Take time to be holy. The word holy does not mean goody-goody; it means set apart for sacred use. That is what these quiet moments in My Presence are accomplishing within you. As you focus your mind and heart on Me, you are being transformed: re-created into the one I designed you to be. This process requires blocks of time set aside for communion with Me.2 Thessalonians 1:10
The benefits of this practice are limitless. Emotional and physical healing are enhanced by your soaking in the Light of My Presence. You experience a nearness to Me that strengthens your faith and fills you with Peace. You open yourself up to receive the many blessings that I have prepared for you. You become a cleaned temple of My Holy Spirit, who is able to do in and through you immeasurably more than you ask or imagine. These are just some of the benefits of being still in My Presence.
English Standard Version
when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.
Psalm 27:4
English Standard Version
One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.
1 Corinthians 6:19
English Standard Version
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
Ephesians 3:20
English Standard Version
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
My Prayer
I was reminded today that Jesus went off to a secluded place to recharge himself, so the Father would confirm his mission of preaching the Gospel. Lord, I need this each day. It is too easy to get distracted in this world. I want to be guided by your power, to be led by Your Spirit, to dwell in the house of the Lord, and to glorify You God. Make me holy.
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Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.
Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.
🙏🙏🙏🙏
ReplyDeleteI will sit with you in prayer and together we will sit with our God who chose to be born in the filth of a stable, to show us He choses to do the same in us both. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻!
DeleteCool....😎👍
DeleteIs my heart The Inn OR The Stable? Dear Heavenly Father God, thank you for entering into my stable heart and helping me clean up the place. I'd rather welcome You to bless the mess, then say to you, sorry there is no room in the inn. Amen.
DeleteThis is a perfect devotion and prayer for today. As we busy ourselves with writing cards and packing up gifts let us remember to plug ourselves into Jesus so He can refresh, revive and renew our souls and equip us with the strength to be more than conquerors. Also we must heed His call to take time to rest in Him.
DeleteAmen! I'm IN!
DeleteWonderful comment and prayer Brie, I echo your prayer "Dear Heavenly Father God, thank you for entering into my stable heart and helping me clean up the place. I'd rather welcome You to bless the mess, then say to you, sorry there is no room in the inn. Amen."
DeleteAmen🙏🙏
DeleteI love your prayer Brie.
This is my prayer as well. Each of your prayers warms my heart. Lifting each of this beautiful body of believers up in prayer 🙏❤️🙏
Love and blessings
Brandy
Amen! Thank you all so much for your devotion to Jesus and for this blog which helps me to remember why I'm here. This helps me start each day. Asking for God to direct my thinking according to his will for me. ❤️🙏
DeleteThis is such a beautiful devotional!
DeleteI love you Jesus and am so thankful for your presence, love and care.
You reside in me and fill me from within. Thank you Lord for continuing to change my heart! More of You Jesus, less of me.
Loving prayers over our JC family.
❤️🙏❤️🙌🏼
Love, Brandy
🙏
ReplyDeleteGod what have I done wrong that everything is falling apart please help me help them.
ReplyDeleteFirst I want to say God loves you and there is nothing that you could do that could ever keep his love from Loving You he went to the cross for you he went to the cross for all of us when none of us deserved it . That blood that was shed on that cross covers Us now . It covers our sins it covers our weaknesses it covers our failings our mess ups are screw-ups . Satan wants you to believe that when everything is falling apart you have somehow done something that would stop our savior from Loving You . That is a lie from the pit of Hell . You must remember that
Deletethe light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 (NIV)
God’s light is always there, but sometimes we can’t see it due to life’s circumstances. Don't allow your circumstances to see how present God really is right now. Trust that his promises are true and that he above all will never forsake you or leave you ever. We are children of the most high. Chosen to sit at the table with our King. And yes we are unworthy yet the cross makes us Worthy. The scripture say I am Holy because you are holy. Whatever you are going through trust that God is right there with you. Whatever you think you have done wrong fall to your knees ask for forgiveness and turn away and repent. God knows your heart he sees your pain he sees your sorrow he sees it all. And put on your full armor of God because during this time Satan will feed you with lies. The lies may come from other people the lies may come from your circumstances the lies may come from your own heart. Especially our own heart who can trust it is what the scripture say. Go to God's word he will speak to you. You are not alone. Let us know how we can pray for you
I'm not sure if I could thank you enough. I needed that. At this moment. Thank you and thank God for speaking through you. God bless you! and everyone reading this <3
DeleteI am in agreement with you, Starry. Thank you; your words spoke to me as well. Unknown unknown, you continue to be in our prayers. God is with you. CO
DeleteThank you Unknown for comfort, compassion and truth.
DeleteBlessed we are, all. Let us never forget.
DeletePowerful! Speaking straight to the heart ❤ I was forsure lead to read this tonight. �� Blessing ..
DeleteAmen and Amen!Right on Starry.
ReplyDeleteCoooooool...😎👍
ReplyDeleteToday's message is so important to a good prayer life. So often in the messiness of life, we want the "noise" of life to just stop. Could this be the Spirit prompting me/you that God is the whisper just barely discerned and only heard in silence? Also, today's devo reminds me of Psalm 46-10: "Be still and know that I am God..." In the solitude of prayer, He can and will comfort us if we truly listen. The challenge is "turning off" the unimportant, the fears, and the wants, so He can tell us what we NEED today. May you find peace and a place to eliminate the noise in your life to hear the whisper of God with a receptive heart! May today bring peace brothers and sisters, Amen.
ReplyDeletewonderful words, MadFox - "turn off the noise of life" -- "Be still and know that I am God.." Amen! KS
DeleteAmen to that MadFox! We have been given free will and God’s Spirit has given us a discerning heart. Let us choose the food we eat. You are what you eat us very true, Spit out what is bitter and what threatens to separate us from the love and peace of God. Instead, fill yourself with His Word and chew on all those things that strengthen our faith and bring us closer to the Lord.
DeleteThanks Madfox for those truthful words. We say we want to hear from God yet we are surrounded by noises . May we start our day by being still in God's presence
DeleteI desire to take time this day, be holy and receive rest for my mind, body and soul. To accomplish this fully, I need Your Holy Spirit to help me Lord. Take control of my life this day, grant me strength, unwavering faith and walk me through any obstacle I may face.
ReplyDeleteThank You for Your Presence that never leaves me. 'I stand still'.
Blessings and Peace to all this Friday. We are forgiven!
Maplewood NJ
Maplewood, your words are always so precious. You express yourself so much better than I can. Thank you. KS
DeleteYes, Maplewood is our songbird. Her prayers are our prayers and heavenly music to our ears.
DeleteAmen🥰
DeleteYou echoed the words of my heart sweet Maplewood! Thank you and Amen🙏💗
DeleteGood Morning! Maple wood your words were just what I needed this morning thank you!Jesus is always by our side & you express it beautifully. Today is my pet scan after finishing treatment for lymphoma. My prayers are with you all! As I read this blog I see TRULY kind & of course faithful people! Blessing to all,Donna
DeleteAmen Sassy Mom. Thank you Lord. KS
ReplyDeleteHoly, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of Your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
ReplyDeleteLord~ show me how to be Your hands and feet today.
Blessings and prayers to all of you. Peace, love and happiness are my hopes for you this weekend as you enjoy this holiday season leading up to the celebration of the birth of Christ.
Stay connected to The Vine, my friends.
Amen Suzanne! We must remain connected to The Vine!
DeleteI felt peaceful just reading this devotion and your comments. TGIF, indeed, Maplewood...and all that little quip means.
ReplyDeleteAsking for prayers for my sister in law this morning as my hub and I prepare to take her for her Oncology appt. May she receive a good report! Praying for each of you and yours, with a thankful heart.
You got it Norah🙏🥰
DeleteJESUS our lord and savior by your cross and resurrection you have set us free. Have mercy on Norah's SIL.
DeleteThank you to everyone for your comments; each one seemed to speak to me. So uplifting! You have each become blessings in my life.
ReplyDeleteNorah- I will say special prayers for your sis-in-law now.
Lord, thank You for helping me get to a place where I have been able to seek time to be quiet and holy in Your presence. When I get busy with the noise of this wordly life, please nudge me to get back on track to center my days and moments on You...quietly and prayerfully.
JC Warriors- please join me in prayer for guidance as my husband relapsed after almost 2 years of being sober. I prayed until I finally fell asleep last night. Jesus, I am holding your hand. Please guide me today. Amen. CO
So Sorry CO- my heart aches for you. Discouragement can bring you down so fast, take courage in Jesus my sister. He is in the midst of your heartache. You are a child of God! You cannot be held down, you will rise from your bed, head held high, strengthened, empowered, refreshed & renewed by the power of the Spirit living in you. I will pray for your hubby.
DeleteWe all make mistakes and it hurts everyone so terribly. Your love and trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ along with the holy spirit will uplift you and your husband. Sweet Jesus pour your amazing grace and peace over CO and her husband.
DeleteSo sorry, CO. He can get right back on the wagon and go from here though. We all stumble, just in different capacities. Praying for your family.
DeleteCO--- Saying AMEN and AMEN to to Jan's, Loveconquersall's, and Suzanne's prayers for you! The JC WARRIORS love you and our precious Lord is absolutely WILD about YOU!!! Our Lord is faithful and He will see you through this particular time.
DeleteLord, I am sorry when I wander away but rejoice knowing Your love for me is bigger than I can ever imagine. Thank you for being a loving, forgiving God. Lord of my life, guide my steps today that I may grpw ever closer to You. I need Your grace and peace every moment. Thank you
ReplyDeleteI need to keep my mind out of negative thoughts please God send your holy spirit and give streng this day please some one pray for me because I do not think he listen to me anymore
ReplyDeletePraying for you. One thing I have learned is that thoughts cannot always be trusted. Thoughts continually change. Some thoughts are best just dismissed. Truth on the other hand, never changes. His word and His continual presence are truth. I'm asking Him to help you see the difference.
DeleteWe must all remind ourselves that our lack of hearing does not mean He does not hear us. Lord, keep me attentive to your still, small voice.
DeleteKeith, your description of discernment needed for thoughts vs. truth is right on! Thank you for that reminder!
DeleteThank you all for prayers for little Jairo who is progressing beautifully. The evil one wanted fear to set in on Magdalena and I but Our Lord and Savior overcomes with his love, mercy, and peace. Thank you, Jesus, I love you. Keep JC Warriors safe.
ReplyDeleteHallelujah 🙌!
DeleteLoveconquersall--- Praising the Lord for his for His healing hand upon precious Jairo and your whole family!
DeleteThank You Jesus. Hallelujah and Amen 🙏. Draw me closer to You Lord and magnify my love and faith in You so it will grow even more in me. Praise the Lord continually and always.
ReplyDeleteAmen dear Janet! Praise Him with every breath and thank Him for everything because He is everything!
DeleteAudra & Norah, praying for you dear sisters. "Lord of heaven and earth, these sisters need you, we all need you. The humanness in us, pulls & tugs at our hearts to give in to the darkness lurking all around us, to hold us in bondage to the circumstances surrounding us. Help us oh Lord to cling to your promises," Greater is He that is in me, than he who is in the world!", " NO WEAPON formed against us shall prosper!" "I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded, that He is able, to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day!" Amen. Hallelujah!
ReplyDeleteAmen Jan Gridley!
DeleteMy cousin sent me this. It helped me, therefore I'm sharing it:
Having a Blue, Blue, Blue, Blue Christmas?
satan's job is to keep you down in the dumps. It will have you doubting yourself, your skills, and your abilities! Don't fall for its dirty little tricks. In fact when you feel defeated then be still in God's Presence and pray for confirmation.
After you pray, then put on your boots, lace them up tight, straighten up your crown, and then fight for what is yours. Amen.
😂 love that Brie! Amen
DeleteWonderful Jan! Loved your share Brie! Amen and Amen! Blessed Assurance. Jesus is ours!! Praying with my Sisters! Thank you Lord!!’
DeleteThank you! ♥️
DeleteAnd again, I thank you all. This family of prayer warriors is a powerful force in the realms of spiritual warfare. And remember, we intimately know the King who we serve and wins this war!
DeleteJeanne, praying for Tom. We are trusting in the Lord to bring him through. Comfort for those who have lost loved ones to this virus. SassyMom, did your Debbi come through okay? Take heart JC family. We call out this virus, it has a name, covid 19, this name WILL NOT, CANNOT, stand against the NAME above all NAMES! JESUS! JESUS! JESUS! AMEN & AMEN! HALLELUJAH!
ReplyDeleteAmen ❤
DeleteBlessings from France
Love this, Jan and praying with you, too, Brie. Agreeing and standing with your declarations.
DeleteWe are set apart for you, Papa. Help us to gaze upon YOU today, despite all other things. Help us to seek you and to find you as we seek you with all our hearts.
Thank you and Amen! I got a message from Tom today. He said thanks for the prayers. He believes the worst is over. Keep those prayers coming! Thanks! Thank You Father for your faithfulness and mercy. You are greater than the Covid. In You we trust!!
DeleteJan gridley - Thanks for asking, we are (trying!!) patiently waiting for a report. Please continue prayers.
DeleteThe elders of my church have made a decision to stream line our messages AGAIN during Covid surge. Thank You Lord for a wise decision to protect our congregation.
Let us take time out today from our busy schedules to simply be still and joyfully soak up the Light of His Presence. Time with the Lover of our souls is more important than anything else. Have a blessed and happy day. You will be in my prayers. Rest in Him who loves you.
DeleteThank You Father for lifting all those who are alone now and feeling depressed, and all those who have lost a loved one, and all those who are sick or caring for their sick loved ones. Take care of all those affected by the Tornadoes and find them shelter and give them comfort and guide their steps to all they need. Bless them and show them your faithfulness. We ask You for this in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Amen Jeanne. Joining in prayer with you. Father in heaven, hear our prayers and thoughts and answer them according to Your will. Lift up those who are in need and give all Your children the provisions that they need. Guide, comfort, strengthen, heal, and restore us along the way. In Your precious name, Jesus, I pray, Amen. God bless!
DeleteAmen! Joining in prayers as you called out, Jeanne. 🙏🙏
DeleteAnen dear Sister
ReplyDeleteThird Monday in Advent
ReplyDeleteClap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy. For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome, a great king over all the earth. He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet. He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. (Psalm 47:1-4, (NRSV))
Yesterday the joy candle was lit on the Advent wreath. What is real joy, anyway? Too often joy is mistaken for enjoyment. One of the definitions for enjoyment is to find or experience pleasure for oneself. Within that definition is an issue, for oneself. Am I about to say that it is wrong to enjoy oneself? No, there are many things I do that I enjoy. It is not wrong to enjoy yourself. The problem comes when I choose my own enjoyment and am insensitive to others. When I make a choice to entertain myself that may hurt someone (the obvious) or simply neglect someone, that is not joy in the true sense of the word. To experience authentic joy, is to love others as you love yourself. Therein lies a question, how do we love ourselves? Because we gratify our desires is not necessarily loving ourselves, self-gratification can lead to all sorts of choices that are not good for us and hurt others. The ultimate level of faith is to love ourselves for God’s glory meaning we make choices for ourselves that are healthy and wholesome in body, mind, and spirit as the LORD has created us to do. In Genesis 3, we have the story of Adam and Eve (our story) making a choice out of desire for gratification of a desire but not what was right or best for them as the LORD had designed all things. Consequences ensued as they always do when unwise choices are made. No, joy is not found in pleasing ourselves, that can be enjoyment but not the joy for which we lit the pink candle on the wreath.
Where can we find joy? When our desire is to perfectly love as we are perfectly loved, then we will begin to experience true joy. Joy is whenever others' well-being takes precedence over our self-gratification. We will experience true joy when our greatest desire for ourselves is to be satisfied in God. In my formative years when I was totally self centered, that thought had no appeal to me, it didn’t look like fun. Many years later, spiritual maturity has come and that notion is totally false leading me to seek the glory of God resulting in many truly joyful experiences which quite possibly could have included you.
Yesterday, I invited you to listen to Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee which captures the essence of what I am trying to say. As I left my devotion time this AM, to write these thoughts to you, I had yet to decide what song to share with you. As I made my way to my computer, this song played on my iPhone. Thank you LORD!
Celtic Woman - Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
https://youtu.be/JA1P2jG-EnE
Here are the words and they are worthy of your time to contemplate after listening to the link above.
1. Jesus, Joy of Man’s Desiring Holy wisdom, love most bright
2. Drawn by Thee our souls aspiring Soar to uncreated light
3. Word of God, our flesh that fashioned. With the fire of life impassioned. Striving still to truth unknown Soaring, dying round Thy throne
4. Through the way where hope is guiding, Hark, what peaceful music rings.
5. Where the flock in Thee confiding, Drink of joy from deathless springs.
6. Theirs is beauty’s fairest pleasure, Theirs is wisdom’s holiest treasure. Thou dost ever lead Thine own, In the love of joys unknown.
With love, Bob
Such a beautiful song to encourage my heart. Thanks Bob! When I was in Church I saw the pink candle and the priest in pink and I knew it was to emphasize the joy of the Lord.
DeleteThanks you Sassy mum
ReplyDeletePsalm 27:4
ReplyDeleteEnglish Standard Version
One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.
This hit me like a truck. The idea of dwelling in the house of the Lord and gazing upon His beauty struck a chord in my heart. It inspired me. From this, I knew that 2022 was the year where I should live in such a way that I actively seek God. I came to realize that God was teaching me to seek Him and gaze upon His beauty despite the rocky road of life, which has transformed my perspective on the current events of the world.
It has given me the ability to persevere through trying times, the ability to develop a more godly character, and the ability to have and hold on to hope. Little did I know that God would be giving me this simple verse that I have read 1,000 times to radically change the way that I pursue the Lord. This leads me to say that God does not always roar in our lives in the way we would expect; rather, He quietly nudges us back to the basic, simple principles in which we should rest.
Amen Min Ahadi! God is so marvelous! His work is done in us ever so simply and "under wraps". And as we look back on times in our lives, we see so much more than we noticed at the time. God is so good -- ALWAYS! God bless!
DeleteIsn't that true... He often nudges us to see (perspective) truth. Something that has been there all along. And these nudges can be like God roaring in; or more correctly, like hearing His whisper of Love that is always there.
DeleteOne thought came to me a number of years ago that still rings true... as Christians, our biggest shortcoming is that we don't really understand what we already know. And with that thought I hear Love whisper in my heart, "yes but just hold my hand and you will understand" as we continue to be ambushed (just keep showing up) by Love.
Amen, thank you Min Ahadi.
DeleteBeautiful testimony sweet Min Ahadi! He is constantly molding us from the inside out and I see his Hand in my life so clearly. He lifts my head, comforts my heart and establishes my steps. He is the strength and hope that drives me. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
DeleteAmen my brothers and sisters. We are truly of one accord. United in His perfect love.
https://youtu.be/oCAY_qeDo-w
ReplyDeleteAmen dear Min! The hope to dwell with Him forever is everything.
DeleteBut ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (1 Peter 2:9). And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (Revelation 18:4). Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. (2 Corinthians 6:17). Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (1 John 4:4-5).
ReplyDeleteA new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26).
ReplyDeleteHeavenly Father, thank You for spending time with me and for transforming me into the person You created me to be. Thank You for forgiving me for all my sins and for molding me, guiding me, directing me, and loving me. Your majestic Presence is so full of peace, love, joy, gentleness, and strength. You are my refuge and the best Father ever. You protect and shield me. Your sovereignty brings me such peace. Let Your perfect Spirit permeate within me and all around me. Let Your goodness and glory flow abundantly through me. Let me be still in Your Presence as You pour out Your blessings upon me. Open my heart and mind to receive all that You have for me. Let me be aware of Your Presence in everything, everywhere. Help me to be sanctified through the blood of Jesus and not just "justified". All things are done in and through You Lord. Nothing is done without Your "say so". Let us rest in Your sovereignty and the faith we have in You. I praise You Lord always. Thank You Jesus. Thank You for all my benefits and blessings. You bring such joy, peace, and love to my heart, mind, and soul. Help me yield my soul to You and all that You are doing in and through me. Let my heart sing to You all day long. Thank You for all the people You have brought into my life. Let Your will be done and not mine. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely blessed, thank you Janet
DeleteThank you for sharing His Word dear sister.
DeleteBeautiful prayer from a sincere heart of love and faith.
Thank you Father for slowing our thoughts down enough to tune our hearts to Love.
ReplyDeleteI'm giving thanks this morning as I return to work today after recovering from Covid. As my strength slowly returns, may my heart be softened to perceive His continual Love.
Right there with you brother Keith. Also recovering from covid. Giving thanks to our God for full recovery for hubby & I.🙏 Hallelujah!
DeleteAdd two more to the fully recovered list, thanks be to God!
DeletePraying for your complete recovery dear brother Keith. Take it real easy. One day at a time in His peace and presence.
DeleteThank You Father for strengthening Keith's weaknesses which You already know. Thank You Jesus.
Part 1. Micah and the birth of the Messiah.
ReplyDeleteAs we are in the build up to Christmas, I share this article I found online of the Prophet Micah and his prophecy concerning the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2).
This makes interesting reading:
"The book of Micah can be found in the back section of the Old Testament, among the minor prophets. Yet there is nothing “minor” about this prophet other than the length of the book that bears his name.
In the book of Micah, we find a beautiful path to repentance, restoration, and a promise of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. Although we know little about Micah’s background, we do know when and where he prophesied, and the effect his prophecy continues to have on us today. His power as a prophet and call to turn away from sin and towards the Savior continue to bring us hope, and shape who we are as believers.
Another powerful prophecy from Micah is one we hear every year at Christmas, the one that tells us that the birth of Christ would occur in Bethlehem; "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2). Over 700 years later, this prophecy would be fulfilled the night that Jesus was born.
Micah may have been from the country, but he had a strong grasp of literary technique and utilized powerful metaphors and vivid imagery throughout his prophecy.
What Happened to Micah?
We do not know how Micah lived out the rest of his life. However, it is clear from Jeremiah’s mention of him that he did not live out his days in fear of punishment or death, as so many prophets did. Instead, Jeremiah writes that his prophecy made a change and had a positive effect, “Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah put him to death? Did not Hezekiah fear the LORD and seek his favor? And did not the LORD relent, so that he did not bring the disaster he pronounced against them?” (Jeremiah 26:19).
The prophets in Scripture faithfully brought the Word of God to the people, no matter how unpopular that message may be. Many of these prophecies were unpopular and ended in persecution for the prophets. Thankfully for Micah, the people heard the message and turned to God, at least in the short term. Ultimately, this prophecy of judgement would come to pass.
Far from being an old, boring message for a people log ago, Micah’s words of promise and restoration after captivity still bring us hope today as we leave behind the captivity of sin, and walk into the hope and joy only found in Christ.
Part 2.Where Do We Find Micah’s Story?
ReplyDelete“But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin” (Micah 3:8).
Micah’s name means, “who is a God like You?”, and his name itself becomes a meaningful theme for the book of Micah, as he summarizes his prophecy in Micah 7:18: “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
It is stated in verse 1 that Micah is from Moresheth-Gath, a village located near the border of Israel and Philistia. It would have been considered ‘in the country’ in this time, as it was an agricultural area not near any major cities. This puts him in good company with the prophet Amos, who “was a shepherd who took care of sycamore-fig trees.”
There is no serious doubt that Micah is the author of the book that bears his name, as is also clearly stated in verse 1.
Micah’s ministry likely occurred late in the reign of Jotham, and continued into the early years of King Hezekiah’s reign. This would place the book of Micah between the years 730 – 690 B.C.
Although it can be easy to think of one prophet coming after another, in order of their Biblical books, the reality is that many of them lived and ministered at the same times. Micah is no different, and he would have been a contemporary of three other prophets: Amos and Hosea in the northern kingdom of Israel, and Isaiah in the southern kingdom of Judah.
What Was Micah Known for?
The echoes of Micah’s effective ministry can be felt throughout the Old Testament as well as the New. He is not only referenced in his own book, but he is also mentioned by the prophet Jeremiah as laying the foundations for the spiritual reforms undertaken by Hezekiah: “Micah of Moresheth prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. He told all the people of Judah, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets’” (Jeremiah 26:18).
Micah is known for bringing a message of judgement and restoration that would spur a revival in the land of Judah. Among the prophets of the Old Testament, he is perhaps the most vocal in his demands of justice for the poor and downtrodden. He lashes out at greedy judges, who make money from unjust bribes while ignoring true justice and mercy.
He starts his book by speaking of the coming judgement of God, and makes clear that this judgement is a response to the transgressions of the people (Micah 1:5). In Micah 6:14:16 we see that the judgment will be harsh, and that it will be unavoidable.
Yet the beauty of Micah’s prophecy is that it assures us God will not end the story there. In fact, some of the most powerful promises of restoration, hope, and a coming Messiah are spoken by Micah:
“He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken. All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever” (Micah 4: 3-5).
“You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. You will be faithful to Jacob, and show love to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our ancestors in days long ago” (Micah 7:19-20)
Part 3.What Is the Message of the Book of Micah?
ReplyDelete“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Justice. Love. Mercy. Humility. The overarching message of Micah is that God is Holy, and as a Holy God we should seek to act in a way that is becoming His holiness. Because He is holy, here are consequences to sin, yet there is hope for those who turn to Him. In the midst of crooked and depraved leadership, Micah 6:8 gives us a path to seek holiness, and is among the best known verses of Scripture.Reference:
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-was-the-prophet-micah-known-for.html?utm_source=Pushnami
Thank you Peter. I tried to post yesterday, but I was having an issue with posting from my phone. Your postings are very informational and uplifting. God bless!
DeleteGood advice for us. To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
DeleteDoing my best to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with My God. Thanks Peter for all your spiritual food and encouragement.
DeleteOne of the most beautiful Glory to God giving renditions of O Holy Night I've ever heard, may it bless you as it blessed me:https://youtu.be/ITIaYoWCPkE
ReplyDeleteIt really blessed me Peter! Her angelic voice, the violin, the harp and the children's voices! Thank you so much.
DeleteMy fave Chhristmas Song, sung beautifully again this year!
DeleteThanks be to God for Peter who posted it, and Chris who preserved the post!
As others have stated, we've discovered that this site now has a setting of not displaying all comments at once if the number of comments exceeds 200. This is only a problem on some days right now, but probably will be a problem in future years. This basically means it will require some additional clicks to get to the final page of the latest comments (i.e. "Load More" after 200 comments). I wish there was a different way for it to work but am hoping this isn't an obstacle for folks. Thanks for being here.
ReplyDeleteWe are just grateful it's here Chris. Thank you again!
DeleteTJ
Ditto! Chris, we are blessed that you put together this blog so many years ago. Thank you.
DeleteSC Anonymous
Thanks Chris for explaining that! God bless you and your family. May God bless you with a joyous Christmas and good health.
DeleteHeavenly Father, thank You. I praise You Lord always. Thank you Chris for bringing us all together here to praise the Lord and pray and encourage one another. The Lord is working well within you. God bless 🙏.
ReplyDeleteBut as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy. " (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Amen Janet! Chris brought us together and God led us here. It was His will and plan.
DeleteIs my heart The Inn OR The Stable? Dear Heavenly Father God, thank you for entering into my stable heart and helping me clean up the place. I'd rather welcome You to bless my mess, then say to you, sorry there is no room in the inn. Amen.
ReplyDeleteI've heard You were born in a stable to prepare You for living inside my heart.
Thank you for entering into my stable heart and helping me clean up the place. I'd rather welcome You to bless the mess in my stable of a heart, then say to you, sorry there is no room in my perfectly cleaned, orderly, and splendidly kept inn. In Jesus' Name I pray,
You are welcomed. Come on in. Feel free to sit down and converse.
My house doesn't always look like this. Sometimes it is even worse. Amen.
Amen! Just loved your prayer and you made me smile!
DeleteAmen and amen
DeleteThis JC reading is so apt for today. "Take time....to be set apart for sacred use".
ReplyDeleteMy wife is often woken at 3am by the Lord who says to her simply "it's 3am". Through years of this she knows to get up, get her Bible, go sit and wait for Him to speak. Early this morning the Lord gave her a scripture which was a direct answer to prayer. Later she told me of the contents of His message, which as I've said is a 'direct answer to prayer'. Thinking with the Lord on this, I got a 'download'; I 'saw' in my mind's eye an array of Christmas gifts around the tree; small hands were undoing the ribbon, excitedly removing the wrapping. A cry of delight went up as the recipient saw the gift inside. Delight too was on the face of the giver.
This is what the Lord has given for our understanding:
All prayers, (ours and others) specifically for those we pray for who REALLY need an answer to prayer, are being and will be answered according to God's plan, purpose and time-scale.
As the answer to a prayer is activated, it is like a Christmas present being unwrapped revealing the wonderful gift inside. ( The answer to prayer will delight the recipient AND those who have prayed).
Isaiah 59:1 "The LORD hasn't lost his powerful strength [to save]; he can still hear and [will] answer prayers."
I give the above to those who maybe desperately, need for themselves or others an answer to prayer.
The "blocks of time" we spend in His Presence are building blocks, building us up in our most Holy faith, transforming us into His likeness.
Ephesians 3:20-21
English Standard Version
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!
Amen. John H.
DeleteAmen!
DeleteThank you!
DeleteThanks Peter! Wonderful light in my day! God's light is the light that keeps on going. It goes right into eternity
DeleteI’m so grateful to have the Jesus calling on my phone now. Thank you Chris. I enjoy the readings in the comments as well. Thank you Brie for the Inn or stable post. Also to Paul what a beautiful song and post about prayer. Hope you have a Blessed day & Peace Be With You.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone! Thank you Jesus 🙏🙏
ReplyDeleteAmen dear Blessings from NY! Thank You Jesus! <3
ReplyDelete<3
DeleteAs Maplewood stated in an earlier crossover post...December is a great, special and wonderful MONTH. A MONTH in remembrance of our Savior’s birth, a MONTH when hope and redemption came into the world, a MONTH of jubilation, celebration, a MONTH that will forever be cherished!
ReplyDeleteOur devotion reminds us, to set apart time for sacred use. As I focus my MIND and my heart on paying forward God's MERCY, I am being transformed and re-created into the MERCYFULL human being He designed ME to be.
To celebrate the 13th day of this celebratory MONTH, and the middle of our ADVENTure season of gift giving to Jesus, I plan to give JESUS "M" gifts of treating everyone I encounter today with the MERCY of God that I am always asking God to give me. As I pass His MERCY forward, I know He'll give back free refills for my use to pass MERCY forward again and again. So help me Holy Spirit!
Amen Brie 🙏.
DeleteWhat a great month of Celebation!!!
DeleteAmen and AMEN, Brie! Loving your advent month!
DeleteThank you Brie for "M"👏🥰
DeleteAmen, Brie! Love the 'pay it forward' thoughts.
DeleteThanks dear sister! Thought of MIRACLE MAKER, OUR MENTOR, OUR MODEL, MOST HIGH! Celebrating the MULTITUDE of BLESSINGS He bestows on us. Being still in His presence today so I can feel His sweet Presence. May Grace and Mercy follow you and all our JC Family. God bless you all. Follow after righteousness and have a fruitful day so you can offer your abundant fruit to Him in
ReplyDeleteThanksgiving for His glory.
1 Peter 4:7-5:14
But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Thank you Jeanne 😊.
DeleteAMEN, Jeanne! We receive God's multitude of blessings!
DeleteBless you dear sister 💞😍
DeleteAmen, Jeanne! Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
DeleteThanks dear Janet, JJ, Jan, and Suzanne! Amen. God bless you too in all things.
DeleteBut as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16). Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14). How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word. (Psalm 119:9).
ReplyDeleteAnd you shall be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine. (Leviticus 20:26).
DeleteBecause of His holiness, our God is Absolutely Good all the time!
DeleteThanks for the good food. May His Spirit guide us to be holy so He will be pleased and glorified.
DeleteI gift the Lord the "M" words of MAGNIFICENT, MERCIES AND MORNING this day. Because our MAGNIFICENT God in Lamentations 3:22-23 says: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases: his MERCIES never come to an end; they are new every MORNING; great is your faithfulness." Some of the most comforting and reassuring words in the Bible! HALLELUJAH!!!
ReplyDeleteA good Declaration to start the day:The Works of God's hands are working MIGHTILY on my behalf. I am FREE and I DO NOT fear!
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteAnd, a MARVELOUS way to end my day as well! Thanks JJ
DeleteMore wonderful "m" gifts for the Lord. He is Magnificent and Marvelous in every way.
DeleteDear heavenly Father, thank you for my quiet time each morning. Help me to strengthen my ability to choose contemplative time with You my savior. This time is precious, time to worship you, for all you have provided for me. I am so blessed. Jesus I love You. Amen.
ReplyDeleteAmén!
DeleteAmen dear ABC. Blessed.
DeleteSO Blessed! We are set apart for sacred use.
ReplyDeleteThe less there is of me the more there is of Him in me.
And you shall be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy.
https://youtu.be/n8znY8PEyDk?si=yqimp3tIlOZSB3SA
MAJESTY! Worship His MAJESTY! Hallelujah 🙌
ReplyDeletePerfect word, dear Jan! Praise Him for His Majesty!
DeleteOn this glorious day, I give the gift of M words to our Savior. The gift of MEDITATION to our MIRACULOUS MESSIAH. I offer you my time, love, stillness and praise. Continue to teach me to carve out blocks to be with You and only You. Amen.
ReplyDeleteAmen.
DeleteMERCY
ReplyDeleteMASTER
MANNA
MEANS
MOMENTS
MINDS
ME
MANY
MORE
MARVELOUS
MIRACLES
MISSION
MAKER
MIGHTY
MEANING
MAJESTY
MEDITATION
MIRACULOUS
MESSIAH
What a MARVELOUS bouquet 💐
We collectively gifted our Lord with today!
Romans 5:9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!
ReplyDeleteHow MUCH MORE....
Love you, Brie! Thank you for salting my oats! "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. HOWEVER - you can salt its oats!!