The Name of The LORD is A Strong Tower
Let the Word of Christ Jesus dwell in You Richly In all Wisdom (Colossians 3:16, King James Version).
Praise the LORD GOD Almighty for an exciting, victorious and blessed new year in Jesus Christ our Lord. My prayer is the proclamation made in Psalm 119:11, Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I would not sin against You. Jesus Christ our Lord was a perfect example who defeated the devil by the Word of God, as recorded in Matthew 4:1-10. He knew who He was (Son of God); He did not compromise the Word of God to the enticing, glamorous temptation of physical needs and desire, possessions and power, and pride presented by the devil. He defeated the devil by the infallible Word of God, "It is written...” As the new year unfolds, be determined to consistently hold on to His Word at all times; the Word gives life and gives it more abundantly.
How Obedient Are You To His Word?
Are you influenced by your environment or a religious personality instead of the true Word the LORD has spoken? Lessons from the Rechabites - Read Jeremiah 35:1-19. The Rechabites lived as nomads, rejecting all forms of urban and agrarian life. They refused to drink wine/strong drinks and would not cultivate vineyards. They were invited by Jeremiah into one of the chambers of the temple for a symbolic demonstration.
But they said, "We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever: Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers (Jeremiah 35:6-7). They showed obedience to their father Jonadab’s instructions to not drink wine, build houses, sow seeds, or plant vineyards, but to dwell in tents. They were heroes of the faith for they confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth and seek a city which has foundations, whose builder and Maker is God. (Hebrews 11: 10, 13-16).
The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father's commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me
(Jeremiah 35:14). They performed the words which Jonadab had commanded them. They must have learned to depend totally on the LORD as their Provider and Sustainer. They were not to have a long-term investment in material things. Despite being brought into the temple - a 'religious, holy environment' - they were steadfast, unyielding in holding to the Word of God. Be careful, be not carried away and think since the event is in the house of the LORD that it is okay; that it is happening in the most sacred place, or a prophet is involved. Remember: the Lord always tests His Word to see what is in our hearts.
The Rechabites reflected a Christ-like image in their decision not to falter, but to be faithful to the LORD. They were a special group the LORD used as an example for us to have a Word-filled life now and beyond. The LORD rewarded them in v. 19; Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; "Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me forever.”
As the year unfolds, let us continue to elevate His Word above all things, for His word is life. John 6:63 says, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). Remember, His Word is living, powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword.
Benefits of God’s Word
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, the clock is ticking fast and the end of all things is at hand. Renounce every work of darkness and come to a loving Savior whose arms are outstretched to embrace you to Himself.
This is your year to start a brand new life in Jesus Christ. Be blessed and be a blessing. AMEN.
Praise the LORD GOD Almighty for an exciting, victorious and blessed new year in Jesus Christ our Lord. My prayer is the proclamation made in Psalm 119:11, Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I would not sin against You. Jesus Christ our Lord was a perfect example who defeated the devil by the Word of God, as recorded in Matthew 4:1-10. He knew who He was (Son of God); He did not compromise the Word of God to the enticing, glamorous temptation of physical needs and desire, possessions and power, and pride presented by the devil. He defeated the devil by the infallible Word of God, "It is written...” As the new year unfolds, be determined to consistently hold on to His Word at all times; the Word gives life and gives it more abundantly.
How Obedient Are You To His Word?
Are you influenced by your environment or a religious personality instead of the true Word the LORD has spoken? Lessons from the Rechabites - Read Jeremiah 35:1-19. The Rechabites lived as nomads, rejecting all forms of urban and agrarian life. They refused to drink wine/strong drinks and would not cultivate vineyards. They were invited by Jeremiah into one of the chambers of the temple for a symbolic demonstration.
But they said, "We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever: Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers (Jeremiah 35:6-7). They showed obedience to their father Jonadab’s instructions to not drink wine, build houses, sow seeds, or plant vineyards, but to dwell in tents. They were heroes of the faith for they confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth and seek a city which has foundations, whose builder and Maker is God. (Hebrews 11: 10, 13-16).
The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father's commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me
(Jeremiah 35:14). They performed the words which Jonadab had commanded them. They must have learned to depend totally on the LORD as their Provider and Sustainer. They were not to have a long-term investment in material things. Despite being brought into the temple - a 'religious, holy environment' - they were steadfast, unyielding in holding to the Word of God. Be careful, be not carried away and think since the event is in the house of the LORD that it is okay; that it is happening in the most sacred place, or a prophet is involved. Remember: the Lord always tests His Word to see what is in our hearts.
The Rechabites reflected a Christ-like image in their decision not to falter, but to be faithful to the LORD. They were a special group the LORD used as an example for us to have a Word-filled life now and beyond. The LORD rewarded them in v. 19; Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; "Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me forever.”
As the year unfolds, let us continue to elevate His Word above all things, for His word is life. John 6:63 says, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). Remember, His Word is living, powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword.
Benefits of God’s Word
- The Word cleanses: Psalm 119:9, Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Ephesians 5:26, That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.
- The Word Builds Faith: Romans 10:17, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
- The Word Heals & Delivers: Psalm 107:20, He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Matthew 8:16; When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils:and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick. Psalm 119:170, Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
- The Word Gives Victory Over Sin: Psalm 119:11, Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:133, Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Psalm 119:105, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
- The Word Gives Hope, Comfort and Protection: Psalm 119:114, Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. Psalm 119:116, Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Psalm 119:147, I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word.
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, the clock is ticking fast and the end of all things is at hand. Renounce every work of darkness and come to a loving Savior whose arms are outstretched to embrace you to Himself.
This is your year to start a brand new life in Jesus Christ. Be blessed and be a blessing. AMEN.
