The Daily Meditation

Hosea 2:16, 19-20

16 And at that day, saith the Lord, thou shalt call

me Ishi, and shalt call me no more Baali.

19 And I will marry thee unto me forever: yea,

I will marry thee unto me in righteousness, and in

judgment, and in mercy, and in compassion.

20 I will even marry thee unto me in faithfulness,

and thou shalt know the Lord.

Editor’s notes

The name Ishi translates into the following root in ancient Hebrew;

3467 yasha` yaw-shah' a primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor:--X at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. Source Strong’s Concordance

The name Baali is a spelling of Baal who was a Phoenician deity:--Baal, (plural) Baalim and as such was an idol. Source Strong’s Concordance.

Editor’s thought - God is saying that you will no longer follow an idol, nor will you call me Master, but He will, redefine His covenant and treat Israel as one would treat His wife. This covenant, is one that is time honored by God, that is to say the marriage of man and woman. Recall yesterday’s Sunday Sermon, to see how God so honors this covenant. In verse 20 we read that we shall know the Lord. It is my thought that not only will we know Him as God Who is powerful in word and deed, but as one who is all merciful, righteous, loving, and knows and understands how to temper His power with compassion.

Related Scripture

Song of Solomon 1:4;

Isaiah 61:10;

Isaiah 62:5;

Joel 2:16;

John 3:29;

Jeremiah 31:33;

John 17:3;

Jeremiah 7:23;

Jeremiah 11:4;

Leviticus 26:12;

John 13:5-16;

The Sunday Sermon

The Ten Commandments Part 6b

By Martin Luther

Thou shall not commit adultery

Exodus 20:14

This commandment is aimed directly at the state of matrimony and gives occasion to speak of the same, you must well understand and mark, first, how gloriously God honors and extols this estate, inasmuch as by His commandment He both sanctions and guards it. He has sanctioned it above in the Fourth Commandment: Honor thy father and thy mother; (Exodus 20:12;) but here He has (as we said ) hedged it about and protected it. Therefore He also wishes us to honor it, and to maintain and conduct it as a divine and blessed estate; (Ephesians 5:25; 1 Peter 3:1-7;)because, in the first place, He has instituted it before all others, and therefore created man and woman separately (as is evident), not for lewdness, but that they should [legitimately] live together, be fruitful, beget children,( Jeremiah 29:6;) and nourish and train them to the honor of God. (Proverbs 22:6;)

Therefore God has also most richly blessed this estate above all others, and, in addition, has bestowed on it and wrapped up in it everything in the world, to the end that this estate might be well and richly provided for. Married life is therefore no jest or presumption; but it is an excellent thing and a matter of divine seriousness. For it is of the highest importance to Him that persons be raised who may serve the world and promote the knowledge of God, godly living, and all virtues, to fight against wickedness and the devil. (John 17:14-15, 18; Mark 16:15; Romans 10:15, 18;)

Therefore I have always taught that this estate should not be despised nor held in disrepute, as is done by the blind world, but that it be regarded according to God's Word, by which it is adorned and sanctified, so that it is not only placed on an equality with other estates, but that it precedes and surpasses them all, whether they be that of emperor, princes, bishops, or whoever they please. For both ecclesiastical and civil estates must humble themselves and all be found in this estate as we shall hear. Therefore it is not a peculiar estate, but the most common and noblest estate, which pervades all Christendom, yea which extends through all the world.

You must know also that it is not only an honorable, but also a necessary state, and it is solemnly commanded by God that, in general, in all conditions, men and women, who were created for it, shall be found in this estate; yet with some exceptions (although few) whom God has especially excepted, so that they are not fit for the married estate, or whom He has released by a high, supernatural gift that they can maintain chastity without this estate. For where nature has its course, as it is implanted by God, it is not possible to remain chaste without marriage. For flesh and blood remain flesh and blood, (Ecclesiastes 2:3; 2 Corinthians 13:7; Romans 7:15-20;) and the natural inclination and excitement have their course without let or hindrance, as everybody sees and feels. In order, therefore, that it may be the more easy in some degree to avoid unchastity, God has commanded the estate of matrimony, that every one may have his proper portion and be satisfied therewith; although God's grace besides is required in order that the heart also may be pure.

Some Things Never Change.....

The Daily Meditation

Hosea 1:10-11

10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall

be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured

nor told: and in the place where it was said unto them,

Ye are not my people, it shall be said unto them, Ye

are the sons of the living God.

11 Then shall the children of Judah, and the

children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint

themselves one head, and they shall come up out of

the land: for great is the day of Jezreel.

Editor’s thought - I am certainly not a theologian, but it is my belief that God is speaking not only to the children of Israel, but as is written above to the children of Judah, who will become the gentiles. As we know, Christ Jesus was often referred to as the Lion of Judah, since we are kindred to him, it sort of dovetails into the scripture. Again these are only my thoughts, and certainly not any doctrine.

Related Scripture

Genesis 22:17;

Jeremiah 33:22;

1 Peter 2:10;

Romans 9:26;

Isaiah 63:16;

Isaiah 64:8;

Leviticus 26:12;

Ezekiel 36:28;

John 1:12;

Isaiah 11:11-13;

Jeremiah 3:18;

Jeremiah 50:4;

Ezekiel 34:23;

Ezekiel 37:15-28;

Colossians 3:11;

Galatians 3:28;

The Daily Meditation

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

23 Now the very God of peace sanctify you

throughout: and I pray God that your whole spirit

and soul and body, may be kept blameless unto the

coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he which calleth you, which will

also do it.

Related Scripture

Isaiah 26:3;

2 Corinthians 13:11;

Philippians 4:7-9;

1 Corinthians 1:8-9;

1 Peter 3:15;

1 Samuel 2:35;

1 Corinthians 10:13;

Hebrews 10:23;

1 John 1:9;

Philippians 1:6;

The Daily Meditation

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Editor’s thought - Yesterday’s post was a guide to living life as a Christian. Today’s post is more designed towards one’s spiritual life.

16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray continually.

18 In all things, give thanks, for this is the will of

God in Christ Jesus toward you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.

20 Despise not prophesying.

21 Try all things, and keep that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Related Scripture

2 Corinthians 6:10;

Matthew 18:20;

Ephesians 6:18;

Ephesians 5:20;

Colossians 3:17;

Ephesians 4:30;

1 Corinthians 14:1, 31;

1 John 4:1;

Philippians 4:8;

Psalm 34:11-15;

Psalm 37:1-5;

1 Peter 4:15;

The Daily Meditation

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

14 We desire you, brethren, admonish them that

are out of order: comfort the feebleminded: bear

with the weak: be patient toward all men.

15 See that none recompense evil for evil unto

any man: but ever follow that which is good, both

toward yourselves, and toward all men.

Editor’s thought - these two verses are a wonderful guide for living the life of a Christian. The following verses, which will follow on Wednesday, will be a guide for spiritual life.

Verse 14

Job 29:13;

Isaiah 1:17;

Romans 12:18;

Romans 14:1;

Galatians 5:22;

2 Thessalonians 3:6-7, 11;

Hebrews 12:12;

Verse 15

Psalm 37:27;

Proverbs 17:13;

Proverbs 20:22;

Jeremiah 18:20;

Matthew 5:39;

Romans 12:17;

Romans 16:19;

Ephesians 4:29;

Philippians 4:8;

1 Peter 3:9;

The Daily Meditation

1 Thessalonians 5:2, 6, 8-9

2 For ye yourselves know perfectly, that the day

of the Lord shall come, even as a thief in the night.

6 Therefore let us not sleep as do others, but let

us watch and be sober.

8 But let us which are of the day, be sober, putting

on the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of

salvation for an helmet.

9 For God hath not appointed us unto wrath,

but to obtain salvation by the means of our Lord

Jesus Christ.

Related Scripture

Verse 2

Job 24:14;

2 Peter 3:10;

Revelation 3:3;

Revelation 16:15;

Verse 6

Ezekiel 33:2-11;

Matthew 25:5;

Titus 2:2;

1 Peter 1:13;

1 Peter 5:8;

Verse 8

Isaiah 59:17;

Romans 13:12;

2 Corinthians 6:7;

Ephesians 6:13-17;

Verse 9

Genesis 28:21;

1 Kings 17:18-22;

Isaiah 35:4;

Ezekiel 37:12;

Daniel 10:12;

Romans 9:22;

The Sunday Sermon

The Ten Commandments Part 6a

by Martin Luther

Thou shall not commit adultery

Exodus 20:14

These commandments now [that follow] are easily understood from [the explanation of] the preceding; for they are all to the effect that we [be careful to] avoid doing any kind of injury to our neighbor. But they are arranged in fine [elegant] order. In the first place, they treat of his own person. Then they proceed to the person nearest him, or the closest possession next after his body namely, his wife, who is one flesh and blood with him, so that we cannot inflict a higher injury upon him in any good that is his. Therefore it is explicitly forbidden here to bring any disgrace upon him in respect to his wife. ( 1 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 3:7;) And it really aims at adultery, because among the Jews it was ordained and commanded that every one must be married. Therefore also the young were early provided for [married], so that the virgin state was held in small esteem, neither were public prostitution and lewdness tolerated (as now). Therefore adultery was the most common form of unchastity among them.

But because among us there is such a shameful mess and the very dregs of all vice and lewdness, this commandment is directed also against all manner of unchastity, whatever it may be called; and not only is the external act forbidden, but also every kind of cause, incitement, and means, so that the heart, the lips, and the whole body may be chaste and afford no opportunity, help, or persuasion to unchastity.( Ephesians 4:29; 1 Corinthians 6:19;) And not only this, but that we also make resistance, afford protection and rescue wherever there is danger and need; and again, that we give help and counsel, so as to maintain our neighbor's honor. For whenever you omit this when you could make resistance, or connive at it as if it did not concern you, you are as truly guilty as the one perpetrating the deed. Thus, to state it in the briefest manner, there is required this much, that every one both live chastely himself and help his neighbor do the same, so that God by this commandment wishes to hedge round about and protect [as with a rampart] every spouse that no one trespass against them.

The Daily Meditation

1 Thessalonians 4:16

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven

with a shout, and with the voice of the Archangel,

and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ

shall rise first

Related Scripture

Ezekiel 37:1-14;

Matthew 24:30-31;

John 11:24;

1 Corinthians 15:52-53;

The Daily Meditation

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to meddle

with your own business, and to work with your

own hands, as we commanded you.

12 That ye may behave yourselves honestly toward

them that are without, and that nothing be lacking

unto you.

Related Scripture

Verse 11

Acts 20:35;

Romans 12:18;

2 Thessalonians 3:8, 10-12;

1 Timothy 2:2;

Verse 12

Isaiah 62:2;

John 13:15;

1 Timothy 4:12;

1 Peter 2:11-12;

2 Peter 1:6-7;

2 Peter 3:11;

Romans 13:13;

The Daily Meditation

1 Thessalonians 4:7-8

7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness,

but unto holiness.

8 He therefore that despiseth these things, despiseth

not man, but God (a) who hath even given you

his holy Spirit. (b)

Related Scripture

Verse 7

Leviticus 11:45;

Leviticus 20:26;

Deuteronomy 7:6;

Psalm 110:4;

Isaiah 62:12;

Hebrews 5:6, 10;

Hebrews 6:20;

Hebrews 7:21;

1 Peter 2:9;

Verse 8(a)

Psalm 86:17;

Proverbs 8:36;

John 7:7

John 15:18;

Verse 8(b)

Psalm 51:11;

Matthew 16:17;

Mark 1:8;

Luke 2:25-26;

Luke 12:12;

John 14:26;

John 20:22;

Acts 1:8, 16;

Acts 8:17;

Ephesians 1:13;

Ephesians 4:30;

The Sunday Sermon

The Ten Commandments Part 5

By Martin Luther

Thou shall not Kill

Exodus 20:13

Editor’s thought - I will admit this is a rather broad interpretation of the fifth commandment. In a way it does make sense, for if we deny someone help that would save their lives, are we no better than a murderer? That being said, I do believe that Martin Luther was reading a bit to much into it. It does not specifically say, shall not kill or ALLOWED to be killed. It does say YOU will not kill. Either way, it is good advice, this to say; do your best to prevent others from suffering and harm.

Editor’s note - usually I have scriptural references included in the original text, however I had to edit this one quite a bit to achieve some form of flowing consistency in the message. Below one will find related scripture.

The entire sum of what it means not to kill is in the first place that we harm no one, first, with our hand or by deed. Then, that we do not employ our tongue to instigate or counsel thereto. Further, that we neither use nor assent to any kind of means or methods whereby any one may be injured. And finally, that the heart be not ill disposed toward any one, nor from anger and hatred wish him ill, so that body and soul may be innocent in regard to every one, but especially those who wish you evil or inflict such upon you. For to do evil to one who wishes and does you good is not human, but diabolical.

Secondly, under this commandment not only he is guilty who does evil to his neighbor, but he also who can do him good, prevent, resist evil, defend and save him, so that no bodily harm or hurt happen to him and yet does not do it. If, therefore, you send away one that is naked when you could clothe him, you have caused him to freeze to death; you see one suffer hunger and do not give him food, you have caused him to starve. So also, if you see any one innocently sentenced to death or in like distress, and do not save him, although you know ways and means to do so, you have killed him. And it will not avail you to make the pretext that you did not afford any help, counsel, or aid thereto for you have withheld your love from him and deprived him of the benefit whereby his life would have been saved. That is: You would have suffered Me and Mine to die of hunger thirst, and cold, would have suffered the wild beasts to tear us to pieces, or left us to rot in prison or perish in distress. What else is that but to reproach them as murderers and bloodhounds? For although you have not actually done all this, you have nevertheless, so far as you were concerned, suffered him to pine and perish in misfortune.

Related scripture

Deuteronomy 10:18;

Deuteronomy 27:18-19;

Job 31:5, 13-33;

Proverbs 3:27;

Jeremiah 7:5-6;

Zechariah 7:9-10;

Malachi 3:5;

Luke 6:27

Some food for thought

Still holds true today

The Daily Meditation

1 Thessalonians 2:13

13 For this cause also thank we God without

ceasing, that when ye received the word of God,

which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word

of men, but as it is indeed the word of God, which

also worketh in you that believe.

Related Scripture

Psalm 33:4

Psalm 75:1;

Psalm 119:43;

Matthew 10:20;

Mark 4:20;

Romans 1:8;

1 Corinthians 2:12;

2 Corinthians 6:7;

Galatians 4:14;

Ephesians 1:13;

Colossians 1:5;

James 1:18;

1 Peter 1:23;

Revelation 11:17;

The Daily Meditation

1 Thessalonians 1:5, 2:3-6

5 For our Gospel was not unto you in word

only, but also in power, and in the holy Ghost, and

in much assurance, as ye know after what manner

we were among you for your sakes.

3 For our exhortation was not by deceit, nor by

uncleanness, nor by guile.

4 But as we were allowed of God, that the Gospel

should be committed unto us, so we speak, not as

they that please men, but God, which approveth

our hearts:

5 Neither yet did we ever use flattering words, as

ye know, nor colored covetousness, God is record.

6 Neither sought we praise of men, neither

of you, nor of others, when we might have been

chargeable, as the Apostles of Christ.

Related Scripture

Verse 5

Psalm 68:35;

Daniel 2:37;

Mark 12:24;

Mark 16:20;

John 1:12;

2 Corinthians 6:6

Verse 3

Psalm 32:2;

Psalm 34:13;

2 Corinthians 7:2;

1 Peter 2:1;

1 Peter 2:22;

1 Peter 3:10;

Revelation 14:5

Verse 4

Proverbs 17:3;

Mark 8:33;

Romans 2:29;

1Corinthians 2:5;

Galatians 1:10;

1 Peter 1:21;

Titus 1:3;

Verse 5

Exodus 18:21;

Psalm 119:36;

Luke 12:15;

Romans 1:9;

2 Corinthians 2:17;

2 Corinthians 9:5;

Verse 6

John 12:42-43;

Acts 15:4;

1 Corinthians 12:28;

1 Corinthians 15:9-11;

1 Timothy 5:17;

The Daily Meditation

1 Corinthians 15:58


58 Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast,
unmovable, abundant always in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain
in the Lord.

Related scripture

2 Samuel 22:2-3, 47;
Psalm 62:6;
Psalm 112:7;
1 Corinthians 3:8;
Philippians 2:16;
Colossians 1:23;
Hebrews 3:14;
Hebrews 6:19;
2 Peter 3:14;

The Daily Meditation

1 Corinthians 15:45, 49

45 As it is also written, The first man Adam
was made a living soul: and the last Adam was made
a quickening spirit.
49 And as we have born the image of the earthly,
so shall we bear the image of the heavenly.

Related Scripture

Verse 45
Genesis 2:7;
Job 33:4;
John 5:21;
John 6:57, 63;
John 11:25;
Romans 5:14;
Galatians 6:8;

Verse 49
Genesis 5:3;
Romans 8:29-30;
2 Corinthians 3:17-18;
1 Peter 2:9-10;

The Daily Meditation

The Daily Meditation


1 Corinthians 15:33-34

33 Be not deceived: evil speakings corrupt good
manners.
34 Awake to live righteously, and sin not: for some
have not the knowledge of God, I speak this to your
shame.

Related Scriptures

Verse 33
Matthew 12:34
1 Corinthians 5:6;
Titus 3:2;
James 4:11;
1 Peter 3:10, 16;
2 Peter 2:10-12;
Jude 1:8-10;

Verse 34
Deuteronomy 26:17;
1 Kings 8:61;
Psalm 89:30-35;
Psalm 119:3;
Romans 8:4;
Romans 13:11;
Ephesians 5:14;
1 Thessalonians 4:5;

The Sunday Sermon

The Ten Commandments Part 4b
By Martin Luther

Thou shalt honor thy father and thy mother.
Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16;

Notice how great, good, and holy a work is here assigned children, which is alas utterly neglected and disregarded, and no one perceives that God has commanded it or that it is a holy, divine Word and doctrine. (Numbers 15:40; Deuteronomy 5:29; Psalm 119:172; ) For if it had been regarded as such, every one could have inferred that they must be holy men who live according to these words. Every child would have abided by this commandment, and could have directed his conscience to God and said: "If I am to do good and holy works, I know of none better than to render all honor and obedience to my parents, because God has Himself commanded it. For what God commands must be much and far nobler than everything that we may devise ourselves, and since there is no higher or better teacher to be found than God, there can be no better doctrine, indeed, than He gives forth.(Deuteronomy 32:4; Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 119:168) Now, He teaches fully what we should do if we wish to perform truly good works, and by commanding them, He shows that they please Him. If, then, it is God who commands this, and who knows not how to appoint anything better, I will never improve upon it." (Proverbs 3:12-17;)

Behold, in this manner we would have had a godly child properly taught, (Proverbs 22:6;) reared in true blessedness, and kept at home in obedience to his parents and in their service, so that men should have had blessing and joy from the spectacle. However, God's commandment was not permitted to be thus with such care and diligence commended, but had to be neglected and trampled under foot, so that a child could not lay it to heart, and meanwhile gaped like a panting wolf at the devices which we set up, without once consulting or giving reverence to God. (Isaiah 24:17;) Let us, therefore, learn at last, (Isaiah 1:18-20;) for God's sake, that, placing all other things out of sight, our youths look first to this commandment, (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20;) if they wish to serve God with truly good works, that they do what is pleasing to their fathers and mothers, or to those to whom they may be subject in their stead. For every child that knows and does this has, in the first place, this great consolation in his heart that he can joyfully say and boast (in spite of and against all who are occupied with works of their own choice): "Behold, this work is well pleasing to my God in heaven that I know for certain." Let them all come together with their many great, distressing, and difficult works and make their boast, we will see whether they can show one that is greater and nobler than obedience to father and mother, to whom God has appointed and commanded obedience next to His own majesty; so that if God's Word and will are in force and being accomplished nothing shall be esteemed higher than the will and word of parents; yet so that it, too, is subordinated to obedience toward God and is not opposed to the preceding commandments. (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21;)

Therefore you should be heartily glad and thank God that He has chosen you and made you worthy to do a work so precious and pleasing to Him. Only see that, although it be regarded as the most humble and despised you esteem it great and precious, not on account of our worthiness, but because it is comprehended in, and controlled by, the jewel and sanctuary, namely, the Word and commandment of God. (Proverbs 4:1-5;)

Rest in his Love

Rest in His Love

The Daily Meditation

1 Corinthians 15:20-22

20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and
was made the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came
also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall
all be made alive.

Related Scripture

Genesis 3:19;
Ezekiel 18:8;
Jonah 2:6;
Matthew 28:6-7;
Mark 16:6;
Luke 24:6;
John 11:25;
Acts 2:24;
Acts 26:23;
Romans 5:12;
Romans 6:23;
Romans 8:34;
1 Corinthians 15:45;
Colossians 1:18;
2 Timothy 1:10;
Hebrews 9:27;
1 Peter 1:3;
Revelation 1:5

The Daily Meditation

1 Corinthians 15:10

10 But by the grace of God I am that I am: and his
grace which is in me, was not in vain: but I labored
more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the
grace of God which is with me.

Related Scripture

Romans 1:5;
Romans 3:24;
Galatians 1:15;
Ephesians 3:3, 7;
Philippians 2:13;
2 Timothy 1:9;
Titus 3:7;