Verse Today

Proverbs 20:5 New International Version (NIV)

5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,
    but one who has insight draws them out.

Father to the Fatherless

June 12 – Father to the Fatherless – Psalm 68:5-6

     In this Psalm of David we are reminded of the Lord`s care and keeping.  The Lord is the Father to the fatherless.  He cares for the widows and the orphans.  He is the voice of the voiceless.  He cares for the weak and defenseless.  This is part of what He does in His holy dwelling.  In today’s world the church is His holy dwelling and so we must take this as part of our mandate.  In Matt 25, it states that we will be judge on what we do in this area. 

     He sets the lonely into families.  What a great promise.  He leads the prisoner forth with singing because He sets the captive free.  Are you captive today?  The Lord will set you free.  Then there is a warning to the rebellious and that is that they will live in a sun scorched land.  So today choose the Lord and life in abundance and not in famine.

Tuesday Thought

It is Tuesday and here is your thought for today.  Love as if this could be your last moment on this earth because it could.    So tell your family and friends how much you love them while you can and live with no regrets.

Children

It is the beginning of the week and here is a thought to ponder.  Children measure success not in you give them but in what way you give yourself to them.  So today give yourself to your family and be the blessing at home first then go into your world and be a blessing to it.

Bright Future

Obadiah – How to Overcome the Past for a Bright Future. Obadiah 17

Intro;  Today, I am going to look at some very powerful lessons from Obadiah.  This is one of my most practical messages yet.

Background

-  Shortest book of O.T. 

-  Obadiah was a prophet to Israel, Edom and the nations.

-  Book centers on the feud between Israel, and Edom. 

But on Mount Zion will be deliverance.

1.  Edom was an ancient enemy of Israel.  The inhabitants of Edom allowed ancient

     Offences to make them enemies.  The first lesson we learn here is very practical.

     Never let the past or the offences of it determine you’re present or future.  Talk

     About Middle East.

2.  Never take up the offences of others even if they seem noble, righteous or

     Honourable.  You could be poisoned, manipulated, or be lied too. 

3.  Dwelling on old offences will create new ones.  Hurt, bitterness and unforgiveness

     Color everything we do, say, perceive, see, hear and think.  Edom allowed ancient

     Offences to make them enemies but they also made new offences.  They rejoiced

     In Israel’s destruction, they also participated in it which created new hatred and

     Animosity.  Unforgiveness, hatred and hurt is an endless cycle.  The only thing that

     Breaks it is true forgiveness.  Choosing to love, accept and forgive. 

4.  Obadiah says on Mt Zion will come deliverance.  God keeps the books, Obadiah is

     Saying. A valuable lesson to remember is that the way we react to hurt and offences

     Determine the consequences of our reactions and actions.  Paul says what we sow

     It what we reap. 

5.  This statement is a promise to Israel and a warning to Edom.  God fights for Israel and

     Against its enemies.

6. Obadiah warns Edom that God providentially cares for the Jews and there is a certainty

    Of judgment for those who persecute them. 

It will be holy.

1.  Obadiah talked about the rule of God,  He also talked about how Israel was a

     Showcase or example to the nations.  Israel was a nation that was suppose to show

     God’s mercy, goodness, love, justice was all about.  That is why God was so angry

     With Israel, they forgot they were chosen and the mission they had. 

2.  The church has that same mandate. We are to show the world what covenant means.

     We show the world God by our actions, words and attitudes.  What is the mandate?

      Of the church.

1.  To love God with everything we have and to love our neighbours (Great

     Commandment). Part 1

2.  To show all Jesus by the way we love one another. (Great commandment, Part 2)

3.  Go into all world and preach the gospel.  Matt 28:19  (Great Commission)

4.  Feed hungry, cloth strangers, visit sick and those in prison and give thirsty a drink.

    Matt 25:35-36

5.  Practice pure religion.  Take care of widows, orphans and keep yourself unpolluted

     By the world.  James 1:27

6.  Practice daily devotions of prayer and reading of the word.  Weekly attendance at

     Worship services.  Heb 10:25

7.  Be a reproducing believer.  Matt 28:19.

And the house of Jacob will possess its inheritance.

1.  Obadiah reminds Israel that the Lord will bring vindication and enjoyment again to

      His people.  Obadiah talks about the Day of the Lord where the remnant of Israel

      Will help in salvation and rulership over the nations. 

2.  Israel is the Lord’s arm.  Today the church is God’s arm of blessing.  Today in His

     Name if you need salvation, healing deliverance, restoration, strength, encouragement,

     Power, freedom or prayer for anything.

Proverb of Steel

A person may be a great success in the work world but a dismal failure at home

Verse Today

Psalm 28:7 New International Version (NIV)

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him.