WHO are our BROTHERS?

 Proverbs 17:17

King James Version

17 A friend loveth at all times, 

and a brother is born for adversity.

GOD woke me up really early.

Not quite midnight.

A little past, and we were already writing.

First, He made me look into Cain and Abel.

Article done, I thought that was it.

Nope, GOD made me write again.

This time, He wanted me to tell you about "brothers".

Who are our brothers?

Is it just our blood brothers?

Or perhaps there's more?

Scripture tells us CHRIST's reply.

As always, JESUS makes us think.

Apart from ending all debate.

There will be a time of reckoning:

Matthew 25:30-33

King James Version

30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant 

into outer darkness: 

there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, 

and all the holy angels with him, 

then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: 

and he shall separate them one from another, 

as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, 

but the goats on the left.

Matthew 25:34-36

King James Version

34 Then shall the King say unto them 

on his right hand, 

Come, ye blessed of my Father, 

inherit the kingdom prepared for you 

from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: 

I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: 

I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: 

I was sick, and ye visited me: 

I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Matthew 25:37-39

King James Version

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, 

Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? 

or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? 

or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, 

or in prison, 

and came unto thee?

Matthew 25:40

King James Version

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one 

of the least of these my brethren, 

ye have done it unto me.

Matthew 25:41-43

King James Version

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, 

Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, 

prepared for the devil and his angels:

42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: 

I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: 

naked, and ye clothed me not: 

sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

Matthew 25:44-46

King James Version

44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, 

Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, 

or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, 

and did not minister unto thee?

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, 

ye did it not to me.

46 And these shall go away 

into everlasting punishment: 

but the righteous into life eternal.

JESUS gave another powerful verse on "brotherhood":

Matthew 12:50

King James Version

50 For whosoever shall do 

the will of my Father which is in heaven, 

the same is my brother, 

and sister, 

and mother.

Does it end here?

Is there more to "brotherhood"?

Well, it seems we're just warming up.

From the looks of it, this will be a series of posts.

GOD wants more articles done.

SPIRIT already alerted me to the next one.

Click here for the BROTHERHOOD verses.

P.S.

Six days ago, my laptop conked out.

For good.

So I went to an internet shop, and wrote.

But had great difficulty.

GOD made it easier.

He "appointed" a minister of His to help.

GOD makes me write ANY TIME.

Now, I could write, in the peace of our home.

My pastor-friend is a TRUE brother.

I suppose, JESUS will consider us as "brothers".

BORN AGAIN brothers.

We only care to do the WILL of the LORD.

In JESUS, we live, breathe, and work.

Related material:

BROTHERHOOD

Image: Clipart Library

MANNA from GOD

 

Exodus 16:12

King James Version

12 I have heard the murmurings 

of the children of Israel: 

speak unto them, saying, 

At even ye shall eat flesh, 

and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; 

and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God.

The whole chapter of Exodus 16 spoke of manna, the bread from heaven.

Let's explore the verses.

The children of Israel find themselves in Sin -- the wilderness.

Exodus 16:1

King James Version

16 And they took their journey from Elim, 

and all the congregation of the children of Israel 

came unto the wilderness of Sin, 

which is between Elim and Sinai, 

on the fifteenth day of the second month 

after their departing out of the land of Egypt.

Hungry, they start to complain.

Exodus 16:2-3

King James Version

2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel 

murmured against Moses and Aaron 

in the wilderness:

3 And the children of Israel said unto them, 

Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord 

in the land of Egypt, 

when we sat by the flesh pots, 

and when we did eat bread to the full; 

for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, 

to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

Our merciful God responds.

Exodus 16:4-5

King James Version

4 Then said the Lord unto Moses, 

Behold, 

I will rain bread from heaven for you;

 and the people shall go out 

and gather a certain rate every day, 

that I may prove them, 

whether they will walk in my law, 

or no.

5 And it shall come to pass, 

that on the sixth day they shall prepare 

that which they bring in; 

and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.

Moses and Aaron admonish the children of Israel.

Exodus 16:6-9

King James Version

6 And Moses and Aaron said 

unto all the children of Israel, 

At even, 

then ye shall know that the Lord 

hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:

7 And in the morning, 

then ye shall see the glory of the Lord; 

for that he heareth your murmurings against the Lord: 

and what are we, 

that ye murmur against us?

8 And Moses said, 

This shall be, 

when the Lord shall give you in the evening 

flesh to eat, 

and in the morning bread to the full; 

for that the Lord heareth your murmurings 

which ye murmur against him: 

and what are we? 

your murmurings are not against us, 

but against the Lord.

9 And Moses spake unto Aaron, 

Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, 

Come near before the Lord: 

for he hath heard your murmurings.

The glory of God appears in a cloud.

Exodus 16:10-12

King James Version

10 And it came to pass, 

as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation 

of the children of Israel, 

that they looked toward the wilderness, and, 

behold, 

the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.

11 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

12 I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: 

speak unto them, saying, 

At even ye shall eat flesh, 

and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; 

and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God.

Manna shows up.

Exodus 16:13-14

King James Version

13 And it came to pass, 

that at even the quails came up, 

and covered the camp: 

and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.

14 And when the dew that lay was gone up, 

behold, 

upon the face of the wilderness 

there lay a small round thing, 

as small as the hoar frost on the ground.

Moses gives them instructions how to gather the manna.

Exodus 16:15-19

King James Version

15 And when the children of Israel saw it, 

they said one to another, 

It is manna: 

for they wist not what it was. 

And Moses said unto them, 

This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.

16 This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, 

Gather of it every man according to his eating, 

an omer for every man, 

according to the number of your persons; 

take ye every man for them which are in his tents.

17 And the children of Israel did so, 

and gathered, 

some more, 

some less.

18 And when they did mete it with an omer, 

he that gathered much had nothing over, 

and he that gathered little had no lack; 

they gathered every man according to his eating.

19 And Moses said, 

Let no man leave of it till the morning.

The children of Israel didn't follow Moses' instructions.

Exodus 16:20-22

King James Version

20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; 

but some of them left of it until the morning, 

and it bred worms, 

and stank: 

and Moses was wroth with them.

21 And they gathered it every morning, 

every man according to his eating: 

and when the sun waxed hot, 

it melted.

22 And it came to pass, 

that on the sixth day they gathered 

twice as much bread, 

two omers for one man: 

and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.

Moses speaks of the Sabbath, according to God's instructions.

Exodus 16:23-26

King James Version

23 And he said unto them, 

This is that which the Lord hath said, 

To morrow is the rest 

of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: 

bake that which ye will bake to day, 

and seethe that ye will seethe; 

and that which remaineth over lay up for you 

to be kept until the morning.

24 And they laid it up till the morning, 

as Moses bade: 

and it did not stink, 

neither was there any worm therein.

25 And Moses said, 

Eat that to day; 

for to day is a sabbath unto the Lord: 

to day ye shall not find it in the field.

26 Six days ye shall gather it; 

but on the seventh day, 

which is the sabbath, 

in it there shall be none.

Again, the people fail to follow the Lord's instructions.

Exodus 16:27-30

King James Version

27 And it came to pass, 

that there went out some of the people on the seventh day 

for to gather, 

and they found none.

28 And the Lord said unto Moses, 

How long refuse ye 

to keep my commandments and my laws?

God anticipated the need of the people, in spite of the Sabbath.

Exodus 16:27-30

King James Version

29 See, 

for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, 

therefore he giveth you on the sixth day 

the bread of two days; 

abide ye every man in his place, 

let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.

30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

How manna tastes like.

Exodus 16:31

King James Version

31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: 

and it was like coriander seed, 

white; 

and the taste of it was like wafers 

made with honey.

God commands the people to keep manna for future generations.

Exodus 16:32-34

King James Version

32 And Moses said, 

This is the thing which the Lord commandeth, 

Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; 

that they may see the bread 

wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, 

when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.

33 And Moses said unto Aaron, 

Take a pot, 

and put an omer full of manna therein, 

and lay it up before the Lord, 

to be kept for your generations.

34 As the Lord commanded Moses, 

so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, 

to be kept.

Manna sustained the children of Israel for 40 years.

Exodus 16:35-36

King James Version

35 And the children of Israel 

did eat manna forty years, 

until they came to a land inhabited; 

they did eat manna, 

until they came unto the borders 

of the land of Canaan.

36 Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah.

Note:

An ephah is a bushel, or equivalent to nearly 35 1/4 liters.

One-tenth of that, or 3.534 liters is an omer.

Related material:

FOOD for the SPIRIT

Image source: Clipart Library

A STORY of GOD's LOVE

1 John 1:7

King James Version

7 But if we walk in the light, 

as he is in the light, 

we have fellowship one with another, 

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son 

cleanseth us from all sin.

Have you any idea how much God loves you?

Let the Bible tell us how.

God loves us so much, He sent His only begotten Son.

John 3:16

King James Version

16 For God so loved the world, 

that he gave his only begotten Son, 

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 

but have everlasting life.

Even as the world lieth in wickedness.

1 John 5:19

King James Version

19 And we know that we are of God, 

and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

He had clear instructions for Jesus.

John 6:37-39

King James Version

37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; 

and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

38 For I came down from heaven, 

not to do mine own will, 

but the will of him that sent me.

39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, 

that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, 

but should raise it up again at the last day.

So, Jesus came for us sinners.

Luke 5:32

King James Version

32 I came not to call the righteous, 

but sinners to repentance.

For we were in great need of the Lord's healing grace.

Mark 2:17

King James Version

17 When Jesus heard it, 

he saith unto them, 

They that are whole have no need of the physician, 

but they that are sick: 

I came not to call the righteous, 

but sinners to repentance.

He was not about to forget anyone among us.

Luke 15:4-6

King James Version

4 What man of you, 

having an hundred sheep, 

if he lose one of them, 

doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, 

and go after that which is lost, 

until he find it?

5 And when he hath found it, 

he layeth it on his shoulders, 

rejoicing.

6 And when he cometh home, 

he calleth together his friends and neighbours, 

saying unto them, 

Rejoice with me; 

for I have found my sheep which was lost.

To be saved, we had to believe in Him.

John 6:40

40 And this is the will of him that sent me, 

that every one which seeth the Son, 

and believeth on him, 

may have everlasting life: 

and I will raise him up at the last day.

We also had to keep the Father's commandments.

1 John 2:3

King James Version

3 And hereby we do know that we know him, 

if we keep his commandments.

We had to obey His will.

Matthew 7:21

King James Version

21 Not every one that saith unto me, 

Lord, Lord, 

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; 

but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

We had to confess our sins.

1 John 1:8-10

King James Version

8 If we say that we have no sin, 

we deceive ourselves, 

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, 

he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, 

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned, 

we make him a liar, 

and his word is not in us.

We had to repent.

Luke 15:7

King James Version

7 I say unto you, 

that likewise joy shall be in heaven 

over one sinner that repenteth, 

more than over ninety and nine just persons, 

which need no repentance.

Through the Son's death, He gave us the gift of life, and sanctification.

Hebrews 10:14

King James Version

14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever 

them that are sanctified.

Good works on earth couldn't give us that salvation, only God could.

Ephesians 2:8-9

King James Version

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; 

and that not of yourselves: 

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, 

lest any man should boast.

Jesus became our advocate.

1 John 2:1-2

King James Version

2 My little children, 

these things write I unto you, 

that ye sin not. 

And if any man sin, 

we have an advocate with the Father, 

Jesus Christ the righteous:

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: 

and not for ours only, 

but also for the sins of the whole world.

He became our mediator.

1 Timothy 2:5

King James Version

5 For there is one God, 

and one mediator between God and men, 

the man Christ Jesus;

For it is God's will all of us be saved.

1 Timothy 2:1-4

King James Version

2 I exhort therefore, that, 

first of all, 

supplications, 

prayers, 

intercessions, 

and giving of thanks, 

be made for all men;

2 For kings, 

and for all that are in authority; 

that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life 

in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved, 

and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

But He had to sacrifice His Son, that we may have eternal life.

John 6:44

King James Version

44 No man can come to me, 

except the Father which hath sent me draw him: 

and I will raise him up at the last day.

It pleased God to give us His kingdom.

Luke 12:32

King James Version

32 Fear not, little flock; 

for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Which Jesus said was in our hearts, too.

Luke 17:21

King James Version

21 Neither shall they say, 

Lo here! 

or, lo there! 

for, behold, 

the kingdom of God is within you.

Before Jesus went back to the Father, He gave us a gift.

John 14:16-17

King James Version

16 And I will pray the Father, 

and he shall give you another Comforter, 

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; 

whom the world cannot receive, 

because it seeth him not, 

neither knoweth him: 

but ye know him; 

for he dwelleth with you, 

and shall be in you.

We need the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us how to pray.

Romans 8:26

King James Version

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: 

for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: 

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us 

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

And that intercession is aligned with the will of God.

Romans 8:27

King James Version

27 And he that searcheth the hearts 

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, 

because he maketh intercession for the saints 

according to the will of God.

The Father really wants everyone saved.

Even if we continue to defy Him.

He is just, merciful, patient, and faithful to His people.

Deuteronomy 7:9

King James Version

9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, 

he is God, 

the faithful God, 

which keepeth covenant and mercy 

with them that love him 

and keep his  commandments 

to a thousand generations;

It is the GREATEST love of all -- this love GOD has for us.

To the point of sacrificing His own Son, who knew no sin, and had to be made mortal.

May we all be worthy.

Updated 22 January 2022

The MAGNIFICENCE of GOD

 

Do we really know how magnificent God is?

Scripture tells us what we need to know.

7 He stretcheth out the north 

over the empty place, 

and hangeth the earth 

upon nothing.

8 He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; 

and the cloud is not rent under them.

9 He holdeth back the face 

of his throne, 

and spreadeth his cloud 

upon it.

10 He hath compassed the waters 

with bounds, 

until the day and night 

come to an end.

11 The pillars of heaven tremble 

and are astonished 

at his reproof.

12 He divideth the sea with his power, 

and by his understanding 

he smiteth through the proud.

13 By his spirit he hath garnished 

the heavens; 

his hand hath formed 

the crooked serpent.

14 Lo, these are 

parts of his ways: 

but how little a portion 

is heard of him? 

but the thunder of his power 

who can understand?

Job 26:7-14 

King James Version

3 Great is the LORD, 

and greatly to be praised; 

and his greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, 

and shall declare thy mighty acts.

5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, 

and of thy wondrous works.

Psalm 145:3-5 

King James Version

12 He hath made the earth 

by his power, 

he hath established the world 

by his wisdom, 

and hath stretched out the heavens 

by his discretion.

13 When he uttereth his voice, 

there is a multitude of waters 

in the heavens, 

and he causeth the vapours to ascend 

from the ends of the earth; 

he maketh lightnings with rain, 

and bringeth forth the wind 

out of his treasures.

Jeremiah 10:12-13 

King James Version

4 He telleth the number of the stars; 

he calleth them all by their names.

5 Great is our Lord, 

and of great power: 

his understanding is infinite.

Psalm 147:4-5 

King James Version

13 Let every soul be subject 

unto the higher powers. 

For there is no power but of God: 

the powers that be 

are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, 

resisteth the ordinance of God: 

and they that resist 

shall receive to themselves damnation.

Romans 13:1-2 

King James Version

Related material:

The MAGNIFICENCE and MAJESTY of GOD

Updated 22 January 2022

PEACE for AMERICA

 

Prayers and verses for an embattled nation.

I wrote this post yesterday, but look what GOD has for us today -- so much in keeping with the times!

The timely 8 November 2020 "Verse of the Day":

"I exhort therefore, 

that, first of all, 

supplications, 

prayers, 

intercessions, 

and giving of thanks, 

be made for all men; 

For kings, 

and for all that are in authority; 

that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life 

in all godliness and honesty."

1 Timothy 2:1-2 

King James Version

16 Now the Lord of peace himself 

give you peace always 

by all means. 

The Lord be with you all.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 

King James Version

7 When a man's ways please the Lord, 

he maketh even his enemies 

to be at peace with him.

Proverbs 16:7 

King James Version

15 And let the peace of God 

rule in your hearts, 

to the which also ye are called in one body; 

and be ye thankful.

Colossians 3:15 

King James Version

33 For God is not the author of confusion, 

but of peace, 

as in all churches of the saints.

1 Corinthians 14:33 

King James Version

17 For the kingdom of God is not meat 

and drink; 

but righteousness, 

and peace, 

and joy in the Holy Ghost.

18 For he that in these things serveth Christ 

is acceptable to God, 

and approved of men.

19 Let us therefore follow after the things 

which make for peace, 

and things wherewith one may edify another.

Romans 14:17-19 

King James Version

12 Lord, 

thou wilt ordain peace for us: 

for thou also hast wrought 

all our works in us.

Isaiah 26:12 

King James Version

11 The Lord will give strength 

unto his people; 

the Lord will bless his people 

with peace.

Psalm 29:11 

King James Version

9 Not rendering evil for evil, 

or railing for railing: 

but contrariwise blessing; 

knowing that ye are thereunto called, 

that ye should inherit a blessing.

10 For he that will love life, 

and see good days, 

let him refrain his tongue from evil, 

and his lips that they speak no guile:

11 Let him eschew evil, 

and do good; 

let him seek peace, 

and ensue it.

1 Peter 3:9-11 

King James Version

14 Follow peace with all men, 

and holiness, 

without which no man 

shall see the Lord:

Hebrews 12:14 

King James Version

37 Mark the perfect man, 

and behold the upright: 

for the end of that man is peace.

Psalm 37:37 

King James Version

6 Be careful for nothing; 

but in every thing by prayer and supplication 

with thanksgiving 

let your requests be made known 

unto God.

7 And the peace of God, 

which passeth all understanding, 

shall keep your hearts and minds 

through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 

King James Version

18 And the fruit of righteousness 

is sown in peace 

of them that make peace.

James 3:18 

King James Version

15 See that none render evil for evil 

unto any man; 

but ever follow that which is good, 

both among yourselves, 

and to all men.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 

King James Version

18 If it be possible, 

as much as lieth in you, 

live peaceably with all men.

Romans 12:18 

King James Version

20 Deceit is in the heart 

of them that imagine evil: 

but to the counsellors of peace 

is joy.

Proverbs 12:20 

King James Version

14 Depart from evil, 

and do good; 

seek peace, 

and pursue it.

Psalm 34:14 

King James Version

13 Now the God of hope 

fill you with all joy 

and peace 

in believing, 

that ye may abound in hope, 

through the power 

of  the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:13 

King James Version

6 For unto us a child is born, 

unto us a son is given: 

and the government 

shall be upon his shoulder: 

and his name shall be called 

Wonderful, 

Counsellor, 

The mighty God, 

The everlasting Father, 

The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 

King James Version

33 These things I have spoken unto you, 

that in me ye might have peace. 

In the world ye shall have tribulation: 

but be of good cheer; 

I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 

King James Version

27 Peace I leave with you, 

my peace I give unto you: 

not as the world giveth, 

give I unto you. 

Let not your heart 

be troubled, 

neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27 

King James Version

165 Great peace have they 

which love thy law: 

and nothing shall offend them.

Psalm 119:165 

King James Version

3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, 

whose mind is stayed on thee: 

because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 26:3 

King James Version

7 Casting all your care upon him; 

for he careth for you.

1 Peter 5:7 

King James Version

33 Now the God of peace be 

with you all. 

Amen.

Romans 15:33 

King James Version

Related material:

CONFUSED about the WORLD?

(White House, Washington D.C. photo by David Everett Strickler.)

Updated 22 January 2022