The Balm of Gilead -

What is the LORD doing now: TODAY

A Word from the LORD: Sunday Morning Service 9/26/2021 

The Balm of Gilead is referenced in three Bible scriptures. They must be taken together to not miss out on the full meaning.

Genesis 37:25

25 And they sat down to eat a meal. Then they lifted their eyes and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them down to Egypt.  

Jeremiah 8:21-22

21 Since my people are crushed, I am crushed; I mourn, and horror grips me.

22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people? 

 

Jeremiah 46:11

 

11 "Go up to Gilead and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt; In vain you will use many medicines; You shall not be cured. 

 

These scripture verses show how valuable and rare the balm made in the region of Gilead truly is. Jeremiah tells us the Balm of Gilead means spiritual health.

Why Is the Balm of Gilead so Important for Christians?

Beginning with the first covenant established in Genesis, The Balm of Gilead is a powerful symbol of Christ’s power in the life of a believer. Once we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior the covenant is sealed. Satan
“seeks to steal, kill, and destroy,” but he knows he has no power over God's children.

"Most well-known for its spices and ointments, Gilead was especially celebrated for the balsam plant or tree which was used to produce its most precious commodity, the Balm of Gilead. This balm could either be applied to cuts, burns and wounds or it could be used in the embalming process to mask the scent of rotting flesh (Luke 23:56). The title, Balm of Gilead, also provides important clues about the process required before being made useful. According to Strong’s Concordance, the Hebrew word for balm, tsoriy, means to crack as pressure, or leak. While the tree no longer exists, the healing resin either had to be forced from the stems and leaves of the plant by piercing them, or the resin leaked from the tree through open pores or wounds." Quoted from this link

 

Maranatha,

Anna 

Giving You All That I Am ...

With Lifted Hands - Ryan Stevenson

"With Lifted Hands"

I have tasted
All that this world has to offer
The here and gone
That leaves you wanting more
But can't satisfy

Father forgive me
For taking so long to see
That you're all I need

With every heartbeat in my chest
Lord I surrender all that I have
The days yet to come
The days in the past
I'm giving you all I am
With lifted hands
With lifted hands

You show me mercy
When I've done nothing to deserve it
You see the best in me beneath the dust
Because that's how you love
That's how you love

You rush through my veins
I'm wrecked and I'm changed
And my soul will sing

With every heartbeat in my chest
Lord I surrender all that I have
The days yet to come
The days in the past
I'm giving you all I am
With lifted hands
With lifted hands

Heaven or grave
There is no place
I can go to escape
Your love
Heaven or grave
There is no place
I can go to escape
Your love

So with every heartbeat in my chest
Lord I surrender all that I have
The days yet to come
And the days in the past
I'm giving you all, all that I am
I'm giving you all, all that I am
With lifted hands
With lifted hands
With lifted hands
With lifted hands

Heavenly Father,

I lift my hands to you in Praise and Worship. You are the great I AM! May everyone that Holy Spirit leads to this blog (and any of its posts) be blessed beyond measure. May they accept Jesus as their Savior and begin the supernatural discipleship journey! For those saved but lukewarm or wanting to give you more of themselves, I pray with them for your wisdom that they would know the meat of the Living Word and not continue on milk only. I pray Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven! In Jesus name, I ask. Amen!

Maranatha,

Anna

Worship "in spirit and in truth" ...

Worship comes in many forms:
Prayer -- pray His word back to Him, praise and give thanks, listen to  music and sing, spend time in His presence, listen to Holy Spirit and renew your joy in the Lord. These are only a few ways, there are many more. Worship is not just for a corporate body of believers but it is also a personal and private experience between each of us and God!

“But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship Him that way.” –John 4:23 

The good news is, you can worship God "in spirit and in truth" anywhere — and worship is a powerful spiritual exercise in any believer’s life.

What Does Worshiping ‘in Truth’ Mean?

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8, NKJV). 
 We do not worship as the world believes! Rather we focus on the message and the truth of Jesus Christ. 
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts” (Colossians 3:16).

The Bible outlines seven different types of worship, and they are all appropriate, with each having its place. Let’s examine them: 

Barak–To kneel, to bless God, to bow down -- Barak means to bow down to, or kneel before, the Lord. It communicates that the Lord holds a place of importance and helps us remember just how great He is. Barak is not done out of a begging attitude but rather an expectant attitude, because the Lord is more than willing and able to move on our behalf. Psalm 72:12-15

Halal–To be clear, to shine, to boast, to show, to rave, to celebrate, to be clamorously foolish -- Halal appears more than 110 times in the Old Testament. It translates as to shine, boast, rave about, celebrate or even to be clamorously foolish. Can you imagine a more wondrous noise raving about about all the Lord is and all He has done? 1 Chronicles 16:4

Shabach–To shout loudly, to command -- Shabach means to shout loudly or command. Of course, it isn’t simply about being loud. Its focus is to worship the Lord with one’s whole being. Psalm 47:1

Tehillah–To sing praises, singing out of the spirit spontaneously -- Tehillah means to sing unrehearsed, unplanned praises to the Lord. It can include adding words to an existing song or even singing in the spirit to the Lord. Psalm 22:3

Towdah–Extending hands, acting out of thanksgiving for what has or will be done -- Towdah is a type of worship that includes extending your hands or raising them in thanksgiving for something that has been done or will be done. Psalm 50:23

Yadah– Extending the hands vigourously -- Yadah means to extend your hands vigorously as in complete surrender. 2 Chronicles 20:21

Zamar – To touch the strings, to make music with instruments, mostly rejoicing -- Zamar means to touch the strings. It involves rejoicing and making music to the Lord. Psalm 150:3-6

Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you about the seven ways to worship "in spirit and in truth."  Remember, praising God is to be on our lips, or spoken (Isaiah 57:19), and we are to do it continually as a sacrifice (Hebrews 13:15). God promises that when we praise and worship Him, He inhabits those praises (Psalm 22:3), and it gives us strength to defeat our enemy (Psalm 8:2)

Maranatha
Anna

A Completely Different Kind of Change ...

I am posting this sermon from yesterday, June 21, 2020 given at the Lutheran Church in Cartersville, GA. I have found, if I listen to different sermons, that Holy Spirit will teach me what God wants me to know at that moment. Therefore, I am not doing commentary on the sermon. I am providing a quote from Pastor Mike, links to watch the sermon and visit the church website. In addition, I have included the scriptures referenced. I encourage you to watch and apply it to your life so you are not only hearers of the Word but doers also! Be blessed today and everyday! Maranatha, Anna

"We've been brought from darkness to light. It isn't just a little change, it is a drastic change. Unless we fully understand how dark and deep and drastic sin is and it's effect: we can't begin to understand or appreciate or give thanks to God for the wonderful light into which He has brought us". Reverend Michael G. Zwemke, Pastor

Savior of All Lutheran Church 6-21-20 Service

Savior Of All Lutheran Church Home Page

I watched the June 21, 2020 sermon video and used it as a Bible study. Here are the scriptures mentioned that should be included when studying the Word. I do encourage you to spend time with God and ask for His wisdom to build a firm foundation for your life!

Jeremiah 20:7-13 (KJV)

⁷ O Lord, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived; thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.

⁸ For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the Lord was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.

⁹ Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

¹⁰ For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.

¹¹ But the Lord is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.

¹² But, O Lord of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.

¹³ Sing unto the Lord, praise ye the Lord: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.

Romans 6:12-23 (KJV)

¹² Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

¹³ Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

¹⁴ For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

¹⁵ What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

¹⁶ Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

¹⁷ But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

¹⁸ Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

¹⁹ I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

²⁰ For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

²¹ What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

²² But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

²³ For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Matthew 10:5-33 (KJV)

⁵ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

⁶ But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

⁷ And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

⁸ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

⁹ Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

¹⁰ Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

¹¹ And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

¹² And when ye come into an house, salute it.

¹³ And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

¹⁴ And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

¹⁵ Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

¹⁶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

¹⁷ But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

¹⁸ And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

¹⁹ But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

²⁰ For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

²¹ And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

²² And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

²³ But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

²⁴ The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

²⁵ It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

²⁶ Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

²⁷ What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

²⁸ And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

³⁰ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

³¹ Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

³² Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

³³ But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

"Be Thou My Vision" by Eden's Bridge

This hymn has called to my Irish heart since the first I heard it! I am half Irish on my Mom's side and these words light a spiritual fire in my heart whenever I hear it and sing it in worship! 

I researched a little of its history and added a link if you want to know more. If you choose to listen, may you be blessed with God's majesty and presence with full knowledge in your heart that our High King of Heaven loves and protects us always!

The following is found in the video description:

Fire glowed against the visage of St. Patrick as he lit yet another candle in the dark Irish churchyard on Slane Hill. The fire reminded him of Christ, Redeemer and light of his life. Opposite the churchyard was Tara, where resided the pagan High King Lóe­gaire-- the man who outlawed candles in Ireland. But it was the eve of Easter, 433 A.D. and St. Patrick was determined to glorify God that night. And thus began the hymn. 

"Therefore, on that day when I was rebuked, as I have just mentioned, I saw in a vision of the night a document before my face, without honour, and meanwhile I heard a divine prophecy, saying to me: 'We have seen with displeasure the face of the chosen one divested of name.' And he did not say 'You have seen with displeasure', but 'We have seen with displeasure' (as if He included Himself) . He said then: 'He who touches you, touches the apple of my eye.'"-- Saint Patrick 

This is very true for me, especially with this hymn!

"Sometimes hymn singing invites us to connect with the saints who have gone before. Such is the case with the famous Irish hymn, "Be Thou my vision." The original poem, found in two Irish manuscripts in the library of the Royal Irish Academy, may be dated as early as the 8th century." Reference: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-be-thou-my-vision

Maranatha,

Anna

We will all give account...

To the Lord for Every Idle Word that we speak.

Life and death is in the power of the tongue. 

If you hear something, unless God says to speak it, keep it to yourself! There's too much drama in this world from uncontrolled, flapping lips that does not need to be out there. 

Speak Life not death and do not be quick to gossip! Try to remember that we will stand before the Lord and have to give an account for every word we have spoken. 

As you read this, ask Holy Spirit if He would please shine a light on your heart and show how this might apply to you!

Psalm 141:3 KJV 

Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. 

Maranatha,

Anna

Change the Way You Think

Have you ever heard the saying "a mind is a terrible thing to waste'? Our minds have so much capacity for good, to learn, create, think and grow, and it's a tragedy when we don't use them to their highest potential.

There was a time in my life when I allowed too many damaging thoughts to enter my mind, negative, tormenting, guilty, unforgiving, shameful and accusing thoughts. The problem was that I had no idea I could control my thoughts or choose which thoughts I focused on and believed in.

I didn't realize that if I was thinking something that wasn't true, I had the power to stop. No one ever told me I could win in my mind. Has anyone ever told you? If not, then I'm here today to tell you that you don't have to let your thoughts control you. You can choose to think and focus on God-thoughts!

Romans 12:2 says to "let God transform you, by changing the way you think." God wants to help you win the battle in your mind. But what does that look like on a practical level?

Here's what has worked countless times for me and what I know will work for you too: The next time you're wrestling in your mind, I want you to stop and find something specific that you can thank God for. Tell Him how grateful you are for His goodness and all the rich ways He's blessed your life. As you're diligent to do this, you will see your life begin to change and things will get better and better.

It's my hope and prayer that you will know the power God has given you and that every day in your thoughts, you will walk in the fullness of His love for you!

God, I want to experience Your power in my thought life. I choose to focus on Your goodness and Your love for me. No matter what negative thought comes my way, I know that You are so much bigger and better.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

God teaching Shona His wisdom who then shared His heart with us...used by permission.

Maranatha,
Anna