
Love Our Enemies
This is a hard one; but not impossible. It’s much easier to think about our enemies and feel anger, hostility and want to get even with them for what they have done or are doing.
This is a hard one; but not impossible. It’s much easier to think about our enemies and feel anger, hostility and want to get even with them for what they have done or are doing.
We look at things differently. We see people, things, events and happenings all according to our own experiences. That subject has been existent hundreds, thousands of years before now. And it is a subject that causes wide controversy. Look at her! Look at him!
Sometimes we may see “the enemy” as a nation looming as a growing threat. Or we may see “the enemy” as COVID-19, delta, omicron, flurona or those to follow. We see many threats as what’s actually happening now and all around us. Behind all of this is a central cause.
Israel is in the news at center and forefront as we await the Chief Counsel to meet, (the elders, High Priest, scribes) a turnaround to declare and accept Jesus Christ as Messiah! Iran, China, Ukraine, Russia, immigration, storms, tornadoes, floods, rampant violence, disease, hunger, plagues and pestilences are all in the news!!!!
When Nicodemas (a high ranking Pharisee of the Jewish council, a member of the Sanhedrin) came to Jesus in the evening one night.
Who would not want a second chance? Who would not want “favor?”Some can turn their lives around with just a second dramatic chance.
Simeon, (who had tarried in the temple waiting and praying for the coming Messiah told Mary, “And a sword shall pierce through your soul also” (Luke2:35.) The prophetess, Anna was also there. She too had been waiting with fasting and prayers. Figuratively, “a sword” is represented in the bible as authority and power and sometimes war. Much of what we believe may not be researched information, nor factual.
When the Philistines saw and realized that the misfortunes which came about were not by accident; but they saw the problems repeated and brought on to themselves by keeping the Ark of the Covenant (The Ark of God), the most sacred vessel of the Israelites, (they thought it was a trophy) they proceeded to plan what to do in accordance to the best way to get the Ark out of their hands. The Philistines of their five cities: Gaza, Gath, Ekron, and Ashkelon planned what to do.
The Philistines captured the Ark of God (Ark of the Covenant was a chest containing the Tablets of the Covenant between the Lord and Israel. It served as a throne for the Lord of Hosts (the Lord’s armies. On its cover were two cherubim, likely creatures with the body of a lion or bull, the head of a human, and the wings of an eagle.)
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Oh, yeh? That’s one of the biggest lies told. Words are very injurious…both long ago and today. False words and accusations can be beyond hurtful.
Do you wonder sometimes what people say and think about you? You know that is not unusual for such thoughts to cross your mind. No. You don’t have to be worried about what they say. However, it can be a barometer of what is being said, even though not necessarily true. It could be a total lie or it can be true. Referencing Matthew 13:54-58 “Jesus returns home to Nazareth. He has an entourage of disciples. He is now a prominent rabbi. He comes as a visiting rabbi and local hero. Some town residents are nonbelieving and he doesn’t bring many to His beliefs.
Remember what James, our Lord’s brother said, “James 1:6,7 “..when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea blown and tossed by the wind. “Don’t expect to receive anything from the Lord.” Doubt and indecisiveness permeates our world and in our lives. Yes. We would like to know for sure in and in advance that what we do and think will yield positive fruit and productivity. But, we don’t know that. However, there is a way to know we are moving in the right direction. We need wisdom and aligning ourselves to use it. “The reverence and respect of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10. Wisdom and understanding can give us longer life. Leading a healthier life can be a part of that.
In ancient times, the LORD sent prophets to announce prophetic oracles to kings, elders, scribes, priests and the people as a whole. These prophetic messages were awesome, difficult to hear and sometimes the hearers could not imagine them coming to pass.
God is speaking “all the time!” The profession of the refiner is alluded to in several scriptures for example: Ps. 66:10; Is. 48:10; Ezek. 22:17-22; Zech. 13:9; Mal. 3:2) God is examining and purifying His people and giving notice to those who don’t know God and His power and authority, but also those who may think they know a little about Him.
From Dr. Jeanette’s “The Purging Series” Part 2 {Purging The World With His Winnowing Fork} Now that we have gotten the technicality of defining “purge,” let’s go on to apply it to what’s happening today. In the book of Malachi 3:2, he talks about “My Messenger.” I am sending My Messenger. His Messenger is coming. Who can withstand the message and actions that he brings with Him and the consequences of his message? He is like a refiner’s fire (smelter’s fire and a fuller’s lye (soap)! He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver and He shall purify