A verse by verse commentary on Zechariah 14 dealing with the day of the Lord when He comes to judge the nations, and people from all nations will come to worship the Lord.
A verse by verse commentary on Micah 5 dealing with a promised ruler from Bethlehem, and then deliverance and destruction as God takes vengeance on the nations who do not obey Him.
A MOB OF REBELS READ THE REPORT
TEXT: NUM. 14:1-5
The Children of Israel decide to help God out and improve his plan by sending spies into Canaan.
The report was a disappointment; No human has the power to take that land on their own.
Had they outgrown God? They still have some lessons to learn.
I. MENTAL DISTRESS. NUM 14:1
A. THE DISTRESS WAS UNIVERSAL.
B. THE DISTRESS WAS UNRESTRAINED.
C. THE DISTRESS WAS UNRIGHTEOUS.
II. MANIAC DELUSION. NUM. 14:2
A. UNREASONABLE.
B. UNJUST.
III. MARKED DISRESPECT. NUM 14:3
A. UNBELIEF IN GOD’S WORD.
B. INGRATITUDE TO GOD’S DAILY BENEFITS.
IV. MALEVOLENT DESERTION. NUM 14:3
A. THE FOLLY OF THIS REBELLION.
B. THE WICKEDNESS OF THIS REBELLION.
C. THE INIQUITY OF THIS REBELLION.
V. MOSES DIRECTION. DEUT 1:29-31
A. MOSES EXHORTATION.
(1) Manly.
(2) Motivating.
(3) Memorial of God’s goodness.
B. MOSES MEEKNESS.
A verse by verse commentary on Jeremiah 8 dealing with the bones of all the worshipers of the sun to be exposed to the sun, and then the judgment on JERUSALEM for the many sins of the people.
A verse by verse commentary on Zechariah 14 dealing with the day of the Lord when He comes to judge the nations, and people from all nations will come to worship the Lord.
A verse by verse commentary on Micah 5 dealing with a promised ruler from Bethlehem, and then deliverance and destruction as God takes vengeance on the nations who do not obey Him.
A MOB OF REBELS READ THE REPORT
TEXT: NUM. 14:1-5
The Children of Israel decide to help God out and improve his plan by sending spies into Canaan.
The report was a disappointment; No human has the power to take that land on their own.
Had they outgrown God? They still have some lessons to learn.
I. MENTAL DISTRESS. NUM 14:1
A. THE DISTRESS WAS UNIVERSAL.
B. THE DISTRESS WAS UNRESTRAINED.
C. THE DISTRESS WAS UNRIGHTEOUS.
II. MANIAC DELUSION. NUM. 14:2
A. UNREASONABLE.
B. UNJUST.
III. MARKED DISRESPECT. NUM 14:3
A. UNBELIEF IN GOD’S WORD.
B. INGRATITUDE TO GOD’S DAILY BENEFITS.
IV. MALEVOLENT DESERTION. NUM 14:3
A. THE FOLLY OF THIS REBELLION.
B. THE WICKEDNESS OF THIS REBELLION.
C. THE INIQUITY OF THIS REBELLION.
V. MOSES DIRECTION. DEUT 1:29-31
A. MOSES EXHORTATION.
(1) Manly.
(2) Motivating.
(3) Memorial of God’s goodness.
B. MOSES MEEKNESS.
A verse by verse commentary on Jeremiah 8 dealing with the bones of all the worshipers of the sun to be exposed to the sun, and then the judgment on JERUSALEM for the many sins of the people.
A verse by verse commentary on Psalm 114 dealing with Israel coming out of Egypt and Judah becoming God's sanctuary.. It is a brief history of God's dealing with Israel.
Matthew 21, Palm Sunday, Triumphal Entry, The triumphal entry is the story ...Valley Bible Fellowship
Matthew 21, Palm Sunday, Triumphal Entry, The triumphal entry is the story of Jesus, the Creator of the universe, the King of Kings, the King of the Jews, entering into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey’s colt, Prophecy Fulfilled, Hosanna to the Son of David, Hallel Psalm, Triumphal Entry, Bethphage, Bethany, Time Is Not Yet, Palms, Hosanna, Hallel, 2013
This is a study of Jesus being praise in song. It was as He rode into Jerusalem that the crowd sang hosanna and the little children joined in to praise Jesus as the Messiah.
Luke 19, The Triumphal Entry, The King Who Comes, Why the “King”, The Coming ...Valley Bible Fellowship
Luke Chapter 19, Jesus' Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem, The King Who Comes, Why does Luke 19:38 have “the King” when “king” is not used in Psalm 118?, The King In The NT, The Coming Kingdom, this generation genea, Hosanna, Palm Sunday
A verse by verse commentary on Psalm 114 dealing with Israel coming out of Egypt and Judah becoming God's sanctuary.. It is a brief history of God's dealing with Israel.
Matthew 21, Palm Sunday, Triumphal Entry, The triumphal entry is the story ...Valley Bible Fellowship
Matthew 21, Palm Sunday, Triumphal Entry, The triumphal entry is the story of Jesus, the Creator of the universe, the King of Kings, the King of the Jews, entering into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey’s colt, Prophecy Fulfilled, Hosanna to the Son of David, Hallel Psalm, Triumphal Entry, Bethphage, Bethany, Time Is Not Yet, Palms, Hosanna, Hallel, 2013
This is a study of Jesus being praise in song. It was as He rode into Jerusalem that the crowd sang hosanna and the little children joined in to praise Jesus as the Messiah.
Luke 19, The Triumphal Entry, The King Who Comes, Why the “King”, The Coming ...Valley Bible Fellowship
Luke Chapter 19, Jesus' Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem, The King Who Comes, Why does Luke 19:38 have “the King” when “king” is not used in Psalm 118?, The King In The NT, The Coming Kingdom, this generation genea, Hosanna, Palm Sunday
SlideShare now has a player specifically designed for infographics. Upload your infographics now and see them take off! Need advice on creating infographics? This presentation includes tips for producing stand-out infographics. Read more about the new SlideShare infographics player here: http://wp.me/p24NNG-2ay
This infographic was designed by Column Five: http://columnfivemedia.com/
No need to wonder how the best on SlideShare do it. The Masters of SlideShare provides storytelling, design, customization and promotion tips from 13 experts of the form. Learn what it takes to master this type of content marketing yourself.
Are you new to SlideShare? Are you looking to fine tune your channel plan? Are you using SlideShare but are looking for ways to enhance what you're doing? How can you use SlideShare for content marketing tactics such as lead generation, calls-to-action to other pieces of your content, or thought leadership? Read more from the CMI team in their latest SlideShare presentation on SlideShare.
10 Ways to Win at SlideShare SEO & Presentation OptimizationOneupweb
Thank you, SlideShare, for teaching us that PowerPoint presentations don't have to be a total bore. But in order to tap SlideShare's 60 million global users, you must optimize. Here are 10 quick tips to make your next presentation highly engaging, shareable and well worth the effort.
For more content marketing tips: http://www.oneupweb.com/blog/
How to Make Awesome SlideShares: Tips & TricksSlideShare
Turbocharge your online presence with SlideShare. We provide the best tips and tricks for succeeding on SlideShare. Get ideas for what to upload, tips for designing your deck and more.
Joel - two gears in motion, together with one purpose Michael Scaman
Two gears in motion, together with one purpose - The Book of Joel
God’s at work in the world in Joel’s day
God’s at work in ‘the last days’
Joel speaks of many things that are 'here and not yet'
events of his day pointing to the mercies of God and a greater redemption and judgement to come
The Destruction of America::"Behold, the name of the Lord cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devour-ing fire. And the Lord shall cause his glo-rious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indig-nation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tem-pest, and hailstones" (Isaiah 30:27,30).
"Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the Lord" (Jeremiah 8:7).
America is going to be destroyed by fire! Sudden destruction is coming and few will escape. Unexpect-edly, and in one hour, a hydrogen holocaust will engulf America—and this nation will be no more.
It is because America has sinned against the great-est light. Other nations are just as sinful, but none are as flooded with gospel light as ours. God is going to judge America for its violence, its crimes, its backslid-ings, its murdering of millions of babies, its flaunting of homosexuality and sadomasochism, its corruption,its drunkenness and drug abuse, its form of godliness without power, its lukewarmness toward Christ, its rampant divorce and adultery, its lewd pornography, its child molestations, its cheatings, its robbings, its dirty movies, and its occult practices.
In one hour it will all be over. To the natural mind it is insanity to come against a prosperous, powerful nation and cry out, "It's all over! Judgment is at the door! Our days are numbered!" The church is asleep, the congregations are at ease, and the shepherds slumber. How they will scoff and laugh at this mes-sage. Theologians will reject it because they can't fit it into their doctrine. The pillow prophets of peace and prosperity will publicly denounce it.
A verse by verse commentary on 1 SAMUEL 6 dealing with the Ark being returned to Israel by the Philistines, and the rejoicing and the judgment on those who looked inside the ark.
“The deception of – Exception”
I. The deception of “exception” in victory Joshua 9:3
II. The deception of “exception” in prosperity Joshua 12:1
III. The deception of “exception” in false humility 1Kings 22:30
IV. The deception of “exception” in religious worship 1Kings 12:1-2
Conclusion- Be not deceived
Constable, “This chapter also reveals David's viewpoint on God and what resulted from it."In light of . . . Akkadian and Phoenician parallels . . . we are in a position to understand
2 Samuel 6 as the record of a historically unique cultic event, viz., the ritual dedication of the City of David as the new religious and political capital of the Israelites, the people of Yahweh. The purpose of the ceremony was the sanctification of the City of David for the installation of the ark in the hope that Yahweh's presence would assure the success of David's government and the welfare of the people.
56 Unlimited Power In A Limited Space revisitedRick Peterson
This sermon is a slightly modified version of the one preached 12/23/18.
Adapted from a Scott Chambers sermon https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/2-jesus-unlimited-power-in-a-limited-space-scott-chambers-sermon-on-jesus-christ-135274?ref=SermonSeriesDetails
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
2 Peter 3: Because some scriptures are hard to understand and some will force them to say things God never intended, Peter warns us to take care.
https://youtu.be/nV4kGHFsEHw
Discover various methods for clearing negative entities from your space and spirit, including energy clearing techniques, spiritual rituals, and professional assistance. Gain practical knowledge on how to implement these techniques to restore peace and harmony. For more information visit here: https://www.reikihealingdistance.com/negative-entity-removal/
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptx
The Final Chapter Joel 3:1-21
1.
2. Joel 3:1 NIV “In those days and at that
time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah
and Jerusalem, 2 I will gather all nations
and bring them down to the Valley of
Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into
judgment against them concerning my
inheritance, my people Israel, for they
scattered my people among the nations
and divided up my land. 3 They cast lots
for my people and traded boys for
prostitutes; they sold girls for wine that
they might drink.
3. 4 “Now what have you against me, O Tyre
and Sidon and all you regions of Philistia?
Are you repaying me for something I have
done? If you are paying me back, I will
swiftly and speedily return on your own
heads what you have done. 5 For you
took my silver and my gold and carried off
my finest treasures to your temples.
4. 6 You sold the people of Judah and
Jerusalem to the Greeks, that you might
send them far from their homeland. 7
“See, I am going to rouse them out of the
places to which you sold them, and I will
return on your own heads what you have
done. 8 I will sell your sons and daughters
to the people of Judah, and they will sell
them to the Sabeans, a nation far away.”
5. The LORD has spoken. 9 Proclaim this
among the nations: Prepare for war!
Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting
men draw near and attack. 10 Beat your
plowshares into swords and your pruning
hooks into spears. Let the weakling say, “I
am strong!” 11 Come quickly, all you
nations from every side, and assemble
there.
Bring down your warriors, O LORD!
6. 12 “Let the nations be roused; let them
advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat,
for there I will sit to judge all the nations
on every side. 13 Swing the sickle, for the
harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes,
for the winepress is full and the vats
overflow—so great is their wickedness!”
7. 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of
decision! For the day of the LORD is near
in the valley of decision. 15 The sun and
moon will be darkened, and the stars no
longer shine. 16 The LORD will roar from
Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the
earth and the sky will tremble. But the
LORD will be a refuge for his people, a
stronghold for the people of Israel.
8. 17 “Then you will know that I, the LORD
your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill.
Jerusalem will be holy; never again will
foreigners invade her.
18 “In that day the mountains will drip new
wine, and the hills will flow with milk; all
the ravines of Judah will run with water. A
fountain will flow out of the LORD'S house
and will water the valley of acacias.
9. 19 But Egypt will be desolate, Edom a
desert waste, because of violence done to
the people of Judah, in whose land they
shed innocent blood. 20 Judah will be
inhabited forever and Jerusalem through
all generations. 21 Their bloodguilt, which
I have not pardoned, I will pardon.”
The LORD dwells in Zion!
10. Many movies, albums, & books have
carried the title- “THE FINAL CHAPTER”
These words indicate the conclusion,
closing, ending, finishing, finality, it‟s over!
Our reading time is short when we get to
the final chapter. The complete story has
been told. If there is any kind of „mystery‟ it
will be revealed. Final chapters carry a
sense of mixed emotions.
11. Having made our way through the
Prophecy of Joel, we not only complete
the book but we also catch a glimpse of
end-time judgment. One of the truths
about God‟s word seems to be that the
teaching on the end of days should serve
not only as a „warning‟ but also an
„encouragement‟ to the people of God. It is
easy to get the sense that the forces of
evil have the upper hand on earth.
12. While this is not particularly true, it is easy
to be lulled into thinking this. The story of
the end time events serve to remind us
that a great day is coming when evil (I.E.
sin, selfishness, self-economy,
persecution of the saints & more) will be
dealt with by Jehovah God so it serves as
both an encouragement for the child of
God who walks with and lives for God and
it serves as a warning for those who do
not walk with God.
13. In this text, I see a „reiteration‟ of other
parts of the book of Joel. This “Final
Chapter” gives insight into the “Final
Chapter” of humanity, it divides very easily
into 2 thoughts;
14. Look at these four words and allow them
to burn into your mind. People usually
don‟t care to hear about this subject
because it can warp our sense of “a loving
God.” Yet, like it or not and ready or not,
God‟s judgment is a truth from which we
cannot escape.
15. In verse 2 we read, “The Valley of
Jehoshaphat” and some will wonder about
the location of this valley. Well, some say
it is between Jerusalem and the Mount of
Olives while others parallel this to
Zechariah 14:1-4 when Jesus comes in
revelation He will split the Mount of Olives
in two creating a valley between two hills
and this will form
The Valley of Jehoshaphat.
16. I think the geographic location is not
nearly as important as what this means
and what it is. The word Jehoshaphat
means, “The Lord Judges.” In verse 14
this is referred to as the “Valley of
Decision.” I think this reference is
strategically placed because God
foreknew that the time would come when
people would not believe, that in His love,
He would judge.
17. 1 “In those days and at that time, when I
restore the fortunes of Judah and
Jerusalem, 2a I will gather all nations and
bring them down to the Valley of
Jehoshaphat.
In verse 1, the words „in those days and at
that time‟ conveys that He is talking about
a specific event in historical time.
18. The picture almost resembles a court
room where some are restored while
others are gathered (brought in) and
judgment begins. At that time (the end
time, Judgment day), God‟s people (Judah
& Jerusalem) will be restored.
This is an important encouragement for
God people but let‟s save this thought for
last.
19. Then God will gather all nations. This will
be a „cattle-call‟ (no disrespect intended)
of all the nations who have used and
abused His people. It is a gathering of
those who have chosen to oppose God,
His righteousness, and His people. The
reason He gathers them is for the purpose
of making them answer for their actions! In
the valley of judgment or decision, they
will face HIM.
20. 2b There I will enter into judgment against
them concerning my inheritance, my
people Israel, for they scattered my
people among the nations and divided up
my land. 3 They cast lots for my people
and traded boys for prostitutes; they sold
girls for wine that they might drink.
21. 4 “Now what have you against me, O Tyre
and Sidon and all you regions of Philistia?
Are you repaying me for something I have
done? If you are paying me back, I will
swiftly and speedily return on your own
heads what you have done. 5 For you
took my silver and my gold and carried off
my finest treasures to your temples.
22. 6 You sold the people of Judah and
Jerusalem to the Greeks, that you might
send them far from their homeland.
The accusations or indictments of the
unbelievers are many and scary.
23. Starting at the end of verse 2 through
verse 6 we discover these; abuse of God‟s
people, stealing of God‟s land and temple
treasures, slave trade, & child trafficking.
In God‟s accusations I find something that
is pretty interesting; it seems that God
knows these people are trying to get back
at HIM or „show Him a thing or two.‟ How
amazingly arrogant!
24. Yet, this is becoming the norm instead of
the exception in the 21st century. There is
a strong delusion among today‟s culture
that we can „stand up‟ to God and I believe
it is spoken to in this section of scripture.
By the way, it carries devastating effects.
To fall under an indictment as dictated by
deity is to be found guilty.
25. Do you see how God‟s responds to the
arrogant words of His enemies?
7 “See, I am going to rouse them out of
the places to which you sold them, and I
will return on your own heads what you
have done. 8 I will sell your sons and
daughters to the people of Judah, and
they will sell them to the Sabeans, a
nation far away.”
26. The LORD has spoken. 9 Proclaim this
among the nations: Prepare for war!
Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting
men draw near and attack. 10 Beat your
plowshares into swords and your pruning
hooks into spears. Let the weakling say, “I
am strong!” 11 Come quickly, all you
nations from every side, and assemble
there.
Bring down your warriors, O LORD!
27. 12 “Let the nations be roused; let them
advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat,
for there I will sit to judge all the nations
on every side. 13 Swing the sickle, for the
harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes,
for the winepress is full and the vats
overflow—so great is their wickedness!”
28. 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of
decision! For the day of the LORD is near
in the valley of decision. 15 The sun and
moon will be darkened, and the stars no
longer shine.
He offers a warning about what lies
ahead. He uses the words which mean „to
deal with‟ or „to give retribution or
recompense.‟ Basically, God‟s words are
like, “You want to try me? Go for it?”
29. Then God paints a picture of what will
happen. He‟ll treat these people exactly
the way that they have treated HIS
people. And He doesn‟t stop there; He
challenges His enemies to declare war on
Him, gather the people, make weapons to
do battle, and meet Him in the valley of
decision. Make no mistake, at this point,
God has had enough and judgment is at
hand.
30. 16 The LORD will roar from Zion and
thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the
sky will tremble. But the LORD will be a
refuge for his people, a stronghold for the
people of Israel.
31. Here is the 3:16 verse we‟ve been working
towards & what a verse it is! The first part
of the verse “The Terrible Day of The Lord”
is here! But not for “His people” because
The LORD will be a refuge, a stronghold
for his people.
This one verse shows us both sides of the
valley.
The TERRIBLE &
The TERRIFIC.
32. One meaning for adjudication is the
concept of „settlement.‟
This is exactly what we see in verse 16;
God‟s settlement on His enemies. He has
them on the battlefield in the Valley of
decision, He raises His trumpet-like voice
to shake heaven & earth, and He protects
His own people. In the process, the divine
sickle will be swing to cut off the arrogant,
evil, and self-centered! It‟ll not be pretty.
33. ( )
As we end verse 16, we see a different
action from on high. While God gathers
His enemies, passes judgment on them in
the valley of decision, and swings the
sickle of judgment; He then demonstrates
His passion for those who are His people.
Look at His actions;
34. He is both a refuge and stronghold for His
people. Simply put, a „refuge‟ is a place for
refugees. In the USA we are very familiar
with the concept of refugees as they come
here from all over the world. They come
here for sanctuary, protection, and even
shelter. One translation calls this a “safe
hiding place.”
35. When the Lord both roars and raises His
voice in Judgment, those who are His
(who have received His salvation, walked
in His righteousness, persevered thru the
difficult time, etc) will find God to be a
„safe hiding place.‟ He is and will be our
wall of protection.
He is a stronghold. This is a place where
we can be secure and defended.
36. 17 “Then you will know that I, the LORD
your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill.
Jerusalem will be holy; never again will
foreigners invade her.
In that day God‟s people will KNOW what
it is like to be in the presence of Almighty
God.
37. When I read verse 17 my mind
immediately goes to Revelations when
John wrote,
And I heard a loud voice from the throne
saying: "Look! The residence of God is
among human beings. He will live among
them, and they will be his people, and
God himself will be with them. Revelation
21:3 NET
38. “God‟s dwelling place is with men.”
Everything God has done is pointed to this
one truth, “He wants to be with His crown
creation!” This is why He created man &
woman to begin with, that He could spend
time with them and have fellowship
together. In the Old Testament we see
clues in the lives of Abraham, Jacob,
Enoch, and others that God wants to dwell
with us.
39. Then Jesus, God incarnate, came to offer
us the presence of God in the first person.
When Jesus ascended to sit at the right
hand of the Father, God the Holy Spirit
has come to be with us. Yet one day the
redeemed will spend eternity with the
“Triune God” (Father, Son, & Holy Spirit)—
He will dwell with us, we will be with Him,
and He will be our God, not in abstract but
in presence.
40. 18 “In that day the mountains will drip new
wine, and the hills will flow with milk; all
the ravines of Judah will run with water. A
fountain will flow out of the LORD'S house
and will water the valley of acacias. 19 But
Egypt will be desolate, Edom a desert
waste, because of violence done to the
people of Judah, in whose land they shed
innocent blood.
41. Verses 18 and 19 give us a contrast
between those without the Father‟s
salvation and those with it. Egypt and
Edom, symbols of a land or a life without
God will be desolate and a wasteland. We
can picture the land without the obvious
blessings of God.
42. The picture that comes to mind is a
„desert,‟ where there is little green
vegetation or growth. A life can be viewed
this way. Absent the protection and
presence of God in a life, there is nothing
of any consequence growing. Temporal
things may take center stage, but of the
eternal there is little seen without Christ in
the life.
43. But look at what happens in verse 18
when God is present; the mountains drip,
the hills flow, and A fountain will flow out
of the LORD'S house. The picture is a
spring bursting forth from the Lord‟s house
and household.
Compare this to the glimpse John was
given into Heaven.
44. Revelation 22:1 NET Then the angel
showed me the river of the water of life —
water as clear as crystal — pouring out
from the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2
flowing down the middle of the city's main
street. On each side of the river is the tree
of life producing twelve kinds of fruit,
yielding its fruit every month of the year.
Its leaves are for the healing of the
nations.
45. Verses 20-21 gives great promises to
God‟s people.
20 Judah will be inhabited forever and
Jerusalem through all generations. 21
Their bloodguilt, which I have not
pardoned, I will pardon.”
The LORD dwells in Zion!
46. When God says, “I will”, you can trust Him!
He is as good as His word. Judah &
Jerusalem can be seen symbolically;
historically, prophetically, and/or
personally. Historically it speaks to the
nation that sinned & was carried into
bondage.
47. Prophetically we remember that one day
the NEW Jerusalem will come down from
the Father.
Personally we can be encouraged
because God‟s people, His redeemed, will
be pardoned and will reside for all eternity
in the land of Zion!
Guess who lives in Zion?
The LORD dwells in Zion!
What an encouraging promise~!
48. When you read the „final chapter‟ of any
book or see the final seen from any movie,
all the suspense is removed.
Have you ever read a book or watched a
movie that was so good you didn‟t want it
to end?
God has given us the ending, we have
been given the final chapter, and all we
have to do is to be ready.
49. What does the Lord require? Micah 6:8
NIV He has showed you, O man, 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. These
characteristics do not come naturally or
easily to us because of our sinful nature.
This world will pull at us until we „miss the
mark‟ which is called sin. Yet, God is a
„very present help in times of trouble.‟ He
stands ready to make you ready for the
final chapter.
50. A little boy went with his father for his first
fishing trip on a lake. Fear gripped his little
heart, and he held on so tight his little
knuckles were white. "Is the water over my
head?" he asked. "Yes, son," said the
father. "Is it over your head?" The boy
asked as the land grew farther and farther
away.
51. "Yes, son, I'm afraid it is," replied the
father. Tears rolled down the boy's cheeks,
and then he asked, "Is the water over
God's head?" The father grew very
sympathetic and told him that it was not
over God's head!
Our troubles may seem to be above our
heads, but God is able to help. Will you be
ready?