Recovery Thoughts & Scriptures

Recovery Thought:
The covenant of God calls us to a great task, and
the law and faithfulness thereto both prepares us
for the task and gives us the program for victory.
-- Romans and Galatians by R.J. Rushdoony

Psalm 25:10
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth
unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

† Recovery Prayer †
Father,
Thank You for your covenant and statutes. They
may challenge me but they are the way to victory.
Thank You for Your provision and grace in my life.
Amen.

Abundant life John 10:10 Afraid Psalm 34:4 Matthew 10:28 2 Timothy 1:7 Hebrews 13:5,6 Adultery Matthew 5:27-32 Adversity Matthew 10:16-39 Anger Matthew 5:22-24 Anxious Psalm 46 Matthew 6:19-34 Philippians 4:6 1 Peter 5:6,7 Backsliding Psalm 51 1 John 1:4-9 Bereaved Matthew 5:4 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 Bitter - Critical 1 Corinthians 13 Citizenship Romans 13:1-7 Titus 3:1 Cleanliness 2 Corinthians 7:1 Conceit Luke 18:9-14 Consecration Romans 12:1,2 Conscious of sin Proverbs 28:13 Contentment Philippians 4:11-13 1 Timothy 6:6 Courage Psalm 27:14 Covetousness Mark 7:21-23 Crime Matthew 15:17-20 Death John 11:25,26 Defeated Romans 8:31-39 Depravity John 3:19-21 Depressed Psalm 34 Diligence Romans 12:11 Disaster threatens Psalm 91 Psalm 118:5,6 Luke 8:22-25 Discouraged Psalm 23 Psalm 42:6-11 Divorce Mark 10:2-12 Doubt Matthew 14:28-31 Drunkenness Luke 21:34-36 Doubting Matthew 8:26 Hebrews 11

Duty Luke 20:21-25 Psalm 55:22 Matthew 5:11,12 2 Corinthians 4:8-18 Philippians 4:4-7 Endurance Luke 21:9-19 2 Timothy 2:3 Excuses Luke 14:15-24 Extravagance 1 Timothy 6:7-12 Facing crisis Psalm 121 Matthew 6:25-34 Hebrews 11 Faith Matthew 8:5-13 Mark 11:22-24 Faithfulness Matthew 25:23 Faith fails Psalm 42:5 Hebrews 11 Fault finding Matthew 7:1-5 Fear Luke 12:5 Flesh Romans 13:14 Friends fail Psalm 41:9-13 Luke 17:3,4 Romans 12:14,17,19,21 2 Timothy 4:16-18 Forgiveness Mark 11:25,26 Ephesians 4:31,32 Freedom John 8:31-36 Fruitfulness John 15:1-8 Greed Luke 12:15-31 Godliness Titus 2:11-14 Happiness Matthew 5:3-12 Hatred / Enemies Matthew 5:43-48 Holiness 1 Peter 1:13-16 Honesty 2 Corinthians 8:21 Honor: Parents, others Ephesians 6:1-3 1 Peter 2:17 Hope 1 Peter 1:13 Hypocrisy Matthew 23:27,28 Humility Luke 18:9-14 Philippians 2:3-11 Joy Luke 10:20 John 15:11 Judging Matthew 7:1 Kindness Colossians 3:12,13 Labor John 9:4

Leaving home Psalm 121 Matthew 10:16-20 Lip service Matthew 7:21 Lonely Psalm 23 Hebrews 13:5,6 Love Luke 10:27 1 Corinthians 13 Lust Mark 4:18,19 Needing God's protection Psalm 27:1-3 Psalm 91 Philippians 4:19 Needing guidance Psalm 32:8 Proverbs 3:5,6 Needing peace John 14:1-4 John 16:33 Romans 5:1-5 Philippians 4:6,7 Needing rules for life Romans 12 Obedience John 14:15-24 Acts 5:29 Overcoming John 16:33 Overcome Psalm 6 Romans 8:31-39 1 John 1:4-9 Patience Hebrews 10:36 Peacefulness John 14:27 Romans 12:18 Perseverance Mark 13:5-13 Prayerful Psalm 4 Psalm 42 Luke 11:1-13 John 17 1 John 5:14,15 Protected Psalm 18:1-3 Psalm 34:7 Prayer Luke 11:1-13 Ephesians 6:18 Pure thinking Philippians 4:8 Purity Matthew 5:27-32 2 Timothy 2:22 Reading the Bible John 5:39 Psalm 1:2 Psalm 119:97 Resolution Ephesians 6:10-18 Righteousness Matthew 5:6 Matthew 6:33 Self-exaltation Luke 14:11 Self-righteousness Luke 18:11,12

Sick - In pain Psalm 38 Matthew 26:39 Romans 5:3-5 2 Corinthians 12:9,10 1 Peter 4:12,13,19 Sin John 8:34-36 Sorrowful Psalm 51 Matthew 5:4 John 14 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Steadfastness 1 Corinthians 15:58 Stewardship 1 Corinthians 4:2 2 Corinthians 9:6,7 Submission 1 Peter 2:13-17 Swearing Colossians 3:8 Temperance 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 Tempted Psalm 1 Psalm 139:23,24 Matthew 26:41 1 Corinthians 10:12-14 Philippians 4:8 James 4:7 2 Peter 2:9,3:17 Thankful Psalm 100 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Hebrews 13:15 Trust Psalm 37:3-5 Proverbs 3:5,6 Truth John 14:6 John 17:17 Ephesians 4:14,15 Tribulation John 16:33 Traveling Psalm 121 Trouble, in Psalm 16+31 John 14:1-4 Hebrews 7:25 Victory 1 Corinthians 15:57 1 John 5:4 Watchfulness Mark 13:34-37 Weary Psalm 90 Matthew 11:28-30 1 Corinthians 15:58 Galatians 6:9,10 Worried Matthew 6:19-34 1 Peter 5:6,7 Worldliness 1 John 2:15-17 Worship John 4:23,24 Zeal Romans 12:11

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepeared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)
20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. [Philippians 3:20;21]

Evening Devotional

Job 37:1-24 The Lord Reveals Himself

1	At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place.
2	Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth.
3	He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
4	After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
5	God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.
6	For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.
7	He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.
8	Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places.
9	Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.
10	By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.
11	Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:
12	And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.
13	He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.
14	Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
15	Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?
16	Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?
17	How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?
18	Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?
19	Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.
20	Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.
21	And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.
22	Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty.
23	Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
24	Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.

What's the Big Picture and the bottomline for us to know in our lives as we hold fast to the Lord God Himself? Let's take a look and see what's in store for everyone to pursue it in our life.
Elihu observes the power of God. (1-13) Job required to explain the works of nature. (14-20) God is great, and is to be feared. (21-24)

Verses 1-13 The changes of the weather are the subject of a great deal of our thoughts and common talk; but how seldom do we think and speak of these things, as Elihu, with a regard to God, the director of them! We must notice the glory of God, not only in the thunder and lightning, but in the more common and less awful changes of the weather; as the snow and rain. Nature directs all creatures to shelter themselves from a storm; and shall man only be unprovided with a refuge? Oh that men would listen to the voice of God, who in many ways warns them to flee from the wrath to come; and invites them to accept his salvation, and to be happy. The ill opinion which men entertain of the Divine direction, peculiarly appears in their murmurs about the weather, though the whole result of the year proves the folly of their complaints. Believers should avoid this; no days are bad as God makes them, though we make many bad by our sins.

Verses 14-20 Due thoughts of the works of God will help to reconcile us to all his providences. As God has a powerful, freezing north wind, so he has a thawing, composing south wind: the Spirit is compared to both, because he both convinces and comforts, So 4:16. The best of men are much in the dark concerning the glorious perfections of the Divine nature and the Divine government. Those who, through grace, know much of God, know nothing, in comparison with what is to be known, and of what will be known, when that which is perfect is come.

Verses 21-24 Elihu concludes his discourse with some great sayings concerning the glory of God. Light always is, but is not always to be seen. When clouds come between, the sun is darkened in the clear day. The light of God's favour shines ever towards his faithful servants, though it be not always seen. Sins are clouds, and often hinder us from seeing that bright light which is in the face of God. Also, as to those thick clouds of sorrow which often darken our minds, the Lord hath a wind which passes and clears them away. What is that wind? It is his Holy Spirit. As the wind dispels and sweeps away the clouds which are gathered in the air, so the Spirit of God clears our souls from the clouds and fogs of ignorance and unbelief, of sin and lust. From all these clouds the Holy Spirit of God frees us in the work of regeneration. And from all the clouds which trouble our consciences, the Holy Spirit sets us free in the work of consolation. Now that God is about to speak, Elihu delivers a few words, as the sum of all his discourse. With God is terrible majesty. Sooner or later all men shall fear him.***If any of these sound like this is You then say this prayer and let it sink deep within your own heart today! I know that these past few month since my husband had died I've had simliar attitudes and had to say this unto the Lord myself and it then didn't come unto me either as it once did and today I'm at peace deeply within my life and so will You. Prayer: Dear Precious Heavenly Father; I know that you are holy and cannot sin. YOU do all things well. My attitude toward you has been, at times, one of questioning and bitterness. This is sin. I repent of it. Wash it out of me with your blood. I realize that all evil comes from Satan, not from You, and forgive me for blaming You for any of the works of the enemy. I can, and do, trust You. I know all things do work together for my good. Father, I love You and pray in Jesus Name, Amen" 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepeared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)
20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. [Philippians 3:20;21]

The Word for Today

The Word for Today
with Bob Gass

Forgiveness (1)
Forgive - only then will your Heavenly Father... wipe your slate clean.
Mark 11:25
TM

How heavy is a glass of water? That depends on how long you have to carry
it. A minute is no problem, and after an hour your arm might ache. But after
24
hours you'll probably be in bad shape! In each instance the glass weighs
exactly the same, but the longer you carry it the heavier it feels. It's the
same
with a grudge - it can get so heavy it stops you from living.

People will hurt you; that's the reality of sharing this planet with others.
Sometimes it's intentional, other times they've no idea they've upset you,
far less broken your heart. Does that mean you should go around pretending
nothing's wrong? No, the first step is to confront your feelings. And when
the
hurt is deep, it's even harder to forgive. That's when you need to pray. The
Bible says, "Pray for those who mistreat you" (
Luke 6:28
NIV). When you do that something unexpected happens; your heart softens and
you start seeing them through God's eyes instead of your raw emotions. Jesus
said, "If you have anything against someone, forgive - only then will your
Heavenly Father. wipe your slate clean" (
Mark 11:25
TM). When you sow unforgiveness you reap unforgiveness - even from God!

Isaac is a prime example of practising forgiveness. During a drought he dug
wells that his enemies moved in and claimed. But instead of retaliating, he
moved on and dug new ones. As a result God filled Isaac's empty wells and
promised to bless him, and his children too! (
Genesis 26:22-23)
. And He will fill the emptiness in your life, when you forgive those who
have hurt you.
Forgiveness (2)
People insulted Christ, but... He let God... take care of Him.
1 Peter 2:23
NCV

A little boy who'd been rude to his Mum started sneaking off upstairs.
"Where are you going, young man?" she asked. "To my room to talk to God," he
replied.
"Isn't there something you want to tell me first?" she said. "Nope," he
said, "You'll just get mad. God will forgive me and forget about it." Long
after
you think you've forgiven somebody you can still be harbouring hard
feelings.

Here are some clues that you've still got work to do: you get angry thinking
about what happened; you give the offender the cold shoulder; you rehearse
the incident mentally and in conversation; you seize every opportunity to
remind the offender of what they did. Refusing to forgive and forget is just
another way of justifying an unforgiving attitude. The Bible says there are
two things God won't share: (1) His glory (
Isaiah 42:8)
; (2) His right to settle old scores. He said, "Vengeance is Mine; I will
repay" (
Romans 12:19)
. Don't take over His authority by trying to get even; take your hands off
the situation and let Him work it out. When "people insulted Christ. He did
not
insult them in return. He let God. who judges rightly, take care of Him" (
1 Peter 2:23
NCV).

A grudge shackles you to the offender, and you become the hostage! Dwelling
on something your parents did, or on how an associate took credit for your
work,
or on what someone said about you, makes you, not them, miserable. You walk
around in turmoil and they don't even know you're upset! Why give somebody
that kind of control over your life? What's important is what happens in
you, not to you. So forgive, forget, and move on!

Forgiveness (3)
[I]... could never have made it apart from... mercy.
1 Timothy 1:15-17
TM

If you're finding it hard to forgive yourself for something you've done in
the past, it may be that you're reaping what you have sown. And it's
particularly
hard (but not impossible) to keep from feeling bad when you've condemned
somebody else for doing the same thing. Here's a Scriptural truth you need
to
understand, accept and live by: as long as you're alive you will have to
keep forgiving - yourself and others!

When guilt and condemnation tell you your sins are too big for God's
forgiveness, remember what Paul said: "Jesus. came. to save sinners. I'm
proof - Public
Sinner Number One. someone who could never have made it apart from sheer
mercy. evidence of His endless patience" (
1 Timothy 1:15-17
TM). Before his conversion Paul persecuted the church, killing and torturing
believers. It's how he made his living! And if he could learn to forgive
himself,
you can too! In fact, when you don't you're implying that your
transgressions are beyond the scope of God's grace to forgive and Jesus'
blood to cleanse.
And that's a bigger sin - pride! Plus, when somebody always has 'issues'
with other people, they may be looking for somebody to offend them; that way
they
can point out how bad the other person is and feel better about themselves.
Pride and a judgmental attitude feed off each other the way humility feeds
off forgiveness.

God said, "I, am the One who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake.
And I will not remember your sins" (
Isaiah 43:25
NASB). When you adopt a humble attitude and work on forgiving yourself the
way God has, it's a lot easier to overlook other people's mistakes. Give it
a
try. You'll be amazed!

The Word for Today is brought to you by TheVine in association with The
Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd. The
Word for
Today is copyright © Bob Gass Ministries, PO Box 5130, Alpharetta, GA
30023-5130, USA. Use of this material is governed by its owners and
distributors.

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepeared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)
20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. [Philippians 3:20;21]

Good Morning

GOOD MORNING TO You !!! Hey Breakfast is ready and waiting on ya and ready to eat then we can go on with today's topic. Ummmmm .... Smells good !!! Pour Ya some Coffee! Now, let's be with Jesus this morning and begin with a prayer. Dear Precious Heavenly Father; As we each come to You this beauitful day before the sun rises upon each of us today, We ask You to come and be in the midst of us and as You come here we would like to say some things unto You. How we thank You for such restful sleep during the night which has carried us for this new day and in knowing that You've taken care of us and our familes and friends and we bless You and praise you in whom You are that is inside of us as we look to see this day in being put togather as You are watching over us and our family and whom we are around this fine day or at our jobs that You have given each one of us and being in the midst of us as well. We ask You to open our mind that goes down to our very being which reaches to that very depth of our soul. Open our minds and give us understanding of your words and then to stir us up in reaching out for your provision in that time of war that defeats our enemies and tarry onto victory by your power and authority that you have given each of to use in our arsonal that nothing can touch but You Father God. Just as You've taught each of to pray as we do here this day as it truly begins for all of whom are here listen and waiting to hear from you for now and ever more as you walk by each of and listening in unto us all... Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. I come humblybefore You, I just want to lift up Holy hands and Praise You and giveHonor to You Father. Thank You for Your endless mercy and grace.
Thank You for loving me, caring for me and for Your abundant
provisions to me. I ask forgiveness of all my sins, forgive those who
have sinned against me. Create in me a clean heart O Father. Thank
You for all answered prayers. Thank You for this day and allowing me
to see it. Thank You for life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and with
wisdom, understanding, and knowledge of Your Word.
Father let me sit at your feet wanting to know more of You. Give me
a heart of love and compassion for the lost. Give me a heart with a
desire to witness for Your kingdom. I pray for the souls of the
lost, bring them to You who desire a change in their lives.We bring each and everyone unto You as You send out those holy angles in watching and taking care of the sick and diseased, widows, orphans, those whom are in all hospitals that truly need Your most Holy Divine touch that heals and destroys all evil that may surrounds each of them.
I do take a stand against all the workings of Satan that would hinder me in this time of prayer, and I address myself only to the true and living God and refuse any involvement of Satan in my prayer.
Satan, I command you, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to leave my presence with all your demons, and I bring the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ between us.
Heavenly Father, I worship You and I give You praise. I recognise that You are worthy to receive all glory and honour and praise. I renew my allegiance to You and pray that the blessed Holy Spirit would enable me during this time of prayer. I am thankful, Heavenly Father, that You have loved me from past eternity, that You sent the Lord Jesus Christ into this world to die as my subsitute that I would be redeemed. I am thankful that the Lord Jesus Christ came as my representative, and that through Him You have completely forgiven me; You have given me eternal life; You have given me the perfect righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ so I am now justified. I am thankful that in Him You have made me complete, and that You have offered Yourself to me to be my strength.
Heavenly Father, come and open my eyes so that I might see how great You are and how complete Your provision is for this new day. I do, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, take my place with Christ in the heavenlies with all principalities and powers (powers of darkness and wicked spirits) under my feet. I am thankful that the victory the Lord Jesus Christ won for me on the cross and in His resurrection has been given to me and that I am seated with the Lord Jesus Christ; therefore, I declare that all principalities and powers and all wicked spirits are subject to me in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am thankful for the armour You have provided, and I put on the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of peace and the helmet of salvation. I lift up the shield of faith against all the fiery darts of the enemy, and take in my hand the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, and use Your Word against all the forces of evil in my life; and I put on this armour and live and pray in complete dependence upon You, blessed Holy Spirit.
I am grateful, Heavenly Father, that the Lord Jesus Christ spoiled all principalities and powers and made a show of them openly and triumphed over them in Himself. I claim all that victory for my life today. I reject out of my life all the insinuations, the accusations, and the temptations of Satan. I affirm that the Word of God is true, and I choose to live today in the light of God's Work. I choose, heavenly Father, tho live in obedience to You and in fellowship with Yourself. Open my eyes and show me the areas of my life that would not please You. Work in my life that there be no ground to give Satan a foothold against me. She me any areas of weakness. Show me any area of my life that I must deal with so that I would please You. I do in every way today stand for You and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life.
By faith and in dependence upon You, I put off the old self and stand in all the victory of the crucifixion where the Lord Jesus Christ provided cleansing from the old nature. I put on the new self and stand in all the victory of the resurrection and the provision He has made for me to live above sin. Therefore, in this day, I put off the old nature with its selfishness, and I put on the new nature with its love. I put of the old nature with its fear and I put on the new nature with its courage. I put off the old nature with its weakness and I put on the new nature with its strength. I put off today the old nature with all its deceitful lusts and I put on the new nature with all its righteousness and purity.
I do in every way today stand into the victory of the ascension and the glorification of the Son of God where all principalities and powers were made subject to Him, and I claim my place in Christ victorious with Him over all the enemies of my soul. Blessed Holy Spirit, I pray that You would fill me. Come into my life, break down every idol and cast out every foe.
I am thankful, Heavenly Father, for the expression of Your will for my daily life as You have shown me in Your Word. I therefore claim all the will of God for today. I am thankful that You have blessed me with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I am thankful that You have begotten me unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I am thankful that You have made a provision so that today I can live filled with the Spirit of God with love and joy and self-control in my life. And I recognise that this is Your will for me, and I therefore reject and resist all the endeavours of Satan and of his demons to rob me of the will of God. I hold up the shield of faith against all the accusations and against all the insinuations that Satan would put in my mind.
I do, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, completely surrender myself to You, Heavenly Father, as a living sacrifice. I choose not to be conformed to this world. I choose to be transformed by the renewing of my mind, and I pray that You would show me Your will and enable me to walk in all the fullness of the will of God today.
I am thankful, Heavenly Father, that the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses, for destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and to bring every thought into obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore in my own life today I tear down the strongholds of Satan, and I smash the plans of Satan that have been formed against me. I tear down the strongholds of Satan against my mind and I choose to think my thoughts after You, blessed Holy Spirit. I affirm, heavenly Father, that You have not given me the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. I break and smash the stronghold of Satan formed against my emotions today, and I given my emotions to You. I smash the stronghold of Satan formed against my body today, and I give my body to You, recognising that I am Your temple; and I rejoice in Your mercy and Your goodness.
Heavenly Father, I pray that You would renew me with your life; show me the way that Satan is hindering and tempting and lying and counterfeiting and distorting the truth in my life. Enable me to be the kind of person that would please You. Enable me to be aggressive in prayer. Enable me to be aggressive mentally and to think Your thoughts after You, and to give You Your rightful place in my life.
Again, I now cover myself with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and pray that You, blessed Holy Spirit, would bring all the work of the crucifixion, all the work of the resurrection, all the work of the glorification and all the work of Pentecost into my life today. I yield my life to You. I refuse to be discouraged. You are the God of all hope. You have proven Your power by resurrecting Jesus Christ from the dead and I claim in every way Your victory over all satanic forces active in my life and I reject these forces; and I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, with thanksgiving. Amen.
and give thanks in the precious name of Jesus.
Amen.

Todays topic and bible readings come from the book of: Acts 26:1-32 NKJV.
________________________________________________ Scripture:

Acts 26

Paul’s Early Life

1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.”
So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: 2 “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, 3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.
4 “My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. 5 They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. 7 To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?
9 “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them . 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

Paul Recounts His Conversion

12 “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now^[a] send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

Paul’s Post-Conversion Life

19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. 21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me . 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— 23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

Agrippa Parries Paul’s Challenge

24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”
25 But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
29 And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”
30 When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 31 and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.”
32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

________________________________________________ Bottom Line:

The first verse of the Bible gives us a satisfying and useful account of the origin of the earth and the heavens. The faith of humble Christians understands this better than the fancy of the most learned men. From what we see of heaven and earth, we learn the power of the great Creator. And let our make and place as men, remind us of our duty as Christians, always to keep heaven in our eye, and the earth under our feet. The Son of God, one with the Father, was with him when he made

the world; nay, we are often told that the world was made by him, and nothing was made without him. Oh, what high thoughts should there be in our minds, of that great God whom we worship, and of that great Mediator in whose name we pray! And here, at the beginning of the sacred volume, we read of that Divine Spirit, whose work upon the heart of man is so often mentioned in other parts of the Bible. Observe, that at first there was nothing desirable to be seen, for the world was without form,

and void; it was confusion, and emptiness. In like manner the work of grace in the soul is a new creation: and in a graceless soul, one that is not born again, there is disorder, confusion, and every evil work: it is empty of all good, for it is without God; it is dark, it is darkness itself: this is our condition by nature, till Almighty grace works a change in us. (Ge 1:3-5)

PRAYER: Dear precious Heavenly Father Thank You for our word today in sharing with us in our lives in knowing and giving us Your understanding in what it means unto everyone by the Holy Spirit and we gladly thank you ever so much deep within us in giving praise and worship as You lead us in your infallable instruction that guides our very steps which gives us security and hope that carries us until You come for us. For You are Holy as we adore you and bless your name Lord Jesus Christ in whom we serve daily in our love in You for what You've done for everyone in watching and waiting as we magnify You Father. As only we can do in Jesus' name we pray... Amen. i_amgodschild

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepeared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)
20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. [Philippians 3:20;21]

My Day

Hello People How is it going for you? I thought I'd drop by and see how you are today and wishing each of you have a beautiful day today! May each of You Stay cool and your air conditioner on these very hot and humid days in the midwest areas, thoughout the week it's sure is going to be very humid outside here for a while for all of us. Drink plenty of fluids for we need to keep it in us to keep us going and running smoothe for these kind of days here in the midwest. Plus I had a suprise this past weekend one of my sons came in town and picked me up and I had a very long ride in his new Semi truck and went with him to places that He wanted me to see and do with him and what he and his wife was doing to help themselves for thier own future. He interupted plans that I had planned to do this past weekend with a very close friend but at least it was a nice and cool time with my son and his wife. It was an very interesting time with them. I know since dad had passed away 3 months ago and they did stretch themselves for me to find someone to have in my life and honestly they ment well but I had to share with them both that it will happen, but not whom they wanted it to be that they seemed to choose for me. So leave it alone and just let it happen the way it ought to be for me. I'm not in a hurry by No means but allow God make it possible in His ways not mine or yours. He's in charge and He knows just what is best for me. So we went to where they are buying them a very nice car for them to drive in getting them to where they need to go in taking care of business. Needless to say being with my grown children was very nice when I don't normally see them on a regular basis. I had a very warm loving relationship with all of my children and I plan on doing it with them again. I'm just feeling really bad that I didn't get to make it to my other plans that day and when it was so hot for me that day at least it was a very cool ride for me. Hot weather just isn't my idea of fun! I like it so much better when it's a lot cooler. By the time where I was suppose to be was over so I went to a place where I could eat then went home. I was tired from my son and his wife kept me very busy that fine very hot day. For me and my own life I always have to be aware of what I do and being guided by the Holy Spirit to guide me in everything that I do in this life on a daily basis. Even though such stirrings of one's own oppositions may never be freed from them in our own natures but it shall not have domion over us in our lives. So I employ God's grace daily in my life when dealing with His fullness in my own life.For I know He will give me victory even when things come at me like they did this weekend. For that I'm very thankful for God in helping me as I walk in life journey's being in Him. [Gal.5:16-26;Rom.6:12; 1Ti.6:3]

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepeared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)
20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. [Philippians 3:20;21]

FW: Linda's Mother- Prayer Request

Pastor Mike Gonzales

Executive Pastor

East Side Baptist Church

Independence, Mo

816-796-0955

www.esbc.com

Prayers, please, for Linda's mother. She has apparently suffered a stroke and is not expected to surviveShe is in University Hospital in Columbia , MO. Linda is traveling there this morning.
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Dear Precious Heavenly Father; We come to You today right now before your throne of grace,that we may obtain obtain merrcy and find grace to help in this time of need. We do agree with Your word in Matthew 18:19, so we are totally persuaded that You will fulfill Your word in Linda's Gonzales life along with her mother life while she lays in the hospital in the University Hospital. For Jesus Christ has already paid the price in her mother's healing where it says in 1 Peter 2:24b " By Whose stripes Ye were healed." Father, Jesus Christ alredy has paid that price in full for her healing. So right now we Thank You for Her mother's total healing in that hospital room and in the words that is in Phil.4:6 " Be anxious for nothing, but everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your prayer request known to God;" So we thank you for there is none like You in all the earth! We give You, Jesus Christ All the praises and All of the glory for a complete healing as it says in Isaiah 55:11. " So shall my words be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to Me void. But it shall accomplish what I please. And it shall prosper in the thing for which I have sent it". And we send Youw word, now unto Lind's Mother's need's accessed by the power of the blood of Jesus and faith in the finished price by Jesus Christ on the cross of calvery. In the name of Jesus, Amen! i_amgodschild

Futility of the Wicked But the Saints will be Safe

Futility of the Wicked But the Saints will be Safe Psalms 37:1-40 King James Bible

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1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

7Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

13 The LORD shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.

18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. Food 4 Thought for us: Believer's are not to [fret Not... neither be envious...trust...do good...delightful in the Lord God... commit thy way... rest...fret Not...wait patiently in the Lord...cease from anger... forsake wrath... again... Fret Not].

Though it is most my concern, that I be able to give a good account to God and my own conscience, yet, perhaps, it will be expected that I give the world also some account of this bold undertaking; which I shall endeavour to do with all plainness, and as one who believes, that if men must be reckoned with in the great day, for every vain and idle word they speak, much more for every vain and idle line they write. And it may be of use, in the first place, to lay down those great and sacred principles which I go upon, and am governed by, in this endeavour to explain and improve these portions of holy writings; which endeavour I humbly offer to the service of those (and to those only I expect it will be acceptable) who agree with me in these six principles:-It is necessary to each of us in particular, that we be religious; we cannot otherwise answer the end of our creation, obtain the favour of our Creator, make ourselves easy now, or happy for ever. A man that is endued with the powers of reason, by which he is capable of knowing, serving, glorifying, and enjoying his Maker, and yet lives without God in the world, is certainly the most despicable and the most miserable animal under the sun. That divine revelation is necessary to true religion, to the being and support of it. That faith without which it is impossible to please God, cannot come to any perfection by seeing the works of God, but it must come by hearing the word of God, Rom. 10:17. The rational soul, since it received that fatal shock by the fall, cannot have or maintain that just regard to the great author of its being, that observance of him, and expectation from him, which are both its duty and felicity, without some supernatural discovery made by himself of himself, and of his mind and will. Natural light, no doubt, is of excellent use, as far as it goes; but it is necessary that there be a divine revelation, to rectify its mistakes, and make up its deficiencies, to help us out where the light of nature leaves us quite at a loss, especially in the way and method of man's recovery from his lapsed state, and his restoration to his Maker's favour; which he cannot but be conscious to himself of the loss of, finding, by sad experience, his own present state to be sinful and miserable. Our own reason shows us the wound, but nothing short of a divine revelation can discover to us a remedy to be confided in. The case and character of those nations of the earth which had no other guide in their devotions than that of natural light, with some remains of the divine institution of sacrifices received by tradition from their fathers, plainly show how necessary divine revelation is to the subsistence of religion; for those that had not the word of God, soon lost God himself, became vain in their imaginations concerning him, and prodigiously vile and absurd in their worships and divinations. It is true, the Jews, who had the benefit of divine revelation, lapsed sometimes into idolatry, and admitted very gross corruptions; yet, with the help of the law and the prophets, they recovered and reformed: whereas the best and most admired philosophy of the heathen could never do any thing toward the cure of the vulgar idolatry, or so much as offered to remove any of those barbarous and ridiculous rites of their religion, which were the scandal and reproach of the human nature. Let men therefore pretend what they will, deists are, or will be, atheists; and those that, under colour of admiring the oracles of reason, set aside as useless the oracles of God, undermine the foundations of all religion, and do what they can to cut off all communication between man and his Maker, and to set that noble creature on a level with the beasts that perish. That all scripture is given by inspiration of God, (2 Tim. 3:16) and that holy men spake and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, (2 Pt. 1:21) we are sure; but who dare pretend to describe that inspiration? None knows the way of the Spirit, nor how the thoughts were formed in the heart of him that was inspired, any more than we know the way of the soul into the body, or how the bones are formed in the womb or her that is with child, Eccles. 11:5. But we may be sure that the blessed Spirit did not only habitually prepare and qualify the penmen of scripture for that service, and put it into their hearts to write, but did likewise assist their understandings and memories in recording those things which they themselves had the knowledge of, and effectually secure them from error and mistake; and what they could not know but by revelation, (as for instance, Gen. 1 and Jn. 1) the same blessed Spirit gave them clear and satisfactory information of. And no doubt, as far as was necessary to the end designed, they were directed by he Spirit, even in the language and expression; for there were words which the Holy Ghost taught; (1 Co. 2:13) and God saith to the prophet, Thou shalt speak with my words, Eze. 3:4. However, it is not material to us, who drew up the statute, nor what liberty he took in using his own words: when it is ratified, it is become the legislator's act, and binds the subject to observe the true intent and meaning of it. The scripture proves its divine authority and original both to the wise and to the unwise. Even to the unwise and least thinking part of mankind, it is abundantly proved by the many incontestable miracles wrought by Moses and the prophets, Christ and his apostles, for the confirmation of its truths and laws: it would be an intolerable reproach to eternal Truth, to suppose this divine seal affixed to a lie. Beside this, to the more wise and thinking, to the more considerate and contemplative it recommends itself by those innate excellences which are self-evident characteristics of its divine original. If we look carefully, we shall soon be aware of God's image and superscription upon it. A mind rightly disposed by a humble, sincere subjection to its Maker, will easily discover the image of God's wisdom in the awful depth of its mysteries; the image of his sovereignty in the commanding majesty of its style; the image of his unity in the wonderful harmony and symmetry of all its parts; the image of his holiness in the unspotted purity of its precepts; and the image of his goodness in the manifest tendency of the whole to the welfare and happiness of mankind in both worlds; in short, it is a work that fathers itself. And as atheists, so deists, notwithstanding their vain-glorious pretensions to reason, as if wisdom must die with them, run themselves upon the grossest and most dishonourable absurdities imaginable; for, if the scriptures be not the word of God, then there is no divine revelation now in the world, no discovery at all of God's mind concerning our duty and happiness: so that, let a man be ever so desirous and solicitous to do his Maker's will, he must, without remedy, perish in the ignorance of it, since there is no book but this that will undertake to tell him what it is, a consequence which can by no means be reconciled to the idea we have of the divine goodness. And (which is no less an absurdity), if the scriptures be not really a divine revelation, they are certainly as great a cheat as ever was put upon the world: but we have no reason to think them so; for bad men would never write so good a book, nor would Satan have so little subtlety as to help to cast out Satan; and good men would never do so wicked a thing as to counterfeit the broad seal of heaven and affix it to a patent of their own framing, though in itself ever so just. No, there are not the words of him that hath a devil.That the scriptures of the Old and New Testament were purposely designed for our learning. They might have been a divine revelation to those into whose hands they were first put, and yet we, at this distance, have been no way concerned in them; but it is certain that they were intended to be of universal and perpetual use and obligation to all persons, in all places and all ages, that have the knowledge of them, even unto us upon whom the ends of the world have come. See Rom. 15:4. Though we are not under the law as a covenant of innocency (for then, being guilty, we should unavoidable perish under its curse), yet it is not therefore an antiquated statute, but a standing declaration of the will of God concerning good and evil, sin and duty, and its claim to obedience is in as full force and virtue as ever: and unto us is the gospel of the ceremonial law preached, as well as unto those to whom it was first delivered, and much more plainly, Heb. 4:2. The histories of the Old Testament were written for our admonition and direction (1 Co. 10:11), and not barely for the information and entertainment of the curious. The prophets, though long since dead, prophesy again by their writings, before peoples and nations (Rev. 10:11), and Solomon's exhortation speaketh unto us as unto sons. The subject of the holy scripture is universal and perpetual, and therefore of common concern. It is intended, 1. To revive the universal and perpetual law of nature, the very remains of which (or ruins rather) in natural conscience, give us hints that we must look somewhere else for a fairer copy. 2. To reveal the universal and perpetual law of grace, which God's common beneficence to the children of men, such as puts them into a better state than that of devils, gives us some ground to expect. The divine authority likewise, which in this book commands our belief and obedience, is universal and perpetual, and knows no limits, either of time or place; it follows, therefore, that every nation and every age to which these sacred writings are transmitted are bound to receive them with the same veneration and pious regard that they commanded at their first entrance. Though God hath, in these last days, spoken to us by his Son, yet we are not therefore to think that what he spoke at sundry times and in divers manners to the fathers (Heb. 1:1) is of no use to us, or that the Old Testament is an almanac out of date; no, we are built upon the foundation of the prophets, as well as of the apostles, Christ himself being the corner-stone (Eph. 2:20), in whom both these sides of this blessed building meet and are united: they were those ancient records of the Jewish church which Christ and his apostles so oft referred to, so oft appealed to, and commanded us to search and to take heed to. The preachers of the gospel, like Jehoshaphat's judges, wherever they went, had this book of the law with them, and found it a great advantage to them to speak to those that knew the law, Rom. 7:1. That celebrated translation of the Old Testament in the Greek tongue by the Seventy, between 200 and 300 years before the birth of Christ, was to the nations a happy preparative for the entertainment of the gospel, by spreading the knowledge of the law; for as the New Testament expounds and completes the Old, and thereby makes it more serviceable to us now than it was to the Jewish church, so the Old Testament confirms and illustrates the New, and shows us Jesus Christ the same yesterday that he is to-day and will be for ever.That the holy scriptures were not only designed for our learning, but are the settled standing rule of our faith and practice, by which we must be governed now and judged shortly: it is not only a book of general use (so the writings of good and wise men may be), but it is of sovereign and commanding authority, the statute-book of God's kingdom, which our oath of allegiance to him, as our supreme Lord, binds us to the observance of. Whether we will hear or whether we will forbear, we must be told that this is the oracle we are to consult and to be determined by, the touchstone we are to appeal to and try doctrines by, the rule we are to have an eye to, by which we must in every thing order our affections and conversations, and from which we must always take our measures. This is the testimony, this is the law which is bound up and sealed among the disciples, that word according to which if we do not speak, it is because there is no light in us, Isa. 8:16, 20. The making of the light within our rule, which by nature is darkness, and by grace is but a copy of, and conformable to, the written work, is setting the judge above the law; and the making of the traditions of the church rivals with the scriptures is no better: it is making the clock, which every one concerned puts backward or forward at pleasure, to correct the sun, that faithful measurer of time and days. These are absurdities which, being once granted, thousands follow, as we see by sad experience.That therefore it is the duty of all Christians diligently to search the scriptures, and it is the office of ministers to guide and assist them therein. How useful soever this book of books is in itself, it will be of no use to us if we do not acquaint ourselves with it, by reading it daily, and meditating upon it, that we may understand the mind of God in it, and may apply what we understand to ourselves for our direction, rebuke, and comfort, as there is occasion. It is the character of the holy and happy man that his delight is in the law of the Lord; and, as an evidence thereof, he converses with it as his constant companion, and advises with it as his most wise and trusty counsellor, for in that law doth he meditate day and night, Ps. 1:2. It concerns us to be ready in the scriptures, and to make ourselves so by constant reading and careful observation, and especially by earnest prayer to God for the promised gift of the Holy Ghost, whose office it is to bring things to our remembrance which Christ hath said to us (Jn. 14:26), that thus we may have some good word or other at hand for our use in our addresses to God and in our converse with men, in our resistance of Satan and in communing with our own hearts, and may be able, with the good householder, to bring out of this treasury things new and old, for the entertainment and edification both of ourselves and others. If any thing will make a man of God perfect in this world, will complete both a Christian and a minister, and thoroughly furnish him for every good work, it must be this. 2 Tim. 3:17. It concerns us also to be mighty in the scriptures, as Apollos was (Acts 18:24), that is, to be thoroughly acquainted with the true intent and meaning of them, that we may understand what we read, and may not misinterpret or misapply it, but by the conduct of the blessed Spirit may be led into all truth (Jn. 16:13), and may hold it fast in faith and love, and put every part of scripture to that use for which it was intended. The letter, either of law or gospel, profits little without the Spirit. The ministers of Christ are herein ministers to the Spirit for the good of the church; their business is to open and apply the scriptures; thence they must fetch their knowledge, thence their doctrines, devotions, directions, and admonitions, and thence their very language and expression. Expounding the scriptures was the most usual way of preaching in the first and purest ages of the church. What have the Levites to do but to teach Jacob the law (Deu. 33:10); not only to read it, but to give the sense, and cause them to understand the reading? Neh. 8:8. How shall they do this except some man guide them? Acts 8:31. As ministers would hardly be believed without Bibles to back them, so Bibles would hardly be understood without ministers to explain them; but if, having both, we perish in ignorance and unbelief, our blood will be upon our own head.

Being fully persuaded therefore of these things, I conclude that whatever help is offered to good Christians in searching the scriptures is real service done to the glory of God, and to the interests of his kingdom among men; and it is this that hath drawn me into this undertaking, which I have gone about in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling (1 Co. 2:3), lest I should be found exercising myself in things to high for me, and so laudable an undertaking should suffer damage by an unskilful management. If any desire to know how so mean and obscure a person as I am, who in learning, judgment, felicity of expression, and all advantages for such a service, am less than the least of all my Master's servants, came to venture upon so great a work, I can give no other account of it than this: It has long been my practice, what little time I had to spare in my study from the constant preparations for the pulpit, to spend it in drawing up expositions upon some parts of the New Testament, not so much for my own use as purely for my entertainment, because I knew not now to employ my thoughts and time more to my satisfaction. Trahit sua quemque voluptas-Every man that studies hath some beloved study, which is his delight above any other; and this is mine. It is that learning which it was my happiness from a child to be trained up in, by my ever honoured father, whose memory must always be very dear and precious to me: he often reminded me that a good textuary is a good divine; and that I should read other books with this in my eye, that I might be the better able to understand and apply the scripture. While I was thus employing , of the Gospels first, and afterwards of the Act and the Epistles, which met with very good acceptance among serious people, and no doubt, by the blessing of God, will continue to do great service to the church. Soon after he had finished that work, it pleased God to call him to his rest, upon which I was urged, by some of my friends, and was myself inclined, to attempt the like upon the Old Testament, in the strength of the grace of Christ. This upon the Pentateuch is humbly offered as a specimen; if it find favour, and be found any way useful, it is my present purpose, in dependence upon divine aids, to go on, so long as God shall continue my life and health, and as my other work will permit. Many helps, I know, we have of this kind in our own language, which we have a great deal of reason to value, and to be very thankful to God for: but the scripture is a subject that can never be exhausted. However frequently we read it, we shall always meet with something new. When David had amassed a vast treasure for the building of the temple, yet saith he to Solomon, Thou mayest add thereto, 1 Chr. 22:14. Such a treasure is scripture-knowledge; it is still capable of increase, till we all come to the perfect man. The scripture is a field or vineyard which finds work for variety of hands, and about which may be employed a great diversity of gifts and operations, but all from the same Spirit (1 Co. 12:4, 6) and for the glory of the same Lord. The learned in the languages and in ancient usages have been very serviceable to the church (the blessed occupant of this field), by their curious and elaborate searches into its various products, their anatomies of its plants, and the entertaining lectures they have read upon them. The philology of the critics has been of much more advantage to religion, and lent more light to sacred truth, than the philosophy of the school-divines. The learned also in the arts of war have done great service in defending this garden of the Lord against the violent attacks of the powers of darkness, successfully pleading the cause of the sacred writings against the spiteful cavils of atheists, deists, and the profane scoffers of these latter days. Such as these stand in the posts of honour, and their praise is in all the churches: yet the labours of the vine-dressers and the husbandmen (2 Ki. 25:12), though they are the poor of the land who till this ground, and gather in the fruits of it, are no less necessary in their place, and beneficial to the household of God, that out of these precious fruits every one may have his portion of meat in due season. These are the labours to which, according to my ability, I have here set my hand. And as the plain and practical expositors would not, for a world, say of the learned critics, There is no need of them; so, it is hoped, those eyes and heads will not say to the hands and feet, There is no need of you, 1 Co. 12:21.

The learned have of late received very great advantage in their searches into this part of holy writings, and the books that follow (and still hope for more), by the excellent and most valuable labours of that great and good men and women, whom, for vast reading, solid judgment, and a most happy application to these best of studies, even in being advanced years and honours, and bless God for him. I have therefore all along been brief upon that which is there most largely discussed, and have industriously declined, as much as I could, what is to be found there; for I would not actum agere-do what is done; nor (if I may be allowed to borrow the apostle's words) boast of things made ready to our hand, 2 Co. 10:16. These and other annotations which are referred to the particular words and clauses they are designed to explain are most easy to be consulted upon occasion; but the exposition which (like this) is put into a continued discourse, digested under proper heads, is much more easy and ready to be read through for one's own or others' instruction. And, I think, the observing of the connection of each chapter (if there be occasion) with that which goes before, and the general scope of it, with the thread of the history or discourse, and the collecting of the several parts of it, to be seen at one view, will contribute very much to the understanding of it, and will give the mind abundant satisfaction in the general intention, though there may be here and there a difficult word or expression which the best critics cannot easily account for. This, therefore, I have here attempted. But we are concerned not only to understand what we read, but to improve it to some good purpose, and, in order thereunto, to be affected with it, and to receive the impressions of it. The word of God is designed to be not only a light to our eyes, the entertaining subject of our contemplation, but a light to our feet and a lamp to our paths (Ps. 119:105), to direct us in the way of our duty, and to prevent our turning aside into any by-way: we must therefore, in searching the scriptures, enquire, not only What is this? but, What is this to us? What use may we make of it? How may we accommodate it to some of the purposes of that divine and heavenly life which, by the grace of God, we are resolved to live? Enquiries of this kind I have here aimed to answer. When the stone is rolled from the well's mouth by a critical explication of the text, still there are those who would both drink themselves and water their flocks? but they complain that the well is deep, and they have nothing to draw with; how then shall they come by this living water? Some such may, perhaps, find a bucket here, or water drawn to their hands; and pleased enough shall I be with this to draw water for the congregation of the Lord out of these wells of salvation.

That which I aim at in the exposition is to give what I thought the genuine sense, and to make it as plain as I could to ordinary capacities, not troubling my readers with the different sentiments of expositors, which would have been to transcribe, where this is done abundantly to our satisfaction and advantage. As to the practical observations, I have not obliged myself to raise doctrines out of every verse or paragraph, but only have endeavoured to mix with the exposition such hints or remarks as I thought profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, aiming in all to promote practical godliness, and carefully avoiding matters of doubtful disputation and strifes of words. It is only the prevalency of the power of religion in the hearts and lives of Christians that will redress our grievances, and turn our wilderness into a fruitful field. And since our Lord Jesus Christ is the true treasure hidden in the field of the Old Testament, and was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, I have been careful to observe what Moses wrote of him, to which he himself oft appealed. In the writings of the prophets we meet with more of the plain and express promises of the Messiah, and the grace of the gospel; but here, in the books of Moses, we find more of the types, both real and personal figures of him that was to come-shadows, of which the substance is Christ, Rom. 5:14. Those to whom to live is Christ will find in these that which is very instructive and affecting, and which will give great assistance to their faith, and love, and holy joy. This, in a particular manner, we search the scriptures for-to find what they testify of Christ and eternal life, Jn. 5:39. Nor is it any objection against the application of the ceremonial institutions to Christ and his grace that those to whom they were given could not discern this sense or use of them; but it is rather a reason why we should be very thankful that the veil which was upon their minds in the reading of the Old Testament is done away in Christ, 2 Co. 3:13, 14, 18. Though they then could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished, it does not therefore follow but that we who are happily furnished with a key to these mysteries may in them, as in a glass, behold the glory of the Lord Jesus. And yet, perhaps, the pious Jews saw more of the gospel in their ritual than we think they did; they had at least a general expectation of good things to come, by faith in the promises made to the fathers, as we have of the happiness of heaven, though they could not of that world to come, any more than we can of this, form any distinct or certain idea. Our conceptions of the future state, perhaps, are as dark and confused, as short of the truth and as wide from it, as theirs then were of the kingdom of the Messiah: but God requires faith only according to the revelation he gives. They then were accountable for no more light than they had; and we now are accountable for that greater light which we have in the gospel, by the help of which we may find much more of Christ in the Old Testament than they could. If any think our observations sometimes take rise from that which to them seems too minute, let them remember that maxim of The law contains not a letter but what bears the weight of mountains. We are sure there is not an idle word in the Bible. I would desire the reader not only to read the text entire, before he reads the exposition, but, as the several verses are referred to in the exposition, to cast his eye upon them again, and then he will the better understand what he reads. And, if he have leisure, he will find it of use to him to turn to the scriptures which are sometimes only referred to for brevity's sake, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

It is the declared purpose of the Eternal Mind, in all the operations both of providence and grace, to magnify the law and to make it honourable (Isa. 42:21), nay to magnify his word above all his name (Ps. 138:2), so that when we pray, Father, glorify thy name, we mean this, among other things, Father, magnify the holy Scriptures; and to that prayer, made in faith, we may be sure of that answer which was given to our blessed Saviour when he prayed it, with particular respect to the fulfilling of the scriptures in his own sufferings, I have both glorified it, and I will glorify it yet again, Jn. 12:28. To this great design I humbly desire to be some way serviceable, in the strength of that grace by which I am what I am, hoping that what may help to make the reading of the scripture more easy, pleasant, and profitable, will be graciously accepted by him that smiled on the widow's two mites cast into the treasury, as an intention to magnify it and make it honourable; and if I can but gain that point, in any measure, with some, I shall think my endeavours abundantly recompensed, however, by others, I and my performances may be vilified and made contemptible.

I have now nothing more to add than to recommend myself to the prayers of my friends, and them to the grace of the Lord Jesus; and so rest an unworthy dependent upon that grace, and, through that, an expectant of the glory to be revealed. ALL of these exhortations has urged His people to truly believe in one's own relationship in totally being in confident as we trust the Lord with ALL of our life's problems with an undenial of one's own undying affirmation of faith and trust in an unchanging Character of our God as all of us live our life before people that we have near us daily surroundings as our neighbors as we share with the world that we live in today. Prayer: Dear Precious Heavenly Father; Thank You for these very words that You've have given unto us as we walk in You as we love You, and Honor You in all of our ways as we gladly serve You. We give You all of the Glory as we lift Your name on High, deeply within us. For You are our Most Holy God whom reigns upon Your Throne that keeps us secure and safe within Your wings as You keep us secure as we lavish You and adore You even when You correct and order our steps as You've have laid before us as we go about Your bidding in gladly serving You and unto those in this world, in our neighborhoods, work places, family, friends, and in all whom You send unto us in sharing Your very powerful Word. For it does Not ever changes unless You change us to grow more in being in You, as You watch us grow to serve you in our glad hearts in ever being watchful in You coming for us all. For You are Holy and Pure and as we stand in awe of you and knowing tht Your unchageable which lasts forever and ever. We look with an expectant hearts that's so very dependent on You as all is ever to share in glory as it's always being revealed by Your very precious Holy Spirit in leading and guiding us daily. Praise and glpry forever. Amen and Amen! i_amgodschild.