Thursday, March 25, 2010

PropheticPerspective: DOES the TEMPLE HAVE TO BE REBUILT FIRST?

The “Assumptions”

DOES the TEMPLE HAVE TO BE REBUILT FIRST?

Does the “Temple” need to be built for Prophecy to be fulfilled?

No.

In Scripture we are told there would be a treaty made to “rebuild the temple” made by a great World Leader. He would be heralded as a “messianic” type person. Most refer to him as the coming “World Leader” or “anti-christ.”

There are “a lot” of assumptions in books, movies and teachers that “add” ideas to scripture. While they may or may not be correct, if it doesn’t say it plainly, God may surprise you with HOW he fulfills his word.

No where does the scriptures say the Temple has be built or completed for the Anti-Christ to appear.

(Article below from Chris Perver)

It is possible for the sacrificial system to be restarted without the Jewish Temple having been rebuilt (Ezra 3:6). But without the ashes of a Red Heifer to cleanse the priests and the Temple area, I don't see how the sacrifices could be carried out in a Biblical manner.

In their unbelief in the finished work of the Messiah upon the cross, the Orthodox Jews have added all sorts of unbiblical ideas to the Scriptures in order to try and justify themselves before God.

One such unbiblical idea is Kapparot, in which a live chicken is swung around a person's head before having its throat slit and its blood shed. The idea being that the blood of the chicken will cover the sins of the individual for another year. But this sacrifice has no foundation in Scripture, and is actually an insult to the one who has already redeemed us to God by His own blood (Hebrews 9:12).

There is a reason why a lamb was required for the Passover sacrifice.

It is because the paschal lamb would point prophetically to coming of the Lamb of God (John 1:29) who would bear away the sins of the world. He was the one who was without spot or blemish (1st Peter 1:19). He was the one who would be led as a lamb to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7).

He was the one that God would make an offering for our sin (Isaiah 53:10). Praise God that we have a more excellent sacrifice, one that need not be repeated year after year (Hebrews 10:12). Praise God that the offering of Jesus Christ was such that He has "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself", Hebrews 9:26. And do you know something? If your sin has been put away by Christ, then it's gone! And nobody in heaven or earth has the authority to bring it up before you again. As the Scripture says, your "sins and iniquities will I remember NO MORE", Hebrews 10:17. You can't bring something up before God that He has already dealt with. That's why there is no more offering for sin. Do you know your sins forgiven? Have you found peace with God through the blood of His cross? (Colossians 1:20) Turn away from your sin. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today. It's the greatest decision you will ever make in your life. –Chris Perver

Prophecy Digested

Prove All Things knowing that all Prophecy is about Jesus and God revealing His Son…To us..for our…Salvation. We post material that is questionable, objectionable, and in the opinion of the Editor of the Prophetic Perspective, valid to use as God chooses to. Sometimes that is highly suspect as material setting “dates” of the Rapture is, but often these posts, may have pieces that are correct to futher study.

“Rarely is anyone ALL RIGHT or ALL WRONG”

Michael James Stone

Fair Use Notice

In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work herein is archived under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in reviewing the included information for personal use, non-profit research and educational purposes only.

“One Thousand Years”

“a Biblical Prophecy site”

Last Days of the Last Generation “Last Generation”

The simple format “the prophecy site just about prophecy”

‘IN THE LATTER DAYS, PEOPLE WOULD BE LOVERS OF SELF RATHER THAN LOVERS OF GOD’

We do well to seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness

Not a political or personal agenda

Just Jesus

PLEASE!

This material was brought to you by Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity. Last Call Digest, is a ministry of Michael James Stone, volunteers, and people dedicated to the Love of God and Salvation of Souls. It is an aggragate of Christian Material selected to Bless you and Prepare you for each and every day you read them. May God Bless You as You Do!! Reading these Devotions will help you to prepare daily for life, living, and your Lord. You will hear God Speak To You thru them. Jesus is Coming Very Soon.

Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity, operates by you, with you, and for you. “Freely you have received, freely give” Pass this on, everywhere you can, anytime you can, anyway you can. You will be blessed if you do.LastCallDigest@michaeljamesstone.com

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner.

The material is being made available in an effort to understand scripture, news, technology and society especially as it relates to God and Jesus. It is specifically for non-profit research and educational purposes only. I believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use,' you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. This is a completely non-commercial site for private personal use. No fee is charged, and no money is made off of the operation of this site. Nor is any implied reciprocal gratuities implied or construed.

Posted via email from The Last Call Digest

LastCall: "The Son of man." -Spurgeon

"Betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss?" Luke 22:48

The kisses of an enemy are deceitful.' Let me be on my guard when the world puts on a loving face, for it will, if possible, betray me as it did my Master, with a kiss. Whenever a man is about to stab religion, he usually professes very great reverence for it. Let me beware of the sleek-faced hypocrisy which is armour-bearer to heresy and infidelity.

Knowing the deceivableness of unrighteousness, let me be wise as a serpent to detect and avoid the designs of the enemy. The young man, void of understanding, was led astray by the kiss of the strange woman: may my soul be so graciously instructed all this day, that 'the much fair speech' of the world may have no effect upon me. Holy Spirit, let me not, a poor frail son of man, be betrayed with a kiss!

But what if I should be guilty of the same accursed sin as Judas, that son of perdition? I have been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus; I am a member of His visible Church; I sit at the communion table: all these are so many kisses of my lips. AM I sincere in them? If not, I am a base traitor. Do I live in the world as carelessly as others do, and yet make a profession of being a follower of Jesus? Then I must expose religion to ridicule, and lead men to speak evil of the holy name by which I am called. Surely if I act thus inconsistently I am a Judas, and it were better for me that I had never been born.

Dare I hope that I am clear in this matter? Then, O Lord, keep me so. O Lord, make me sincere and true. Preserve me from every false way. Never let me betray my Saviour. I do love Thee, Jesus, and though I often grieve Thee, yet I would desire to abide faithful even unto death. O God, forbid that I should be a high-soaring professor, and then fall at last into the lake of fire, because I betrayed my Master with a kiss.

p.m.

"The Son of man." John 3:13

How constantly our Master used the title, the 'Son of man!' If He had chosen, He might always have spoken of Himself as the Son of God, the Everlasting Father, the Wonderful, the Counsellor, the Prince of Peace; but behold the lowliness of Jesus! He prefers to call Himself the Son of man. Let us learn a lesson of humility from our Saviour; let us never court great titles nor proud degrees. There is here, however, a far sweeter thought.

Jesus loved manhood so much, that He delighted to honour it; and since it is a high honour, and indeed, the greatest dignity of manhood, that Jesus is the Son of man, He is wont to display this name, that He may as it were hang royal stars upon the breast of manhood, and show forth the love of God to Abraham's seed. Son of man-whenever He said that word, He shed a halo round the head of Adam's children. Yet there is perhaps a more precious thought still.

Jesus Christ called Himself the Son of man to express His oneness and sympathy with His people. He thus reminds us that He is the one whom we may approach without fear. As a man, we may take to Him all our griefs and troubles, for He knows them by experience; in that He Himself hath suffered as the 'Son of man,' He is able to succor and comfort us. All hail, Thou blessed Jesus! inasmuch as Thou art evermore using the sweet name which acknowledges that Thou art a brother and a near kinsman, it is to us a dear token of Thy grace, Thy humility, Thy love.

'Oh see how Jesus trusts Himself
Unto our childish love,
As though by His free ways with us
Our earnestness to prove!

His sacred name a common word
On earth He loves to hear;
There is no majesty in Him
Which love may not come near.'

Devotions with Emotion

Michael James Stone

Fair Use Notice

Last Call

‘Your Devotion with Emotion’

Jesus is Coming Very Soon.

Last Call Digest

“the simple format”

Last Days of the Last Generation “Last Generation”

The simple format “the prophecy site just about prophecy”

Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity Journalist

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner.

Posted via email from The Last Call Digest

LastCall: Resist The Devil -Watchman Nee

Resist The Devil

by Watchman Nee

Be sober, be watchful: your adversary evil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom withstand steadfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world. -1 Pet. 5:8-9

That no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Cor. 2:11

These two scriptural passages indicate to us how full of evil devices Satan is. His basic work is to camouflage whatever he does so that people will not know it is his doing! He even fashions himself into an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). All his works are done under the cover of deceit. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar and he always lies (John 8:44). Of all that he has ever done, he has never willingly and openly acknowledged anything as his work. If he were to make a public report of his works, probably nobody would want them; everyone would probably resist them. For this reason, he always disguises his work in a multitude of ways

4. SATAN'S ASSAULT THROUGH ENVIRONMENT

We have paid special attention these days to the matter of the discipline of the Holy Spirit." We have noticed how the Holy Spirit so arranges all our circumstances that, even as the Word of God tells us, our hairs are all numbered (Matt. 10:30). Our hairs are not only counted as to their total number but also each is identified by its own number. God knows today when you comb your hair not only how many hairs but also which hairs have fallen!

God's ordering of our environment is clear and detailed. He has looked into all our affairs. Everything is in His hands. Yet, at the same time, Satan has asked God's permission to attack us through our environment. This is something we need to know about.

The story of Job in the Old Testament is the most prominent example. Satan was allowed not only to afflict Job's body with boils, but also to cause his house to fall, his sheep and cattle to be taken away, and his children to die. He sent down fire, wind, and enemies. All these were performed by Satan.

For another example, what did the Lord say about Peter's fall? "Behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat" (Lk. 22:31). Thus we see that though our environment is all arranged by God, yet many attacks may come from Satan. While the Lord Jesus was sleeping in the boat, there arose a great tempest in the sea. Peter and John were certainly not cowards. Yet, as fishermen, they judged by their experience and knew those waves would cause certain disaster. That was why they awoke the Lord Jesus, saying, "Save, Lord; we perish" (Matt. 8:25). The Lord knew, though, that on the other side of the sea in the country of the Gadarenes there were demons to be cast out and that these demons were now trying to drown Him in the sea. So, at the Lord's rebuke, the wind and the sea calmed down. Ordinarily the wind and the sea are not subject to rebuke because they do not possess personality. But here the Lord rebuked them, for Satan was behind, and Satan is subject to rebuke.

Whenever Satan attacks us in our environment, there are two things for us to consider. The passage we read in 1 Peter 5, referring especially to our environment, gives these two sides. It first states, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God" (v. 6). Then it continues with, "Whom withstand" (v. 9).

Whenever God's children encounter unreasonable attacks or causeless perils in their environment, they should on the one hand maintain before God such an attitude as, "Lord, I humble myself under Your mighty hand! I do yield to whatever You have sent me!" They must not utter any word of insubordination; instead they should learn to submit to their environment. Even if it is a Satanic attack, it nonetheless has been permitted by God and hence must be accepted. On the other hand, though, they should resist Satan by declaring, "Whatever the Lord does, I accept; but whatever Satan does, I categorically oppose. I resist everything that has befallen me through Satan!" Let me assure you, if the attack has been Satan's work, it will fade away by your resisting it.

Alas, many of God's children neither submit to the discipline of the Holy Spirit nor resist Satan's attack in their environment. This really is a problem today—no submission on the one hand, and no resistance on the other hand.

I remember an incident regarding a brother who was engaged in business. Being troubled on all sides, he accepted the difficulties as being the hand of the Lord. One day he met a servant of God on the train who asked him whether he really thought that what had happened to him looked like the Lord's doing. He answered in the negative because those things did not bear any resemblance to the working of God. Whereupon this servant of God showed him that they were the works of Satan and advised him to resist them. So the brother then prayed, "God, if these come from you, I accept; but if they come from Satan, if they are Satan's attacks, I categorically reject, I resist." He spent only a little time in prayer on the train, but by the time he returned to his own place things had wonderfully turned. The change was indeed marvelous.

Most circumstances are given us by the Lord so that we may learn lessons from them; however, there are other occurrences which come from Satanic attacks. We have no lesson to learn from them, only unnecessary suffering. The discipline of the Holy Spirit is for our spiritual building up, but Satan's attack is intended to destroy us.

Devotions with Emotion

Michael James Stone

Fair Use Notice

Last Call

‘Your Devotion with Emotion’

Jesus is Coming Very Soon.

Last Call Digest

“the simple format”

Last Days of the Last Generation “Last Generation”

The simple format “the prophecy site just about prophecy”

Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity Journalist

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner.

Posted via email from The Last Call Digest

LastCall: Few are Chosen -Raul Ries

Few are Chosen

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 22:14

Moses knew he was not crossing; he would die on the other side. Knowing this, he prepared the people as he went through the history and talked about the importance of appointing leaders.

There may be some people who think they are going to be leaders, but they are not going to be leaders, ever. They do not have it. I am sorry; they just do not have it. They can wish all they want, but it is only through the Holy Spirit. It is all up to God. God chooses and God rejects. God appoints and God does not appoint.

Think about it! They had 3 million people, and out of the 3 million, God said there were only 70 who could run the camp — the few again among the many. Isn’t it interesting, in the Old Testament, only 70?

It is the same in the New Testament. How many did the Lord choose? After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go (Luke 10:1).

We should not be sad if we are not appointed to be leaders. Leadership comes with heavy responsibilities, and we should not seek it unless we have God’s anointing.

God will not thank thee for doing that
which He did not set thee about.
-William Gurnall-

Devotions with Emotion

Michael James Stone

Fair Use Notice

Last Call

‘Your Devotion with Emotion’

Jesus is Coming Very Soon.

Last Call Digest

“the simple format”

Last Days of the Last Generation “Last Generation”

The simple format “the prophecy site just about prophecy”

Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity Journalist

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner.

Posted via email from The Last Call Digest

LastCall: I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. -Daily Light

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strength-ened me. - When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.

Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. - I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore. - I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. - My peace I give unto you.

HEB. 13:5. Heb. 13:6. Gen. 28:15. -Deut. 31:6. II Tim. 4:10,16,17. Psa. 27:10. Matt. 28:20. Rev. 1:18. John 14:18. John 14:27.

March 25 evening

Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing; nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

All power is give unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ... and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea.

Though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not gospel! I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. - My word ... shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please. - So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

LUKE 5:5. Matt.28:18 20. Matt. 13:47. I Cor. 9:16,22. Gal. 6:9. Isa. 55:11. I Cor. 3:7.

Devotions with Emotion

Michael James Stone

Fair Use Notice

Last Call

‘Your Devotion with Emotion’

Jesus is Coming Very Soon.

Last Call Digest

“the simple format”

Last Days of the Last Generation “Last Generation”

The simple format “the prophecy site just about prophecy”

Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity Journalist

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner.

Posted via email from The Last Call Digest

LastCall: (Genesis 43:26-44:17 ) Pain Before Healing -Bob Caldwell

Pain Before Healing

“Then Judah said, ‘What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; here we are, my lord’s slaves, both we and he also with whom the cup was found.’” -Genesis 44:16

Joseph obviously believed that hiding his true identity provided a way for his brothers to search their hearts and face the things they had done for which God sought to bring them into accountability (44:16). It seems clear that Joseph’s actions were not motivated by revenge. In fact, this process was extremely painful, resulting in him breaking down and weeping more than once (42:24, 43:30).

There is never a pain free pathway to resolving the wrongs we have committed toward one another. For those who have been wronged, like Joseph, they will need the courage and love to allow the wounds to be exposed – for the pain to resurface if there will ever be genuine reconciliation for those who have been the cause of hurt and wrongdoing. It will require honesty from their hearts to fully face what they have done if they have been the cause of hurt in having wronged another person.

There is really no way around this. God requires it. Relationships built on confession of sin coupled with complete forgiveness will bring genuine healing in the most difficult and painful relationships. Joseph knows this. And he’s committed to go through this process because the end result is worth it. A restored family, and a deeper understanding of how God can bring good things out of the most painful events of life.

Genesis 43:26-44:17

26 And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed down before him to the earth. 27 Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?”

28 And they answered, “Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves.

29 Then he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your younger brother of whom you spoke to me?” And he said, “God be gracious to you, my son.” 30 Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he went into his chamber and wept there. 31 Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself, and said, “Serve the bread.”

32 So they set him a place by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves; because the Egyptians could not eat food with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. 33 And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth; and the men looked in astonishment at one another. 34 Then he took servings to them from before him, but Benjamin’s serving was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him.

v. 29 Mother’s Son – This refers to Rachel, who bore Joseph and then Benjamin on her deathbed.

v. 30 To Weep – Joseph struggles in restraining his emotions. He, however, feels the time is not yet right to reveal his true identity.

v. 32 An Abomination – The Egyptian religious beliefs were such that they believed they were a purer people than other races and would be defiled by foreigners. Even among their people there was a strict caste system. The Greeks would later write that Egyptians would not even use a dish or knife of Grecians or eat the meat of an animal cut with a Grecian knife.

v. 33 Look Astonished – Joseph had the brothers seated in the order of their birth, which would have seemed an amazing accident or as divine intervention by Joseph’s brothers.

v. 34 Five Times – It was customary to give larger portions to distinguished guests. Most likely Joseph did this to see whether his brothers had changed in how they would respond to the youngest brother being shown favoritism as compared to their wicked treatment of Joseph years earlier.

Genesis 44

Joseph’s Cup

1 And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in the mouth of his sack. 2 Also put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and his grain money.” So he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. 3 As soon as the morning dawned, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys. 4 When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Get up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? 5 Is not this the one from which my lord drinks, and with which he indeed practices divination? You have done evil in so doing.’”

6 So he overtook them, and he spoke to them these same words. 7 And they said to him, “Why does my lord say these words? Far be it from us that your servants should do such a thing. 8 Look, we brought back to you from the land of Canaan the money which we found in the mouth of our sacks. How then could we steal silver or gold from your lord’s house? 9 With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die, and we also will be my lord’s slaves.”

10 And he said, “Now also let it be according to your words; he with whom it is found shall be my slave, and you shall be blameless.” 11 Then each man speedily let down his sack to the ground, and each opened his sack. 12 So he searched. He began with the oldest and left off with the youngest; and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. 13 Then they tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey and returned to the city.

14 So Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house, and he was still there; and they fell before him on the ground.

15 And Joseph said to them, “What deed is this you have done? Did you not know that such a man as I can certainly practice divination?”

16 Then Judah said, “What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; here we are, my lord’s slaves, both we and he also with whom the cup was found.”

17 But he said, “Far be it from me that I should do so; the man in whose hand the cup was found, he shall be my slave. And as for you, go up in peace to your father.”

Chapter 44

The Arrest Of Benjamin (Verses 1-17)

v. 1 Commanded the Steward – Joseph had already created the situation and tension that had now set up this final test to see if his brothers had truly changed or if they would betray Benjamin for their own gain, as they had done to Joseph nearly 22 years earlier.

v. 5 Practices Divination – The word for divination in Hebrew is “nachash,” and is defined as being able to give oracles and foretell. It also refers to the practice of sorcery. Divining was done at times by attaching meaning to the movements of liquids in a cup, or the casting of certain images upon the liquid when shone upon by light. Another method was to put a precious metal or jewel in a cup and base predictions on the appearance of the reflected light from the metal or jewel. This method of determining the future along with astrology will later be clearly condemned in scripture (2 Kings 17:7, 21:6; 2 Chron. 33:6; Deut. 18:10). Since there is no indication that Joseph ever blended his faith in God with the pagan practices of divination or astrology, it seems he was simply acting out the expected role of an Egyptian.

v. 8 How Then – These brothers plead for innocence in light of how they had returned the money left in their sacks from the first trip.

v. 10 Shall Be My Slave – The steward reduces the penalty from the suggestion of death (v. 9) to slavery.

v. 13 Tore His Clothes – This was a culturally recognized act of sorrow. They passed this first part of the test by returning with Benjamin, rather than turning Benjamin over and going on their way.

v. 16 God Has Found Out – Judah, who had 22 years earlier suggested Joseph be sold as a slave, now speaks up believing that God is using this situation to cause the brothers to face the sins of their past.

v. 17 As For You, Go – Joseph is testing the moral character of Judah and the other brothers. Will they seek to protect their father from any further pain or take Joseph up on this offer and leave Benjamin behind?

Devotions with Emotion

Michael James Stone

Fair Use Notice

Last Call

‘Your Devotion with Emotion’

Jesus is Coming Very Soon.

Last Call Digest

“the simple format”

Last Days of the Last Generation “Last Generation”

The simple format “the prophecy site just about prophecy”

Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity Journalist

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner.

Posted via email from The Last Call Digest

LastCall: Deliverance through Deborah -WoW The Big Picture

Deliverance through Deborah

Judges 4:4-5:11,28-31; Psalm 37:3-5; Proverbs 11:20

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time. And she would sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the mountains of Ephraim. And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. Then she sent and called for Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, "Has not the LORD God of Israel commanded, 'Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor; take with you ten thousand men of the sons of Naphtali and of the sons of Zebulun; and against you I will deploy Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude at the River Kishon; and I will deliver him into your hand'?"

And Barak said to her, "If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!"

So she said, "I will surely go with you; nevertheless there will be no glory for you in the journey you are taking, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman." Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; he went up with ten thousand men under his command, and Deborah went up with him.

Now Heber the Kenite, of the children of Hobab the father-in-law of Moses, had separated himself from the Kenites and pitched his tent near the terebinth tree at Zaanaim, which is beside Kedesh.

And they reported to Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor. So Sisera gathered together all his chariots, nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people who were with him, from Harosheth Hagoyim to the River Kishon.

Then Deborah said to Barak, "Up! For this is the day in which the LORD has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the LORD gone out before you?" So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men following him. And the LORD routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army with the edge of the sword before Barak; and Sisera alighted from his chariot and fled away on foot. But Barak pursued the chariots and the army as far as Harosheth Hagoyim, and all the army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword; not a man was left.

However, Sisera had fled away on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between Jabin king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said to him, "Turn aside, my lord, turn aside to me; do not fear." And when he had turned aside with her into the tent, she covered him with a blanket.

Then he said to her, "Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty." So she opened a jug of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him. And he said to her, "Stand at the door of the tent, and if any man comes and inquires of you, and says, 'Is there any man here?' you shall say, 'No.'"

Then Jael, Heber's wife, took a tent peg and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple, and it went down into the ground; for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died. And then, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said to him, "Come, I will show you the man whom you seek." And when he went into her tent, there lay Sisera, dead with the peg in his temple.

So on that day God subdued Jabin king of Canaan in the presence of the children of Israel. And the hand of the children of Israel grew stronger and stronger against Jabin king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.

Then Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying:
"When leaders lead in Israel,
When the people willingly offer themselves,
Bless the LORD!
"Hear, O kings! Give ear, O princes!
I, even I, will sing to the LORD;
I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.
"LORD, when You went out from Seir,
When You marched from the field of Edom,
The earth trembled and the heavens poured,
The clouds also poured water;
The mountains gushed before the LORD,
This Sinai, before the LORD God of Israel.
"In the days of Shamgar, son of Anath,
In the days of Jael,
The highways were deserted,
And the travelers walked along the byways.
Village life ceased, it ceased in Israel,
Until I, Deborah, arose,
Arose a mother in Israel.
They chose new gods;
Then there was war in the gates;
Not a shield or spear was seen among forty thousand in Israel.
My heart is with the rulers of Israel
Who offered themselves willingly with the people.
Bless the LORD!
"Speak, you who ride on white donkeys,
Who sit in judges' attire,
And who walk along the road.
Far from the noise of the archers, among the watering places,
There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD,
The righteous acts for His villagers in Israel;
Then the people of the LORD shall go down to the gates.
"The mother of Sisera looked through the window,
And cried out through the lattice,
'Why is his chariot so long in coming?
Why tarries the clatter of his chariots?'
Her wisest ladies answered her,
Yes, she answered herself,
'Are they not finding and dividing the spoil:
To every man a girl or two;
For Sisera, plunder of dyed garments,
Plunder of garments embroidered and dyed,
Two pieces of dyed embroidery for the neck of the looter?'
"Thus let all Your enemies perish, O LORD!
But let those who love Him be like the sun
When it comes out in full strength."
So the land had rest for forty years.
Judges 4:4-5:11, 28-31

WORSHIP

Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 37:3-5

WISDOM

Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the LORD,
But the blameless in their ways are His delight.
Proverbs 11:20