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Jesus Alone: The Messiah's Temptation

Jesus Alone: The Messiah's Temptation Excerpt ‎It is no coincidence that Jesus’ temptation immediately follows his baptism. Many of God’s people have had similar experiences. Right after conversion or some other significant spiritual event, precisely when a certain level of victory or maturity seems to have been attained, temptations resume more strongly than ever ( cf. Elijah in 1 Kgs 19:1–18 and Paul in Rom 7:14–25 ). Blomberg, Craig. Matthew. Vol. 22 . Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992. Print. The New American Commentary .

Prayer

Prayer Lord God, thank You for Your blessings, grace and mercy. Without You O Lord, we can't do anything. May You continue to shower us also with Your protection from seen and un-seen troubles. Bless those that are Sabbath keepers in serving You. Bless those with infirmities, homeless  that they may be sheltered, food-less that they may be fed, and penniless that they may have and be taught how to  manage  their  finances . In Jesus' name is my prayer. Amen. - Min. Lynwood F. Mundy 

Connect the Testaments: A Daily Devotional

November 30 Do Not Turn to Folly Ephesians 6:1–24 ; Proverbs 9:13–18 I have a problem with criticism. Being one of the youngest in a large, opinionated family, I quickly learned how to stand up for myself and get my way as a young child. I learned to deflect teasing. I also learned I had a knack for ignoring reprimands—punishment free (there are certain, inalienable rights that shouldn’t be bestowed on the youngest). The louder I projected my voice, the better; the more stubborn my stance, the more respect I earned. I wish I could say it was a phase that I quickly grew out of. When we’re challenged by others, we often interpret the wisdom offered as criticism instead. We defensively deflect feedback like beams of light, hoping they’ll land in their rightful place (our neighbor’s darkness, and not our own). This type of reaction can become second nature to us. Soon, even messages in church are meant for others: “I wish [insert person who is currently annoying us] was here. He o

How to Choose a Bible Translation

How to Choose a Bible Translation November 20, 2013  By  Ray Deck III    |    14 Comments 14 Since the Bible was originally written in ancient Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, it must be translated for most of us to read and understand it. In English, we have several options. But how are they different? How do you decide which version to read? Should you have more than one? Here’s your guide to choosing a Bible translation. What’s the difference? Translating from an ancient language is a balancing act between precision and readability. The more strictly a translation holds to the word order of the original, the harder it is to read, and the smoother the translated language, generally the farther it strays from the original wording. Some translations sacrifice readability in favor of an extremely precise translation (like the  NASB ). Others play loose with the original word order and achieve a very smooth, highly readable final product (like the  NLT ). Most

Faith Exhibited

Faith Exhibited Excerpt ‎Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses’ parents all looked beyond present circumstances to a future shaped by God’s promise . Abraham’s vision is most stunning. Told to sacrifice his son Isaac, he was so totally convinced that God would keep His promise to give him offspring by Isaac that he concluded God would raise his son from the dead. Abraham knew that the vision God gave of the future would come true—as he continued to obey God . Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991. Print.

Unjust Masters

Unjust Masters Excerpt ‎ The masters had their faces dead set against these Christ ian slaves. We can understand that attitude when we remember that these slaves lived lives of singular purity, meekness, honesty, willingness to serve, and obedience in the households of their heathen masters. This was a powerful testimony for the gospel, and brought them under conviction of sin. All this irritated them, and they reacted in a most unpleasant way toward their slaves, whom they would punish without provocation. Yet they did not want to sell these Christ ian slaves and buy pagan ones, for the Christ ian slaves served them better. So they just had to make the best of the situation. Wuest, Kenneth S. Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader . Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997. Print.

Salt

Salt Excerpt ‎To demonstrate the impact these people would make on their world, Jesus used two common illustrations: salt and light. Jesus’ followers would be like salt in that they would create a thirst for greater information. When one sees a unique person who possesses superior qualities in specific areas, he desires to discover why that person is different. It is also possible that salt means these people serve as a preservative against the evils of society. Whichever view one takes, the important quality to note is that salt ought to maintain its basic character. If it fails to be salty, it has lost its purpose for existence and should be discarded. Barbieri, Louis A., Jr. “Matthew.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Ed. J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. 29. Print.

Freedom and Pardon

Freedom and Pardon Isaiah 55:6-7 “Freely pardon” ( 55:6–7 ). It is in the free pardon that God offers the wicked that the sharpest difference between God’s thoughts and our thoughts are seen. We feel anger and outrage and call for revenge. God feels compassion and love and extends mercy. Thus God’s word is gentle and life-giving; in Isaiah’s analogy, like the gentle rain that waters the earth and causes life to spring up. What a warm and wonderful view of God ( v. 10 ). Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991. Print.

7 Things the Bible Says about Wisdom

7 Things the Bible Says about Wisdom November 22, 2013  By  Ray Deck III    |    Leave a Comment 0 Scripture, and Proverbs in particular, offers wisdom about a wide range of subjects, from finance to relationships and everything in between. Some of its most prevalent wisdom, though, is framed around the subject of wisdom itself—what it is, how it acts, and how to get it. A quick Logos Bible search led me to 106 verses in the book of Proverbs that contained the words “wise” or “wisdom.” Here are seven that jumped out to me: Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. ( Proverbs 1:7 ) It’s foolish to think yourself wise. ( Proverbs 3:7 ) A wise person reads the instructions. ( Proverbs 9:9 ) In an argument, the quieter person is probably the wiser one. ( Proverbs 29:9 ) A wise person doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve. ( Proverbs 29:11 ) Wisdom is contagious. ( Proverbs 13:20 ) God gives out wisdom generously to anyone who asks for it. ( James 1:5 ) I

. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Vol. 2.

Excerpt ‎Paul balances four activities: “learned and received” and “heard and seen.” It is one thing to learn a truth, but quite another to receive it inwardly and make it a part of our inner man ( see 1 Thes. 2:13 ). Facts in the head are not enough; we must also have truths in the heart. In Paul’s ministry, he not only taught the Word but also lived it so that his listeners could see the truth in his life. Paul’s experience ought to be our experience. We must learn the Word, receive it, hear it, and do it. “But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only” (J ames 1:22 ). Wiersbe, Warren W . The Bible Exposition Commentary. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996. Print.

10 Humbling Quotes on Thankfulness

10 Humbling Quotes on Thankfulness Tayler Beede   |   Thu, November 28, 2013   |    MISC    0 Thanksgiving is a time to get together with our closest friends and family, reflect on our blessings, and enjoy conversation over a delicious communal meal. It’s a time to thank God for every little thing he’s given us—and, hopefully, a time to remember how important it is to be thankful year-round. Here are 10 quotes that remind us of the importance of giving thanks: 1. “If anyone would tell you the shortest, surest way to all happiness and all perfection, he must tell you to make a rule to yourself to thank and praise God for everything that happens to you.” —William Law,  A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life 2. “The Christian’s life should be one of thankfulness to God.” —Charles Spurgeon,  The Treasury of David , vol. 5 3. “We do not always know what is right. It is not always clear whether or not we should move. What we should say is not known in every situation.

My Prayer for Today

Prayer  Heavenly Father , myself and all give  You  thanksgiving for our Thanksgiving holiday blessings.. Thank  You  for those that blessed others through  Your  blessings that  You  gave to us. Now, let us give thanksgiving to  You  daily for the blessings of grace and mercy that  You  bless us with daily. In  Jesus'   name  I pray. Amen. - Min. Lynwood F. Mundy https://www.facebook.com/lfmundy

Connect the Testaments: A Daily Devotional

November 29 Revitalization: Moving Beyond the Catch Word 2 Kings 22:1–23:27 Ideally, spiritual renewal wouldn’t be necessary—we would continually grow closer to God . But that’s not the case. There are ups and downs in our walk with Yahweh . We experience times of intimacy and times of distance. We lose focus, energy, or the desire to obey. These highs and lows could be the result of our fallen world or our taking God for granted, but whatever the reason, we need renewal. Spiritual revitalization is essential. We can always grow closer to God . During his reign, King Josiah launches a reformation—a revitalization of the way God’s people think and act. He even changes the people’s understanding of God Himself . After finding a scroll ( likely of Deuteronomy ), Josiah tears his clothes in remorse and repentance and instructs the priests to inquire of Yahweh on behalf of the people ( 2 Kgs 22:8–13 ). Yahweh is aware of their misdeeds. Then Josiah immediately does what needs to b

The Episcopal Church. Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2013 | NATIONAL HOLIDAY THANKSGIVING DAY YEARS ABC              Psalm       Psalm 65 or Psalm 65:9–13              First Reading       Deuteronomy 8:1–3, 6–10 (17–20)              Second Reading       James 1:17–18, 21–27              Gospel       Matthew 6:25–33 The Episcopal Church. Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2010. Print.

Catholic Lectionary

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2013 | ORDINARY TIME THURSDAY OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 | ROMAN MISSAL               First Reading       Daniel 6:12–28               Response       Daniel 3:59b               Psalm       Daniel 3:68–74               Gospel Acclamation       Luke 21:28               Gospel       Luke 21:20–28 Catholic Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009. Print.

Revised Common Lectionary

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2013 | SPECIAL DAYS THANKSGIVING DAY (U.S.A) YEAR C               Old Testament       Deuteronomy 26:1–11              Psalm       Psalm 100              New Testament       Philippians 4:4–9              Gospel       John 6:25–35 Revised Common Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009. Print.

Connect the Testaments: A Daily Devotional

November 28 The Unity of Believers Ephesians 4:1–32 It’s easy to sort believers in a community based on the quantity of their service. Most of us could roll out the masking tape and divide those who contribute their time and efforts from those who don’t. If we’re honest, the topic itself easily divides us—it makes us feel used, over-tasked, and resentful. But that’s not the picture of unity of purpose that Paul presents in Ephesians. He describes the church as a body—one in which “each single part” is needed for the growth of the whole. “But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow into him with reference to all things, who is the head, Christ , from whom the whole body, joined together and held together by every supporting ligament, according to the working by measure of each single part, the growth of the body makes for the building up of itself in love” ( Eph 4:15–16 ). We are each given unique abilities for the growth of the body, and “each single part” is necessary to

Prayer

Prayer Good morning my beloved in Christ Jesus. Have a blessed day in the Lord. Remember those on Thanksgiving Day that do not have. If you can give something to help feed them, please do. God will truly bless you when you give from your heart not grudgingly. - Min. Lynwood F. Mundy

Connect the Testaments: A Daily Devotional

November 27 When Hezekiah Gave Away the Farm 2 Kings 18:13–19:37 After the announcement that Hezekiah “did right in the eyes of Yahweh ,” the next description comes as a surprise: “At that time, Hezekiah cut off the doors of the temple of Yahweh and the doorposts which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and he gave them to the king of Assyria” ( 2 Kgs 18:3 , 16 ). For a moment Hezekiah was a strong king over Israel—he abolished idolatry and refused to obey the king of Assyria ( 2 Kgs 18:4 , 7 ). As 2 Kings 18:6 describes, “He held on to Yahweh ; he did not depart from following him, and he kept his commands that Yahweh had commanded Moses.” But Hezekiah did not possess fortitude ( see 2 Kgs 18:13–18 ). In an attempt to gain peace, he gave away not only treasures, but even pieces of Yahweh’s temple itself ( 2 Kgs 18:15–16 ). We’ve all been in situations where it’s tempting to do anything for peace. Perhaps we've even compromised our ethics or values in these momen

Prayer

Prayer Come too those that do not know Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior. He is standing and waiting for you to open your heart and invite him in. When the heart  and  blood  stops and you have not accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior, Having your family bringing your demise body to the church will not save you; In Hades (hell) you are  condemned   for eternity--you, Satan and his angels with burn for eternity. Again I say, come to Christ Jesus whom died, resurrected and is sitting at the right hand of the Father. In His Precious Son Jesus name. Amen. -  Min. Lynwood F. Mundy

Connect the Testaments: A Daily Devotional

November 26 A Moment to Reflect Ephesians 1:1–23 ; Proverbs 8:9–18 Anyone will admit that wisdom is more than just knowledge. We think of wisdom as thoughtful insight acquired with life experience. However, Paul and the author of Proverbs tell us that it is not something we gain with a little age and some good direction. Wisdom is inseparable from the fear of God . The author of Proverbs tells us wisdom is “knowledge and discretion” ; it’s associated with the desire to fear God , and it is a reward to those who seek it out. “I love those who love me,” says Wisdom personified. “Those who seek me diligently shall find me” ( Prov 8:17 ). Paul speaks of wisdom in light of understanding the grand story of salvation we’re part of. When writing to the Ephesians, Paul prays that they will receive a certain type of spirit so they can grow in faith— “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ , the glorious Father , may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him (t

Connect the Testaments: A Daily Devotional.

November 25 You Have to Mean It Proverbs 8:1–8 Wisdom really isn’t all that difficult to find. We think of this attribute as hidden or fleeting, but the book of Proverbs portrays Wisdom calling out to us: “Does not wisdom call, and understanding raise its voice? Atop the heights beside the road, at the crossroads she stands. Beside gates, before towns, at the entrance of doors” ( Prov 8:1–3 ). When we seek Wisdom, she shows up. She’s everywhere. She’s waiting—not to be found, but to be embraced. The intelligence of Wisdom, the prudence she teaches, is at our fingertips. In Proverbs 8:3–5 , Wisdom cries out, “To you, O people, I call, and my cry is to the children of humankind. Learn prudence, O simple ones; fools, learn intelligence.” Maybe the real problem is that few of us are wise enough to be what Wisdom requires us to be. The folly of humankind may not be in a lack of seeking, but a lack of doing. If we really want something, we work for it. Wisdom requires sacrificing

The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2013–2014, Sunday school Lesson

November 24 Lesson 13 BEGINNING OF THE TABERNACLE DEVOTIONAL READING: Hebrews 9:11–15 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : Exodus 35–40 EXODUS 40:16–30 , 34 , 38 KEY VERSE The cloud of the LORD was upon the [ Tabernacle ] by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.— Exodus 40:38 LESSON AIMS After participating in this lesson, each student will be able to: 1. Match the tabernacle’s furnishings with their functions. 2. Compare and contrast God’s presence in the [ Tabernacle ]   with His presence in the temple in Jerusalem, in Jesus , in the church, and in the individual Christ ian . 3. Demonstrate God’s presence in his or her life in a concrete way in the week ahead. LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      Building My Tabernacle       B.      Lesson Background           I.      Constructing the Tabernacle ( EXODUS 40:16–19 )       A.      Obedience of Moses ( v. 16 )            Doing It God’s Way  

*-Lesson based on International Sunday School Lesson

Lesson for November 24, 2013 Beginning of the Tabernacle  Exodus 35–40 By Sam E. Stone In the account of the building of the [ Tabernacle ] , one refrain stands out above everything else: “ Moses did everything just as the Lord commanded him ” ( see Exodus 40:16 , 19 , 21 , 23 , 25 , 27 , 29 , 32 ). Wilbur Fields calls these eight verses “An overview of obedience! A chronicle of compliance!” James E. Smith put it this way: “The Tabernacle is rooted in divine revelation. The Israelites merely implemented the directives of God . Eighteen times in the last two chapters the narrator emphasizes the complete compliance to the commandments of God . . . God’s commands are meant to be executed.” Exodus 25-31 contains the Lord’s instructions about the tabernacle proper, while chapters 35-39 explain how it was constructed. Constructing the Tabernacle Exodus 40:16-19 The[ Tabernacle ] in essence served as a portable temple. The Lord had told Moses, “Have them make a sanct

Daf Yomi

SUNDAY , NOVEMBER 24, 2013 כ"א כסלו תשע"ד               Yoma 16 babtalmudfolio.2.5.16;;text-paragraphed Daf Yomi: Cycle 13 . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2012. Print.

Christian One Year Lectionary

SUNDAY , NOVEMBER 24, 2013 | END TIME LAST SUNDAY OF END TIME CHRIST THE KING              Old Testament       Isaiah 51:4–8              Psalm       Psalm 45              New Testament       Revelation 1:9–18              Gospel       John 18:33–37 Christian Worship One Year Lectionary. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009. Print.

United Methodist Revised Common

SUNDAY , NOVEMBER 24, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST CHRIST THE KING OR REIGN OF CHRIST YEAR C              Old Testament       Jeremiah 23:1–6              Gospel       Luke 1:68–79 (UMH 208)              New Testament       Colossians 1:11–20              Gospel       Luke 23:33–43 Vanderbilt Divinity Library. United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009. Print.

The Episcopal Church. Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary

SUNDAY , NOVEMBER 24, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 29 YEAR C               Psalm       Psalm 46              First Reading       Jeremiah 23:1–6              Second Reading       Colossians 1:11–20              Gospel       Luke 23:35–43 or Luke 19:29–38 The Episcopal Church. Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2010. Print.

Lutheran Service Book Historic (One Year) Lectionary

SUNDAY , NOVEMBER 24, 2013 | TRINITY LAST SUNDAY OF THE CHURCH YEAR              Old Testament       Isaiah 65:17–25              Psalm       Psalm 149               Epistle       1 Thessalonians 5:1–11              Gospel       Matthew 25:1–13 Lutheran Service Book Historic (One Year) Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009. Print.

Revised Common Lectionary

SUNDAY , NOVEMBER 24, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST CHRIST THE KING OR REIGN OF CHRIST PROPER 29 YEAR C               Old Testament       Jeremiah 23:1–6               Psalm       Luke 1:68–79 or Psalm 46               New Testament       Colossians 1:11–20              Gospel       Luke 23:33–43 Revised Common Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009. Print.

Prayer

Prayer Lord , thank  You  for this awakening to a day that has never been seen.  If  You  call me home before the days end, I ask that  You  forgive me of all my sins in  Jesus' name . I now pray for the sick, homeless, those without food or clothing and financial needs. For those that are secular, I pray that they be pricked by  Your Word  in their hearts,  And come to  Jesus  through genuine faith for the remission of their sins, and accept  Him  as their  Lord and Savior . For those  Father  that know  You  but only worship, praise or think about  You  when they are in need, I pray  that they return to  You  in a  genuine   re-dedication to serve  You  in all holiness. Bless those Jews and Seventh Day Adventist that keep  Your Sabbath . Bless my family, friends and enemies with agape love. Bless the President, GOP and Tea Party that they all come together without prejudices  And bigotry's to govern This great nation without malice toward its peoples r