O. T. 1051. "A Glimmer of Light in Dark Days"
August 31,2017
Nehemiah 3-Part 8
LET IT GLOW
Was it dark when the eclipse of the sun was seen? The moon hid it from us. And then the glimmer of light shone through the darkness. Are the dark days of sin preventing us from our hope in Christ's return to get us? Does our faith have a glimmer of light, expecting to see Him any moment? Shall we look at the nonetheless gate-The East Gate?
The East Gate
Obviously the East Gate was located on the east side of the city. It was the first Gae opened in the morning. As the watchman walked the wall looking for approaching enemies, he would see the first glimmer of the new day's light through the darkness in the east. As the sun rose, visibility improved.
One day our Bright and Morning Star will appear as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 tell us when the trumpet and archangel sound, Jesus will appear. The dead will arise and join us in the air to meet Him. Ooh what a day! We will be with our Lord forever.
We call it the rapture of the church. Luke 21:25-28 tell us of the expected signs and to lift up our heads for our redemption draws night. Christ is our Redeener. We will all see Him coming in His glory, according to Matthew 16:37. Amen and hallelujah!!
Are we looking for Him today? Is everyone ready? What if it was tomorrow? Are our loved ones ready?
LET IT GROW
Wiersbe points out that the Turks sealed up the east gate in the 16th century, but it is probably known today as the Golden Gate. The Golden Gate is connected to the Messiah's coming in both Jewish and Christian worship and to future judgment among the Muslims.
In one of his visions, Ezekiel saw the glory of the Lord leave the Trmple and depart through the East Gate. Later, another vision showed God's glory returning to the Temple through the same gate. (Chapters 10, 11, 43) This all suggests the coming again of Jesus Christ there, plus the East Gate faces the rising sun.
So let us do as 1 John 2:28 says,
And now, little children, abide in Him: that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
LET IT GO and abide in Christ. Keep looking up, for our redemption drawers nigh.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Horses and Donkeys
O.T. #1050 "Hotses and Donkeys "
August 30, 2017
Nehemiah 3-Part 7
verse
LET IT GLOW
Which do we prefer, riding a horse of war or a donkey of peace?
Continue reading to find the difference.
The Horse Gate
August 30, 2017
Nehemiah 3-Part 7
verse
LET IT GLOW
Which do we prefer, riding a horse of war or a donkey of peace?
Continue reading to find the difference.
The Horse Gate
- It was located on the eastern wall, close to the palace grounds and Temple area.
- It was probably one of the major gates used for access to the palace.
- It lead to the Kidron Valley.
- Horses were ridden by warriors.
- The priests repaired this gate.
- It is mentioned in 2Chronicles and Jeremiah 31:40.
LET IT GROW
Jesus came riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. It was an animal riddlen by a king. Men only rode horses during war time.
Which animal do we prefer?
LET IT GO
Fight against spiritual forces.
Put on the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Refreshing Water
O.T. #1049 "Refreshing Water"
August 29, 2017
Nehemiah 3-Part 6
LET IT GLOW
Good morning everyone. It's good to be back with you. We had a wonderful vacation, seeing the wondrous works of God. One thing we saw was the great, roaring Columbia River flowing miles from the Pacific Ocean weaving through the Cascade Mountains. It brings refreshing water to the towns along its way. In our study, we will see how the Word of God does the same for our thirty soul, refreshing our life.
So far, we have studied about the repairs of 6 gates around the Temple of Jerusalem-the sheep gate, fish gate, the old gate, valley gate, dung gate, and the gate of the fountain. Today, we learn about the water gate.
Water Gate
An aquaduct brought some water into Jerusalem, but not all of it. The rest was brought in, carried, through the water gate. It was located on the east wall close to the Gihon Spring, which was one of the main water sources.
Located at the entrance was a large public square. That is where Ezra and Nehemiah gathered the people together to read the Word of God to them. (We read it later in chapters 8 and 12.)
Here are some Scriptures which apply to us in this time:
John 15:3 says, Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you.
John 17:17 says, Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth.
Ephesians 5:26 tells us, That He might sanctify and cleanse it (the church) with the washing of water by the Word.
1 Peter 1:22 says, Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.
As our body needs water to maintain life, so does our soul. Jesus is the living water for our soul.
Does the Living Word quench the thirsting of our soul with love and instruction? Do we go to the source, which is Jesus?
LET IT GROW
J. Vernon McGee explains in his book Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, History of Israel:
Let me add, there were parts of Oregon which were dry and very much in need of rain. They were having to water the crops, fruit trees, and yards. As I looked around the cities and towns, I could see many dry, thirsty souls in need of the gospel.
LET IT GO
Bring my thirsty soul to the Living Water, Jesus.
Allow His love to overflow through me to others that are thirsty.
August 29, 2017
Nehemiah 3-Part 6
LET IT GLOW
Good morning everyone. It's good to be back with you. We had a wonderful vacation, seeing the wondrous works of God. One thing we saw was the great, roaring Columbia River flowing miles from the Pacific Ocean weaving through the Cascade Mountains. It brings refreshing water to the towns along its way. In our study, we will see how the Word of God does the same for our thirty soul, refreshing our life.
So far, we have studied about the repairs of 6 gates around the Temple of Jerusalem-the sheep gate, fish gate, the old gate, valley gate, dung gate, and the gate of the fountain. Today, we learn about the water gate.
Water Gate
An aquaduct brought some water into Jerusalem, but not all of it. The rest was brought in, carried, through the water gate. It was located on the east wall close to the Gihon Spring, which was one of the main water sources.
Located at the entrance was a large public square. That is where Ezra and Nehemiah gathered the people together to read the Word of God to them. (We read it later in chapters 8 and 12.)
Here are some Scriptures which apply to us in this time:
John 15:3 says, Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you.
John 17:17 says, Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth.
Ephesians 5:26 tells us, That He might sanctify and cleanse it (the church) with the washing of water by the Word.
1 Peter 1:22 says, Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.
As our body needs water to maintain life, so does our soul. Jesus is the living water for our soul.
Does the Living Word quench the thirsting of our soul with love and instruction? Do we go to the source, which is Jesus?
LET IT GROW
J. Vernon McGee explains in his book Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, History of Israel:
Ezra erected a pulpit at the water gate. We are washed by the water of the Word. It is through this gate that we are trying to spread the Word. We all need to be water boys, helping to bring the water to those who are thirsty. Apparently when the other gates and walls were torn down, the water gate remained intact. That was unusual. Does that tell you anything? The Word of God, friend, does not need any repairs. It is intact.Folks, we don't need to try to prove the Bible is the Word of God. We take it by faith, believing it is Truth, preserved down through the ages for you and me to read, study, and share. It is the Living Word of God to us. It flows into our soul like a drink of water, bringing refreshment to a thirsty soul.
Let me add, there were parts of Oregon which were dry and very much in need of rain. They were having to water the crops, fruit trees, and yards. As I looked around the cities and towns, I could see many dry, thirsty souls in need of the gospel.
LET IT GO
Bring my thirsty soul to the Living Water, Jesus.
Allow His love to overflow through me to others that are thirsty.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Vacation Friday
Vacation Friday
Hi ya'll,
Our adventures took us winding around mountains. The higher we got, the less green trees surrounded us. Bare mountain tops with some logs lying down posed wonder. Then we saw it-Mt. St. Helens. The volcanic mountain that blew its top off. Remains looked like 2 smaller peaks on one mountain.
We climbed the hill up to a museum located right in front of this enormous mountain. Inside, we watched footage of May 18, 1980. That was the day the volcano blew out the side and an avalanche of debris of ice, snow, trees, and ash began flowing down the mountain. It filled deep gullies. Other mountains were covered. There were about 100 earthquakes that day. Then the top blew up into the air miles up, sending ash boiling up in rolls. Rivers were filled with ash and logs. Air was polluted with ash. Lakes, animals, and the once green environment were gone some 15 miles away.
Land features were changed forever. Well, almost. Here we saw green trees, grass, new lakes, some 37 years later. Well man helped replenish some. Now tourists come to see the handiwork and power of God.
But I wonder how many recognize this phenomenon was made by Almighty God. The wonder of wonders. A Wonder God He is. His wonders never seize.
Zoom in with me to your neck of the woods. Well maybe your street.
So do we recognize His wonderous work in our life?
And do we see His love everywhere?
Is there a day we can say that we experienced His hand on our life?
So many times I have.
We fly home on Monday. Hopefully we can get back to Nehemiah the next day.
See you then. Oh, let us remember the communities around Houston. I have a cousin who lives there with his family.
In awe of an Awesome God,
Linda
Hi ya'll,
Our adventures took us winding around mountains. The higher we got, the less green trees surrounded us. Bare mountain tops with some logs lying down posed wonder. Then we saw it-Mt. St. Helens. The volcanic mountain that blew its top off. Remains looked like 2 smaller peaks on one mountain.
We climbed the hill up to a museum located right in front of this enormous mountain. Inside, we watched footage of May 18, 1980. That was the day the volcano blew out the side and an avalanche of debris of ice, snow, trees, and ash began flowing down the mountain. It filled deep gullies. Other mountains were covered. There were about 100 earthquakes that day. Then the top blew up into the air miles up, sending ash boiling up in rolls. Rivers were filled with ash and logs. Air was polluted with ash. Lakes, animals, and the once green environment were gone some 15 miles away.
Land features were changed forever. Well, almost. Here we saw green trees, grass, new lakes, some 37 years later. Well man helped replenish some. Now tourists come to see the handiwork and power of God.
But I wonder how many recognize this phenomenon was made by Almighty God. The wonder of wonders. A Wonder God He is. His wonders never seize.
Zoom in with me to your neck of the woods. Well maybe your street.
So do we recognize His wonderous work in our life?
And do we see His love everywhere?
Is there a day we can say that we experienced His hand on our life?
So many times I have.
We fly home on Monday. Hopefully we can get back to Nehemiah the next day.
See you then. Oh, let us remember the communities around Houston. I have a cousin who lives there with his family.
In awe of an Awesome God,
Linda
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Gushing Out Like a Fountain
O. T.#1048 "Gushing Out Like a Fountain"
August 23, 2017
Nehemiah 3-Part 5
LET IT GLOW
Gate of the Fountain
This gate and a section of the wall of the Pool of Siloam was built by Shallun. It was located at the southern part, but on the east side of the wall. The Fountain Gate was near the King's Garden, the old City of David, and the tunnel built by King Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:20). Hezekiah anticipated a siege by an Assyrian monarch, so he wanted a water supply for Jerusalem, just in case it happened. The king had a tunnel dug for this purpose. The gate was located near the Fountain Head, the main water service for Jerusalem.
When I was a child, I recall a city named Siloam having a pool with several fountains spraying water, gushing out in it. Apparently, it was fed by the spring water flowing out of the rocky hill. The stream meandered through the west side of town, with flower filled parks built along its way. What a peaceful place. Wedding pictures are often taken at the gazebo.
LET IT GROW
Excavation has revealed ancient stone steps descending from the old City of David, during Jesus' time on earth. It was on those stone steps that the Jews would ascend in order to get to the Temple worship. John 9 tells us the account of Jesus healing a blind man there. The pool was fed by waters from the Gihon Spring, located in the Kidron Valley, a pool for swimming.
Jesus said to the woman at the well, But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 7:38)
Jesus is our Living Water in our heart that we so desperately need. Have you drank from this Water?
The Gate of the Fountain teaches the fact that every believer is indwelt by the Spirit of God and he needs an infilling of the Spirit. When a believer is filled with the Spirit, he is not just a well, but a fountain of living water which will gush out to be a blessing to other people. All of us should be a blessing to others in these days in which we live. (J. Vernon McGee)
Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us and gush out and over flow to others?
LET IT GO
...and let the Love of Jesus gush out of my heart and life.
... and take this Living Water to thirsty souls.
August 23, 2017
Nehemiah 3-Part 5
LET IT GLOW
Gate of the Fountain
This gate and a section of the wall of the Pool of Siloam was built by Shallun. It was located at the southern part, but on the east side of the wall. The Fountain Gate was near the King's Garden, the old City of David, and the tunnel built by King Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:20). Hezekiah anticipated a siege by an Assyrian monarch, so he wanted a water supply for Jerusalem, just in case it happened. The king had a tunnel dug for this purpose. The gate was located near the Fountain Head, the main water service for Jerusalem.
When I was a child, I recall a city named Siloam having a pool with several fountains spraying water, gushing out in it. Apparently, it was fed by the spring water flowing out of the rocky hill. The stream meandered through the west side of town, with flower filled parks built along its way. What a peaceful place. Wedding pictures are often taken at the gazebo.
LET IT GROW
Excavation has revealed ancient stone steps descending from the old City of David, during Jesus' time on earth. It was on those stone steps that the Jews would ascend in order to get to the Temple worship. John 9 tells us the account of Jesus healing a blind man there. The pool was fed by waters from the Gihon Spring, located in the Kidron Valley, a pool for swimming.
Jesus said to the woman at the well, But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 7:38)
Jesus is our Living Water in our heart that we so desperately need. Have you drank from this Water?
The Gate of the Fountain teaches the fact that every believer is indwelt by the Spirit of God and he needs an infilling of the Spirit. When a believer is filled with the Spirit, he is not just a well, but a fountain of living water which will gush out to be a blessing to other people. All of us should be a blessing to others in these days in which we live. (J. Vernon McGee)
Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us and gush out and over flow to others?
LET IT GO
...and let the Love of Jesus gush out of my heart and life.
... and take this Living Water to thirsty souls.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Vacation Thursday
Thursday August 24,2017
Hello everyone from the beautiful state of Oregon. Finally vacation week is here
. Tuesday we drove to Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood. What an awesome God we have! He creates snow capped mountains in August. We could have skied but I opted to live another day.
Then we drove on the other side of the mountain to an apple orchard town where my husband picked apples the summer he was 15. Did I mention it was surrounded by tall green mountains? There was even more snow on Hood on that side. It was fun to be a part of hubby reminecing his teen years and visiting small tows in the country.
Well moving right along. We drove along the blue Columbia River straining our necks to look at the rocky green Mountains straight up. Tomorrow we return to view the water falls. (Saw a baby one today, wetting my appetite .)
Hey I saw an outlet mall just down the highway. May have to check it out too.
Ps. 121:1 says, I lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
Mt. St. Helens and Pacific Ocean are on our tourist list. So stay tuned.
Linda
Hello everyone from the beautiful state of Oregon. Finally vacation week is here
. Tuesday we drove to Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood. What an awesome God we have! He creates snow capped mountains in August. We could have skied but I opted to live another day.
Then we drove on the other side of the mountain to an apple orchard town where my husband picked apples the summer he was 15. Did I mention it was surrounded by tall green mountains? There was even more snow on Hood on that side. It was fun to be a part of hubby reminecing his teen years and visiting small tows in the country.
Well moving right along. We drove along the blue Columbia River straining our necks to look at the rocky green Mountains straight up. Tomorrow we return to view the water falls. (Saw a baby one today, wetting my appetite .)
Hey I saw an outlet mall just down the highway. May have to check it out too.
Ps. 121:1 says, I lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
Mt. St. Helens and Pacific Ocean are on our tourist list. So stay tuned.
Linda
Stinky Stuff
O. T. #1047 "Stinky Stuff"
August 22, 2017
Nehemiah 3-Part 4
LET IT GLOW
Stinky stuff, garbage. No one likes the job of disposal of it. Certainly, we do not want it around us. We do our best to get it out the door of our house as soon as possible. That is what the trash can or dumpster is for, right?. Well, Jerusalem needed such a gate through which to remove their garbage. Carry on with me. We might have the same need our self.
Anyone gone through the Valley Gate lately? Things can be quite unpleasant when we get inside. It is not a place we desire to visit, but is often needful. Jesus can work on our life, pulling up weeds so we bare more fruit of the Spirit. The Jews needed this gate, too. Shall we find out why?
The fourth gate in need of repair on the wall around Jerusalem was the Valley Gate. Maps show us it was located on the west and south sides. You have to go down into a valley in order to get out of Jerusalem.
Archeologists speculate the workers had to terrace the slope to create and to brace the foundation for the wall. (Hope Under Construction by Gene Getze)
The construction on the west side was a huge undertaking. There was over 500 yards of the wall that needed repaired, between the Valley Gate and the Dung Gate. We read of the commitment of Hanun and the residents of Zanoah.
It reminds us of humility before the Lord. In Philippians 2, we see Christ descending from the glories of heaven into the valley of human limitation and even death. (Wiersbe)
We don't like the valleys in our life, do we? However, it is often there that we desperately turn to God with a humble heart. Circumstances and people knock us to our knees in prayer. And there we find Jesus standing at the gate, holding it open for His child. We do not go through the valley of the shadow of death alone, as David wrote about in Psalm 23. We should not fear evil, for He is with us. We find His comforting rod and staff.
The Valley Gate is the gate of humility, the gate of humbleness. God sometimes has to lead us through trials and difficulties in order to teach us some lessons. We are told that faith develops in us different virtues, and one of them is lowliness of mind. Colossians 3:12 calls it humbleness of mind.
(J.V. McGee)
Is faith developing in our valley?
Hang in there, for we will get through this.
LET IT GROW
The fifth gate was important to the health of the city. It was known as the Dung Gate or Refuse Gate. Not much is said about it. It was located at the southwest angle of Mount Zion. It is where the garbage and filth was carried out of Jerusalem. Garbage is useless, stinky, unneeded. We definitely do not want it around, that stinky stuff.
Paul spoke of our cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit in 2 Corinthians 7:1. Honest confession is the means by which we get out the garbage in our life. Got any garbage-jealousy, pride, strife, materialism, fear? It is good to check every now and then.
1 John 1:9 says, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
So now I understand why the Valley Gate and the Dung Gate are needed in our Christian life. It's not easy nor enjoyable for us to experience those times, but profitable.
LET IT GO
Trust Jesus while going through the Valley Gate in my life.
Get rid of the useless garbage in my life that exists.
August 22, 2017
Nehemiah 3-Part 4
LET IT GLOW
Stinky stuff, garbage. No one likes the job of disposal of it. Certainly, we do not want it around us. We do our best to get it out the door of our house as soon as possible. That is what the trash can or dumpster is for, right?. Well, Jerusalem needed such a gate through which to remove their garbage. Carry on with me. We might have the same need our self.
Anyone gone through the Valley Gate lately? Things can be quite unpleasant when we get inside. It is not a place we desire to visit, but is often needful. Jesus can work on our life, pulling up weeds so we bare more fruit of the Spirit. The Jews needed this gate, too. Shall we find out why?
The fourth gate in need of repair on the wall around Jerusalem was the Valley Gate. Maps show us it was located on the west and south sides. You have to go down into a valley in order to get out of Jerusalem.
Archeologists speculate the workers had to terrace the slope to create and to brace the foundation for the wall. (Hope Under Construction by Gene Getze)
The construction on the west side was a huge undertaking. There was over 500 yards of the wall that needed repaired, between the Valley Gate and the Dung Gate. We read of the commitment of Hanun and the residents of Zanoah.
It reminds us of humility before the Lord. In Philippians 2, we see Christ descending from the glories of heaven into the valley of human limitation and even death. (Wiersbe)
We don't like the valleys in our life, do we? However, it is often there that we desperately turn to God with a humble heart. Circumstances and people knock us to our knees in prayer. And there we find Jesus standing at the gate, holding it open for His child. We do not go through the valley of the shadow of death alone, as David wrote about in Psalm 23. We should not fear evil, for He is with us. We find His comforting rod and staff.
The Valley Gate is the gate of humility, the gate of humbleness. God sometimes has to lead us through trials and difficulties in order to teach us some lessons. We are told that faith develops in us different virtues, and one of them is lowliness of mind. Colossians 3:12 calls it humbleness of mind.
(J.V. McGee)
Is faith developing in our valley?
Hang in there, for we will get through this.
LET IT GROW
The fifth gate was important to the health of the city. It was known as the Dung Gate or Refuse Gate. Not much is said about it. It was located at the southwest angle of Mount Zion. It is where the garbage and filth was carried out of Jerusalem. Garbage is useless, stinky, unneeded. We definitely do not want it around, that stinky stuff.
Paul spoke of our cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit in 2 Corinthians 7:1. Honest confession is the means by which we get out the garbage in our life. Got any garbage-jealousy, pride, strife, materialism, fear? It is good to check every now and then.
1 John 1:9 says, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
So now I understand why the Valley Gate and the Dung Gate are needed in our Christian life. It's not easy nor enjoyable for us to experience those times, but profitable.
LET IT GO
Trust Jesus while going through the Valley Gate in my life.
Get rid of the useless garbage in my life that exists.
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