointing impregnates us with the living Word, the incorruptible seed that gives life, so that we can give life to others.
Understand that the anointing can and should be released, and releasing the anointing of God is done so that people will be blessed and God will be glorified. And we see a transfer of anointing here in this text.
The events of this chapter are related in chronological order, because here is where we see the concluding of the ministry of Elijah in chapter 1, and we are now about to go in 2 Kings 2-3 to the ministry of Elisha. This is not the final scene of Elijah's life. So it is in this text we find that the story is extraordinary because it introduced Elijah and Elisha very early in the text and:- Elijah who’s name mean "Yahweh is my God" came from Tishbeh in Gilead, but nothing is known of his family or his birth. We first see Elijah in 1 Kings 17:1 where he suddenly appears to challenge Ahab, an evil king who ruled the Northern Kingdom from 874 to 853 B.C.
- And Elisha whose name means “God is salvation,” was the successor of Elijah in the office of the prophet in Israel. He spent the next 7 or 8 years as the prophet’s protégé, until Elijah was translated into heaven where he then began his ministry, which lasted 60 years (c. 892-832 B.C.) Now here in the text we see that the prophet Elijah knows that his time left on earth is short so he told Elisha that he was leaving Gilgal to go to Bethel and Gilgal means, "circle of stones". And Beth-el means “house of God," When Elijah told Elisha that he was leaving and that he should tarry in Gilgal, Elisha refused to stay, (Gilgal to Bethel is about 8 and half miles). Elisha was going to Beth-el because there was one of the “schools of the prophet” according to verse 3.
The prophets there were aware of what will be happening on this day about Elijah being taken up to Heaven in the whirlwind. And Elisha was also aware of this himself. Understand that the school of the prophet was started by the prophet Samuel in Gilgal, an institution called the “school of the prophets”, which trained men who were called to be prophets, in speaking for God according to 1-Samuel 10:5-8, & 1-Samuel 19:20. In Elijah’s day, Elijah became the head of these “schools” and he started the other schools of the prophet which he founded at Beth-el, Jericho and Jordan. In these places were the headquarters of the calf-worshipers. Nonetheless, after Elijah left earth, he was recognized as the leader of the prophets.
Now it was after they finished at Beth-el that they then moved to Jordon and again the second time in verse 4 that Elijah told Elisha not to come with him as he go to Jericho and from Jericho to Jordan. When he was about to leave Jericho he told Elisha for the third time to tarry here in verse 6. He left Jericho to Jordan which is 5 miles apart.
- Jericho means, "City of Palm Trees"
- And Jordan means, a descender or flowing down.
Going to Jordan was the third time Elijah told Elisha to stay behind or tarry. But Elisha wasn’t in agreement with that. Understand that all these cities; including Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho and Jordan had the schools of the prophet was led by Elijah. As I look at the trend of Elijah and Elisha we can receive the anointing that God is releasing in this season by several things. We will continue with the several things that the anointing release in next week’s lesson.
_ The Season of Favor for Wealth (part 2of 2) Deuteronomy 28:1-14Part one of this lesson shows us that seasons come and go in four forms. And every season has its purpose of specific manifestation. Therefore, we looked at the meaning of the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenant and who were the Israelites.
Once, more wealth comes from God because He gives us the ability to get it, according to Deuteronomy 8:18, But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God for it is he that giveth thee the power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”
The season of favor for wealth deals with five phases. These phases are, Hearkening diligently to the voice of God; Keep God’s commandments, Walking in the ways of God, Staying in His word and Not serving other gods. Following these phases or principles of wealth in this season we know that God will release wealth to us.
According to Deuteronomy 28 there are particular privileges which the faithful shall receive that are mentioned in verse 7-14. So in order to find out about these seasonal blessings, we have to focus on what Moses elaborated in verse 7-14 and these blessing is promised, upon condition that they/we diligently hearken to the voice of God. And there are several conditions of God for our blessings in this time of season of favor for wealth for us to follow. These are the conditions:
1. Hearkening diligently to the voice of god (verse 1 & 13)
Notice that it says, ‘If you shall hearken’ diligently to my voice the Hebrew word Hearken and diligently is pronounced the same way and has the same meaning, the Hebrew there is ‘shama’ and means, to hear, obey, consider and or listen or understand.
The blessings which God pronounces on the obedient stems from us hearkening to his voice, and this will bring the blessings are mentioned in verse 3-8. He said that blessed shall you be: An obedient Israel would be blessed everywhere:
- In the city . . . in the country . . . when you come in . . . when you go out.
- An obedient Israel would be blessed in their homes and in their farms, and in their kitchens (the fruit of your body . . . the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds . . . Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.
2. Keeping God’s commandments (verse 9 & 13)
Keeping God’s commandments put us into covenant with him, and with this covenant HE will give us the grace of steadfastness, Rom. 16:25-26 25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
It is during this time of hearing God’s voice and keeping his commandments that HE will make us receive these two promises which will give us dominion over others, they are;
1. ‘The head, and not the tail’
- The head signifies rulers and governors, and the tail the common people that are subjects.
2. ‘Be above and not beneath’
- Which explains what is meant by head and tail, being uppermost and lowermost, as the head is the upper part, and the tail the lower part of a creature; the one is more honourable. Like in Isaiah 9:14-15, 14 Therefore the Lord will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day.15 The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.
When you keep something it means that you preserve it, bodyguard it, maintain it, defend it, protect it and watchman it from being stolen or taken away from you. Once we keep God’s commandments he will keep his, in Psalms 105-8-9 God kept his promise.
3. Walking in the ways of god (verse 9b)
First of all the Lord is going to establish us as a holy people unto himself. We will be separated from all others, for his service, honour, and glory, and confirm all privileges. With this we will be able to way in the ways of God because his protection is going to be all over us. All this will happen, if we ‘walk in his ways’.
Now when you walk in the ways of God it means that you give up self, personal needs and other hindrances to follow God. It says walk in ‘His ways’ the Hebrew there is (deh'-rek) and means, His road, journey, manner, actions, acts, conduct, a curse of life or mode of action and moral character.
Because we walk in the ways of God, people will see that we are called by God and give us plenty in verse 10-12. Isaiah 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: For sure once we walk in his ways, the blessings of the Lord will fall us, because when Israel walked after the Lord, these blessings were real; one example of this is when the Queen of Sheba came to Solomon and saw a nation so blessed, she knew it had to be of God (1 Kings 10:1-13).
4. Staying in his word (verse 14)
Staying in God’s word will give us clarity of HIS voice, greater understanding of his word and deeper revelation. The Hebrew word aside there is ‘soor’ and means, call back, decline, depart, to turn off, lay away or leave undone.
By us remaining in the word of God, this will help us to be in the right place to receive what God has for us. The Psalmist says in:
- Psalms 119:10-11 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
- Psalms 119:105, 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
5. Not serving other gods (verse 14)
This was one sin that Israel were most prone to, and God would be most displeased with. The Lord was telling them not to become slave to other gods because the Hebrew word there for serve is (‘aw-bad') and means, to become slaves, burdened, cultivate or worshipers of. In v.12, the Canaanites believed that Baal was the giver of dew and rain but God assured Israel that he controlled the heavens and would make their lands fruitful according to:
- Psalms 104:33 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind.
- & verse 13 He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.
Remember that in this Season of Favor for Wealth we can only receive from God all these blessings listed in chapter 28 If we; Hearken to his voice, Keep his commandments, Walk in his ways, Stay in his word and Not serve other gods. Wait patiently on the Lord in this season and HE will grant you HIS wealth.
_ The Season of Favor for Wealth (part 1of 2)
Deuteronomy 28:1-14 There are four seasons of God that is mentioned in Leviticus 26:1-13. These seasons are, seasons of Increase, Peace, Release and His Glory. Because God has four seasons, there are also four seasons for humans and/ or seasons for God’s chosen people that we must experience. In the next few weeks, we will learn more about these four seasons for Christians. First thing we have to understand that seasons come and go in four forms. And every season has its purpose of specific manifestation. Since God deals with time and season, we must have to know at the various seasons that God has for his people, and we have to pursue towards it and, understand it and acquire it during that season that it’s release. King Salomon says it very clearly in Ecclesiastes 3:3 ‘To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:’ Even in nature, we do know that there are four seasons a year, which is a result from the yearly revolution of the Earth around the Sun and because of this, it causes the change of weather, ecology and hours of the day. Yet it is the Lord Jesus Christ who created the Heaven, the earth and the four seasons; for all things were made by him and for him, according to Colossians 1:16 and John 1:3.
Since everything was made by Jesus Christ, this is an indication that HE allows all things to happen and change according to HIS will. HE allows four weather/seasons which are, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, and each seasons has its own purposes. There are also four spiritual seasons of God for HIS saints. These four seasons of God are for those who positioned themselves in the righteousness of God and keep his commandments. Once we remain righteous before the Lord we can expect to see the four seasons of God in our lives. This week we will focus on the season of Wealth.Wealth means, great forces, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, efficiency excellence, capable or very powerful. It takes wealth to carry the vision and or mission of the church. The same way the kingdom of God operates by law is the same way that wealth is functioned. The season of favor for wealth operates by laws, and these laws bring revelation and ideas. And wealth is a concept and this concept we must capture or create and maintain. And wealth comes from God because He gives us the ability to get it, according to Deuteronomy 8:18, But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God for it is he that giveth thee the power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”In this season of favor for wealth, God will release a great abundance in our lives, abundance that will make us be able to help the people that are very close to us and even those afar. The kind of wealth that God will release will help us to get out of debt, save, invest and pass on to future generations. The kind of wealth that is coming in our live during this season will bring complete breakthrough and increase. It’s the wealth that God did promise to give Abraham. This is a covenant promise wealth. But in order for us to receive and or maintain this wealth we must be obedient to God, is ways and status. And in being obedient to God this will help us to reach and or obtain the release of health.There is no better place that God can refer us about His blessing than in the book of Deuteronomy. And Deuteronomy means "second law." It is a retelling of the covenant between God and his people Israel. And this book was written as the Israelite's are to enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy is a reminder that God is worthy of worship and obedience. Here in the text, God is describing for the Israelites the blessings and benefits that would spring from obedience to His word. The Israelites were:
- An inhabitant of the Northern Kingdom of ancient Israel. Also used to denote the members of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, made up of the descendants of Jacob.
After God said that he was going to give them blessing, we find that Spiritual blessings from God are a natural result of obedience to Him. God loves His children so much that He entered into a covenant with them first. He set up a foundational of fourteen blessings.And these blessings has I said are a result of obedience. Looking at blessings we find that scholars stated that the Bible often repeats itself, especially with blessings. And Deuteronomy is a repeat of Exodus, Numbers and Leviticus. And although it seems to be a repeat, Deuteronomy gives us details that are not found anywhere else. We will also find that we can compare Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 which seems to be a repeat. But Deuteronomy spells out clearly that the blessings that God will release in the life of his people, where as Leviticus tell us about the seasons of God. Understanding the TEXT
So has the text opens up here in chapters 28, it is the 18 prophecy in Deuteronomy and we see that it says, “And it shall come to pass”. Show us that everything else that follows this statement is base on us receiving the blessings that God has for us. ‘Come to Pass’ is a primitive root that means; Become, Accomplished, Committed, Cause, Become and Or Belong. And for this reason the children of Israel and we must follow all the instructions below in order to obtain the blessing of wealth. It is clear that the blessing is already given from God to us, but it all up to us to receive it. The Lord is not telling us to name and clam but simply to follow his plans and or laws. That is why here in chapter 28 Moses resumes the promises already set forth in the earlier records of the Law, mentioned in Exodus 23:20-23, showing us once more that the blessings of God come clearly through being obedient to God. That’s why Moses opens us with, ‘it shall come to pass’. A language that is plain and precise to follow. We have to follow the voice of the Lord through his prophets and stay in his law. And we will get the blessings.Two significant things should be observed concerning the Deuteronomic Covenant. The first is the background of the covenant. This covenant was established by God with the nation of Israel after the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant (the Law), and it was separate from the Mosaic Covenant mentioned in Deuteronomy 29:1. - The Abrahamic Covenant is an unconditional covenant. God made promises to Abraham that required nothing of Abraham found in Genesis 12:1-3. The ceremony recorded in Genesis 15 indicates the unconditional nature of the covenant. It’s a covenant between God and man.
- The Mosaic Covenant The Mosaic Covenant is a conditional covenant made between God and the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-24). The Mosaic Covenant was centered around God's giving His divine law to Moses on Mount Sinai. It’s a covenant between God and a nation.
Understand certain considerations in order to obtain the blessings, even though those covenants were given or set:
- First, the blessings of God are contingent upon our obedience. Because he used the word "if" in verses 1, 2, 9, & 13. The Hebrew word “if” there is ‘kee’ and means; When, Certainly, Until and Or Unless.
- Second, we will be set on high above all nations of the earth in the end of verse 1. God ‘will set’ set there is ‘naw-than' and means, To give, Allow, Appoint, Assign, Bestowed and Commit.
Those are the main words here for us to get the blessing (IF, HEARKEN &DO GOD’S COMMANDMENTS). There are twenty-one blessings listed that Moses mentioned that the LORD will do. And these twenty-one blessings will base on our commitment to God. The NUMBER 21 means/suggest, “TIME” Or “FULL LIMIT OF TIME”. Like when,
- The angel's coming to Daniel was delayed by the Prince of Persia for 21 days. Daniel 10:13.
- Jacob worked 3 x 7 or 21 years for Laban to obtain two wives and two maidservants, through whom were brought forth the promised sons of Israel that are so pivotal in the history of man. Genesis 29:15-30.
- By reason of those two passages, the number twenty-one speaks of a full limit of time.
In that he says in verse 2 all these blessings shall come on Israel or us and not only will we get the blessings but it will over take us. If Israel would hearken to the voice of the Lord its God, the Lord would make it the highest of all the nations of the earth. When something over take you, it means that it, becomes sufficient, prosperous, or has enough. Notice that the blessings are here put before the curses, to intimate and motivate us not to disobey. So God will give us an overtake blessing in this season of favor of wealth.
We will continue this lesson next week....
_ The Requirement Of A Blessed Man (Part 3 of 3)
Psalm 1: 4 -6
By
Evangelist Marcelle V. Sampson
V. 4, “The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.” V.5, “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.” V.6 “For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”
In verse 1 we saw that the author mentioned the:The Sinners, The scornful, and counsel of the ungodly. He refers to the ungodly again, stating that they “are not so”. The ungodly are the unjust individuals; the Psalter informs readers that the unjust person, which are the ones who doesn’t know nor reverence God, are not like the righteous man. Because they are not like the righteous man they will be planted by the “river of water”, and receive that continual bless for God. Once again he’s dealing with the character of the individuals, you can see how much the author is stressing the fact that one’s moral qualities and good name stands above all.
The author was distinctive in what the life of the righteous and the life of the ungodly will entail. The righteous will have Prosperity, and the ungodly will have Failure. He is giving the clear understanding that it is the ungodly that walks in the counsel of the wicked. The Psalter informs individuals that the ungodly are not blessed. This indicated that the Wicked: are not planted by the water, they are not blessed from God, (Meaning that their blessing comes from the one they serve, the devil). One can hear the heart of the Psalter as he declares that there is no good in being wicked, but when you remain righteous you will receive the blessing.
“but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.” Most commentaries speak of the wicked as a decaying tree, a barren tree, a dead tree, a tree that has no growth, nor fruit. What a comparison the author makes for the wicked individual. Comparing them to “caff,” Interesting enough the word Caff has no meaning, but it is suggested to be, something with no root, no moisture, no greenness, no fruitfulness, something restless, they are destitute of everything that good.
Even though it may seem like the wicked and the ungodly may be prospering, the author encouraged reading that the Lord will position it that they cannot increase nor stand in the company of the righteous man.
“Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.”The word “Therefore” is meant to be consequence of that; as a result; letting readers know that because the ungodly are like caff, they will not be able to stand with the righteous man; a strong statement from the Psalter that it pays to be righteous and to keep the laws of the Lord.He also paint a picture that the ungodly (which are like caff), are weak, feeble this will prevent them from standing in the presence of the righteous. You can relate to this, if you’ve been promoted to higher position or have been chosen out of a group of individuals that may seem more qualified or equipped, but it’s your righteousness that placed you there. And the feebleness of the ungodly couldn’t stand in the realm of a blessed man.
“In Judgment” The Psalter begins to speak prophetically, with this statement. One can assume that this is a reference to the last day, when judgment will be casting. Heb. 10:30 states, “For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.” When they stand in Judgment they will be like the caff that was chased away with the wind. These are the one that was spoken of in Matthew 25:41, “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”
It also makes reference that they (ungodly) Character would not be able to stand next to the righteous. They would not share in the same places with the righteous, specifically where ones character is determined. *Again the author takes us back to the Character of the individual. What is Character? It is the moral or ethical quality, qualities of honesty, courage, repetition.
Not only will the ungodly not be able to stand in judgments neither will the sinners. Once again, the Sinners are the ones that missed the mark, the ones that pass over the prohibited limits, and the ones who transgress God’s laws.This is the one that’s full of evil. The different between the ungodly and the sinner is that the ungodly is without God, but is not desperately wicked, while the sinner is wicked.
The Psalter declares that the sinner will not be in the congregation of the righteous. The congregation is also making reference to the end time, where the righteous will be assembling to receive their reward from the Lord, and the sinner will have no place there.It is within the congregation that the righteous man will be. Make a special note, that those that are righteous find themselves in the House of God. This is important tool, because it seems like in these times, many are saying, “I don’t need to be in Church to serve God,” “My church is on the television,” “I am my Church.” This is not so because the word congregation represents:The house of God, Place of worshipwhere the blessing flows. Hebrews 10:23 says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” This was not a suggestion but a command.
Finally, because of one’s righteousness the Psalter declares that,“the LORD knows the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” The NIV says, “For the LORD watches over”, the writer is declaring the omnipotence (power) - Omniscient (all knowing) of the Lord. Because the righteous have delighted in His Laws and have kept a godly character, he has been approved by the Lord, and God hands have been carrying and leading him. “For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,” God sees the faithfulness, a great encouragement to those that have been faithful and kept God righteousness but it seems like you are stuck and God is not present in the situation, but the Psalter reassure, that God sees your ways, and He’s always watching over the righteous, even in the dark times. Because you have kept pressing, Roman 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” This is contrary to the sinners, scornful and ungodly, they will be shunned.
The word “way” indicates that God know every being about the individual, their though, action, subconscious, their whole being. God Know. “but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” Because of the way that they live their lives, there will be judgment, and not only will the unrighteous perish but his, “way”(s) will also.
Interesting to know how the writer of this chapter starts and ends it. He starting out by telling you how you can be bless and ended but telling why you are blessed. You are blessed because you stayed away for these things (sinners, ungodly, scornful) and stayed blessed because you stayed in the right path. Therefore, what are the requirements of a blessed man? It is to stay away from the wicked, ungodly, & Scornful, and to keep a godly character by Delight in the laws of the Lord, and meditate on them.
_ “The Requirement Of A Blessed Man” (Part 2 of 3)
By
Evangelist Marcelle V. Sampson
The Psalter continues with the requirement of a Blessed man, by giving readers the answer to the question, what happens when you follow the requirement? (Mentioned in Part I)
This answer is found in Verse 2, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Notice the word “But” This word means, “except, if not, Contrary to expectation, only.” The author continues by saying, “His delight” Speaking of the blessed individuals, His pleasure, His happiness, His completions, His blessing, His will and his desire. The only thing that he finds joy in.
The author gave the answer to the question, what is he delighting in? “The law of the Lord,” Interesting that he wasn’t mentioning his fleshing comforts or possessions, but the only think that satisfies him is the Law of the Lord and His will. This is why he is a blessed man. This is how one can become blessed individuals; it’s not about sowing into someone’s ministry nor about the titles and the positions that one’s hold, not even about the degrees or lack thereof, not about the tongues and the gifting that one performs, but it about delighting in the Law of the Lord. This may be a difficult task, especially in the 21 century that has to deal with the Post Modern Era and Millennial generation. This generation that feels like the only think that is necessary is their talent and no anointing, the generation that lack humility and submission, that becomes distracted by the simple things such as, Facebook, Ipad, Phones etc. It is easy for these things to become the delight, the thing that gives pleasure. But the Psalmist reminds the readers that the blessing you will obtain still comes from delighting in Laws of God.
The law is the commandments of God, His Holy Scripture. By reason of, one has to be careful of the ungodly, sinner & scornful, and the only way to resist them is by delight in the Law of the Lord. The author speaks of Law in the context of Instructions. Instead of following the Sinner and scornful he abided by the instructions given to him. This is why, Psalm 119:11 say, “Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” This is where is blessing comes from!
He not only delights in the law buthe meditates. He doesn’t meditate on his problems or situations,But, He gains his knowledge of God and receives instruction on the word of God. Teaching him how to remain blessed, in the same Psalm 119, verse 105, the author declares that, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,” Speaking about the instruction one again.This is the reason why he starts out with in verse 1by saying, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly”- Giving an example that he doesn’t take counsel from the ungodly because he meditates on the word of God. It is inthe mediation of Gods laws that hefinds counsel, and rules to live by.
Not only does the blessed man meditate, but his dedication is a diligent one he does it,“Day and Night.”His mediation is one ofContinual, Not randomly, or occasionally,but diligently and constantly. He takes time to do it, this is something that is placed in his schedule, busy or not. By meditating day and night the author is convinced that this tool will draw individuals closer to God and you will eventually becomes what the written word is declaring.
Now that you understand how the basic requirement for the blessed man, the next question is now, what does this blessing entails?Verse 3 explains this,
“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper”
One finds that the author used agricultural metaphors and methods to describe his blessing. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.” This is a description of continual blessing, growth, fruitfulness and fulfillment; this is what the blessing entails.When a tree or something is by water it will have continual growth. Sometimes individuals seek for fulfillment blessing in thing that superficial or even material, but the Psalter is informing readers that these fulfilling blessing and continual growths only come from God, through delighting in his Law. And, because you delight in the law, you will have a blessing that will not stop, it will be continual.
These are all making references to the character of the individual: The one that follows the straight path. You can also see this played out in the upbringing of the child.“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Prov. 22:6) If the Child is brought up in the correct way they will be unmovable.
Not only will the blessed man be planted by rivers of water but he will, “brings forth its fruit in its season.”Here this the sign of a blessed man, when the season comes for harvest: the tree will give an abundant of fruits. Because you have not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, and stand in the way of the sinner, but you have been delighting in God’s word, when the blessing flows it will be bountifully. The man that is planted by the river of water is ready for the harvest, and that season/time comes he is capable of reproducing; his crops are always ready at the right time. A farmer know the right season to plant and water their good, they also know that at the right time/season, the will produce crops.
Your faithfulness to holiness and delighting in the things of God, will soon pay off. The Psalter shows this by informing the readers of staying in the things of God and keeping his commanding, God will have no choice but to send you a bountiful blessing when your season comes.
Not only will your bring forth fruit in your season, but your “leaf shall not wither” Because you are planted by water (blessings), what you have produced spiritually will never die, during the drought seasonandthe heaviness of heat, your blessing will remain. Because you have been planted by the water and you will reap in due season, have conform in knowing thatwhatsoever you accomplish will not be destroyed. Gal. 6:9 says“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” KJV, “So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.” NLT
Finally the author concluded this verse by saying “and whatsoever he does shall prosper.” What a blessing!This speaks tothe attribute of a blessed man.
His blessing will spread; he oozes prosperity and righteous characteristic. Whatever he put his hands to it shall be a blessing and will always be healthy, and blooming.This is refers to the blessing that will follow a man because of his Godly character. Notice that the blessing & prosperity doesn’t only comes from meditation on the Law, which is a fundamental factor, but it also comes from where you are planting your fruits. The blessed man is cautious of these things because he is delighting in God’s law, and is careful of the scornful, sinner & ungodly.
_ “The Requirement Of A Blessed Man” Part I
PSALM 1:1
By Evangelist Marcelle V. Sampson
The King James say “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”Whereas the Amplified says “BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.” Amplified
Before we examine the requirement of a blessed man there are certain things that should be known about the book of Psalm. The author of this book has been speculated to be David; one can conclude that this is true because most of the heading of the Psalm have the Phrase, “The Psalms of David”. Psalm (Tehilim) is known as ("praises" or "hymns"). It is also considered a communal book. Not about an individual but about a group of people. The major themes are: Christ, Jehovah, The Law, Creation, the future of Israel, and the exercises of the renewed heart in suffering in joy, in perplexity. The Psalm is mainly speaking to Jewish people, people under the law. Psalms is divided into five books, Book one isPsalm1-41, Book two is Psalm 42-72, Book Three is Psalm 73-89, Book four is Psalm 90-106, and book five is Psalm 107-150. -Each of these Psalm ended with a doxology. A Doxology is a hymn or form of words containing praise to God.
Throughout the book of Psalm you will see Psalm Praise and prayer of Israel. It is also know as a Lamenting book, which is the reason for its Sixty to Seventy Lamenting chapters. In these chapters we see the Children of Israel Crying out to God hoping that He would hear and comfort and deliver them from their suffering.
Understanding all of the above information is will make it clearer for us to see where the Psalter is coming from when he opens, Chapter one of Psalm. This Particular Psalm is title less; this is why Psalm 1 is the preface to the entire Psalm.
The Psalter opens up with a benediction, by saying:v.1 “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.”
This is similar to the way Jesus Opened in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. The Psalter started my saying, “Blessed is the man”This word Blessed in the Hebrew is “Ashrey,” Meaning Happiness or Blessedness. Here we see that the verse starts off with the express of the blessed man.
The Author gives instructions to the readers, letting them know that they should be careful where you walk. Note, this is why he informs the reader that your blessing is where you walk. When he says, “That walketh not,” this is making reference to the character of the individual. Douay –Rheims Bible says, “Who has not walked”- This statement refers to the character of the individual. Character is the qualities of honesty, courage; integrity. Sadly we live in a world where it seem like the more your character is scared and marred is the more fame and follower one will receive. This is not the will of the author of the Psalm is saying, He is informing readers that your Character is all you have. Solomon also inform individuals in Proverbs 22:1, that, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
The 1st. requirement of a blessed man is to be careful who you take advice from and who you speak with. The Psalter stated that you are blessed if you “do not walk in the In the Counsel of the ungodly.” The ungodly is considered to be the wicked and unrighteous person. The man that has Character will not take advice from the ungodly, in reference to how he should live and develop a righteous character.
The 2nd. requirement of a blessed man is to Be careful where you stand, (“Nor Standeth”). This is to not deliberately place yourself in the midst of those that are ungodly. Not only does he plea with righteous man to be careful where he stands but he also informs them not to stand in the way. Not to stand in the place where you know the wicked usually walk. Don’t make it seem like you were waiting for the ungodly to come, or wanting to be associated with them. These things will lead back to the righteous man Character. A blessed man will not stand with the sinners.
The sinners that the Psalter is referring to are, “Those who miss the mark”, those who violate positive and known obligations. This may seem like a unreasonable request, but one must establish that all men are sinner but the author wants to convey that this is those who openly walk in their sins, the visible acts of sin, such as: adulators, thief, Liars, homosexual, etc. He’s saying stay away from them.
The 3rd. requirement of a blessed man, is to careful where you sit. (“Nor Sitteth In the seat of the scornful”)Not only must the righteous man be careful who he take counsel from, and who he stands next too but he must also be careful of the seat that he sit in. It is in the seat of the scornful that individuals need to be careful of. That seat is in the Clubs and bars anywhere that the wicked man a will assemble. Once Again the Psalter is making reference to the Character of the individual. It is clear that one’s Character plays an important role when it comes to the righteousness of the blessed individual. The author is speaking to those that strive to keep their character unmarred by giving these simple tools. It is also important to note that this is an implication that you can become wicked by sitting with the wicked. (Making reference to consciously hanging out with the ungodly & wicked)
The Psalter made the differentiation of the ungodly counsel and the wicked and now the scornful. The Scornful are those who mock, deride and scoff your God. They are those who have no respect of reverence for your God and your religion. They look at your God scornfully. They are also considered to be haughty or prideful individual. The saying, “show me your friend I’ll tell you who you are, and “when you lay with dogs you get flies,” is a perfect example of what the passage saying. Be careful who you associate yourself with because you will eventually pick up their habit and behaviors, which will consume you and make your character.
Here you can see that there are three main figured that the author tell the blessed man to look out for: The Ungodly person which is the “unjust” man, this is the one who doesn’t know nor reverence God.Then he speaks about the Sinner. These are those that have miss the mark, those who transgress. The sinners are the ones that are full of evil. Please understand the different between the ungodly and the sinner is that the ungodly is without God, but is not desperately wicked. Whereas,the Sinner, “adds outward transgression to the sinfulness of his heart” It is he who does whatsoever he feels, whether it’s right or wrong. And Finally, The Scornful, this is the one that mocks, and deride your God,this individual has no religion and doesn’t desire it. His life reflects nothing of Gods Commandments and statues.
The requirement of a blessed man, which was presented in Psalm 1:1 is to watch over you Character. The only way to do that is to be careful of who counsel you, be careful where you stand and where you sit. While you are being careful of these things watch out for the Sinners, the wicked and the scornful.
_ Time to claim your possession (part 2 of 2)
JOSHUA 1:1-11
Last week we focused on the purpose, major theme, who is Joshua and how the Lord gave him instruction but this week we will concentrate on the three things that leads to claiming your possession. Whatever it is that you need to possess, you can get it but only from the Lord Jesus Christ.
What are you claiming from the Lord Jesus Christ? Just see yourself holding it in the future and going towards it, and then holding it in your hands. Claiming one’s possession is simply, easy and reachable. But it can only become possible only if you stay focus and in the will and purpose of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I will repeat what I said last week, that, even before you go after your possession, you must understand that there is something to possess or something there for you to fulfill. But how can you possess what is rightful yours? You can possess what’s yours by simply going after it in prayer and fasting, having a plan and or allowing the Lord Jesus Christ to give you direction on where you can find that possession or how to use that gift and or calling that you already have. Once more, what possession do you want to claim from the Lord? In this week lesson as we focus on the three things that directed Joshua to claim the possession for himself and the children of Israel I pray that you will also be able to claim your possession.
These are the three things that will help you to claim your possession; first God made a promise to Joshua, second God’s bestows blessings through obedience and last Joshua acting on God’s promises. Looking at the text we will find that God made a promise to Joshua.
1. God made a promise to Joshua (v. 3-5)
God informed Joshua that the land was going to be given to the children of Israel and also to him. Notice God said that the land was going to be given to the children of Israel first in verse 2 and then HE specified that it was going to be given to Joshua. In verse 2 it says ‘which I do give to them’ specifying a congregated unit.
And in verse 3 here HE said unto Joshua ‘the sole of your foot’, I have given unto you” Here God used the past tense, so God was reminding Joshua that the land was given unto him already, because it was a promise for Moses but it was for the children of Israel to go and get it. This promise was given to Abraham first in Genesis 15:18 and then to Moses in Deuteronomy 11:24. In verse 4 God showed Joshua what he and the children of Israel was going to receive. They were going to get everything from,
- The wilderness of Lebanon (which was promises to Abraham in Genesis 15:18)
- The great river which was the river Eu-phra-te
- The land of the Hittites- mentioned in Deu. 7:1
- The great sea (which is the Mediterrnean sea)
The Lord also assured Joshua in verses 5b “as I was with Moses, so will I be with thee”, the Lord was telling Joshua that he was there to counsel and advise, guide and direct, protect and defend, prosper and guarantee his success. This was one of God’s greatest promises to Moses, “I will be with you” in Exodus 3:12And he said, certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. The second thing is;
2. God’s bestows blessings through obedience (v. 6-9)
The Lord continues to give confidence to his chosen servant to act upon the gifts and talents which he has given Joshua, those abilities which have been sharpened through the years in leadership and obedience: “Be strong and of a good courage”. The Lord was encouraging Joshua because HE knew that he was going to face some hard times. These words were used four times in verses 6, 7 & 9 and the people used this word toward Joshua in verse 18. Even David encouraged Solomon with these words in 1-Chronicles 22:13, 28:20. In Joshua receiving the land he had to divide the land amount the children of Israel.
God assured Joshua again that he will give the inheritance or land to the children of Israel. And God said that he “sware unto their fathers to give them”. The Hebrew word ‘SWARE’ there is ‘shaba’ and means: Charge by an oath. Feed to the full. To be complete. As if by repeating a declaration seven times and made a covenant
God swore to give them the land. The word ‘give’is ‘naw-khal' and means, Take as a possession. Inherit. Apportion the inheritance. Allotted, Distribute for, distribute and take as a heritage. At this time, God now wanted Joshua to be obedient to him. The law was already given to Moses and these laws the children of Israel had to follow. If they followed these laws then they were going to prosper everywhere they go in verse 7. The word ‘PROSPER’ there means, much more than just financial success, it includes spiritual well being.
Notice that God repeated the same thing in verse 8. In verse 7 he said that Joshua should observe to do according to all the law, but in verse 8 he said after Joshua observes to follow the laws, this will make his ways prosperous and he will have good success. The law that God was talking about was which He gave Moses is mentioned in Exodus 20 ‘the thou shall not laws’. Therefore, in Joshua following these laws God was going to give not only Joshua but also the children of Israel success. The Hebrew word SUCCESS there is ‘saw-kal’ and means, to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, have insight, Act wise and showing intelligence.
Notice that the process and victory of the children of Israel was dependent on Moses. So God now continue to encourage Joshua in verse 9 to not be afraid (aw-rats- that is cause to tremble, oppress, or fear) also neither dismay(khaw-thath- be broken, be scared, terrify, to shatter, confound, beaten down).
God know that Joshua was going to experience the time when he was going to be afraid and dismayed so, He encouraged him before this time or period come. Remember Moses, who walk the walk already knew the responsibility that Joshua was going to face so he encouraged him way before in Deuteronomy 31:6-8.
As the Lord encouraged Joshua, He informed him that he was going to be with him everywhere he goes. The Lord spoke in the first person to Joshua in verse 8, “Have not I commanded thee” and in “For the Lord thy God is with thee”. With thee, this shows assurance that God was with Joshua everywhere he walked, departed, come or all manner of life. Here we find that God was repeating what he told Joshua in verse 2, to go over Jordan with the people into the land of Canaan, and to observe the Law of Moses in all things, and to be of good courage, which is again repeated. Remember God had also mentioned in verse 5 that “no man would have been able to stand before Joshua all the days of his life”. The last thing that happen is that;
3. Joshua acting on God’s promises (v. 10-11)
Having received encouragement from God, Joshua now ‘commanded officers’ to the people and these officers now had to go through the whole camp of Israel, and the camp consisted of six hundred thousand fighting men. These officers were appointed similar to the way Pharaoh appointed officers in Exodus 5:14-15.
These officers had to instruct the people (that include men, women and children) to prepare victuals. And victualsare provision, meat or food of other sorts of food besides bread; for they had manna, the bread of heaven, which fell about their tents every morning, so that they were sufficiently provided with that always, and which did not cease until they had entered the land, even until the sixteenth of Nisan, Joshua 5:12. They had to prepare this for three days; three is the number of COMPLETION OR DIVINE PERFECTION. These were the same three days that the spies hid in the hills outside of Jericho that is mentioned in 2:16 & 22. So the moment they made the move to go over Jordan, they began to conquer what was theirs.
Now understand that the food was to be prepared for them to go over Jordan. This was the command that God gave Joshua in verse 2 to go over Jordan. The officers told them what Joshua said, that they were going over to Jordan to possess the land that God giveth to them. The Hebrew word possess is ‘yaw-rash’ and means, to seize, take possession off, Inherit, be an heir, given us as an inheritance and drive them out completely. The children of Israel wanted what was promised to them by God; therefore, they followed instruction and went to possess the land that God had provided for them.
Now is the time to claim your possession, if God had made a promise to you, and you were obedient to God and acted on God’s promises, without a doubt God will release HIS possession in your life. Now, go and claim it.
_ Time to claim your possession (part 1 of 2) JOSHUA 1:1-11It’s right for a child of God to take possession of what God has for them. Most parents that have wealth will leave the inherent for their child and or children. This inherent could be financial wealth or any tangible material or even it could be a spiritual legacy for the child and or children such as the inheritance of a church. For some it may be going after the calling that God has given you and you have decided to put it aside to pursue other things. But whatever it is you must go after it, NOW.
Whatever it is, there will be a time when that inheritance has to be claimed in order for you to become the rightful owner of it. If that material is not claim then you will not be able to possess it. If your gift is not used, then God will raise up someone else and used that person gift in front of your face, while you are still trying to figure out or work out some things in your life.
Understand that, even before you go after your possession, you must understand that there is something to possess or something that for you to fulfill. But how can you possess what is rightful yours? You can possess what’s yours by simply going after it in prayer and fasting, having a plan and or allowing the Lord Jesus Christ to give you direction on where you can find that possession or how to use that gift and or calling that you have.
To obtain your possession you must be committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, follow his instruction and allow him to guide you all the way through. Remember, the earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein, Psalms 24:1. And since the earth is the Lord’s he will certainly grant you that which belongs to you, but you have to make sure that you position yourself in the right place at the right time.
In this week’s lesson we will look carefully at how Joshua followed the instruction of the Lord Jesus Christ in order to possess what had belong to him and children of Israel. This week we will focus on the purpose, major theme, who is Joshua and how the Lord gave him instruction to move from where he was after the death of Moses in order to possess the land that he had promise the children of Israel.
The Book of Joshua does not explicitly name its author. More than likely Joshua the son of Nun wrote it sometime between 1400 and 1370 B.C. Obviously, the book of Joshua continues the story of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. Most importantly the book of Joshua records the consummation of the redemption Israel out of Egypt; for redemption has two parts: "out," and "into" (Dt 6:23). The book chronicles approximately 20 years of Joshua’s leadership of the people after Moses anointed him at the end of Deuteronomy. And this book continues the story of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt.
We find that the Israelites, after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, finally entered the rest God had promised for them in the land of Canaan. The writer of Hebrews uses this incident as a warning to us not to let unbelief keep us from entering into God’s rest in Christ according to Hebrews 3:7-12. With this we find the purpose, the major themes and message of Joshua is as follow.
The purpose is summarized in Joshua 21:43-45 and how God kept his covenant promise to give the land to Israel, the land that he had showed to Abraham. For this the children of Israel spent forty years of the wilderness wandering has been mentioned in chapter 21.
The major theme is that God hath promise Abraham a land, thought it was not to belong to his family for some four centuries in Genesis 15:13-21. Israel did not come out of Egypt by its own power, so the land was not taken by Israel’s military might or by Joshua’s strategies.
The message is that God keeps his promises, no matter how impossible they may seem. And God’s covenant with Abraham is something that he took very seriously and intended to fulfill.
Since Joshua wrote the book of Joshua let’s examine who Joshua was: His name is ‘Yehoshua’ and means, "the LORD is salvation,” Joshua was born as a slave in Egypt, about 40 years before the Exodus. He was the son of Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim (1 Chronicles 7:20 & 27). Originally named Hoshea (Numbers 13:8), meaning salvation, Moses renamed him Joshua, meaning The Lord is Salvation (Numbers 13:16). He was Moses' successor. He was permitted to accompany him part of the way up Mount Sinai when Moses received The Ten Commandments from God. During his absence, Aaron and the people ran wild in Exodus 32:15-21 & 24:13-14. Joshua is considered one of the Bible's greatest military leaders for leading the seven-year conquest of the Promised Land. The first time we see Joshua is in Exodus 17:13 which tells us that Joshua "overwhelmed Amalek and his people." Joshua was one of the twelve men sent by Moses to spy the land (Numbers 13:16-17 and 14:7-10) but only Joshua and Caleb gave an encouraging report. Before Moses' death the leadership of Israel was formally transferred to Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:23). The people were encamped at Shittim when he assumed the command. (Joshua 1:1, 2:1). The primary lesson to draw from Joshua’s life is that God is faithful to His promises. God promised Abraham that his descendants would dwell in the land, and under Joshua, God brought the people into the land that He had promised to give to them. Considering everything about Joshua we can conclude that he had confidence in God according to numbers 14:6-10.
Understanding the Text
We find that the book of Joshua begins where Deuteronomy ends, after the death of Moses. Notice that the book opens up with ‘Now’, this word shows a connection of something that has happen before, which was the death of Moses in Deuteronomy 34:5. And Moses is mentioned as a servant of the Lord, and he was representing the law. And Moses death was repeated in Joshua 1:1 to inform the readers of the “Now”.
So it was after the death of Moses that God had to select another servant/leader. And Moses wasn’t able to take the children of Israel to the promise land because Moses had rebelled against the Lord in the sight of a rebellious people. The congregation of God’s people had complained to Moses about the lack of water according to (Num. 20:3-4). And for this reason Moses rebelled against God in Numbers 20:8-11. So it was because of Moses disobedience God now had to raise up someone else.
And as the book opens up, God showed Joshua how to prepare in order to take the land in verses 1-2. And the first thing we see is that the, “LORD spake unto Joshua” in verses one. As the LORD spake to Joshua he gave him instruction of how to conquer the land.
The first thing the Lord told Joshua, was to ‘arise’ the Hebrew there is ‘koom’ and means, Stand up, Make a move, Go ahead and confirm, Take this stand. The Lord told Moses to arise because at this time Moses was probably mourning for the loss of his mentor. But God had wanted a quick move to take place for the children of Israel. The Lord told Moses to arise and go over Jordan, for I do give to them a land. It was the land of Canaan God had first promised to Abraham hundreds of years before in Genesis 12:7, 12:14-17, and God had promised to bring Abraham’s descendants back to their own land n Genesis 15:16.
Since God had made that promise he had to keep it. So in this, after the death of Moses, Joshua had to carry out this promise. Joshua was set apart to lead the people in the way of the Lord, and he was filled with the Spirit of God according to Numbers 27:18-20. The children of Israel were going to have all the land on the east, west, north and south. But first they had to cross over, Jordan in order to get there. And Jordan means Descend or flow down.
Next week’s lesson we will conclude with the three stages that Joshua had to follow in order for him to claim the possession that God had for him and the children of Israel. For the rest of this week I encourage you to think of a promise that God had promised you and go towards with. It’s time to take possess of it, Now. What is it that God promised you?
_ The four seasons of God Leviticus 26:1-13
There are four seasons a year, which is a result from the yearly revolution of the Earth around the Sun and because of this, it causes the change of weather, ecology and hours of the day. Yet it is the Lord Jesus Christ who created the Heaven, the earth and the four seasons; for all things were made by him and for him, according to Colossians 1:16 and John 1:3.
Since everything was made by Jesus Christ, this is an indication that HE allows all things to happen and change according to HIS desire. Since Jesus can do whatever he desire, HE allows four weather seasons which are, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, and each seasons has its own purposes. There are also four spiritual seasons of God for HIS saints. These four seasons of God are set for those who positioned themselves in the righteousness of God and keep his commandments. Once we remain righteous before the Lord we can expect to see the four seasons of God in our lives. To understand the four seasons of God we will look at the book of Leviticus chapter 26:1-13. But before we look at the four seasons of God, let’s understand the text.
The name of the book Leviticus is derived from the name of the tribe of Levi, and the Levi are the tribe that supplied the priests for Israel. It was written by Moses after he received revelation from God to speak to God’s people. The purpose of the book of Leviticus summarized in the command on how to “consecrate oneself and be holy, because God is holy” in Leviticus 11:45-46. The major theme of Leviticus is holiness. God's demand for holiness in His people is based on His own holy nature. Holiness must be maintained before God, and holiness can only be attained through a proper atonement, in Leviticus 26:1-13.
Understanding the text
We will find that has chapter 26 begun that the Lord instructed Moses what the children of Israel must do in verse 1-3. Then in verse 4-12 Moses showed them what God will do. This chapter is a solemn conclusion of the main body of the Levitical law. Now this chapter contains a general enforcement of all those laws by promises of reward in case of obedience on the one hand, and threatening of punishment for disobedience on the other hand.
We find in the text that God made promises to all who walk in his status. The Hebrew word Walk is ‘haw-lak’ and means,accompany, act, to go, behave self, be conversant. And the word Statues there is shaw-mar’ and means, preserve, beware, being careful or guard. The children of Israel had to keep the Lord’s commandments. The Hebrew word COMMANDMENTS is ‘mits-vaw’ and means,Obligation, Terms, Law, Precept and Tradition. Therefore, as the children walk and keep God’s statues and commandments, then God was going to release several promises and these promises are the four seasons of God. The first season is;
1. The season of INCREASE (verse 4-5)
The former and latter rain, in the two seasons of the year in which rain usually fell, and when the land of Israel, which required rain, not being watered for years God had to first grant increase. Notice God said Former and latter rains, which are normally in March through March. The text says, ‘I will give you in due season.” Hebrew word ‘Give’ is ‘naw-than’ and means, Put, Added, Allow, Appointed, Assigned, Certainly give, Dedicated, Ascribe, Assign and Bestow.
Not only will God give increase to the children of Israel but he will give it to them in “due season”, which means in the appointed time. The former and latter rain accords in March-May. And it is during this time that God was going to release the blessing to Israel and to us. God will release his increase in THREE AREAS;
A. Abundant supply of food, including rain. ‘The rain’, Rain season is January-
March. The second area was;
B. The grain harvest was finished by early to mid-June. ‘The land’, Grain
harvest is in the month of February. And the third area was;
C. The grape harvest which begins two months later. ‘The trees’, Grape harvest
is in May. The second season of God is,
2. A season of PEACE (verse 6-8)
During this season God is going to grant us peace. Our enemies will fall before us by the sword. The Hebrew wordPEACE in verse 6 is ‘shaw-lome’ and means, Completeness, Soundness, Welfare, Favorable, Ease, Good health, Perfect, Happy and Prosper. Here is where no animals or human adversaries would be successful against Israel or us. And any enemy that would try to attack Israel would be sword by one hundred to one. There will be such great peace for us. Even when you are in a situation that seems burdensome it will not bring you down or have you fall into distress.
Let’s pay attention to verse 8 clearly, as it speaks of a Divine blessing. These remarkable promises clearly have a supernatural element. Because the principle behind that particular blessing is remarkable, look at the ratio of five to one hundred (so that’s one person to twenty) and the ratio of one hundred to ten thousand means, (one person to one hundred). This can be done because; Gideon's 300 defeated 135,000 Midianites, in Joshua 7:7 or the entire chapter also Jonathan and his armor bearer alone defeated a Philistine army in 1-Samuel 13 & 14. God will fight the battle for us every when there seems to be more against us, God will release strong peace and protection. The third season of God is;
3. A season of God RELEASE (verse 9-10)
During this season of release Israel would be eating their old harvest and the new one is coming in. For us during this season God will give us abundant blessings and increase in all things. God will bring forth the old because of the new. So all the old things that was lost or taken away, will come back and added to the new things we have.
At the same time God will have respect for his people and will do two things: Made them or us fruitful the Hebrew word fruitful is ‘paw-raw’ and means, (To bear fruit. Bring forth. Cause to be). Second, God will Multiply us, the Hebrew word multiply there is ‘raw-baw’, and means (To grow, be great, make much or many, to increase). Third, the Lord will, Establish HIS covenant, the Hebrew word establish is ‘ber-eeth’ and means (Confederate, Divine constitution given to Israel with promises on condition of obedience and penalties for disobedience.Promises to multiply their seed, give them the land of Canaan, and make them a blessing to the nations).
The children of Israel received this release because they had positioned themselves at the right place and they had allowed God to do HIS work after they followed HIS obedience. We too can receive this release once we positioned ourselves in righteousness, commitment to God and follow HIS commandments. Once this is done God will certainly grant us his abundant release. The four and last season of God is;
4. A season of God’s GLORY (verse 11-13)
A season of God’s glory is required in everyone’s live. Once we experience the glory of god once we will always have a desire to feel his glory. The glory of God was a promise to the children of Israel which they have received and it’s a promise that John wrote about in John 1:14 the Word was made flesh, and Made His Tabernacle among us.
We will find that a season of God’s glory is also the presence, manifestation, and indwelling of God in human nature. The text says, ‘I will set my tabernacle’ and ‘I will walk among you’. I will WALKthe Hebrew there is ‘haw-lak’ and means, Come, Go, Accompany, Proceeded and Live.
To the end God saved the promise for last and said that Israel would enjoy a special relationship with HIM. When Israel walked after the Lord, these blessings were real; one example of this is when the Queen of Sheba came to Solomon and saw a nation so blessed, she knew it had to be of God (1 Kings 10:1-13). God now promised Israel through his covenant that His presence will be in the midst of Israel and HE would set his tabernacle among them and walk among them and or us. After walking with us HE will be our God and we will be his people.
In every church and or ministry we know when God is with us, or when HIS glory is manifested among us, because the people are revived, there will be healing, and joy. But most importantly there will be God's INCREASE, PEACE, RELEASE AND HIS GLORY. Understand that God wants us to experience all the four seasons, but in order for us to have an experience we must keep HIS commandments and HIS status. Do you want to experience these four seasons or which seasons of God do you want to experience? Seek HIM earnestly and wait for him to release it in your life. Not only is my desire for you to experience one of these four season in your life, but for you experience all four of Gods season, His season of Increase, Peace, Release and His Glory.
_ GET READY AN OPEN DOOR (part 2of 2)
Acts 16:16-26
Last week’s lesson we had focused on the purpose of the book of Acts, the theme, who was Paul and Silas and then we got a little into the text, but this week we will conclude this lesson on focusing on Paul and Silas experience and how we can get ready for the open door.
Once more, opportunity produces open doors. As you accept an opportunity that is of God, you will find that it will lead you to major breakthrough and you will be able to produce unceasing fruits.
God has an open door for each and every one of us (THE SAVED), but it’s our responsibility to position ourselves to receive that open door through, prayer, praise and fasting. This week I encourage you, that as you seek God’s face expect open doors in your finances, health and business or whatever your needs are, don’t quick until God release it to you.
Understand that before there come open doors, there will be some trying and testing times which will push you closer to God in prayer and fasting, and that is what attracts God’s attention and allow HIM to open up major opportunities. We will now look at the life of Paul and Silas and see how their experiences pushed them to, sing praises, and prayed unto the Lord.
Paul and Silas experience
Paul and Silas teaching wasn’t related to the Roman customs or laws. So because of this they were told that they ‘trouble the city’ and were taken to the magistrates in verse 22. It was before the magistrate that Paul and Silas clothes were taken off. Note that before prisoners were beaten with rods, their garments were literally torn off so that their flesh would be exposed for the flogging. In Jewish legal system, there were a maximum number of blows that could be delivered when beating a person, but the Romans had no such limit. This is something Paul had experienced on three times separate occasions in 2-Corinthians 11:23-25.
It was after they were beaten that they were cast into prison in verse 23. Notice they were cast into prison. Castthe Greek there is ‘ballo’ and means, To Throw, Rush, Put, Drop, Toss and to let down. It was after they were cast into prison that the soldiers had to guard them safely. Because the soldiers had to keep them safe they thrust them into the inner prison in verse 24. They trust them and ‘made their feet fast in the stocks’. Stocks is (anything made of wood, the trunk of a tree). They were thrust into the inner prison that is the lowest or furthest part of the prison; so that there were the more doors, bolts, and bars, to break open, and pass through, should they attempt to make their escape:
Getting Ready For the Open Door
Paul and Silas having nowhere to go began to pray and sang praises to God at midnight and midnight is (the middle of the period between sunset and sunrises). So it is the middle of your situation you have to sing songs of praise and pray. They prayedand the Greek word there is ‘pros-yoo'-khom-ahee’ and means, To exchange wishes. To interact with the Lord by switching human wishes/ideas for HIS wishes as He imparts faith (divine persuasion), Supplicate and Worship.
Paul and Silas prayed for themselves, for their deliverance in God's time and way, and for support under their present afflictions, to enable them to be patient and cheerful. While Paul and Silas prayed and sang songs of praise, the bible said that the prisoners heard them or they were listening. The word translated listening is ‘ep-ak-ro-ah-om-ahee’ and means, To listen with pleasure, To listen attentively, Hearken to and listen intently to.
They probably sang one of David's psalms, or hymns: for the book of Psalms is a book of hymns. That’s why our light must always shine as is mentioned in Philippians 2:14-15 14Do all things without murmurings and disputing: 15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
It was after Paul and Silas prayed and sang praise that there was an earthquake. The earthquake was the Lord showing visible signs in providing for his servants, that they might more manifestly know that their prayers were heard.
Not only was there an earthquake but the foundation was shaken. Foundation, ‘them-el’-ee-os’ (something put down or belonging to the foundation) of the prison were shaken it’s not the roof and walls only but the foundation. Prison, the Greek there is ‘des-mo-tay-ree-on’ and means, Imprisoned, A place of bondage and a dungeon.
In ancient prison each doors were secured with a bar so there was no way out, but the earthquake came and shock the bars off and loose the bonds off of Paul and Silas. An earthquake there could have represented a symbol of God’s presence as is mentioned in Matthew 28:2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.” We also see that the shaken could be God’s presence in Acts 4:31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
And immediately (instantly, straightway, presently or at the time itself), all doors were opened and every one bonds were loosed, it was both of the outer and inner prison door. It said All doors were opened and and the Greek workthere is ‘pas’ (all) and means, Every, Every kind of, All the things, All the kind, Making up the whole and viewing the whole in terms of the individual parts.
The doors were opened because of Paul and Silas praying and singing psalms. The Greek word Door there is ‘thura’ and means, Opportunity, Entrance, Gates and the opening or the closure. The disciples had this experience before, Acts 5:20 and Acts 12:7-10. Their bonds were loosed, the Greek there is ‘an-ee’-ay-mee’ which means, To send up, Produce, Send back, Desist from, Release and Give up.
Even if things don’t seem possible and it seems life there is no way out, God will open up that door which will bring your breakthrough or the opportunity and that opportunity will bring other opportunity and more open doors. God will open doors of every kind which includes, finances, health, ministry and business and today I pray that God will open all the doors that you desire for HIM to open. Don’t get weary in well doing for in due season you shall certainly reap your harvest. Continue to pursue, for there will be open doors in your life.
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STUDYING THE WORD OF GOD