Tag Archives: #Peace

The Soul’s Demands…

20140802-182242-66162662.jpg
*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

Isaiah: 58
Fasting and Tzedakah
1 Cry aloud, do not hold back! Raise your voice like a shofar. Tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet they seek Me day to day and delight to know My ways, as if they were a nation that did right, and had not forsaken their God’s decree. They ask Me for righteous judgments; they delight in the nearness of God. 3 Why have we fasted. Yet You do not see? Why have we afflicted our souls, yet You take no notice?” “Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and exploit all your laborers. 4 Behold, you fast for strife and contention and to strike with a wicked fist. You should not fast as you do today to make your voice heard on high. 5 Is this the fast I have chosen? A day for one to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and spreading out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to ADONAI? 6 Is not this the fast I choose: to release the bonds of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to let the oppressed go freehand to tear off every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the homeless poor into your house? When you see the naked, to cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will spring up speedily. Your righteousness will go before you, the glory of ADONAI as your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and ADONAI will answer. You will cry and He will say, “Here I am.” If you get rid of the yoke among you—finger-pointing and badmouthing—10 If you give yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness, and your gloom will be like midday. 11 Then ADONAI will guide you continually, satisfy your soul in drought and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters never fail. 12 Some of you will rebuild the ancient ruins, will raise up the age-old foundations, will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets for Dwelling. 13 If you turn back your foot from Shabbat, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call Shabbat a delight, the holy day of ADONAI honorable, If you honor it, not going your own ways, not seeking your own pleasure, nor speaking your usual speech, 14 then You will delight yourself in ADONAI, and I will let you ride over the heights of the earth, I will feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of ADONAI has spoken.

{Tree Of Life Bible~Isaiah 58:1-14}

Internal Strife…

20140802-171548-62148570.jpg
*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

Proverbs: 16
Commit Your Heart to ADONAI
1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the tongue’s answer is from ADONAI. 2 All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but ADONAI weighs the motives. 3 Commit whatever you do to ADONAI, and your plans will succeed. 4 ADONAI works everything out for his own purpose—even the wicked for a day of disaster. 5 ADONAI abhors all the proud in heart. Be assured, they will not go unpunished. 6 By mercy and truth is iniquity atoned, and by the fear of ADONAI one avoids evil. 7 When one’s ways are pleasing to ADONAI, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him. 8 Better a little with righteousness than much income without justice. 9 The heart of man plans his course, but ADONAI directs his steps.
The Delights of A Just King
10 An oracle is on the lips of the king—let his mouth never be treacherous in judgment. 11 Honest balances and scales are ADONAI’s. All the weights in a bag are His handiwork. 12 Wrongdoing is an abomination to kings, for a throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings. He loves those who speak honestly. 14 A king’s fury is like messengers of death, but a wise man will appease it. 15 In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor like a cloud of spring rain. 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver. 17 The highway of the upright avoids evil. He who guards his way protects his life. 18 Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better to be lowly in spirit with the afflicted than to share the spoil with the proud. 20 One prudent in a matter will find good, blessed is the one who trusts in ADONAI. 21 The wise in heart is called discerning, and sweetness of lips increases persuasiveness. 22 Insight is a fountain of life to one who has it, but folly leads to the discipline of fools. 23 A wise man’s heart teaches his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are honeycomb—sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. 26 A laborer’s appetite works on his behalf, for his hunger drives him on.
Slow to Anger
27 A wicked scoundrel digs up evil, and on his lips is a scorching fire. 28 A perverse person sows strife, and a gossip separates close friends. 29 A violent person lures his neighbor, leading him down a path that is no good. 30 One who winks his eyes schemes deceit, one who purses his lips is bent on evil. 31 Gray hair is a crown of glory, found on the path of righteousness. 32 Better to be slow to anger than a mighty warrior. One who controls his temper is better than one who conquers a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but their very decision is from ADONAI.

{Tree Of Life Bible~Proverbs 16:1-33}

Molding You…

20140801-163245.jpg
*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

2nd Timothy: 2
Disciples from Generation to Generation
1 Therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Messiah Yeshua. 2 And what you have heard from me among many witnesses, entrust to faithful people who will be capable to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Messiah Yeshua. 4 No one serving as a soldier entangles himself in the activities of everyday life, so that he might please the one who enlisted him. 5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned victorious unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to receive the first share of the crops. 7 Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 8 Remember Yeshua the Messiah, raised from the dead, from the seed of David—according to my Good News. 9 For this I suffer hardship as a criminal, even to the point of chains—though the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the chosen, so they might obtain the salvation that is in Messiah Yeshua with eternal glory. 11 Trustworthy is the saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us; 13 if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
A Workman with the Word
14 Remind them of these things and solemnly charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which is useless—to the ruin of those who are listening. 15 Make every effort to present yourself before God as tried and true, as an unashamed worker cutting a straight path with the word of truth. 16 But avoid godless chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness 17 and their words will spread like cancer. Among them are Hymeneaus and Philetus—18 men who have missed the mark concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place. They are overturning the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord keep away from unrighteousness. 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay—some for honor and some for common use. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor—sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Now flee from youthful desires; instead, pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and shalom, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they produce quarrels. 24 The Lord’s slave must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, tolerant. 25 Let him give guidance with humility to those who are in opposition—perhaps God may grant them a change of mind, leading to the knowledge of truth. 26 Then they may regain their senses and escape the devil’s snare, in which they had been held captive by him to do his will.

{Tree Of Life Bible~2nd Timothy 2:1-26}

A Covenant With Eyes…

20140801-152950.jpg
*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

1st Timothy: 5
Giving Honor in the Community
1 Never speak harshly to an older man but appeal to him as a father; to younger men as brethren; 2 older women as mothers; and younger women as sisters—with complete purity. 3 Honor widows who are really widows—4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show devotion to their own home and give back to their parents, for this is pleasing before God. 5 Now she who is really a widow and has been left alone, has put her hope in God and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. 6 But she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Insist on these things, so that they might be beyond criticism. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, especially those in his own house, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Let a widow be listed only if she is at least sixty, was the wife of one husband, 10 well known for good deeds, if she raised children, if she showed hospitality, if she washed the feet of the kedoshim, if she helped those in trouble, and if she devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse younger widows; for when their sensual desires draw them away from the Messiah, they want to get married—12 facing judgment because they have set aside their previous pledge. 13 And at the same time, they also learn to be idle, going around from house to house—and not just idle, but also gossipers and busybodies, saying things they should not. 14 Therefore, I want the younger widows to get married, have children, manage a household, and give no opportunity to the enemy for slander. 15 For some have already gone astray after satan. 16 If any woman of faith has widows in need, let her help them and not let the community be burdened, so it may help the real widows. 17 The elders who lead well are worthy of honor and honorarium—especially those who work hard in the word and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wage. 19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 Correct those who continue sinning in the presence of everyone, so that the rest also may fear. 21 I solemnly charge you—before God and Messiah Yeshua and the chosen angels—to observe these things without taking sides, doing nothing out of favoritism. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily or take part in the sins of others—keep yourself pure. 23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach and for your frequent ailments.) 24 The sins of some people are obvious, going before them into judgment; but for others, their sins follow. 25 Likewise, good deeds are obvious, and the others cannot stay hidden.

{Tree Of Life Bible~1st Timothy 5:1-25}

Faith Pleases ~GOD~

20140801-141541.jpg
*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

The Letter to the Hebrews: 11
The Faithful See from Afar
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of realities not seen. 2 For by it the elders received commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen did not come from anything visible. 4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain. Through faith he was commended as righteous when God approved of his gifts. And through faith he still speaks, although he is dead. 5 By faith Enoch was taken so as not to see death, and he was not found because God took him. For before he was taken, he was commended as pleasing to God. 6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God. For the one who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. 7 By faith Noah, when warned about events not yet seen, in holy fear prepared an ark for the safety of his household. Through faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he was to receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he migrated to the land of promise as if it were foreign, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob—fellow heirs of the same promise. 10 For he was waiting for the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive when she was barren and past the age, since she considered the One who had made the promise to be faithful. 12 So from one—and him as good as dead—were fathered offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven, and as uncountable as the sand on the seashore. 13 These all died in faith without receiving the things promised—but they saw them and welcomed them from afar, and they confessed that they were strangers and sojourners on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If indeed they had been thinking about where they had come from, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they yearn for a better land—that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. Yes, he who had received the promises was offering up his one and only son—18 the one about whom it was said, “Through Isaac offspring shall be named for you. 19 He reasoned that God was able to raise him up even from the dead—and in a sense, he did receive him back from there. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and he bowed in worship while leaning on the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when his end was near, made mention of the exodus of B’nei-Israel and gave instructions about his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was an extraordinary child and they were not afraid of the king’s decree. 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 Instead he chose to suffer mistreatment along with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the disgrace of Messiah as greater riches than the treasures of Egypt—because he was looking ahead to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger—for he persevered as if seeing the One who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the smearing of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as if on dry ground. When the Egyptians tried it, they were swallowed up. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were circled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she welcomed the spies with shalom. 32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets. 33 By faith they conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, and made foreign armies flee. 35 Women received their dead raised back to life; and others were tortured, after not accepting release, so they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Others experienced the trial of mocking and scourging—yes, and even chains and prison. 37 They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were murdered with the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins; they were destitute, afflicted, mistreated. 38 The world was not worthy of them! They wandered around in deserts and mountains, caves and holes in the ground. 39 And all these, though commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised—40 because God had provided something better for us, so that only with us would they reach perfection.

{Tree Of Life Bible~Hebrews 11:1-40}

Love Despite Ourselves…

20140515-092135.jpg
*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

Isaiah: 64
As Unclean Rags
1 As fire kindles brushwood, as fire causes water to boil, make Your Name known to Your foes, so the nations may tremble before You! 2 When You did awesome things that we were not expecting, You came down—the mountains shook at Your presence! 3 For from days of old no one has heard, no ear perceived, no eye has seen God, except You, who acts on behalf of the one waiting for Him. 4 You meet him who rejoices in doing righteousness, who remembers You in Your ways. Behold, You were angry. When we keep sinning all the time, would we be saved? 5 For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteousness is like a filthy garment, and all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away, like the wind. 6 No one calls on Your Name, or stirs himself up to take hold of You. For You have hidden Your face from us, and have consumed us, because of our iniquities. 7 But now, ADONAI, You are our Father. We are the clay and You are our potter, We are all the work of Your hand. 8 Do not be angry much more, ADONAI, or remember iniquity forever. OH, please see, we are all Your people! 9 Your holy cities became a wilderness, Zion has become a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. 10 Our holy and beautiful House, where our fathers praised You, Has been burned with fire—all our pleasant things are laid waste. 11 Will You restrain Yourself at these things?ADONAI, will You stay silent, and afflict us very severely?

{Tree Of Life Bible~Isaiah 64:1-11}

The Unpayable Debt…

20140428-124414.jpg
*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

Galatians: 1
Paul’s Letter to the Galatians
Together with Romans, Paul’s letter to the Galatians speaks directly to the pressing issue of Jewish-Gentile relations in the body of Messiah. Written early in Paul’s career, some time in the late 40s, Paul here speaks sharply against those, maybe some variety of Yeshua-believing Jews, who were teaching Torah-observance for Gentiles as a way of justification. In no uncertain terms, he declares that justification comes by faith, not by Torah observance (compare Acts 15). Along the way he draws on illustrations from the Hebrew Bible—Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar—to make his point. Justification by faith in Yeshua is a reality for Jews and Gentiles alike. The well-known verse in Galatians 3:28 does not seek to abolish all distinctions between Jews and Gentiles (any more than it abolishes all distinctions between men and women!), but rather tells us that all people have equal access to God and that all come to Him in the same way. As a result, there is a unity in the body of Messiah that transcends the Jewish-Gentile distinction. Moreover, our justification by faith is no license for unethical living, but rather through the Ruach ha-Kodesh we bear the fruit of a righteous and ethical life (chapters 5–6).Paul’s opponents were attempting to alienate the Galatians from Paul. In 1 Corinthians 1:11-15, the division came from following various Yeshua-believing leaders. Here in Galatians the division may come either from outside the body of Messiah or from certain Jewish believers, but the result was a compromise of the Good News for the non-Jewish Galatians. In Galatians, Paul points us beyond divisions to the unity that we all share in Messiah—a unity of equal opportunity to come into relationship with God (3:28—the same access); a unity of the same way of salvation (2:16—through faith in God’s Messiah); and a practical unity that manifests itself in behavior (5:14—love and self-sacrifice).
Greetings from Paul
1 Paul, a emissary (sent not from men or by man, but by Yeshua the Messiah and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), ” 2 and all the brethren with me. To Messiah’s communities of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and shalom from God our Father and our Lord Yeshua the Messiah— 4 who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father— ” 5 to Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
No Other Gospel
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from the One who called you by the grace of Messiah, to a different “good news”—” 7 not that there is another, but only some who are confusing you and want to distort the Good News of Messiah. ” 8 But even if we (or an angel from heaven) should announce any “good news” to you other than what we have proclaimed to you, let that person be cursed! ” 9 As we have said before, so I now repeat: if anyone proclaims to you “good news” other than what you received, let that person be under a curse! ” 10 Am I now trying to win people’s approval, or God’s? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Messiah. ”
How Paul Was Sent Out
11 Now I want you to know, brethren, that the Good News proclaimed by me is not man-made. ” 12 I did not receive it from any human, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Yeshua the Messiah. ” 13 For you have heard of my earlier behavior in Judaism—how I persecuted God’s community beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14 I was even advancing within Judaism beyond many my own age among my people, being a more extreme observer of my fathers’ traditions. ” 15 But when God—who set me apart from birth and called me through His grace —was pleased 16 to reveal His Son to me so I would proclaim Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with any human. ” 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who were emissaries before me, either. Instead I went away to Arabia and returned again to Damascus. ” 18 Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to visit with Peter, and I stayed with him fifteen days. ” 19 But I saw no other emissaries except Jacob, the Lord’s brother. ” 20 (In what I’m writing you, before God, I do not lie.)” 21 Then I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 But I was personally unknown to Messiah’s communities of Judea; 23 they only kept hearing, “The one who once persecuted us now proclaims the Good News he once tried to destroy!” ” 24 So they were praising God because of me.
{Tree Of Life Bible~Galatians 1:1-24}

The Miracle Of Life…

20140426-142631.jpg
*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
(Psalm 19:1-14 ESV)

Endless Forgiveness…!!!

20140331-015521.jpg
*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. Brothers, pray for us. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 ESV)

The Light Of The World…

20140328-052654.jpg
*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in. Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord ! (Psalm 27:1-14 ESV)