"The Love of God" by Frederick M. Lehman, 1917

The love of God is greater far

Than tongue or pen can ever tell;

It goes beyond the highest star,

And reaches to the lowest hell;

The guilty pair, bowed down with care,

God gave His Son to win;

His erring child He reconciled,

And pardoned from his sin.

Refrain:

Oh, love of God, how rich and pure! 
How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure—

The saints’ and angels’ song.

When years of time shall pass away,

And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,

When men who here refuse to pray,

On rocks and hills and mountains call,

God’s love so sure, shall still endure,

All measureless and strong;

Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—

The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,

And were the skies of parchment made,

Were every stalk on earth a quill,

And every man a scribe by trade;

To write the love of God above

Would drain the ocean dry;

Nor could the scroll contain the whole,

Though stretched from sky to sky.

"The Love of God"

performed by George Beverly Shea 

A beautiful spring morning in 1989, sitting on a hotel balcony in Ponte Vedra, FL, looking out on an ocean without end and a cloudless sky, was the setting for a quiet time with a scripture from Ephesians 3:14-19:

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.  I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Yeshua Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the Love of Yeshua Messiah, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

This overwhelming scripture, along with the breathtaking view of ocean and sky, the words of the last verse came so clearly to mind along with a heavenly glimpse of the magnitude of God’s amazing love!  Very few times does one experience such closeness to the awesome Elohim who created us in His image. How could one refuse so great a relationship of love and life through His Son, Yeshua Messiah?        

"Amazing Love"

performed by Chris Tomlin  

Chapter 5: God's Ultimate Love Gift

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

Let us set the stage by looking at the events prior to the birth of Yeshua Messiah.  The Jewish period of independence ended in 63 B.C. thus beginning the rise of the Roman Empire, which ruled the known world at the time of Yeshua Messiah’s birth.  The world was in the deepest darkness, a cold and penetrating darkness, so extreme that the chosen were doomed without someone to save them.

The 1st chapter of Mattityahu opens with the genealogy of Yeshua Messiah, Son of David, Son of Avraham. (vs. 1-16), verse 17 reads, “Thus there were fourteen generations from Avraham to David, fourteen generations from David to the Babylonian Exile, and fourteen generations from the Babylonian Exile to the Messiah.  Mattityahu continues to give the lineage of how the birth of Yeshua Messiah took place.

The account of the genealogy in Luke, chapter 3, reverses the direction, starting with Messiah and listing the lineage back to God.

Let us come away from the stress and anxieties of life, to forget self and focus our mind and heart on being still before ADONAI.  These writings excel beyond all others, for it is God’s love-gift to mankind.  The shadow has been replaced with the real gift, so priceless, when received, one is willing to give up self and his ways and receive God and His way, life through His Son, Yeshua Messiah.

This is the account of Yeshua Messiah’s birth in Luke 2:1-20

“Around this time, Emperor Augustus issued an order for a census to be taken throughout the Empire.  This registration, the first of its kind, took place when Quirinius was governing in Syria.  Everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.  So Yosef, because he was a descendant of David, went up from the town of Natzeret in the Galil to the town of David, called Beit-Lechem, in Y’hudah to be registered, with Miryam, to whom he was engaged, and who was pregnant.  While they were there, the time came for her to give birth; and she gave birth to her first child, a Son.  She wrapped Him in cloth and laid Him down in a feeding trough, because there was no space for them in the living-quarters.

In the countryside nearby were some shepherds spending the night in the fields, guarding their flocks, when an angel of Adonai appeared to them, and the Sh’khinah of Adonai shone around them.  They were terrified; but the angel said to them, 

‘Don’t be afraid, because I am announcing to you Good News that will bring great joy to all the people.  This very day, in the town of David, there was born for you a Deliverer who is the Messiah, the Lord.  Here is how you will know: you will find a baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.’ 

Suddenly, along with the angel was a vast army from heaven praising God:

  ‘In the highest heaven, glory to God!

  And on earth, peace among people of good will!’

No sooner had the angels left them and gone back into heaven than the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go over to Beit-Lechem and see this thing that has happened, that Adonai has told us about.’ Hurrying off, they came and found Miryam and Yosef, and the baby lying in the feeding trough.  Upon seeing this, they made known what they had been told about this child; and all who heard were amazed by what the shepherds said to them.  Miryam treasured all these things and kept mulling them over in her heart.  Meanwhile, the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen; it had been just as they had been told.”

The heavens announced His arrival.  The brightness of the star led the way. The angels followed, praising and glorifying God; announcing peace on earth to the people of good will.  The grand entrance was made, but there was no room in the hearts of men. Sorry, I have no room for you in the living-quarters, but there is a stable you can use.  The King had arrived!! He was not dressed in royal robes, but in swaddling cloths. He had no castle, only a stable. He came, as King but became the Savior. But what He had was life-saving love that was freely given to those who chose to follow Him.

  

Then came love - the purest of loves, from the very heart of God; a part of Himself wrapped in swaddling cloths of forgiveness, mercy and grace.  Yeshua came to love, forgive, heal and set the people free!  Freedom!  A word the people had only talked about, but very few had experienced… Until a babe, innocent and perfect in every way, stepped down from His throne in heaven to become the Savior and Servant to a lost people.  He came to show each one, first hand, of a love so amazing, so divine, so sincere, but only through knowing Him can it ever be experienced.  

How? You say. Realize your sinful condition; repent of your sins; ask Yeshua for forgiveness; by faith believing, ask Yeshua to be your Savior and Lord. Believe and receive God’s Holy Spirit to live within your very soul.  He is the comforter who gives wisdom and direction for your life. Ones’ heart must be ready to meet the King, the Lord Almighty when He returns to set up His Kingdom.

Amazing love! There is no greater love than that of Yeshua or His Father God.  No greater gift has ever, or will ever, be given.

"Amazing Love"

performed by Newsboys

Immanuel: God With Us

Therefore Adonai Himself will give you people a sign: the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son and will call Him 'Immanu El [God is with us]. Yesha'yahu (Isaiah) 7:14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4 - God’s Sacrificial Lamb Foretold

Yesha’yahu (Isaiah)

True prophets were called by God and approved by God as Seers to deliver His message to His people.  God does not always call the qualified, but always qualifies the called.

Let us look back in time at the great prophet, Yesha’yahu as he is being commissioned by Adonai in the 6th chapter of Isaiah.

In the year of King ‘Uziyahu’s death I saw Adonai sitting on a high, lofty throne!  The hem of His robe filled the temple.  S’rafim stood over Him, each with six wings – two for covering His face, two for covering His feet and two for flying.  They were crying out to each other, “More holy than the holiest holiness is Adonai – Tzva’ot! The whole earth is filled with His glory!” (vs. 1-3)

Yesha’yahu was in the very presence of Holy, Almighty God! Yesha’yahu was seeing God’s holiness!  Why me Lord?  What have I ever done to deserve this awesome honor and privilege?  The one faithful and holy God is all in all.  Glory, majesty, and praise are due Adonai, seated on the throne for He is truth and righteousness, with no beginning or end! Let everyone that has breath praise Adonai, the maker of all things.

After Yesha’yahu had this holy mountain top experience, he looked at himself.  Oh! What a wretched man I am! He was repentant and humbled when he saw his sinful condition.

“The doorposts shook at the sound of their shouting and the house was filled with smoke.  Then Yesha’yahu said, “Woe to me! I {too} am doomed! – because I, a man with unclean lips, living among a people with unclean lips, have seen with my own eyes the King, Adonai – Tzva’ot!” (vs. 4-5)

When Yesha’yahu realized his condition, with humility, he confessed and repented to most holy God to forgive him, including God’s chosen people as well.  God is waiting for His people to do as did Yesha’yahu, and their sins will be forgiven as well.

“One of the s’rafim flew to me with a glowing coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.  He touched my mouth with it and said, ‘Here! This has touched your lips your iniquity is gone, your sin is atoned for.’”  (vs. 6-7)

Yesha’yahu is forgiven, his iniquity is gone and his sin is atoned for.  He is now a clean vessel for God to use as the prophetic messenger to His people.

Then I heard the voice of Adonai saying, “Whom should I send? Who will go for us?” I answered, “I’m here, send me!”  He said,  “Go and tell this people: “Yes, you hear, but you don’t understand, you certainly see, but you don’t get the point!” “Make the heart of this people {sluggish with} fat, stop up their ears, and shut their eyes.  Otherwise, seeing with their eyes, and hearing with their ears, then understanding with their hearts, they might repent and be healed!” I asked, “Adonai, how long?” and He answered, “Until cities become uninhabited ruins, houses without human presence, the land utterly wasted;until Adonai drives the people far away, and the land is one vast desolation. If even a tenth {of the people} remain,it will again be devoured." “But like a pistachio tree or an oak, whose trunk remains alive after its leaves fall off, the Holy Seed will be its trunk.”  (vs. 8-13)

Do you realize the importance of the question asked by Yesha’yahu, “Adonai, how long?”  How long will their ears be stopped up and their eyes shut? Until these things happen: the cities become uninhabited, the land laid waste, the people are scattered far away and the land is one vast desolation.  Praise Adonai!  These are fulfilled prophecies!  

"He's God"

performed by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

 

On May 14, 1948, the stump sprouted, began to grow again and the nation of Israel was reborn.  AD 70 to 1948 was a very long time without a homeland.  The reason being, God sent His perfect sacrificial Lamb and He was rejected.

There is a price to pay for iniquity and sin.  Just as Yesha’yahu was forgiven when he realized his lost condition, likewise those who do the same will be healed and forgiven.

The prophet Yesha’yahu was commissioned by Adonai in chapter 6 and in chapter 7:14, Adonai begins to unfold His plan for the ages 700 years before it was fulfilled!

Therefore the Lord Adonai Himself will give you {the Hebrew is plural} a sign:  The virgin will be with Child and will give birth to a Son, and {he or they} will call Him Immanuel.  Yesha’yahu 7:14

“The virgin will conceive and bear a Son, and they will call Him “Immanu El” (God is with us) Mattityahu 1:23

This is how the birth of Yeshua the Messiah came about. His mother Miryam was engaged to Yosef, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Ruach HaKodesh. (Holy Spirit)  Mattityahu 1:18

It’s sad but true that if events do not happen in the logical order that man perceives them then – THEY CANNOT BE TRUE!  The Adonai of all things cannot and will not be put in the knowledge “box” of what the mind of man perceives, since there are no boundaries for the One, all knowing, all omnipotent and Holy God!

We have established how Yeshua was conceived and the virgin Miryam by which He came to planet earth to show man - God Visible!

Yesha’yahu 9:6-7 
“For a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us; dominion will rest on His shoulders, and He will be given the name Pele-Yo’etz, El Gibbor, Avi-‘Ad,  Sar-Shalom {Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace}, In order to extend the dominion and perpetuate the peace of the throne and kingdom of David, to secure it and sustain it through justice and righteousness henceforth and forever. The zeal of Adonai-Tzva’ot will accomplish this.”  

Yeshua has been described with many titles and positions.  Now let us look at the prophecy fulfilled concerning His place of birth. 

"But you, Bethlehem near Efrat, so small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth to me the future ruler of Israel, whose origins are far in the past, back in ancient times." Mikhah 5:2 

Here is another passage in reference to Yeshua’s place of birth. After Yeshua was born in Beit-Lechem in the land of Y’hudah, during the time when Herod was king, Magi from the East came to Yerushalayim and asked, “ Where is the newborn King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

When King Herod heard of this he became very agitated, and so did everyone else in Yerushalayim.

He called together all the head cohanim and Torah-teachers of the people and asked them, “Where will the Messiah be born?”  “In Beit-Lechem of Y’hudah,” they replied, “because the prophet wrote, ‘And you Beit-Lechem in the land of Y’hudah, are by no means the least among the rulers of Y’hudah; for from you will come a Ruler who will shepherd my people Isra’el.’’’ Matthew 2:1-6

There were three very different reactions to the birth of Yeshua Messiah; King Herod, the Magi, and the chief priests and teachers of the law.  

First, King Herod was disturbed and all Yerushalayim with him, for the Magi were looking for the King of the Jews.  He did not tolerate competition, which resulted in the slaughter of all boys two years old and younger.  This first group represents the darkness of sin and a lost world without God and condemned to death.

The Magi, sometimes called the wise men, traveled some distance from the East to Yerushalayim by following the star. They asked where is the One who is born the King of the Jews? Neither King Herod nor the people of Yerushalayim had the answer. The Magi, after being told by the chief priests and teachers of the law, went on their way and continued to follow the star until they came to the house where the child was with His mother.  They brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They were overjoyed, bowed down and worshiped Him.  Seems strange how they knew, since they lived such a far distance away.  They simply believed the Word and followed the Light!  Yes, this second group, the Magi, was truly wise men.  We can also ask, seek and knock, and the door will be opened to the complete truth, just as it was for them.

The third group was the chief priests and teachers of the law. King Herod asked them where the Messiah was to be born.  “In Beit-Lechem in Y’hudah,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Beit-Lechem, in the land of Y’hudah, are by no means least among the rulers of Y’hudah; out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Isra’el.’”

The chief priests and teachers of the law had everything memorized down to the very dots and tittles.  They knew the facts but their eyes were blind and their ears did not hear.  On the outside, they appeared to the people as righteous but on the inside they were full of hypocrisy and wickedness.  The chief priests and teachers of the law were blind and deaf because they did not open their minds and hearts to the rest of the story!  The complete truth!! God’s perfect Lamb, Yeshua Messiah has come, just as predicted 700 years earlier by the prophets, 100% right – 100% of the time.  God’s truth revealed!

This third group is the saddest of all. They know the scripture and through their own “self” efforts, no one works harder than the legalist. These people are clouds without rain and springs without water.  From their mouths comes empty boastful words, they promise freedom but cannot deliver, for they themselves are slaves to whatever has mastered them. False prophets and teachers can deceive and destroy untold numbers of lives. Know the truth and the truth will set you free. 

From Malachi to Matthew, a period of 400 years, there was silence from God and the prophets.  This time brought about the rise and fall of the Grecian Empire, a period of Jewish revolt by the Maccabees and the rise of the Roman Empire.

The genealogy of Yeshua Messiah is the bridge from the old to the new.  Upon the stage of mankind, the revelation of the Lamb of God, foretold by Yesha’yahu the prophet, is personified!

"The Silence of God"

performed by Andrew Peterson 

 

Chapter 3 - The Sacrificial Lamb: Year After Year

“The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming - not the realities themselves.  For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.  If it could, would they not have stopped being offered?  For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins.”  Hebrews 10:1-2a

God began weaving the crimson cord of redemption for man through the shedding of blood in the Garden of Eden.  This shadow of truth is a progressive revelation leading up to the “once-for-all” complete climax of the One perfect Lamb.  

One of God’s gifts to man was the freedom of choice.  Eve exercised that freedom when the crafty serpent asked her,  “Did God really say ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’”   The doubt entertained in her mind became a thought, which she considered, consented to, and then acted upon.  Eve took the fruit and ate it.  Eve also gave some fruit to her husband and he ate it.

After eating the fruit they heard the sound of the Lord God as He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day.  They hid from Him among the trees.  God called to them, “Where are you.”  Adam answered, “I heard you in the garden but I was afraid, because I was naked; so I hid.”  God asked, “Who told you that you were naked?   Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”  

After the blame-game, the serpent is destined to crawl on his belly and eat dust all the days of his life. Eve is destined for greatly increased pains in childbearing.  Her desire is for her husband and he will rule over her. For Adam, the ground is cursed because of him.  Through painful toil, thorns and thistles, and by sweat, he will eat his own food, and yes, he will surely die – just as the Lord said.  

The sentencing was finished; the Lord God made garments of SKIN for Adam and Eve and clothed them.  THE FIRST BLOOD WAS SHED…TO COVER THEIR SIN!

The curse of sin has fallen on all of mankind!  Wrong choices!  This sin now breaks man’s communication with God, for He cannot look upon sin for He is Holy.

God banished Adam and Eve from the garden, into a fallen world. Their two sons were born; Cain who worked the soil and Abel kept flocks. Through the course of time, Cain brought fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord.  Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.  The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering, He did not look with favor.

(Genesis 4)  Man began with lamb offerings to The Lord God.  This lamb offering is the shadow of good things that are coming- not the realities themselves.

Have you ever wondered why Cain’s offering did not find favor with God? Could it be that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin?  What can wash away my sin? - Nothing but the blood of God’s perfect, sacrificial Lamb.  In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.  (Ephesians 1:7) 

God instructed the people concerning the building of altars, the animals to use in the Festivals, Passover, Tabernacle and Ceremonials.  The lamb is mentioned first in Genesis and the Lamb is mentioned last in Revelation where He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood and His name is the Word of God.  The continuing theme from Genesis to Revelation is the Lamb.  

The lamb represents innocence; doing no evil, free from sin or wrong, doing no harm, freedom from guilt, and not transgressing the law.  Just as a young child who is not yet consciously acquainted with evil has done no wrong.  The lamb must be without spot; no discoloration, as white as snow; the lamb without blemish; no bruises, cuts, or deformities.

After man was banned from the garden, the earth grew so corrupt and violent, that God was grieved He had made man. God had a righteous man that honored and walked with Him, whose name was Noah. God told Noah to build an ark for his family and the animals, birds and creatures living on the earth.  Noah obeyed God, the flood came and after a time the water receded.  Noah’s family and all the creatures came out of the ark.

Then Noah built an altar and sacrificed burnt offerings to the Lord.  The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in His heart:

 “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood.  And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done. As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, will NEVER cease.”  B’RESHEET (Genesis) 8:20-22

God spoke to another man, Abram, whose name God later changed to Abraham.  God said, “I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendents after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendents after you.  The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendents after you; and I will be their God."

Some time later God tested Abraham.  God told Abraham to take his only son, Isaac to a region of Mt. Moriah and sacrifice him as a burnt offering.  Abraham took the wood and placed it on his son and he carried the fire and the knife.  Isaac asked his father, “The fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”  Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.”

As we know, Abraham prepared the wood, bound his son and raised his knife, then the angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven saying,  “Do not lay a hand on the boy, and do not do anything to him.  Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”  Abraham looked up and in the thicket he saw a ram and sacrificed it as the burnt offering.

The angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendents as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.  Your descendents will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”  B’RESHEET (Genesis) 22:15-18

The progressive revelation continues as God founds another righteous man to carry out yet another step in bringing together His chosen people to the land of Canaan, God’s promise to Abraham.  God raised up this man, schooled in the Egyptian ways, who killed an Egyptian because he was beating a Hebrew slave, fled Egypt and lived on the backside of the desert for forty years.  This man, Moses, was called upon by God, the great “I AM”, to deliver His people from their slavery in Egypt.  The Isra’elites groaned in their slavery and cried out for help.  God heard their cry and remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  God sent Moses to bring the Isra’elites out of Egypt. 

Pharaoh refused to let the people go.  Then the plagues began with the plague of Blood, followed by Frogs, Gnats, Flies, Livestock, Boils, Hail, Locusts and Darkness.  The Lord said to Moses, “I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt and he will let you go.”  So Moses said, “This is what the Lord says:”  “About midnight I will go throughout Egypt.  Every firstborn son in Egypt will die and all the firstborn of the cattle as well.” SH’MOT (Exodus) 11:4-5 

THE PASSOVER LAMB 

In SH’MOT (Exodus) 12, the Lord told Moses and Aaron while they were in Egypt to tell the whole community of Isra’el that on the tenth day of this month, it will be the first month of the year, and each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household.  The animals chosen must be one-year-old males without defect.  On the fourteenth day of the month, all the people of the community of Isra’el must slaughter them at twilight.  Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.  This is how you are to eat it:  with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover.  On that same night, I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt; I AM the LORD.  The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the BLOOD, I WILL PASS OVER YOU.    

For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year.  For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Hebrews 10:1-4


As we look back throughout history, God has raised up righteous men to lead His chosen and set apart people.  God saved humanity through one person, Noah.  God raised up a special people and Nation through one man, Abraham. God gave His elect people the Promised Land, Isra’el through His prophet Moses.

God has laid the foundation word upon word; line upon line; building truths, precept upon precept. He is in charge of the past, present and future.  How honored, humbled and grateful should be those whom He called, to be the center of His plan for the ages!

Let us read some passages from Psalms 119, which could apply to a person, a people or a nation.  Open my eyes Lord, that I may see you and your complete truth.  Open my ears that I may hear and heed and understand your precepts for my life.

25 My soul cleaves to the dust ; Revive me according to Your word. 26 I have told of my ways, and You have answered me; Teach me Your statutes. 27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts, So I will meditate on Your wonders. 28 My soul weeps because of grief ; Strengthen me according to Your word. 29 Remove the false way from me, And graciously grant me Your law. 30 I have chosen the faithful way ; I have placed Your ordinances before me. 31 I cling to Your testimonies ; O LORD, do not put me to shame ! 32 I shall run the way of Your commandments, For You will enlarge my heart. He.

37 Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, And revive me in Your ways. 38 Establish Your word to Your servant, As that which produces reverence for You.

40 Behold, I long for Your precepts ; Revive me through Your righteousness. 41 May Your lovingkindnesses also come to me, O LORD, Your salvation according to Your word ; 42 So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. 43 And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I wait for Your ordinances. 44 So I will keep Your law continually, Forever and ever. 45 And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. 46 I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings And shall not be ashamed. 47 I shall delight in Your commandments, Which I love. 48 And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, Which I love ; And I will meditate on Your statutes. 49 Remember the word to Your servant, In which You have made me hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me.

65 You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word. 66 Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. 68 You are good and do good ; Teach me Your statutes. 69 The arrogant have forged a lie against me; With all my heart I will observe Your precepts. 70 Their heart is covered with fat, But I delight in Your law. 71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. 72 The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of gold and silver pieces.  73 Your hands made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. 74 May those who fear You see me and be glad, Because I wait for Your word. 75 I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. 76 O may Your loving-kindness comfort me, According to Your word to Your servant. 77 May Your compassion come to me that I may live, For Your law is my delight. 78 May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie ; But I shall meditate on Your precepts. 79 May those who fear You turn to me, Even those who know Your testimonies. 80 May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, So that I will not be ashamed. 81 My soul languishes for Your salvation ; I wait for Your word. 82 My eyes fail with longing for Your word, While I say, "When will You comfort me?"

89 Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations ; You established the earth, and it stands. 91 They stand this day according to Your ordinances, For all things are Your servants. 92 If Your law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have revived me. 94 I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts.

103 How sweet are Your words to my taste ! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth ! 104 From Your precepts I get understanding ; Therefore I hate every false way. 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. 106 I have sworn and I will confirm it, That I will keep Your righteous ordinances. 107 I am exceedingly afflicted ; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word.

114 You are my hiding place and my shield ; I wait for Your word.

129 Your testimonies are wonderful; Therefore my soul observes them. 130 The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. 131 I opened my mouth wide and panted, For I longed for Your commandments. 132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, After Your manner with those who love Your name. 133 Establish my footsteps in Your word, And do not let any iniquity have dominion over me. 134 Redeem me from the oppression of man, That I may keep Your precepts. 135 Make Your face shine upon Your servant, And teach me Your statutes. 136 My eyes shed streams of water, Because they do not keep Your law.

145 I cried with all my heart; answer me, O LORD ! I will observe Your statutes. 146 I cried to You; save me And I shall keep Your testimonies. 147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words.

169 Let my cry come before You, O LORD ; Give me understanding according to Your word. 170 Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to Your word. 171 Let my lips utter praise, For You teach me Your statutes. 172 Let my tongue sing of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness. 173 Let Your hand be ready to help me, For I have chosen Your precepts. 174 I long for Your salvation, O LORD, And Your law is my delight. 175 Let my soul live that it may praise You, And let Your ordinances help me. 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep ; seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments.

How many times have we turned away from God’s Word and wandered hopelessly because of unbelief?  Now more than ever, we must trust God to give each one the wisdom to know His complete truth.

“This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it – the LORD is His name:  ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’” Jeremiah (33:2-3)  

This is only one of over 7,000 promises quoted in God’s Word. Dare to believe it!

Let us continue forward as we see the foretelling of God’s Lamb through the prophets.  The shadows of the past will soon become reality.