Light Part 2

February 19, 2020 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Luke 1:79 NLT

…to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.

Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was prophesying over his baby son in this verse. He was saying that John will introduce the world to the “Light”, the Son of God. Until that point, Jesus was not known, but He would become clearly known to all mankind.

Definitions:

“Light” in this verse means “to become clearly known, to show oneself” (1).

“Darkness” and the phrase “shadow of death” comprises of all the miseries that arise from sin. In other words, not living a life consecrated and blessed by God, physical death, and the eternal torment of hell (2).

The word “guide” is actually defined as “the removal of hindrances that prevent the light from becoming clearly known” (3).

Peace is defined as “the tranquil state of a soul who is assured of their salvation through Jesus, has a strong relationship with God, and is content to do His will (4).

Let’s rephrase this verse:

The light is Jesus, and He makes Himself known to each of us on a personal level because God has removed all of the hindrances that prevented Jesus from becoming clearly known. Those who accept the “light” will live in a tranquil state of assurance of their salvation, have a loving relationship with God, and are content to do His will.

People who do not know Jesus live in the misery that result from the consequences of sin. In the end, they will experience deep remorse for not having lived a life consecrated and blessed by God. Upon their death, they will be damned for eternity in hell.

That’s what “light” means in this verse.

References:

1) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G2014&t=KJV

2) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G2288&t=KJV

3) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G2720&t=KJV

4) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1515&t=KJV

Light Part 1

February 12, 2020 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Matthew 4:16-Isaiah 9:1-2

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.

Today, we are starting a new word study on “light”. This verse is contained in both Matthew 4 and Isaiah 9.

What does “light” mean here?

Light in this context is defined as the power of understanding moral and spiritual truth (1).

What is darkness, then?

Darkness is defined as misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness, and obscurity (2).

Negative vs Positive:

Sometimes, it is easier to understand the negative so it could be compared to the positive. So, let’s take a deep look at how darkness operates by paraphrasing this verse.

The people lived in a darkness that encompassed misery. They were surrounded by devastation and destruction. Everything in their lives was contaminated with death. The enemy of their souls took advantage of their ignorance and they were enslaved to wickedness. Hounded by failure, they felt totally insignificant and hopeless.

Do you fit into any of these categories? I know I did!

Now, the people are filled with and illuminated with light. The light is a “Who” and the “Who” is “Jesus"! The life of God began to operate in their spirit. This light empowered their understanding to distinguish good from evil, especially in the areas of moral and spiritual truths.

Only a relationship with God can do this. It starts with accepting Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. He died for your sins so you could live. Then He rose from the dead and will live forever. Studying God’s Word brings light into the darkness. If you wish to have a relationship with God, please click here.

It will be the best decision you ever made in your life!

References:

1) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G5457&t=KJV

2) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H2822&t=KJV

Harvest Part 4

February 06, 2020 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Deuteronomy 23:25 NLT

And when you enter your neighbor’s field of grain, you may pluck the heads of grain with your hand, but you must not harvest it with a sickle.

Who is your neighbor?

Neighbor is defined as someone of a close or distant relationship. In this case, a neighbor means anyone (1). Let me explain.

Acts of Kindness:

In ancient times, people traveled by foot. They would walk several miles from home to market, their job site, a festival, to take care of some business, or visit with family, etc… Of course, people would get hungry along the way. God wanted the owners of the field to allow those who passed by to eat handfuls of their grain to stave off their hunger. Jesus and His disciples did this as they traveled preaching i Matthew 12 and Luke 6.

Balance is Key:

This law also prohibited from freeloading. They were only to take enough grain to sustain themselves for their journey. Sickles, which could harvest a large portion of crop, were prohibited from use. Property owners did not need to worry about moochers who would take advantage of their kindness. God was teaching His people to be generous and civically minded. He was also emphasizing the importance of providing for their own families and not abusing the goodness of others.

That’s what harvest means in this verse.

Reference:

1) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7453&t=KJV

Harvest Part 3

January 22, 2020 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

2 Corinthians 4:15 NLT

All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.

Paul

The Apostle Paul wrote this verse. He’s explaining to the Corinthians why he suffers so much for the cause of Christ. People are blinded by spiritual darkness and are on their way to hell. Powerfully, the Word of God sheds light on the dark deeds of men and draws them near to God.

Why does he do it?

But, there are those who resist the light of God’s Word. They do everything in their power to silence Paul by punishing him for speaking the truth. Even though he faces constant battles, beatings, jailings, and his life is always in danger, he looks to the future. Why? Because Paul and all the people who accept Jesus as Messiah will be resurrected to live in heaven with God forever.

The reward makes it worthwhile

All of Paul’s sufferings were for the benefit of the people. He wanted everyone to experience God’s grace. A life that’s been touched by God is filled with thanksgiving. As the number of people grow who accept God’s grace, the greater the glory given to God.

That’s what thanksgiving means in this verse.

Harvest Part 2

October 24, 2019 by Cee Maria

Exodus 34:21

You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but on the seventh day you must stop working, even during the seasons of plowing and harvest.

God is speaking to Moses and He is instituting the Sabbath for the new nation of Israel. In the original Hebrew, the word sabbath (shabath) is used twice in this sentence. Sabbath means to stop work, rest, and celebrate (1). It is a day set aside for worshiping God, teaching of the Word of God, and celebrating His goodness as a congregation.

Harvest time is the busiest time of the year. Crops are gathered, processed, and stored to provide food over the winter months. God is so serious about His people taking a sabbath, that He emphasizes that they are to rest even during the harvest season. In doing so, we are reminded that God is more important than even the preparations needed for winter, when hardly any food is available.

Americans are known for being workaholics. It is not unusual for our stores to be open for the holidays. In fact, some holidays are famous for their big blow out sales and workers are paid time and a half. This is not in our best interest. When we go full speed all day, everyday, we wear out our bodies much faster and emotionally burn out. It is imperative for us to keep the sabbath. Balance is key and when we are overworked we are unhealthy, tired, and spiritually depleted. Most importantly of all, nothing should replace God. In all things, He must always be our first priority.

God wants us to remember that He is our provider and He will take care of us. Especially during the busiest times of our lives, we must stop what we are doing and give God first place.

That’s what harvest means in this verse.

Reference:

1) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7673&t=KJV

Harvest Part 1

October 02, 2019 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Exodus 23:19 NLT

“As you harvest your crops, bring the very best of the first harvest to the house of the LORD your God.”

The Principle of First Fruits

God is speaking to Moses and establishing moral boundaries and laws for the brand new nation of Israel. In this verse, God is instituting the principle of first fruits. Different crops have different harvest times. God was setting the law for Israel to give Him the first portion of every crop they harvested.

Everything has a harvest

Deuteronomy 26:2 commands the Israelites to take a portion from every crop they harvested and present it to the Lord. Carrying their bounty, they presented their baskets to the priests. Their patriarch Jacob and his clan lived in Egypt, became great in number, and were miraculously rescued from the hand of pharaoh with mighty signs and wonders. They were to remember how God blessed them with this fertile land that flowed with milk and honey. With thoughts filled with the actions of God’ goodness, and hearts filled with gratefulness, the people were to bow down and worship the Lord. The first fruit is a reminder of all the goodness God has demonstrated in our lives.

Other examples of First Fruits

Adam and Eve were the first fruits of the human race. Noah and his family were the first fruits of humanity during the Great Flood. Jesus was the first fruit who resurrected from the dead and lived forever more (1 Cor 5:20). Believers are a first fruit to God.

James 1:18 NIV

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Open the door for blessings

When we plant seeds of faith, a spiritual door is opened for God to be involved in every area of our lives. We can then reap a harvest of blessings. Allow God to be involved in all areas of your life and watch the harvest of His blessings overtake you.

Leaves Part 4

September 25, 2019 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Revelation 22:1-2 NIV

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

John’s vision

The vision above was experienced by the Apostle John who was imprisoned on the island of Patmos circa 90 A.D. He was translated to heaven and saw the river, that flowed from the throne of God, in the middle of the great street of Heavenly Jerusalem. Water from this river had zero toxins and was completely pure and clear as crystal.

The Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is the same tree that Adam and Eve were prohibited from eating in the Garden of Eden. It is so large that its trunk and root system spread across both sides of the river. Every month it miraculously bears a new crop of fruit. In the Heavenly city, the tree offers fruit to those who believe and worship the One true God and His Son Jesus the Messiah.

Heaven’s calendar
It appears that there is a time table in the measurement of months and and twelve month years in Heaven, but different than our earthly calendar. Second Peter tells us that one day is as a thousand years to the Lord (2 Peter 3:8).

Therapeutic healing
The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. The word ‘healing’ is the word ‘therapy’ or ‘therapeutic’ in English (1). What is implied here is that there will be treatment and a cure between peoples from different countries. Therapy that will help us to understand and appreciate each others customs and lifestyles, not only in our lifetime but from the beginning of time. How leaves will supply this remedy, I am not sure. But, someday we will participate and benefit from this wonderful service.

Everything that God touches emanates life, brings healing, and promotes pure love, even the leaves on the tree.

That’s what leaves mean in this verse.

References:

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G2322&t=NIV

Leaves Part 3

September 19, 2019 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Jeremiah 17:8 NLT

But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

Those who put their trust, confidence, and security in the Lord are blessed. Blessed here means live with an abundance of God’s goodness, mercy, favor, health, and wealth.

Trees planted along a riverbank

Not many types of vegetation can survive in the riverbank. Because banks are steep, even if a seed manages to sprout, the smaller and weaker plants will just wash away. But the tree can withstand the water level and grow deep roots that help slow down erosion and stabilize the top layer of soil. Riverbanks lined with trees create a buffer zone and reduce flooding (1).

The blessed person are like a tree planted beside a riverbank

When someone trusts in God, and are secure in His character and His Word, they face life and its challenges that others would deem as hopeless. They are rooted deep in their faith and each experience or challenge causes their roots to grow deeper. When bad times come, their relationship with God buffers them from losing faith and gives them patience to wait for His divine intervention.

Leaves

The leaves of the tree create shade lowering the temperature of the air, and aid in the cooling of the surrounding soil. Oxygen, the life supporting component of air and the most abundant element in the earth’s crust, is produced by leaves. Leaves also absorb pollutants from the air. At the end of a tree’s life cycle, it's trunk, branches, and leaves deteriorate, break apart, and drop into the river. Fallen tree parts generate a healthy habitat for marine life (1).

The blessed person are like leaves that remain green and never die

Just as shade cools and refreshes the soil, when the word of God is applied to any situation, we are refreshed by the truth, wisdom, and perspective it provides.

Leaves producing oxygen is an analogy for the Word of God that provides life. In fact, someone who submits and adheres to God’s words are like leaves that never die because they are so filled with life, God’s creative miracle working power. The miraculous is not only evident in their own lives, but spills over to those who are connected to them.

When someone is filled with God’s word, they have the ability to screen pollutants, or have the discernment to judge what is false or evil. Their filter gives them ability to pray accurately and act appropriately in order to change situations that are contrary to God’s will.

Leaves determine the size and the nutritional value of the fruit (1). God is saying that this person will always produce fruit, even when they leave this earth because of the legacy of faith they leave behind.

That’s what leaves mean in this verse.

References:

1) https://northsantiam.org/six-good-reasons-to-plant-trees-beside-a-strea/

Leaves Part 2

September 11, 2019 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Daniel 4:12 NLT

It had fresh green leaves, and it was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. All the world was fed from this tree.

The Dream

Let’s give the context of this verse. Daniel, a prophet of the Old Testament, was one of the satraps under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. One night, the King had a dream about an enormous tree with healthy leaves, fruitful, flourishing, and provided food and shelter for everyone. In the second half of the dream, an angel decreed for the tree to be chopped down to a stump and remain that way for seven years. Summoning all of his satraps and magicians, he wanted the interpretation of that dream. Only Daniel was able to give the King it's meaning.

Symbolism
Very disturbed by the context, Daniel gave the King a warning. The flourishing tree was a symbol of Nebuchadnezzar. God had blessed him and gave him the land that he had conquered. But, he is being warned that his weakness will be his downfall.

Pride before a fall

One year later, Nebuchadnezzar was strolling on his rooftop admiring the view. Full of himself, he credited Babylon and all of it's magnificent structures to be built by his own mighty power and for his own prominence. The moment he elevated himself above God, the devil had the authority to torture him. He lost his mind and remained insane for seven years.

God exalts the humble

But over time, deep within his soul, Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself before Almighty God. The moment he gave God the eminence He deserved, the devil lost permission to torment his mind. Once again, the tree that symbolized King Nebuchadnezzar, was enormous with healthy leaves, fruitful, flourishing, and provided food and shelter for everyone.

Pay attention to divine warnings
Let’s consider the goodness of God. When we are about to step over the line and take credit for our successes, He will alert us in a way that we will understand. He will never dominate our wills, so we may receive a divine dream warning us to choose wisely. God does everything in His power so we can remain blessed and be a blessing.

That’s what leaves mean in this verse.

Leaves Part 1

September 04, 2019 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Genesis 3:7 NLT

At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

Adam and Eve had just committed the original sin, they wanted to exalt themselves above God by determining their own standards of good and evil. Consequently, this was their first experience with the emotion of shame. The intention of their hearts was exposed for all to see. The glory of God that once enveloped their physical bodies was gone.

The fig tree has rather large leaves. Adam and Eve had never slaughtered an animal or tanned their hides. They haven’t processed any of the plants to create fibers that would produce material. It wasn’t needed, until now. Poking holes in the leaves and threading them together, they created a rather flimsy garment to hide their guilt.

God looked for them in the garden and addressed their situation. With great sorrow, He informed them of the consequences of actions. Compassionately, God restored their self respect by slaughtering an animal to make clothes of skin. Because of His great love for them, God banished them from the garden so they wouldn’t remain in an eternal state of sin and under it's horrific curse.

When we see the fig tree and it's large waving leaves, we are reminded of God’s unconditional love for us. True love covers our vulnerabilities and always does what is best for others, especially in difficult and seemingly impossible circumstances.

That what leaves mean in this verse.

Summer Part 4

July 31, 2019 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Proverbs 30:24-25 NLT

There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise:

Ants—they aren't strong,

but they store up food all summer.

What do we know about ants?

Did you know that ants are found on every continent except for the Antarctic (1)? In fact, ants can be found in the tiniest cracks of a sidewalk, at the sub-floor of a forest, or on the top of a building. They will travel to where they find food and will eat all sorts of stuff including wood, glue, carcasses, plants, seeds, or even grease. An ant can lift twenty times its body weight. (2) They leave a pheromone trail when they forage which helps them track their territory so they won’t repeat their steps. (2)

The function of a worker ant
Ants live in colonies and work within a caste system. There are several classes of ants, but the worker ant forages and stores food. The entire colony depends on the worker ants to keep them fed. The majority of their foraging happens in the summer months when produce is available. The word summer here actually means ‘summer fruit’ (3)

Let’s take a look at some of the characteristics of the ant:

Ants are diligent

They work together as a group

They are efficient

They will not stop their assignment until every scrap of food is gone

They will travel as far as they must to get food

The other classes of ants can depend on the worker ants to sustain them

All summer long, the ant works nonstop to store food for the entire year.

Proverbs 30:24-28 paraphrased:

Listed are four of God’s creatures that are miniature but considered exceptionally prudent. The ant is at the top of the list. They are not considered strong because they are not able to overpower anything or anyone. However, they are considered wise because they work to forage and store food in the summer when there is plenty available. Their colony never has to worry about having enough to eat during the seasons when food is scarce or nonexistent.

That’s what summer means in this verse

References:

Summer Part 3

July 24, 2019 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Proverbs 26:1 NLT

Honor is no more associated with fools than snow with summer or rain with harvest.

King Solomon, who was world renowned for his wisdom, wrote this proverb. He was observing the character traits of a fool.

Honor

The first word of this proverb is honor which means abundance, riches, reputation, dignity and reverence (1).

Fool

The word for fool in the Hebrew means someone who is stupid, dull, and one who is arrogant (2).

What is Solomon saying?

Solomon is identifying a foolish person by addressing the traits not found in their life. For instance, abundance and riches are associated with those who are diligent workers, know how to save for a rainy day, and become a benefactor to others. People of good reputation are honest and treat others with kindness. Dignity is seen when someone acts appropriately and classy especially in trying circumstances. Reverent people respect authority and treat everyone as valuable.

Fools are dull in character and you won’t find any of these traits evident in their life. They are not hardworking. They don’t save their money or help others out financially. They are dishonest and treat others badly. They respond to circumstances in the most inappropriate manner and they have absolutely no regard for authority.

Where does the arrogance come in?

And here is the clincher. A fool will always consider themselves better than everyone else. They do not consider anyone as valuable. People are only a tool to be used for their own selfish purposes.

What can we learn from this proverb?

When we consider someone to befriend, or a business partner, a spouse, a mentor, etc… be discerning of the people you connect with in life. Ask God to direct you to people who are godly, diligent in work ethic, handle their finances well, of good reputation, honest, kind, conduct themselves with class and dignity, and respect authority.

In the Middle East, it will never snow in the summer or rain at harvest time. So these character traits of honor will never be found in the life of a fool.

References:

1) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3519&t=KJV

2) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3684&t=KJV

Summer Part 2

July 18, 2019 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Psalm 32:4 NLT

Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

David is the author of this psalm. We are not sure of the circumstances that he caused him to write this piece. The psalm begins with thankfulness and praise to God who miraculously delivered David from his dilemma and forgave him of all his sins.

Verses 3 and 4 gives a synopsis of his mental and emotional breakdown while David was hiding his sins from God. During this phase, he lived in utter misery and could not find consolation. He described his agony as ‘God’s heavy hand of discipline’.

David’s ‘strength’ refers to his vitality that came from communing with God. All of David’s passion and exuberance for living evaporated like water droplets in the blazing summer heat. He is actually speaking of Middle Eastern summer droughts. Without rain the ground becomes parched and cracked. All of the vegetation becomes scorched and the dry soil blows away like dust in the wind.

David felt his life energy being drained from his soul because of the rift in his relationship with God. When he confessed his sin and accepted God’s forgiveness, his heart was full once more. David acknowledged that God wanted him victorious in every situation. He accepted God’s love, comfort, and instructions. Again, his heart is full of joy and his love of life returned.

That’s what summer means in this verse.

Summer Part 1

July 11, 2019 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Genesis 8:22 NLT

“As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.”

Let’s put this verse in context. Noah and his family survived the worldwide flood and the ground was dry enough to exit the ark. Spanning the terrain, it struck Noah and his family that they were the only people left on this entire earth. They must have been terrified! Miles and miles of silt, sewage, rotting vegetation and flesh covered the landscape. Can you imagine what Noah was thinking and feeling after such a traumatic event?

“Is this going to happen again?”

“If it does, will we survive the next round?”

“I don’t know if I can do this again!”

As soon as everyone emptied out of the ark, Noah built an altar and offered sacrifices. The sweet aroma reached God’s nostrils and He made a promise to Himself and to Noah. Never again will there be a worldwide flood. Never again will this sphere be flushed out and purged. From that day until the end of time, this planet will remain populated with vegetation, animals, and people. Earth will continually rotate on its axis and orbit the sun. It’s inhabitants will experience the cycle of a 24 hour day, the transition of seasons, and the global wind patterns that determine hot and cold climates. Everyone and everything will enjoy the benefits of the earth and its bounty.

Summer here refers to the season of summer. We can plan, participate, and enjoy summer activities because God has promised summer will always come until the end of time.

That’s what summer means in this verse.

Father Part 4

June 27, 2019 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

John 17:21 NLT

I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

Father in this verse refers to 'God the creator of the universe and mankind', 'God, the Father of Jesus the Messiah', and 'God our Heavenly Father when we accepted Jesus as His Son, Who died for our sins and rose from the dead' (1).

A recorded prayer of unity

This is a recorded incident of Jesus praying to His Father. He is not only praying for the disciples, but for all believers then and in the future. He is asking God His Father to make all the children of God to be one. 'One' here means united in spirit and purpose, just like He and the Father are united in spirit and purpose. Why? So unbelievers will comprehend that God the Father sent Jesus His Son to them for their benefit and their salvation.

Jesus, our role model

This was the entire reason Jesus came to earth as a human being and lived among us. It was the only way for God the Father to demonstrate His goodwill towards mankind. How did Jesus show His Father’s love? He taught the scriptures accurately, allowing God’s power to validate His teachings with signs and wonders. He healed the brokenhearted and the physically sick, cast out demons, and raised the dead. Jesus rectified everything that was wrong in a person’s life. Most important of all, Jesus continually submitted His will to God’s will to the point of reconciling us back to God by dying on a cross and rising from the dead. He was the living personification of how to have an affectionate, trusting, and personal relationship with our Heavenly Father.

How can we reconcile others to God?

Jesus is earnestly praying the only solution that will reconcile mankind back to God. When we as believers line up our purposes with God’s purposes, in the spirit of love as God loves, then the world will believe that God is our Heavenly Father and that Jesus is His beloved Son.

That’s what father means in this verse.

References:

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G3962&t=NLT

Father Part 3

June 19, 2019 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Jeremiah 3:19 NLT

I thought to myself, ‘I would love to treat you as my own children!’. I wanted nothing more than to give you this beautiful land—the finest possession in the world. I looked forward to your calling me ‘Father,’ and I wanted you never to turn from me.

Speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, God is heartbroken because the tribes of Judah and Israel have broken covenant with Him by worshiping other heinous idols. Sadly, God is prevented from blessing His people with land and possessions. Most of all, God is mourning the loss of a loving and personal relationship with His children. God’s greatest desire is for His children to recognize and acknowledge Him as their ‘Heavenly Father’ and to return the love He so generously lavished on them.

Father means head and founder of the household, of benevolence and protection, a term of respect and honor in this verse (1).

References:

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H1&t=KJV

Father Part 2

June 12, 2019 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Genesis 17:4 NLT

“This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations!'

Biological children

God is speaking to ninety-nine year old Abraham in this verse. Ishmael, Abraham’s son with Hagar, was already born. But, God was not referring to this son. Abraham will father a biological son with his eighty-nine year old wife, Sarah. This miracle son would be the fulfillment of his covenant with God.

Spiritual children

Nations means ‘peoples of all nationalities’ (1). Because of this extraordinary covenant, God will honor Abraham with not only biological descendants, but spiritual descendants as well. Abraham’s seed of faith will spawn spiritual children from people of all nationalities who will worship the God of the Hebrews.

Paraphrase:

I am God and I am making a unique covenant with you, Abraham. Seal this covenant by believing My promise with all your heart. If you do, I will perform a miracle. Both you and Sarah will have biological descendants. Then, I will perform another miracle. Your seed of faith will spread to other peoples of all nationalities. They will believe My words with all their hearts and worship Me just like you do and because of you. They will be your spiritual descendants. You will be a father to all of these people and highly revered.

That’s what father means in this verse.

References:

1) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H1471&t=NLT

Father Part 1

June 07, 2019 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Genesis 5:3

When Adam was 130 years old, he became the father of a son who was just like him—in his very image. He named his son Seth.

Adam, the first man made from the clay of the earth, became the biological father of Seth. Seth means ‘compensation' a repayment for the two other sons that he lost (1). We all know the tragic story of Cain and Abel. This time, Adam was going to do it right and be the father he was created to be. Adam made sure that Seth never left his side. They were always interacting. They played together, worked together, prayed together and worshiped together. Seth picked up all the mannerisms, attitudes, behavior patterns, and mental processes of his father. Whatever was important to Adam was important to Seth, especially in the area of loving God. He was just like him, the spittin’ image!

That’s how God wants us to be. He wants us to always interact with Him and pick up His attributes. He wants us to be the spittin’ image just like Jesus was the very image of His Father when He walked this earth.

A side note, Adam was 130 years old when he fathered Seth. One hundred is the completion of a cycle and 30 means extreme unity. Adam began a new cycle in life when Seth was born. Most importantly, he united himself with God and with Eve so that Seth would fully mature and walk out this destiny. It was because of Seth’s son that the people started to call out to God by Name. Seth’s descendants knew and worshiped God on a very personal level. Adam raised his son successfully.

That’s what father means in this verse.

References:

1) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H8352&t=KJV

Mother Part 5

May 29, 2019 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Mark 3:35 NLT

"Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother.”

Let’s look at the context of this verse. In verse 21, Jesus’ family heard about what was happening in His ministry. What was He doing? Verse 22 showed that the teachers of religious law verified that Jesus was casting out demons! Because of overwhelming evidence, there could be no dispute on the matter. In order to defame Jesus, they misrepresented His character. In total agreement, they decided that His miraculous power was given to Him by Satan.

Hearing the malicious rumor, Jesus came face to face with the teachers of the law and publicly tore apart their logic.

Mark 3:23-26 NLT,

Jesus called them over and responded with an illustration. “How can Satan cast out Satan?” he asked. “A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive.”

This is the report that reached the ears of Jesus’ mother and brothers. In order to avoid discord with the religious community, the family decided to take matters into their own hands and stop this nonsense. Someone in the crowd spotted them and brought it to Jesus’ attention.

Operating in the Word of knowledge, He knew what they were going to say. Operating in the Word of Wisdom, He avoided speaking to them. That’s when Jesus made this profound statement,

“Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

Allow me to paraphrase. The blood of God’s covenant is thicker than the water of the womb. Jesus avoided His family because they were not united in purpose concerning His Father’s will for Him. He had to unite Himself with others who were in alignment with God’s will. The relationship with a spiritual mother can be stronger and more binding than one with a biological mother.

That’s what mother means in this verse.

Mother Part 4

May 22, 2019 by Cee Maria in Word for Wednesday

Matthew 1:18 NLT

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let's take a look at the context of this verse. In those days, marriage was a three part ritual. The first part was the signed contract made between the man and woman and her parents. From that point on, the couple were considered legally married. The second part was the consummation of the marriage. The final part was the feast where family and friends welcomed them as a couple into their community.

Mary and Joseph had just concluded the first part of the ritual. But, before the consummation took place, Mary became pregnant. Mary, a virgin, was not impregnated by a man but conceived the Son of God by the power of the Holy Spirit!

Mary was a wonderful mother, but her journey was not without pain. As Simon had prophesied to her when she and Joseph dedicated Jesus at the Temple, her own heart would be pierced with a sword. Her baby polarized a nation from the start. After his birth, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus narrowly escaped certain death by King Herod and were forced to live in hiding for a time in Egypt. When Jesus entered ministry, Mary must have been in awe as He performed amazing miracles. In contrast, she was also keenly aware of the deplorable contempt the pharisees and teachers of the law had towards her Son. Mary witnessed Jesus cruelly crucified and His scarred dead body buried in a tomb. But, three days later she also rejoiced at Jesus’ glorious resurrection!

Did Mary understand all the joys and trials that motherhood would bring? Did Mary understand that the salvation of the world depended upon her submission to God? Certainly not! She just trusted and believed God’s words concerning His plan for her life. By selflessly allowing God to fulfill her destiny, our destiny became fulfilled. But the rewards were great! All Mary’s life, she never forgot how God took notice of His lowly servant girl. Every generation calls her blessed and highly favored of the Lord!

That's what mother means in this verse.