I am reading a Psalm a day this year. So far they have been relatively short, and not all have touched me.

Today’s warning to the rich, (not me,  I can only wish, lol), did touch my heart.

I have selected verses first from the Names of God Bible.   I just like the ease of understanding.

But for the last verse, no other translation compares with the Amplified Bible.

Psalm 49:1-3  (NOG)
For the choir director; a psalm by Korah’s descendants.
“Listen to this, all you people.
Open your ears, all who live in the world

common people and important ones,
rich people and poor ones.

My mouth will speak wise sayings,
the insights I have carefully considered.”

This is such a sad truth.  So many refuse to listen.  I saw a meme on FB, this morning, “worthless things in 2017.”

There were several things, a floppy disk, a pay phone, a VCR,  last on the list was a Christian Bible.

The comments were so sad… the gist was, all lies, not even good poetry,  we can learn more from Dr Seuss.

I pray you don’t agree.

Psalm 49:7-10 (NOG)

“No one can ever buy back another person
or pay Elohim (God), a ransom for his life.

The price to be paid for his soul is too costly.
He must always give up

in order to live forever and never see the pit.

Indeed, one can see that wise people die,
that foolish and stupid people meet the same end.  They leave their riches to others.“

Everyone can see, we all die.  Our wealth cannot keep us from Hell.  We must give up, let go of our desires, plans, our sins and shame, and give ourselves to God.

All we gain on earth is left to others.  The temporary riches of this world, or we can share the eternal riches of Salvation. 

Psalm 49:15. (NOG)
“But Elohim (God), will buy me back from the power of hell,  because he will take me. 

Selah”  (stop and consider this)

Oh that people would stop and consider:

John 3:16-17(AMP)

 “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.   For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him.”

That the world might be saved.   Individual choice.  We must deside for ourselves. We must repent, turn towards God, He is always within reach.

Just a “HELP LORD” away.

This last verses is a great Spiritual Truth.

Psalms 49:20. (AMP)

“A man [who is held] in honor,
Yet who lacks [spiritual] understanding and a teachable heart, is like the beasts that perish.”

He Who Lacks Spiritual Understanding,  lacks the Wisdom, to recognize and accept a personal, loving God, who longs to Save us from the pit.

The Lord also desires, we would Draw Near, spend time, to love and learn from Him.

Salvation is just the start of an eternity filled with love and life.

I pray you will continue to draw close, and recognize the Power of His Mercy and Grace.

Amen

Mark 6:45-53. Matthew 14:22-33

He had just fed the 5,000, yet they still couldn’t believe.   I have a few points to make.

Mark 6:45-52 (KJV)

45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

49 But when they saw him, walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

(Matthew 14:28-32)
(28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.)

Mark 6:51-52

51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
***********

straightway:

It is funny how far our faith has fallen.  When we lay hands on the sick, do we really expect instant healing?

No we don’t believe.   He said if we did, the sick would be healed, the dead raised, the lame to walk.

Immediately and straightway were the normal, healed, when Jesus was present.  That it isan’t the expected today, brings into question,  is Jesus truely  present,  in our lives?

“These signs shall follow those who believe.”

Straightway,  Jesus sent His Disciples to cross the water while He, went up the mountain to

he saw them:  

Jesus alone, on the mountain, had a Word of Knowledge, or a vision,  He saw them struggling to cross the water.  It was during the forth watch.  (3 to 6 am)
 he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea,  and would have passed by them:

Jesus and Peter, both walk on water.  Matthew adds the news about Peter.  Peter took his eyes off Jesus, saw his circumstances and cried out for help.  Mark states they thought they saw a spirit.

Jesus is always just a call away, whether for Salvation,  Healing, Provision….  Jesus is always within range to help.

went up unto them, the wind ceased:  they were sore amazed.

So sad, such a short memory.

For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

How soon we forget the miracle of Salvation.  We really don’t trust Him for much past that. Our hearts are hardened?

How?  Why?  

We do not, study to show ourselves approved, we don’t, fast and pray, just to be closer to Him, to Know Him better, to learn how to love Him.

(Matthew 14:33)

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Help us to Worship You, to recognize:  thou art the Son of God.

Lord, draw us close, help us to Know You, Walk with You, to Do Your Will.   Amen
*********

Matthew 14:22-33 (KJV)

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Exodus 20:19-21
“And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.”

The Ten Commandments had been given to Moses:

“The people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.”

When people witness the Power and Presence of God, they react.  Unlike Firemen and Policemen, most run away.  The Lord would have us emulate Moses.

“Moses drew near.”

Saints, God wants us to be like Moses.   He wants us to desire more of God, to desire to draw near.

In the Church where I play piano, the thing I miss most, is just singing God’s Word in true praise.

Yes, the simple tunes that lift up the Lord, that we can meditate on, forget ourselves, that cause us to concentrate on the Lord, and His Word.

We can then enter into His Presence.  Where He inhabits the Praise of His people.

When we sing:

Psalm 5:1-3(KJV)

Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.

Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

This tells Him, I need You, I look for You in my life, I lift up my concerns, my problems, diligently, daily.   I will look up to You and listen for Your answer.  

I long for Your direction.  Your place in my heart, is sacred.

Psalm 91:1-2 (KJV)

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

This lifts up the Lord, tells Him who His is in our lives.  Tells Him we love, trust, rely on, desire to be with Him.

Psalm 84:11-12 (KJV)

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.”

This again lifts up God, tells Him we know all that is good in life comes from Him, that we desire to walk with Him.   Trust in Him.

Saints,  for me this is the easiest way to get into the Presence of the Lord. Singing His Word, to Him.   He watches over His Word to preform it.

We need, God desires, that we desire to draw near to Him.  In Praise that leads to Worship.

By lifting Him up, we humble ourselves, we bow to Him, we learn to Worship in Spirit and in Truth.    Amen

Mark 6:7-13;30-32. Mark 3:7-15 Matthew 10:1,5-15. Matthew. 12:15-16, 10:1
Luke 9:1-6 6:12-13

The twelve sent out.  As I study this Harmony of the Gospels, I am continuing to be surprised.

We find in Matthew, Mark and Luke, that Jesus sends 12 out to preach, two times in each Gospel.

He gave them the power of the Holy Spirit.   A preview of what was to come, on the Day of Pentecost. 

One time, Jesus emphasized,  they were to take nothing but the clothes on their backs, nothing extra, and no money.

He was teaching them and us, (if we would listen),  His provision.   They were to find food and shelter from the worthy.  (Whosoever accepts the Gospel).

If people do not accept the Gospel, they were  to shake the dust off their feet and move on.

When the Church sends out Missionaries today, they need sponsors.   

We no longer, trust in the Lord, to supply.  So why should He?   

Church leaders demand we need a safety net.

The lack of Faith of the Leaders, flows down to the flock.   We need to rethink this, and follow the Word.

Too many, know not the Scriptures and deny the power of God. 

What I find even more interesting is who He sent out and how they were equipped. 

First off, He sent, only 12.  He had multitudes, of people following, wherever He went.

Why only 12, and why this 12?

These were ordinary working men.  Just like you and I.   The reason He chose them.  

They were willing, able and obedient.

That is what made them special.  He would send me, if I qualified. (See above, lol). 

In all three Gospels, He gave them:

“He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”

He gave us this Power also, on the Day of Pentecost.   The Talents the Master left us, are the Gifts of the Spirit.

We leave them on the shelf, a Gift given but not received, ignored,  misunderstood, feared.

Do you want the Church to Grow, to fulfil the Great Commission?

Seek the Lord and His righteousness,  accept the tools He gave us, then, build His Kingdom.

If you have no power, it is because you haven’t asked.

James 4:3,10 (KJV)

“Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

Like Salvation,  we must ask for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.   We must ask, not so we will be exalted,  but to EXALT THE LORD. 

He Commanded them:

“As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.   Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”

Is this happening in our Churches?

NO…  THE POWER OF THE LORD IS NOT PRESENT  TO HEAL THE SICK, CLEANSE THE LEPERS, OR TO RAISE THE DEAD.

Freely Given…. YET, NOT ACCEPTED.  WE DO NOT BELIEVE. 

Our Faith can be seen, by how serious we are to seek His face, to seek the Power of His Resurrection. 

If His power, were present,  we could not contain the people who would seek His Touch.

Church, it is time to repent, ask forgiveness for our evil hearts of unbelief.  Ask for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Power.

It has been freely given.

We only need to ask and receive. 

Amen

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Matthew 10:1,5-15 (KJV)
10 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.
13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
*

Matthew 12:15-16, 10:1
“But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; And charged them that they should not make him known:”
“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”

Mark 6:7-13 (KJV)
7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

Mark 6:30-32 (KJV)
30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

*
Mark 3:7-15
“But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.
And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.
And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.
And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.
And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:“

Luke 9:1-6 (KJV)
9 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.
5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Luke 9:10 (KJV)
10 And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

*
Luke 6:12-13
“And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;”