Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.



T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.



Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.



The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.



Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.



When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.



"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

Such an amazing song, true in every word. This song has touched so many heart’s, over the years, and even now has made a profound impact to every listener. Let the lyrics of this song . Remind us of that amazing Grace on this Christmas season, and in our walk of life .Every Day.

Trust God In All Things, With Thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:16-23 “ 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. “

THERE IS A REASON TO BE THANKFUL: IT IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS THAT WE GIVE THANKS IN EVERY THING.

Notice that it really doesn’t say for all things, but in all things give thanks unto the Lord. If you have the kind of faith in God that goes beyond the circumstances of the moment, and knows that God’s hand is in control no matter what Hell and this imperfect world spits up at us, then you can give thanks at all times. God is still the same no matter how the circumstances change. In fact, God is still God over the circumstances!

You see, we are to appreciate the Lord. We are to acknowledge Him and His goodness in our lives at all times. As the Appalachian Song says, "He ain’t never done me nothin' but good"... I know its not perfect English, but it’s true; everything He has brought into my life is good. All good in our lives came from the Lord! We should be thankful! James 1:17 “ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. “

If you are alive and not in Hell, it is because of God’s grace. If you are on your way to Heaven, you really need to rejoice in the Lord, for it is because of God’s grace. We need to be thankful! Romans 6:23 “ For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. “

2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift. “

We are supposed to be thankful to God. He is worthy to be praised, and we should appreciat our Lord. To be thankful is to have grateful recognition to one you appreciate. They make you glad for what they have done for you. It brings a loving feeling of gratitude.



Thanksgiving is a festival season that we come together as family after harvest season; we sit around a table, and take time to THANK GOD, for the harvest. The prayer, at the table on Thanksgiving Day, usally said by the elder of the house, you might not have the turkey, but the thanksgiving prayer is irreplaceable. And it is done by holding hands resembling unity in giving Thanks.
Let not thanksgiving ,be a only a one time year affair that we do , as a ritual that was imposed on us but ,Let every day, every moment of our lives be filled with thanksgiving.

If a king like King David said these words

Psalm 34:1
I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

With a thankfully and praiseful heart , aren’t we suppose to do the same . we might think , so what he was king , A king has everything so he can praise god, Let me remind you that most of the Psalm uttered by David was not when he was king , but when he was fleeing for his life from Sole who was trying to kill him .
David praise god more in bad times and in good times , because David Saw God as God
,feared, loved and gave reverence to God in everything
So must we , we might think.How can we?.
If you have the heart for the Lord , your praise to him will come to you.
So let us with a heart of Gratitude and thanks let us give thanks to the lord for everything in our life that has, and is to come.

Hannah

Hannah, from the Hebrew word meaning grace, or favor, was the preferred wife of Elkanah, a Levite from Ramah in Ephraim. Hannah was a faithful woman who prayed to God for a child, and promised that if He granted her request, she would give him to The Lord as a life-long Nazirite. Her prayer was answered, and her son is known to Bible History as Samuel.
The Bible account of Hannah -
"There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none." (1 Samuel 1:1-2)
"Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and The Lord had closed her womb. And because The Lord had closed her womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of The Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. Elkanah her husband would say to her, "Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?" (1 Samuel 1:4-8)
"Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of The Lord's temple. In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to The Lord. And she made a vow, saying, "O Lord Almighty, if You will only look upon Your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget Your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to The Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head." (1 Samuel 1:9-11)
"So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked The Lord for him." When the man Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to The Lord and to fulfill his vow, Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, "After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before The Lord, and he will live there always." (1 Samuel 1:20-22)



"After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of The Lord at Shiloh. When they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli, and she said to him, "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to The Lord. I prayed for this child, and The Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to The Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to The Lord." And he worshiped The Lord there." (1 Samuel 1:20-28)
"Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, "May The Lord give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to The Lord." Then they would go home. And The Lord was gracious to Hannah; she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of The Lord." (1 Samuel 2:19-21)

Sheep

Sheep are mentioned in the Bible more than 500 times, more than any other animal. The prominence of sheep in the Bible grows out of two realities. Sheep were important to the nomads and agricultural life of the Hebrews and similiar peoples. Secondly, sheep are used throughout the Bible to symbolically refer to God's people.

Biblical shepherds

Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. But Abel also brought an offering -- fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. (Genesis 4:3-4)

The very first shepherd was Abel. He was also humanity's first murder victim, slain by his brother Cain. Abraham and Moses were shepherds. King David was the best known shepherd of Bible history. He wrote the beloved Psalm 23. Shepherds were the first people to see the newborn Jesus Christ. The Prophet Mohammed worked as a shepherd when he was 8 years old.

A close relationship

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27)

The Bible describes close relationships between shepherds and their flocks. The sheep recognize the voice of the shepherd. They follow him (or her). The shepherd protects his flock and would give his life for them.

It is known that animals can instantly recognize the voice of a familiar trusted person. Sheep have excellent memories for faces. They remember their handler. They also remember people who inflict abuse upon them.

The Lamb of God

Christians traditionally refer to Jesus as the "lamb of God." Many Christians serve lamb as part of their Easter dinner. In many homes, a lamb-shaped cake decorates the table. Many Eastern Orthdox Christians hang pictures of the Easter lamb in their homes.

Sacrificial lamb

Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. (Genesis 22:1-18)

Abraham's sacrifice
It is well-known to Muslims, Jews, and Christians that Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son. He was willing to do so, but God gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead of his son. Christians and Jews believe that the life of Isaac was saved, while Muslims believe that it was Ismael that was nearly sacrificed on the alter. Jews and Arabs trace their heritage to Isaac and Ismael, respectively.

Festival of Sacrifice
In commemoration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, a religious festival is celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The festival is called Eid al-Adha. Its English translation is "Festival of Sacrifice." Eid is the arabic word for Festival. As a symbol of Abraham's sacrifice, Muslims (who are able) sacrifice a sheep (or other domestic animal). The sheep have to meet certain age requirements (at least one year of age) and quality standards (unblemished). The meat is shared with family and friends and distributed to the poor.

Aqeeqah (aqiqah)
The Muslim "equivalent" to Christian Baptism is aqeeqah, which occurs 7 days after the birth of a child. Aqeeqah includes shaving the baby's head and naming the baby. As a symbol of thanksgiving for the gift of a child from God, a sacrifice is performed. Two sheep which resemble each other, are to be sacrificed for a boy and one for a girl. The meat is shared with family, friends, and the poor.

Spotted sheep

So that very day, Laban went out and formed a flock for Jacob. He took from his herds all the male goats that were ringed and spotted. He also included the females that were speckled and spotted with any white patches, and all of the black sheep. (Genesis 30:35)

Jacob sheep were named for the Biblical story of Jacob who selected spotted sheep for his flock. It tells how Jacob took every speckled and spotted sheep as his own from Laban's flock. Some claim that Jacobs of today descend directly from the sheep raised by Jacob, that traveled from Palestine to Egypt and to Spain via the coast of North Africa and Morocco.

Separating the sheep from the goats

He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. (Matthew 25:33)

With regards to "judgement day," sheep and goats are used as metaphors in the Bible. Sheep are the followers of Christ, while goats chose not to follow Christ. The parable is based on the differences in behavior between sheep and goats. Sheep are gentle, quiet, innocent animals. They do not give their shepherds a lot of problems. They are easily led. Sheep are grazers, unlike the goat, which likes to browse. Goats are rebellious. In the Bible, goats are sometimes used to symbolize evil.

FEAR Of The Lord

(Psalms 147:11) The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.

(Proverbs 1:7) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

(Proverbs 8:13) The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.

(Proverbs 9:10-11) "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. {11} For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.

(Proverbs 14:26-27) In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. {27} The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.

(Proverbs 15:33) The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.

(Proverbs 16:6) In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil.

(Proverbs 28:14) Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

(Proverbs 31:30) Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

(Isaiah 33:6) Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, And the strength of salvation; The fear of the LORD is His treasure.


(Jeremiah 32:40) 'And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me.

(Malachi 3:16) Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name.

(Matthew 10:28) "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

(Luke 1:49-51) For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. {50} And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. {51} He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

(Acts 10:34-35) Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. {35} "But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.



(2 Corinthians 6:16-18) And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people." {17} Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." {18} "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty."

(2 Corinthians 7:1) Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

(Philippians 2:9-13) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, {10} that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, {11} and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. {12} Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; {13} for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

(Hebrews 12:9-11) Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? {10} For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. {11} Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

(Jude 1:20-23) But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, {21} keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. {22} And on some have compassion, making a distinction; {23} but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

(Revelation 14:6-7) Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth; to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people; {7} saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water."

(Revelation 15:3-4) They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! {4} Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested."

(Revelation 19:5-6) Then a voice came from the throne, saying, "Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!" {6} And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!

Fear Of The Lord

(Exodus 20:18-20) Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. {19} Then they said to Moses, "You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die." {20} And Moses said to the people, "Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin."

(Deuteronomy 8:5-6) "You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the LORD your God chastens you. {6} "Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.

(2 Kings 17:35-36) with whom the LORD had made a covenant and charged them, saying: "You shall not fear other gods, nor bow down to them nor serve them nor sacrifice to them; {36} "but the LORD, who brought you up from the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm, Him you shall fear, Him you shall worship, and to Him you shall offer sacrifice.

(Psalms 2:11) Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling.

(Psalms 5:7) But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.

(Psalms 19:9) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

(Psalms 25:8-14) Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way. {9} The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way. {10} All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. {11} For Your name's sake, O LORD, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great. {12} Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. {13} He himself shall dwell in prosperity, And his descendants shall inherit the earth. {14} The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.

(Psalms 31:19-20) Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! {20} You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife of tongues.



(Psalms 33:18-19) Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, {19} To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.

(Psalms 34:1-11) I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. {2} My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. {3} Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. {4} I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. {5} They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. {6} This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. {7} The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. {8} Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! {9} Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. {10} The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing. {11} Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

(Psalms 85:7-9) Show us Your mercy, LORD, And grant us Your salvation. {8} I will hear what God the LORD will speak, For He will speak peace To His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly. {9} Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land.
(Psalms 96:9) Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.

(Psalms 103:8-17) The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. {9} He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. {10} He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. {11} For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; {12} As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. {13} As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. {14} For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. {15} As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. {16} For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. {17} But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children,

(Psalms 111:10) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

(Psalms 128:1) Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways.

(Psalms 145:14-20) The LORD upholds all who fall, And raises up all who are bowed down. {15} The eyes of all look expectantly to You, And You give them their food in due season. {16} You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing. {17} The LORD is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. {18} The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. {19} He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. {20} The LORD preserves all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy

Proverbs 31: A Godly Woman

For thousands of years, God-fearing women have looked to the noble, or virtuous (KJV), woman of Proverbs 31 as their ideal. Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, probably had this role model of the virtuous woman in the forefront of her mind from earliest childhood. Most Jewish women did, for this poem was traditionally recited in the Jewish home every week on the eve of the Sabbath.
But what about today’s woman? Of what value can this ancient poem be to the diverse, complex life-styles of women today? To the married, to the single, to the young, to the old, to those working outside the home or inside the home, to those women with children or without children? It is more relevant than you might at first expect — although it is also too good to be true.
When we examine this ancient biblical ideal of womanhood, we do not find the stereotyped housewife occupied with dirty dishes and laundry, her daily life dictated by the demands of her husband and her children. Nor do we find a hardened, overly ambitious career woman who leaves her family to fend for itself.
What we find is a strong, dignified, multitalented, caring woman who is an individual in her own right. This woman has money to invest, servants to look after and real estate to manage. She is her husband’s partner, and she is completely trusted with the responsibility for their lands, property and goods.
She has the business skills to buy and sell in the market, along with the heartfelt sensitivity and compassion to care for and fulfill the needs of people who are less fortunate. Cheerfully and energetically she tackles the challenges each day brings. Her husband and children love and respect her for her kind, generous and caring nature.
But with all her responsibilities, first and foremost, she looks to God. Her primary concern is God’s will in her life. She is a woman after God’s own heart. Let’s examine the characteristics of this remarkable woman — a role model for Christian women today.



"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." The Hebrew word chayil, translated here "noble," or "virtuous" (KJV), means a wife of valor — a strong, capable woman with strong convictions. This description of the ideal wife does not agree with those who associate femininity with weakness and passivity.
"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value." Her husband trusts her management of their resources. Her industriousness adds to the family income.
"She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." This woman does not do right only when it is convenient and profitable. Her actions are not based on how she is treated by others or by what others think. Her character is steady. She is reliable and dependable.
"She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." This woman enjoys working so much that she plans ahead for what she needs in order to accomplish her responsibilities.
"She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar." The trait not to settle for the mediocre is portrayed by a woman who goes the extra mile for quality items.
"She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls." Though the woman described here has servants to take care of many of the household duties, she sets the pace. She understands that good managers have a responsibility to take care of those under their authority. That is one of her top priorities.
"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." Every woman doesn’t have to go into real estate and horticulture — the principle here is that this woman uses her mind. She does not act on a whim, but logically analyzes a situation before making a decision. Her goals are not only short term — she envisions the long-range benefits of her decisions.
"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." We get a picture of a woman who vigorously goes about her duties. She keeps herself healthy and strong by proper health practices — good diet, adequate rest and exercise. Many people depend on her.
"She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night." She knows that her merchandise is good and takes pride in doing a good job. Night or day, no one worries that her responsibilities are not taken care of.
"In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers." The example she sets is one of skill and industriousness. Whether this woman would be a computer programmer, a concert pianist, a mother, or all three, she develops her talents and hones her skills through education and diligent application.
"She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy." Although it’s good to donate to needy causes, this means far more than writing a check. This woman shows personal concern. She visits the sick, comforts the lonely and depressed, and delivers food to those in need.
"When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet." Providing clothing for the family is one of her responsibilities. She takes this seriously, and plans ahead. She does not practice crisis management.
"She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple." This woman has high standards and dresses properly for the occasion.
"Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land." This man does not have to spend half his time trying to straighten out problems at home, and his success in the social world comes partly from her support, just as her success comes partly from his support. The original woman of Proverbs 31 couldn’t phone her husband for his opinion on matters. She made many of the day-to-day decisions about their property and goods. He trusted her to manage the estate efficiently.
"She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes." This woman runs a business from her home. Her efforts and industry add to the family income.
"Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come" (NKJV). Not only does this woman benefit each day from her wise and diligent actions, long-term lifetime benefits and rewards lie in store for her.
"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." This woman is well read and has the facts. She knows what she is talking about. Whether about her job, her personal values or her opinion on world events, she is able to express herself intelligently, tactfully and diplomatically. People come to her for good advice.
"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." She is an organized, energetic person who carries out her responsibilities.
"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." This woman is not a doormat, slavishly trying to appease and please her family, no matter how unreasonable their demands. She is honored in her home. Here we gain an insight into the character of her husband as well. He teaches their children to respect her and the virtues she personifies.
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." High praise for this extraordinary woman — a role model for women of all time.
"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Here is the key to this woman’s effectiveness. Her priorities are determined by God’s will, not her own. She is concerned about what God thinks, rather than with what other people think. Physical beauty and clever conversation are admirable qualities. But if a woman’s beauty and charm are the extent of her virtues, what happens when time and the trials of life take their toll? This woman does not depend on beauty and charm for her success. She recognizes her need for God.
"Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." This woman is actively doing, not merely talking. She does not boast about her plans for the future or her successes of the past.

The Covenant People

The early Christian community regarded themselves as a community bound together by covenant, through the death of Christ, in line with God's covenant people throughout their Scriptures (ie our Old Testament). The life of the Christian community was characterized by an atmosphere of love that spilled over into the world around, as they lived in the power of the Spirit, celebrating the Lord's supper, praying together and baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. They proclaimed the good news that God had come in Jesus Christ, into our world; that He had taken the initiative in human history and by Christ's death and resurrection had established the basis for a new relationship with him for all of the human race. Those who recognize and accept this call from God in Christ are included in those who form the people of the covenant.

In the world, however, the covenant people are called to live their lives in relationship to this God who comes and who cares. Their mission is that of Christ, the mission of the kingdom of God. In Jesus' message and ministry the fulfilment of the reign of God has already begun. The covenant people are to live as sons and daughters of the King. They are to live for the kingdom, the power and the glory of God.

When we look at our church family we often only see glimpses of this glorious living and we are led to ask many questions. The people of the covenant live in the world and exist for the world... Yet in so many places they fail to fulfil the mission of the kingdom. In some of the older churches there is a weariness with life, a lack of vitality and joy in sharing the good news. It is almost as if the light has gone out. In some of the younger churches the light shines brightly. Others see it and are being called by God into communion with him and his people.

Divisiveness is a failing that we are all aware of, even where there are uniting churches. We claim to be "one in Christ", but we fight each other. We may even go about evangelizing other Christian groups according to our own light. Often we commit the sin of mistaking our human divisions for the diversity that is given by the Spirit. Within Christian unity there will always be diversity - a diversity that must enrich the unity; a diversity that means the variety of the gifts of the Holy Spirit spread amongst the members of the body of Christ.

The unity of the people of the covenant is already a reality with its foundation in the Trinity. From the recognition of this unity comes the possibility for the confession, " Jesus is Lord". When we raise questions about Christian unity we may be recognizing that such unity should become visible. "St Paul insists that the body of Christ is made up of the vast variety of mankind who have been made one. Jews and Greeks, male and female, circumcised and uncircumcised, Barbarian and Scythian, bond and free, united by their common baptism into Christ's death and resurrection (Col 2.12-3.11 and Gal 3.28). This fellowship in the Spirit given by Christ precedes all else."



Christian unity is a relationship. The covenant is a relationship - a partnership between God and the people. Our common calling as Christians is to serve, to mission. As Christ was sent by the Father so He sent his disciples to participate in the mission of the kingdom. So He sends the people of the covenant still, into the contemporary world. We have need for a strong emphasis on the proclamation of the word of God, the good news, the victory over sin and death. A living church is always a mission church, because it is the mission of the kingdom that determines the existence of the people of the covenant.

We must ask ourselves the question - are we prepared to make the sacrifice, to put ourselves out, for the gospel? In other words, how far are we willing to put ourselves into this relationship with the living God? "Human beings have only two possible modes of existence: to be a slave to sin or to be a slave to God. There is no possibility for a person not to be enslaved to sin unless he presents himself to God. For the people of the covenant, obedience to God is the only criterion for claiming their relation to God as the Lord and their covenant relationship with him. Paul stresses the obedient life of the believer to the degree that the believer is called to be the slave of 'obedience'. The truth is that the significance of the believer's participation in the death of Christ lies in their obedience to the reign of God in Christ. Thus, the obedience of the believer can never be maintained in a submissive attitude, but must be extremely radical: the kingdom of God is credible only in the confrontation of this world with the gospel of the crucified Lord. In other words, in striving to be loyal to the reign of God in Christ, the Christian community must confront the values, structures, ideologies and practices of the society in which it is a part.”.

Here is the difficulty for many of the covenant people. Our church communities have become too conformed to society, too much part of the political system, too respectable, and it is too comfortable for them to retain the status quo. We are challenged to mission, responsibility and growth and we often prefer to remain static and without vision, because we sill not face the issues in our world. We are exploited and 'we exploit; we weep and cause others to weep; we are not exempt from the ambiguous existence of sinners even though we are the people of the covenant. We must recognize the sin in ourselves and in our society and face up to it in the power of the Risen Christ with the promise of victory over evil.

There is poverty, oppression and injustice rampant in the world - eg among Palestinians, South Africans and in countries where Christians are being persecuted because of their belief. It is futile for wealthy churches in wealthy nations to speak about the Lordship of Jesus Christ without changing their way of life.
Members of our section felt that there was too little time spent on being practical. The best way to be practical, however, is to start from a good theory. We would, therefore, strongly urge our member churches to ask themselves what they can and ought to do about sharing amongst themselves, with other Christian groups and with the world. We ask them to see how they can receive and live the message and the realities of the kingdom

The New Covenant

The new covenant is spoken about first in the book of Jeremiah. The old covenant that God had established with His people required obedience to the Old Testament Mosaic law. Because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), the law required that people perform rituals and sacrifices in order to please God and remain in His grace. The prophet Jeremiah predicted that there would be a time when God would make a new covenant with the nation of Israel.

"'The day will come,' says the Lord, 'when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. . . . But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,' says the Lord. 'I will put my law in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people'" (Jeremiah 31:31, 33). Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law of Moses (Matthew 5:17) and create a new covenant between God and His people. The old covenant was written in stone, but the new covenant is written on our hearts, made possible only by faith in Christ, who shed His own blood to atone for the sins of the world. Luke 22:20 says, "After supper, [Jesus] took another cup of wine and said, 'This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you – an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you.'"

Now that we are under the new covenant, we are not under the penalty of the law. We are now given the opportunity to receive salvation as a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9). Through the life-giving Holy Spirit who lives in all believers (Romans 8:9-11), we can now share in the inheritance of Christ and enjoy a permanent, unbroken relationship with God. Hebrews 9:15 declares, “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.”

Provision of the new covenant
1-The new covenant is an unconditional, grace covenant resting on the “I will” of God (jer 31:31-34, Ezek16:60-62

2-The new covenant is an everlasting covenant (Isa 61:2, Ezek 37:26, Jer 31:35-37
3-The new covenant promises a renewed mind and heart (Isa 59:21, Jer 31:33)
4-The new covenant provides for restoration to the favor and blessing of God ( hos 2:19-20 , Isa 61:9 )
5-Forgiveness of sin is also included in the covenant ( jer 31:34)
6-The indwelling of the holy spirit is the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:27)
7-The teaching ministry of the holy Sprit will be manifested, and the will of God will be known by obedient hearts (Jer 31:34 )
6-Israel will be in the land of be materially blessed Jer 32:41, Isa 61:8. Ezek 34:25-27)
7-The sanctuary will be rebuilt in Jerusalem , Ezek 37:26-27
8-War shall cease and peace shall reign according to hosea 2:18, Isa 2:4
9-The blood of jesus is the foundation of the new covenant
The foundation of the new covenant was the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross
The fulfillment of the covenant will be when Israel accepts , Jesus as the messiah till then the churh reaps the blessing due Israel, but the “Time of the Gentiles is limited till Israel relationship with god is restored

When the relationship is restored we can except the completion of god’s new covenant

The Davidic covenant

The Davidic covenant was established when the prophet Nathan delivered to David a message form God after David was forbidden to build the Temple. The Davidic Covenant refers to God’s promises to David through Nathan the prophet and is found in 2 Samuel 7 and later summarized in 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 and 2 Chronicles 6:16. This is an unconditional covenant made between God and David through which God promises David and Israel that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come from the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah and would establish a kingdom that would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:10-13). The Davidic Covenant is unconditional because God does not place any conditions of obedience upon its fulfillment. The surety of the promises made rests solely on God’s faithfulness and does not depend at all on David or Israel’s obedience.
The Davidic Covenant centers on several key promises that are made to David. 1) God reaffirms the promise of the land that He made in the first two covenants with Israel (the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants). This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:10, “Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously.” 2) God promises that David’s descendant or “seed” will succeed him as king of Israel and that David’s throne will be established forever. This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:12-13, "I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” This is a reference to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Provisions of Davidic covenant
1 David is to have a child , yet to be born who shall succeed him and establish his kingdom.
2 this son (Solomon ) shall build the temple instead of david
3.the throne will not be taken away from him (Solomon)even though his sins justify chastisement
4 david’s house, throne and kingdome shall be established forever

The provisions of the covenant are summarized in 2 Samuel 7:16, “And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.” The promise that David’s “house,” “kingdom” and “throne” will be established forever is significant because it shows that the Messiah will come from the lineage of David and that He will establish a kingdom from which He will reign. The covenant is summarized by the words “house,” promising a dynasty in the lineage of David; “kingdom,” referring to a people who are governed by a king; “throne,” emphasizing the authority of the king’s rule; and “forever,” emphasizing the eternal and unconditional nature of this promise to David and Israel.

The Davidic covenant was unconditional because it was established forever.the Davidic covenant is and can only be fulfilled with a literal Israel, the descendents of Abraham , Isaac and Jacob would be citizens of a literal Israel
The throne was over the house of Israel, one of David’s descendents would rule over the physical children of Jacob. Who would have the physical land of Abraham David’s house throne and Kingdome were established forever .
David saw himself as a subject of his future descendent , jesus relates the dilemma to the Pharisees and asks the question

Jesus was a descendent from david thru mary his mother as recoded in luke 321-31. He spoke of his literal reign over the house of lsrael in a future earthly kingdom. Though jesus is rejected as messiah by the descendents of Jacob , he would be accepted as messiah by a future generation of Jacob’s descendents
In Zechariah 12:10 we see the nation of Israel ultimately accept the rejected messiah as their lord, but in order for this to happen their must be a literal Israel in existence
It is important to distinguish between the throne Jesus currently sits on as the throne of the father the future throne he will sit on as the throne of the Israel , The throne of Israel will be completed when Israel accepts Jesus as their Messiah in the future even in the future Kingdome the of David will rule over the whole earth

The Palestinian Covenant

The Palestinian Covenant is recorded in Deuteronomy 29:1-29 and Deuteronomy 30:1-10 and was made between God and Israel right before Moses died and Israel entered the Promised Land. This covenant came after the Mosaic Covenant and after Israel had wandered in the wilderness for forty years until the generation that had refused to enter the Promised Land had passed away. God made this covenant with Israel while they were in Moab waiting to go into the Promised Land, and the covenant would serve this new generation of Israelites as a reminder of their special covenant relationship with God.

The Palestinian Covenant has many similarities to the Mosaic Covenant made at Mount Sinai but is a separate and distinct covenant as clearly seen in Deuteronomy 29:1. “These are the words of the covenant which the Lord commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant which He made with them in Horeb.” Before making this covenant with Israel, God reminded them that if they obeyed the Mosaic Law, He would bless the nation abundantly and warned them that disobedience to the Law would result in His cursing the nation (Deuteronomy 28:1-68).

Provisions of Palestinian covenant
1-The nation will plucked off the land of unfaithfulness (Deut 28:63-68, Deut 30:1-3)
2-There will be a future repentance of Israel (Deut. 28:63-68; 30:1-3)
3 -their messiah will return (Deut 30:3-6)
4- Israel will be restored to the land (Deut. 30:5)
5-Israel will be converted as a nation (Deut 30:4-8; Romans 11:26-27)
6-Israel enemies will be judged (Deut 30:7)
7 -The nation will then receive her full blessing ( Deut 30:9)

The provisions of the covenant are fulfilled in a literal Israel not in a spiritual Israel. Therefore in order for the covenant to be fulfilled Israel would be required to one day take control of the land of promise.
The conditional aspects of this agreement are a result of obedience. Israel is blessed if they obey and curse if they disobey. The promise of blessing and cursing has been fulfilled in the history of Israel twice.
First 722 BC, 605-587 BC they were scattered by the Assyrians and Babylonians .They were then gathered into the land after Cyrus of Persia.
The second time was in the period of 70-135 Ad by the Roman empire and they were gathered and are being gathered back in the land during the last 150 years.

Besides the promises that God would bless them if they obeyed His commandments and curse them if they disobeyed, the Palestinian Covenant also contains some special promises to Israel that many believe will not be completely fulfilled until the millennial reign of Christ.

Abrahamic Covenant

Covenant
A covenant is c contract or agreement between two prates to complete a task in the old testament the Hebrew word Beriyth is translated covenant ,Beriyth is derived from the rood which means ‘to cut’ and hence a covenant is a cutting with reference to the cutting or dividing of animals into two parts.
There are two types of covenants: conditional and unconditional. A conditional or bilateral covenant is an agreement that is binding on both parties for its fulfillment. Both parties agree to fulfill certain conditions. If either party fails to meet their responsibilities, the covenant is broken and neither party has to fulfill the expectations of the covenant. An unconditional or unilateral covenant is an agreement between two parties, but only one of the two parties has to do something. Nothing is required of the other party.
There are 4 unconditional covenants in the bible that god established and will be fulfilled regardless of mans ability

1) the Abrahamic
2) the Palestinian/ Canaan
3) The Davidic
4) The new covenant
Within these convents are conditional blessing and curses but the ultimate fulfillment is promised by God himself.We will examine each of them individually over the days.

1-The Abrahamic Covenant
The abrahamic covenant was between God and man called Abraham. God made his declaration to Abraham in Genesis 12.1-3,6-7

There are three main features to the Abrahamic Covenant:

1. The promise of land (Genesis 12:1). God called Abraham from Ur of the Chaldees to a land that He would give him (Genesis 12:1). This promise is reiterated in Genesis 13:14–18 where it is confirmed by a shoe covenant; its dimensions are given in Genesis 15:18–21 (precluding any notion of this being fulfilled in heaven). The land aspect of the Abrahamic Covenant is also expanded in Deuteronomy 30:1–10, which is the Palestinian Covenant.

2. The promise of descendants (Genesis 12:2). God promised Abraham that He would make a great nation out of him. Abraham, who was 75 years old and childless (Genesis 12:4), was promised many descendants. This promise is amplified in Genesis 17:6 where God promised that nations and kings would descend from the aged patriarch. This promise (which is expanded in the Davidic Covenant of 2 Samuel 7:12–16) would eventuate in the Davidic throne with Messiah’s kingdom rule over the Hebrew people.

3. The promise of blessing and redemption (Genesis 12:3). God promised to bless Abraham and the families of the earth through him. This promise is amplified in the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34; cf. Hebrews 8:6–13) and has to do with “Israel’s spiritual blessing and redemption.” Jeremiah 31:34 anticipates the forgiveness of sin. The unconditional and eternal nature of the covenant is seen in that the covenant is reaffirmed to Isaac (Genesis 21:12; 26:3–4). The “I will” promises suggest the unconditional aspect of the covenant. The covenant is further confirmed to Jacob (Genesis 28:14–15). It is noteworthy that God reaffirmed these promises amid the sins of the patriarchs, which fact further emphasizes the unconditional nature of the Abrahamic Covenant.

Provisions of the Abrahamic covenant
1-Abraham would be a great nation
2-Abraham name would be great
3-Blessing to those who bless Abrahams descendents
4-Curses to those who curse Abraham’s descendents
5-Land of moriah promised to abrahm’s descendents
6-All families of earth blessed in abrahm
7-Abraham father of many nations
8-Everlasting covenant with Isaac , and his descendents
9-Covenant descendents will posses the gates of their enemies

These provision of the covenant would be the foundation of God’s future relationship with man. After the fall of man god foretold the coming of the ‘seed’ of the woman one who would crush the serpents head, This person would come thru the line of Abraham.Thru Abraham’s family line God would redeem mankind from the fall
Thru the covenant God established with Abraham would all the nations of the earth be blessed.The covenant come to Abraham because he believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness (Romans4 ) Abraham would be a father of all those who would trust God by faith . The covenant was an everlasting covenant meaning its fulfillment was unconditional.
The covenant contained physical provisions involving both a land and a people.The land of promise Moriah , was given by God to Abraham and his descendents thru Jacob.The physical land and Abrahams descendents would play a vital role in the completion of the covenant. Today the land of the promise is one of the most contentious issues that trouble the earth.Over half of the earth population has some sort of spiritual connection to the promise land of Abrahm

Abraham

Abraham is considered to have a significant place in the bible. He is know as the father of faith, because of the unbreakable faith in God that he had in his life ,which is well portrayed to the readers in the bible .He was the eldest son of his father. The bible informs us of that fact that he had two brothers. The bible tells that Abraham’s father along with his people and family left their native land Ur to go to promised land of Canaan, however they end up stopping in the middle and end up living in a place called Haran, shortly after we come to know that Abraham’s father dies in this strange land never getting the chance of seeing the promise land .Abraham who is the eldest takes up the place of the in the family of responsibilities after his fathers death. It is In such a state of Abrahams life ,God comes to Abraham and tells him to leave everything fro the land God will show him ,The bible says that Abraham was 75 when god spoke to him, an age perhaps we would like to sit in our easy chairs with a hot cup of cooko ,with our feet on the cushion , experiencing the retired life , and waiting perhaps for the lord to take us home !


We come to know that Abram’s dealing with God are built around covenants,
‘Leave-----for a land that I will show you ‘ Abram is call to venture into the unknown .The way ahead will be revealed to him as he takes the path of obedience , His part is to trust and obey, what a crucial moment this is in his life it will determine his whole destiny , Indeed it will determine the destiny of the world
God does not hold back on what is being demanded. It is spelled out clearly. He must leave his land, to which by now he has become tied by a sense of belonging. He must leave his kinsfolk, those whom he knows so well and has relied on so often. He must leave his position in the family hierarchy, his father’s house, those who are most important to him. The thoughts are progressive.
But in return he is promised what every man dreams of. He is to enjoy a new land. He will become ‘a great nation’. He will experience God’s special protection. He is to become ‘a blessing’. Indeed the whole earth will be blessed through what he does, or rather what God does through him. The ideas are in parallel. He must leave a land to receive a land. He must leave kinsfolk in order to become part of a great nation. He must leave his close family so that all the world might become his family. This is God’s covenant. Obey, he is told, and you will receive abundantly and flowing over. And Abram believes and obeys


The bibles informs us , as Abram moved from place to place where ever he pitched his tend of rest , he with out fail also builted an alter to worship God , this shows how much he desired the fellowship of God almighty, and that he never forgets to worship God.

We come to read that there was a famine in the land of Canaan, were Abram was living , this must have been a real test to Abram’s faith the land that god has brought him to has failed and he must leave it as least for a time, but we never see Abram complaining to God for bringing him to such a land , as the Israelites complained to Moses in the desert for forty years , this tells us that Abram knew God, as “God almighty “ . and we see Abraham returning back to the land with grate riches from Egypt.

We must stay in the way of faith and perseverance, and try to imitating those who though faith and patience inherited the promises of God and in order to underline that great exhortation , Abraham the patriarch is a truly an example for us to follow no man in all the bible stands up than a greater example of faith and perseverance than Abraham the friend of God . we have many today to follow , but Abraham did not have anyone he could learn from , he himself was the first so was he call the father of the faithful

In our reading of the book of Genesis , we come to reed that not one of all the promises that God told Abraham was not immediately fulfilled, everything thing was held for a long time in obedience, something were not fulfilled in the life time of Abraham ,for one thing he never got possession of the land of Canaan , the only thing that Abraham owned in the land of Cannon was cave that he bought in order that he might burry his wife ,not only that he wondered up and down the land for 25 years after he hand forsaken all to follow the lord before God gave him any inheritance, but finally at the age of a 100 God gave him a Son.

Then we come to know about the most amazing thing the holey Bible were God tell Abrham to take his only son Isaac and sacrifice him on the mountain ,that made no sense at all to the purely human point of view, because they waited so long and everything seems to be depend up on Isaac living for the lord has said in Isaac shall your seed be called.

What did Abraham do to stand in faith, Abraham believed God and because he believed he also obeyed ,what was it that gave this man the will to believe two thing .1) he believed in all his Heart God as the Almighty.
2)Abraham believed in the covenant he had with God, with out question. Which became is anchor of faith in his life and his sole that became the firm foundation that on the basis of which he might have hope and certainty. Our life is like a journey at sea, you can not tell how the weather would be the next day ,with the ups and downs in our life , our faith would be tested again and again with thing that come in this life and in our life we need a firm anchorage , we need something that we can lay hold off that will never mover and that will never faille you and never forsake you . the only thing that you can anchor you sole upon is the firm and absolutely certain word of the almighty that cannot lie .
We now are now known to the one who sits in the right hand of god, and in placing our anchor of faith in him Christ Jesus and obedience to him the way Abraham did we will inherit the promises of God our Father .



In the journey of Abraham and Isaac to the mountain, where God had told Abraham to take his son and to offer his only begotten son as a sacrifice.
There are several significant moments in this journey.We read that the journey took three days, on another moment is ,when Isaac looks around and sees the wood and fire, he asks his father ,were is the lamp to offer sacrifice to the lord, Abraham replied to Isaac by saying that the lord will provide.

when Abraham raised his knife to kill his son , the angel of god told abrham ‘Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."

When Abraham look around he saw a ram , caught in the bushes ,Abraham caught hold of the lamb and sacrificed the ram in his son’s place , Thus the team ‘Jehovah-Jireh’ the lord that Provides came to be ,
It is said that it is on this very mountain that God offered his only begotten son our Savior Jesus Christ as a living and ultimate sacrifice for our sins and unification of our fellowship with our Lord God Almighty.

In the Fathers Arms there is no Fear

As a hen gathers her young, our father gathers all his children from far and wide; his care is beyond words of man, much beyond than the heart can tell.
His love for his children is amazing that he has numbered us among the starts.
We are precious in his eyes, that the bible say that God values every sole of man, more valuable than all the treasures of the world, this assures us that the lord hears us with great interest.
It is said that, He turns his hear towards the depths of the earth, with the eagerness to hear, anyone calling out to him , the bible also tells us that who ever call upon the Lord , the lord will hear him, Such is the heart of our father in heaven, towards his children.
The bible without doubt, is full of The love, mercy and patience and instruction of God, for us, to build in faith, to grow in awareness of him, and to become more firm in him. We should never forget to see God in our lives,

Some times, people might after examining their present state of life, have a tendency to not see the greatness of God in there lives. In the heights of our lives we tend to only glance at the present shining glow , and end up taking life for granted ,
It is fun and exciting to be on the top of the mountain, but, when we remember the strives and hardness that we endured to reach there , we without doubt come to conclusion that it was God’s Grace , that brought us on the top of the mountain.

Our forefathers at times remind us that we should always remember our Roots , the ways we came from to what we are today ,Memories can be painful for some and joyfully for others , but it always helps us to evaluate our lives , and affirmably see the power of god in our lives . The bible says “Taste the lord and see that he is Good “. God almighty commanded the father’s of Israel to tell to their children , about God , and how god saved them from the Egyptians ; which they were to tell their children at all times. And this they were told to follow generation after generation.

People who tend to believe in their own might and strength , end up being utterly sad , and even go to state of shock when they realize that they become weak in old age or for a season,Some even have hard times accepting the reality they have come to face or to bee. So It is always good to believe in the might and strength of God ,in our lives.
As Saint Paul said “it is not me but Christ that lives in me “.
When you believe in God’s never-ending grace in us , even though we might be week , he is able to make us Strong.Because we would be relying in his might and strength and not in our own.

As a child totally depends on his mother, and thinks of no harm , when the child is in the mothers arms ,So must we must be affirmed in absolute faith , that we being God’s Children , have no lack of ,and have no need, when we are in the arms of our Father .for the bible says: God gives everything to his children what so ever they ask , according to the riches and Glory of His Kingdome.

The bible says in -:Isa 59:1 Behold, Jehovah's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
This verse should assure you that,God is more than sufficient for fulfilling all our needs.

Remember this : That the Father in Heaven , only has Children and no Grandchildren , that means that we all individually must come into a personal commitment with Him Who is Our Father , and Who is Worthy to be Praised !

DAVID AND JONATHAN

"There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."--Prov. 18:24.
TRUE friendship is a rare flower on our sin-cursed earth, and when it is found and proved it should be greatly prized. It is an element of the original likeness of God. True friendship can never exist in a heart where selfishness reigns; for the moment self-interest is crossed, the false and fickle friendship begins to decline or proves treacherous.
The friendship between David and Jonathan was a covenantal relationship. In 1 Samuel 18:1-5, we read of David and Jonathan forming an agreement. In this agreement, Jonathan was to be second in command in David’s future reign, and David was to protect Jonathan’s family (1 Samuel 20:16-17, 42; 23:16-18).

David was the eighth and youngest son of Jesse from the kingly tribe of Judah. He was also a direct descendent of Ruth the Moabite. David began his life as a shepherd in Bethlehem.. Jonathan, the eldest son of King Saul, was the natural heir to his throne, and doubtless would have succeeded his father had Saul not incurred the divine displeasure and so forfeited that privilege for his posterity and cut short his own career. (1 Sam. 13:13.) Jonathan was a devoted son to his father and a devoted and energetic servant to God and to his people. The deep attachment of father and son is manifest from several facts: Jonathan could undertake his dangerous expedition against the Philistines only by keeping his project a secret from his father. (1 Sam. 14:1.) The effect of Saul's strange vow was emphasized by his affection for his son. (1 Sam. 14:39-44.) That dearest object he declared he would sacrifice, if need be, in fulfillment of his vow. But the people rescued him, declaring the Lord to be on the side of Jonathan. There was very marked and intimate confidence between the father and son. (1 Sam. 20:2.) "Behold my father will do nothing, either great or small, but that he will show it me." And Jonathan had great influence with his father (1 Sam. 19:6), and was very active in cooperation with him in the defense of the Lord's people against their foes and oppressors.
Jonathan loved the Lord and his people, and had strong faith in the power of God on their behalf. Like David before Goliath, with faith in God he with his amour bearer approached the garrison of the Philistines, saying, "It may be that the Lord will work for us; for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few."--1 Sam. 14:6.
And while Saul, filled with envy, malice, hatred and revenge against this one whom he regarded as his rival and the rival of his house, determined, and continually sought, to slay him, Jonathan, by every means in his power, protected and defended him, even at the risk of his own life. --1 Sam. 20:32,33.



Obviously, these two men were also very good friends. In their relationship we can see at least three qualities of true friendship. First, they sacrificed for one another. In 1 Samuel 18:4, we read that Jonathan gave David his clothes and military garb. The significance of this gift symbolized that Jonathan recognized that David would one day be king of Israel. Rather than being envious or jealous, Jonathan submitted to God’s will and sacrificed his own right to the throne. Second, in 1 Samuel 19:1-3, we read of Jonathan’s loyalty toward and defense of David. King Saul told his followers to kill David. Jonathan rebuked his father and recalled David’s faithfulness to him in killing Goliath. Finally, Jonathan and David were also free to express their emotions with one another. In 1 Samuel 20, we read of a plan concocted by Jonathan to reveal his father’s plans toward David. Jonathan was going to practice his archery. If he told his servant that the arrows he shot were to the side of the target, David was safe. If Jonathan told his servant that the arrows were beyond the target, David was to leave and not return. Jonathan told the servant that the arrows were beyond the target, meaning that David should flee. After releasing his servant, Jonathan found David and the two men cried together.
And when David was taking leave of Jonathan to fly for his life from the face of Saul, again they covenanted perpetual friendship. "And David arose out of his place ...and [approaching Jonathan] fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times [in token of great respect for both the person and office of his friend]; and they kissed one another, and wept one with another until David exceeded." And Jonathan said, "Go in peace, and the Lord be with thee, as he hath been with my father. And [when thou comest into the kingdom] thou shalt not only while I live show me the kindness of the Lord, that I die not; but also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house forever [as he foresaw David might be tempted to do when later the descendants of Jonathan might urge their claims to the throne]; no, not when the Lord hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth..And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him; for he loved him as his own soul." --1 Sam. 20:13-17.

Only once again they met, a year or two later. It was under very similar circumstances, in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul was still hunting for his rival to slay him, and again Jonathan, learning of his situation, sought him out. "And Jonathan went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said unto him, Fear not; for the hand of Saul, my father, shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also my father knoweth. And [again] they two made a covenant before the Lord."--1 Sam. 23:16,17.
As Saul continues to pursue David, the pair renew their covenant, after which they do not meet again. Eventually Saul and David reconcile. Jonathan, however, is slain on Mt. Gilboa along with his two brothers Abinadab and Malchi-shua, and there Saul commits suicide. David learns of Saul and Jonathan's death and chants a lament, which in part says in : 2 Samuel 1:23-27
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and pleasant in their life, And in their death they were not parted; They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions... "How have the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan is slain on your high places. "I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; You have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was more wonderful Than the love of women. "How have the mighty fallen, And the weapons of war perished!"

A Prayer

No words can describe the greatness of the Lord, we serve.
His mercy is new, every morning,
He blows in us life, when we think, there is no hope.
He gives us a smile, just when we, thought our tears would not end.
There is no measure to his greatness; there is no limit to his grace.
He is the way, the life and the light,
Who never stops lighting our path ,
Who never stops poring life to our lives,
Refreshing, us more and more every day.
leading us to the path of eternity ,
Sufficient is his grace, and care, giving us the best when it is most needed.
as king David says that my cup runeth over ,
So let it be that my lips ,may praise thee oh Lord ,
May I never leave your sight,
May I never be harden that I can not see you.
As we, your children are the apples of your eye,
Let, you be, like the breath of our lives.

The Camel

Camels are found throughout The Bible, where they were considered very useful and valuable.They were used for personal transportation (Genesis 24:61), as a beast of burden (Genesis 37:25), and in war (1 Samuel 30:17). The number of camels someone owned was sometimes used as a measurement of personal wealth (Genesis 30:43), and were considered to be a respectful gift (Genesis 32:15). However, unlike cattle which were acceptable for food according to the Levitical dietary regulations (Clean and Unclean), camels (along with horses) were not to be eaten (Leviticus 11:4).

Jesus Christ sometimes used the camel in parables. To those who saw worldly wealth as more valuable than obeying God (e.g. Lazarus and the Rich Man), He said, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:24 RSV), and to the hypocritical Pharisees who placed great importance on observing minor religious regulations while at the same time living a life of sin, He said, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!" (Matthew 23:23-24 RSV).

Scripture’s on Love

Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Jud 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jud 1:2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

2Jn 1:3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

2Jn 1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

1Jn 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

1Jn 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

1Jn 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

1Jn 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

1Jn 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

1Jn 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

1Jn 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

1Jn 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1Jn 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

1Jn 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

1Jn 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

1Jn 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

1Jn 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

1Jn 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.



1Jn 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

1Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1Jn 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

1Pe 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

1Pe 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

1Pe 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

1Pe 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Jas 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

Jas 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Heb 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister

Tit 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2Ti 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1Ti 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1Ti 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.



2Th 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

2Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

1Th 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

Php 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Eph 6:23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

1Co 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Rom 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.



Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Joh 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Joh 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Joh 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

Joh 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Luk 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Luk 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Mar 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Psa 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

Psa 116:1 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

Psa 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

Psa 145:20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.

Pro 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

Pro 16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

Pro 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Deu 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Deu 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Deu 11:1 Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.

Jos 23:11 Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God.

Neh 1:5 And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:

Joh 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

May we be reminded of the love of our lord and savior not only in a season , but in every moment of our lives. For his death and resurrection brought us; salvation ,hope , faith, fellowship , righteousness, brotherhood and everlasting life .To all who believe in HIM!,As Lord And Savior.