Laureate Thrones

Casting 'pon the laureate thrones

me thoughts traveled where sitteth those

who pontificate contemplate extrapolate

implicate and fabricate

the intensely measured regulate

and tend them as their own

These tainted inconsolables

reconciling those most notable

while upheaving those impotable

accounting them as frauds

Dare not be seated in their realms

for these be those untouchable

with carven paths formidable

lest they be found most gullible

portraying innocence of fraud

Directing power and humbled votes

these laureate ones of airway routes

Influence pathways with their notes

of false detection and known

Dishonest accusers with formidable seats

of those in great renown

Untouchable realms within their zones

monetary driven ambition resound

where accelerated fame may be found

These with stories determination

ambitious personal acceleration

Lead masses to their devolution

Inciting constant revolution

abandoning sacred constitution

portended humility clothed in pride

These laureate agenda imperialist

of innocent demeanor regal

matriculated agents of lucifer's Gehenna

and hypocritical mockers with

Assimilated philosophies

and Miscegenation imagination

Who clothed in manifold verbosity

pontificate massive Prepostery

with less than smidgen veracity

and pipage candid duplicity

who loveth and maketh a lie

Perhaps their thrones be less than shown

or held in high regard

If magnified for each one's life

the journalistic card

For inspection 'pon their situation

and contemplated regulation

might find them less than ordination

of those most pure and clean

This be why their lives in guard

Lest they be found in disregard

and held in check by past bombard

of history unseen

And thus while resting on their thrones

these laureate nobles cast their stones

from glass cased houses of their own

recuse themselves of things unknown

Portend perfection and they alone

till light doth shine within their zones

and watch with all as they do moan

and slither back into their homes

shamefaced with blemish and flaw

The Diaspora 1 Peter 1:1

As Peter began his letter to the “strangers scattered” or Christians who were dispersed after being persecuted in Jerusalem, he introduced himself as “an apostle” or “sent out one” “of Jesus Christ”. In the second half of verse one and chapter one of his letter, Peter mentioned the names of five places where the “strangers” were dispersed. We read:

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers

scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

The verse begins, “...throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia,” The first place Peter mentioned was “throughout Pontus” which means “the sea” and was “a region of eastern Asia Minor, bounded by the Euxine Sea, Armenia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Paphlagonia”. The second place was “Galatia” which means “land of Galli or Guals” and was “the Roman province of Galatia my be roughly described as the central region of the peninsula of Asia Minor, bounded on the north by Bithynia and Paphlagonia; on the east by Pontus; on the south by Cappadocia and Lycaonia; on the west by Phrygia”, and the third place was “Cappadocia” or “province of good horses” and was “a region in Asia Minor, bounded under the Roman empire on the north by Pontus, on the east by Armenia Minor, on the south by Cilicia and Commagene, on the west by Lycaonia and Galatia”.

The verse goes on to include, “...Asia, and Bithynia,” Peter went on to add, “Asia” which means “orient” and was “Asia proper or proconsular Asia embracing Mysia, Lydia, Phrygia, and Caria, corresponding closely to Turkey today” and the final city was “Bithynia” which means “a violent rushing” and was “a Roman province in Asia Minor, bounded by the Euxine Sea, the Propontis, Mysia, Phrygia, Galatia, Paphlagonia”.

When we think through Peter's words, we may think it strange that he mentioned all these cities of refuge to which the persecuted church fled, and yet, why wouldn't he mention them? These were notable places where the gospel of Jesus Christ was to spread through the witness of the church. Jesus declared in the book of Acts in chapter one and verse eight, “and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the world”, and this was the beginning of the fulfillment of Jesus' prophesy. For our study, let us imagine these “scattered strangers” receiving this letter from the specially chosen and sent out one, “Peter”, and as we read his words to them, let us imagine they are for us as well wherever we are located.

Next time Peter will share concerning “the elect according to the foreknowledge of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Peter an Apostle of Jesus Christ 1 Peter 1:1

When Jesus Christ was upon the earth, he chose twelve disciples in the beginning of His ministry. One of those disciples was one known as “Simon” who was also known as Peter. The following letter was addressed to the Jewish people who scattered after the Christians were persecuted in Jerusalem. Peter introduces himself in this first verse of the first chapter where we read:

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered...”

The verse begins, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers...” “Peter” whose name is “Petros” in the Greek and means “a rock or stone” began his letter in the normal fashion for the beginning of letters of his time by using the writer's name. He called himself, “an apostle” which means “delegate, messenger or one sent forth with orders” “of Jesus” which is the word “Iēsous” and means “Jehovah is salvation” “Christ” which means “anointed” “to the strangers” or “ones who come from a foreign country into a city or land to reside there by the side of the natives or foreigners”. Peter considered himself as “one sent out” by Jesus, and he addressed his letter to the Christians who were known as “strangers” in the area to which they fled.

The verse goes on to say, “...scattered”. Peter continued with the word, “scattered” which is “diaspora” and means “dispersion such as when the Israelites were dispersed among foreign nations and of the Christians which were scattered abroad among the Gentiles”. The Christians were “scattered” in the “diaspora” which was caused when Rome and the Jews began to persecute them in Jerusalem. These disbursed people had Peter's attention, and these were the ones to whom he writes.

When we think about Peter's words in this first verse, we can almost sense his care for those who had to leave their homes and homeland because of the persecution they faced as Christians. Perhaps as we slowly go through Peter's letter, we will identify with these who put their trust and faith in Jesus Christ. May the Lord Jesus lead us by His Holy Spirit to understand what He would say to us through the words of Peter, in Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Next time we continue to look at the first verse of First Peter, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Zerubbabel as a Signet Haggai 2:23

As Haggai shared the final words of his prophesy, the LORD used him to convey the idea that He would “overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and” “destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen”, and He would destroy their weapons and warriors of war as well. In the twenty-third verse of the second chapter of Haggai's prophesy, the LORD shared his final words to Israel through Haggai as he promised Zerubbabel he would “make” him “as a signet” because He chose him where we read:

In that day, says the LORD of hosts, will I take you, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, says the LORD, and will make you as a signet: for I have chosen you, says the LORD of hosts.

The verse begins, “In that day, says the LORD of hosts, will I take you, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, says the LORD,...” Haggai began with the phrase, “ In that day” or “time or period”, “says” or “utters, speaks or avows” “the LORD” or “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the existing One” and “the proper name for the one true God” “of hosts” or “that which goes forth, and army, war or warfare”, “will I take” which refers to “get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, bring or take away”, “you O Zerubbabel” whose name means “sown in Babylon” and was “the grandson of king Jehoiachin and leader of the first group of returning exiles from Babylon”, “my servant” or “slave”, “the son” which means “male child or member of a group” “of Shealtiel” which means “I have asked of God” and was “the father of Zerubbabel and son of king Jehoiachin or Jeconiah or Coniah of Judah and uncle of Zerubbabel” “says” or “utters, speaks or avows” “the LORD” or “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the existing One” and “the proper name for the one true God”. The LORD's final words through Haggai were addressed to “Zerubbabel who served the LORD as the leader of the people of Israel who returned to their land after being exiled in Babylon.

The verse goes on to say, “...and will make you as a signet: for I have chosen you, says the LORD of hosts.” Haggai added, “and will make” or “put, place, set or appoint” “you as a signet” which means “seal or signet ring” “for I have chosen you” which means “elect, decide for or select” “says” or “utters, speaks and avows” “the LORD” or “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the existing One” and “the proper name for the one true God” “of hosts” or “that which goes forth, and army, war or warfare”.

As we finish the book of Haggai, we consider his final words. The LORD shared that He would make “Zerubbabel” whose name means “sown in Babylon” and was “the grandson of king Jehoiachin and leader of the first group of returning exiles from Babylon” “as a sign”, and the reason was because the LORD “chose” him. The LORD's recertification and repetition declares His emphasis upon blessing “Zerubbabel”, and when we receive Jesus as our LORD and Savior, we also receive His seal of the Holy Spirit upon us. We have the honor of being “chosen” by God, and as we think through this idea, may we live with the LORD as priority in our lives receive the blessings from the LORD He desires to share with us.

Next time we will begin the book of First Peter, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Overthrown Kingdoms Haggai 2:22

For one last time, the LORD spoke to Zerubbabel on the twenty-fourth day of the second year of Darius' reign, and in chapter two and verse twenty-two of Haggai's prophesy the LORD promised Zerubbabel he would “overthrow the throne of kingdoms” where we read:

And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.

The verse begins, “And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen;” Haggai began with the phrase, “And I will overthrow” or “turn, overthrow, change or transform” “the throne” which refers to “the seat and stool and royal dignity, authority and power” “of kingdoms” which means “dominion, reign, sovereignty and realm”, “and I will destroy” or “exterminate, be destroyed, annihilate and be devastated” “the strength” which means “power” “of the kingdoms” or “dominions, reigns, sovereignties and realms” “of the heathen” which refers to “nations and peoples”. The LORD's promise was to “overthrow” all the opposing nations, peoples and their “strengths”.

The verse goes on to say, “and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.” Haggai continued, “and I will overthrow” or “turn, overthrow, turn about or turn around” “the chariots” which refers to “war carriage, rig or horse-drawn vehicle”, “and those that ride” which means “mount, sit or draw” “in them; and the horses” or “swallow and swift such as chariot horses” “and their riders” which refers to “those who mount, sit or draw” “shall come down” or “go down, descend, decline, march down or sink”, “every one” which means “every man, human being or person” “by the sword” or “knife, tools for cutting stone or instrument” “of his brother” which refers to “brother of the same parents, half-brother, relative, kinship or same tribe”. Not only would the LORD protect the people against the other peoples and nations, but also against their weapons and warriors as well.

When we meditate upon the LORD's words through Haggai the prophet, we see the benefits of the people of Israel making His kingdom first. Not only was the LORD going to provide for them materially, but also in a protective mode. In other words, He would be their protection as well. The “chariots, those who ride in them, and the horses and their riders” would fail, and “No weapon that is formed against” them “shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against” them “in judgment” they “shall condemn”. (Isaiah 54:17) When we have Jesus Christ as our Savior and LORD, we have the promise of His provision and protection as well. May the LORD make this truth pervade our hearts, and may we walk with Him as the priority in our lives.

Next time we will complete the book of Haggai as the LORD tells Zerubbabel He will make him “a signet”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Shaking the Heavens and Earth Haggai 2:21

The LORD spoke to the people of Israel through Haggai the prophet during the second year of the reign of Darius the king of Persia. On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month of Darius' second year, the LORD spoke to the people for the second time as He shared how He would “shake the heavens and the earth” where we read:

Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;

The verse begins, “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying,...” Haggai began with the word, “Speak” or “say, utter or avow” “to Zerubbabel” whose name means “sown in Babylon” who was “the grandson of king Jehoiachin and leader of the first group of returning exiles from Babylon” “governor” or “prince, leader or commander of a province” “of Judah” whose name means “praised” and was “the kingdom comprised of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin which occupied the southern part of Canaan after the nation split upon the death of Solomon” “saying” or “uttering, speaking or avowing”. The LORD specifically spoke these next words to the “governor” over the people of Judah who were the Israelites who returned to their land after being exiled in Babylon.

The verse goes on to say, “...I will shake the heavens and the earth;” Haggai continued, “I will shake” which means “make to quake and cause to spring or leap” “the heavens” or “the visible universe, sky and atmosphere” “and the earth” which refers to “the land, country, territory, district and region”. No doubt the power of the LORD was going to be demonstrated as not only the “heavens”, but also the “earth” were going to be moved by Him.

When we think about these words of Haggai, we might find it interesting to contemplate the full measure of what the LORD just stated. He created the “heavens and the earth”, and it is certain that He can shake them. His power is limitless, and because the people of Israel were turning their attention and priority toward Him once again, He was not only going to respond, but respond resoundingly. Those who fall in love with Jesus, make His kingdom and righteousness first, and exalt Him to the main priority in their lives have access to this power of the living God. The LORD stands ready to “shake the heavens and earth” for those who put their trust in Him. May we learn what it means to have that much faith in Him.

Next time the LORD tells Haggai He will “overthrow the throne of kingdoms”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Another Message on the Twenty-fourth Day Haggai 2:20

Even after the people of Israel found lack in their fruit harvests, the LORD promised to bless the people of Israel, and He had another word for them on the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month of the second year of Darius' reign in chapter two and verse twenty of Haggai's prophesy where we read:

And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai

in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying,

The verse begins, “And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai...” Haggai began with the words, “And again” or “a second or another time” “the word” which means “speech or utterance” “of the LORD” or “Yehovah or Jehovah” who is “the existing One” and “the proper name for the one true God” “came unto Haggai” whose name means “festive” and was “the tenth in order of the minor prophets and the first prophet to prophecy after the captivity “. The LORD has no problem adding to the prophesies he desires to give to His people.

The verse continues, “...in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying,” Haggai added, “in the four and twentieth” or “twenty-fourth” “day of the month” or “new moon or lunar month”, “saying” which means “uttering, speaking or avowing”. The timing for the LORD's words are stated specifically to be recorded all throughout history.

When we think on Haggai's words, we understand the importance of the LORD sharing again and again on this “twenty-fourth” day of the month. If we are not careful, we tend to ignore repetitious orations from the LORD when we should be very attentive to them. The LORD Jesus Christ desires for us to “hear” Him every day, throughout the day, and should He bring us words over and over again, may our hearts be attuned to not only listen, but also to obey His every command.

Next time the LORD tells Haggai to “speak to Zerubbabel” about Him shaking “the heavens and the earth”, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.