Category: Rest

Covenant, Rest

Are your bones dry?

Inge Schultz

Have you lost Hope?

And I shall put my Spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land; then shall ye know that I, the Lord, have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.”

Ezekiel 37:14

Ezekiel, who was a priest, was carried away into Babylon, but he stood strong in the Lord and prophesied. Ezekiel prophecy is to this day being debated as to its meaning and fulfillment. In essence it speaks to the glory of God and future events. Some of it has been fulfilled and some of it is still yet to come in the future. Many are asking if we have entered into the last days, and it may seem close, but not all prophecies have been fulfilled. This is the time to take up your Bible and dust it off and begin to read it with more fervor just to know about the prophecies it reveals. No matter what tribe you are from, you can be grafted into the vine again if you believe. The Apostle Paul spoke about the olive tree and how if God did not spare the natural branches so He will not spare those who live in unbelief. The Lord God is adamant about unbelief. The olive tree speaks to the promise of Abraham’s seed. Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness [see Galatians 3:6]. Paul also stated that He is an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham [see Romans 11:1].

The mystery is in the two houses that came from the 12 Tribes of Israel. The two nations known as the tribe of Judah and the tribe of Israel. The Jews are descended from Judah, who was the fourth son of Jacob. This is written down in Matthew chapter one in verse one through four and this genealogy is carried through to the time of Christ birth. Jerusalem was capital of Judah while the capital of Israel was Samaria. Today, this is still being debated as to its title that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. The Six-Day War after 1967 was when Israel seized all of Jerusalem. In 1980, Israel declared Jerusalem as its capital even when many did not consider this valid. So, the debate continues. However, in Ezekiel there is the vision of the bones who are for the whole house of Israel and God does not leave anybody out. The prophecy to Ezekiel is the sign of the two sticks for, one for Judah and for the children of Israel. Take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel [Ezekiel 37:16].

Join them one to another into one stick, and they shall become one in thine hand.

Ezekiel 37:17,19

Just read on and you will read about the covenant of peace, and it shall be an everlasting covenant. There is a specific order for Ezekiel prophecies. There is restoration of the land, then of the people, judgement, and worship of the Lord. Just remember that the 12 Tribes of Israel became two nations, the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Also, remember that there are 8 covenants that was given throughout the history of the Bible. Most of us are familiar with the Mosaic covenant because we have heard of the ten commandments. Let us also remember that there are conditional and unconditional covenants. In Ezekiel chapter 36, a new covenant is mentioned about God giving a new heart and a new spirit and taking away the stony heart [see Ezekiel 36:26]. There will come a time when national Israel comes to believe that Jesus is the Saviour and the final sacrifice for the remission of sins. The Apostle Paul states that some were blinded and that they are in a period of slumber. Paul also spoke about Elijah who spoke against Israel for killing the prophets and ignoring God’s covenant. Thus, Israel is only partially blinded, for some have received the gospel of Jesus Christ. In any case, God is able to graft them back in again.

The vision is in the future where the nation of Israel will be restored to its original glory with those 12 lost tribes that were taken into other nations. The Lord God is doing this for His own Holy names sake to bear witness of the fact that His name was profane by the house of Israel [see Ezekiel36:22]. God will bring them back into their own land and He will cleanse them from their filthiness. God has not forgotten his covenant with His people in regard to being alienated from the land of their inheritance. The 12 tribes of Israel that has been taken into captivity are mentioned in Revelation chapter 7 verses 1 to 8. However, lets back up to the warning the Lord gives to the shepherds of Israel in chapter 34 of Ezekiel. This is a clear warning to anyone who leads a flock as a pastor where the pastor only feeds himself and not the flock [see Ezekiel 34:2-6]. Take care of the flock that God has given you. God will gather up the lost sheep of Israel and he will make a covenant of peace. Those whom God gathers will know about the new Covenant.

The new Covenant is mentioned in Hebrew 8:8 of the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. This Covenant is new and not of the old covenant when they were taken out of Egypt. God knew that they did not continue in his covenant. In Hebrews verses10 to 11, it states that the Lord will put his laws into their minds and write them into their hearts. Plus, they will not have to teach their neighbor or brother anymore. This is an amazing thing that will happen, and it has not yet happened. Everyone will know the Lord. The realities of the new Covenant should be realized by those who call themselves Christians who are Gentiles and not of the nation of Israel. That Christ came and gave his own blood to obtain eternal redemption for us. We can read of the importance of it in Hebrew 9:14.

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

No flesh can be justified by the works of the law [Galatians 2:16]. In fact, we should remember what the Apostle Paul was telling the churches at Galatia. Paul did not want to void the grace of God by going back into legalism of the written law. That is why Paul stated, “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me,” Galatians 2:20. The law was added due to transgressions [wrongdoing, sin]. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for cursed is everyone that hanged on a tree [see Galatians 3:13]. This was so that the Gentiles could receive the blessing of Abraham and that the promise through Jesus Christ might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Remember the law was the schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. But the law cannot justify a sinner or sanctify a believer. Only through Christ are we justified and sanctified. Justified by faith and sanctified by the Spirit through Christ Jesus.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”

Romans 8:2

This was so that the righteousness of the law would be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. If your bones are dry, then come to the Lord who will give you fresh water to drink and renew the spirit in your mind to that of Christ. Jesus said, “come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest unto your soul,” [Matthew 11:28-29]. Let us all enter into His rest, and His peace. Let us remember how David exclaimed, “LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.” Yet, now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee, [Psalms 39:4,7]. Yes, my hope is in the Lord. There is hope in the Lord, let us place our life in the Lord’s hand and rest from our works and be cleansed and renewed in our mind and our spirit that we may see the glory of the Lord God where our hope is.

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Rest, Security

Secret Place of Security

Inge Schultz

Because thou hast made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most high, thy habitation, There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come near thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Psalms 91:9-11

There is a place of security that each human being desires. A place of peace, love, and joy. A place that is safe from all harm and you do not need to fear the “what if something happens.” A place where love reigns. Can there be such a place? Is there a secret place of security? I am always amazed at how our Lord takes care of His own. I have heard of some great stories of God miraculously saving people from harm. We do not understand what it really means to be in that secret place of security. We do not understand what it means to abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Can we say the same as King David, “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God; in him will I trust,” [Psalms 91:2]? Can we truly say this within our hearts? If you have said yes, then you are in that secret place of security. There is no doubt within your heart that you are dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. You are secured within His love and know that no matter what happens you belong to Him. Belonging to the Lord is the secret place of security. The promise is here in Psalms 91. He will answer you when you call upon Him. He will be with you when you are in trouble. Not only that but you will be satisfied with a long life, and He will show you, His salvation.

Long life and safety are an act of God. Many have a hard time of comprehending it because we have not experienced it firsthand. I went halfway around the world to finally see God’s salvation. My stepdad went just about all around the world before he saw God’s salvation. My stepdad dug his way out of a pile of rubble after a bomb hit the ground. He also escaped from a concentration camp during World War II. We have heard and read stories of the horror of World War II, but through it people walked out alive like my stepdad and Corrie Ten Boom. Corrie Ten Boom went on sharing her testimony around the world about God’s love and forgiveness. Corrie Ten Boom learned about the secret place to security.

If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, You’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.

Corrie Ten Boom

Are you at rest? Are you looking at God? Those who are at rest with God are in that secret place. Those who are at rest with God have peace within their hearts. The work of righteousness is peace, and its effect is quietness and assurance as is stated in Isaiah 32:17. What about verse 18 of Isaiah 32, “my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” Can you imagine a dwelling place that is a peaceful habitation? This will happen when our eyes are on the Lord. When we are under His shelter and not our own. It is good to know that He gives His angels charge over us. I can affirm this when I have experienced miraculous saving from death and harmful violence. Like a neighbor who wanted to hit me on my porch, but a force stopped her from hitting me. There was an invisible shield in front of me and I felt it, plus I was frozen in place and could not move. I have witness this three times in different circumstances, so I know that God sends His angels to guard us, and we do not see them.

We are not aware of them, but it is mentioned in Hebrews 13:2, “be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Angels unawares are ministering spirits sent from God to help those who are heirs of salvation. Have you ever wondered how Lot knew that the two men were angels that came to Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis chapter 19? Have you seen the movie Sodom and Gomorrah? Lot is warned by the angels to get out of the city because God was going to destroy it. Do not look back on iniquity for it is grievous to God and it should be shocking to you also. Immoral acts affect us all because it is destructive. Its aim is to consume at all costs. That is what was happening in Sodom and Gomorrah.

Destruction is all around us, yet with God there is peace and rest. We do not have to be afraid for we can abide under the shadow of the Almighty.   Psalms 91 can be our prayer from deliverance from destruction that is around us. We can have the assurance of safety in the arms of God knowing that He will deliver us from all evil and no plague shall come near us, for He shall give his angels charge over us to keep us in all ways because He hath set His love upon us and knows us. He will satisfy us with long life and show us His salvation.  Praise His Holy name, let us ever stay in the secret place of the Most High.  If you are not in that secret place, cry out to God in repentance.  We are all sinners in need of saving. 

Christ died on the cross for you and me to save us from the evil one and from the power of the evil one who is Satan.  Christ has freed us from that power of dominion, and we no longer must look back upon our own iniquity.  Asking our Heavenly Father to save us in the name of Jesus is the key to deliverance.  It is a commitment we personally make to stay the course in faith by believing in who and what Christ has done for each of us.  His love for us is real if you allow His spirit to move upon your heart and cleanse it.  This to me is a miracle itself that He alone changes the heart of humanity.  We will forever stay in the place of security when we make Him our refuge.

If you have been following this blog, today marks the [one year event | 52 weeks] of Daily in His Love. I like to thank all those who have followed me each week reading this blog. You are all special and I knew that our Lord will bless you richly with His love, joy and peace. I encourage you to stay the course and continue in the secret place of the Most High. Communion with our God is special, and I have also been encouraged to continue another year in Daily in His Love blog. We are living in an unusual time of uncertainty, but our God is calling us to draw near to Him as revelation begins to unfold and we begin to see many of the prophecies in the Bible come true.

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Rest

Let us labor to enter His rest

Inge Schultz

Let us labor, therefore, to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Hebrews 4:11

How does one labor to enter His rest? No one wants to fall short of entering His rest, yet it happens to many Christians. Why? Because of unbelief. Unbelief is the number one problem and the reason why many Christians do not enter His rest.  This means we have fallen or departed from the living God. Listen to the warning sings in Hebrews chapter 3.

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing form the living God.

Hebrew 3:12

In the time of Moses, Israel did not enter the promised land of Canaan because of unbelief. They had a hard time of believing in God to meet all their needs. When they did not receive what they needed, they rebelled. Their hearts were hardened, and they did not heed the word of God. They could not even wait for Moses to come down from the mountain before they went their own way. Moses had to plead to God to pardon them and the Lord said to Moses, “how long will it be before they believe me, for all the signs which I have sown among them,” [see Numbers 14:11]. The promise land of milk and honey was a land where there was lots of vegetation and bees to sustain their living. It is interesting to note that rest here means to cease from exertion. Many of us may find ourselves laboring to enter that rest.

We may believe in God for our salvation, but we may not believe in God for our healing, or as our provider to sustain us in life. We may have hidden hinderance that prevent us from fully believing in God in these areas, yet God is telling us to fully believe in him for all things in our life. We therefore labor, struggle, work at having faith in God because of a lack of teaching or knowledge in the word of God, or simply not being able to fully trust in the Lord. We wrestle through prayer also to enter that rest. It is why in chapter four of Hebrews verse 16 it states for us to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Every day we have personal needs that must be fulfilled. We need added strength to carry out our daily living. If rest means sabbath, then who is lord of that sabbath?

For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

Matthew 12:8

Jesus is Lord of the sabbath and the first thing he does is to heal on the Sabbath. Wow! To me that is exciting to read about the healing of the man whose hand was paralyzed.   Jesus healed them all who needed healing. There is nothing that our God does not know when it comes to our personal needs.  All things that pertain to man is before the Lord’s eye. That is why the apostle Peter exclaimed, “grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,” [see 2 Peter 1:2]. The apostle Peter goes on to say that through His divine power, He has given us all things that pertain to life. All things, not just Salvation.  We are to be partakers of that divine nature of God since we have escaped the corruption of this world through Christ. We are to add to our faith virtue, righteousness, and knowledge. If we lack anything, He will supply. Just remember that self-control and patience are also added to our faith because we trust in God to fulfill His promises.

We can stir ourselves up by reading the word and speaking about it to each other. This will make our calling in Christ a sure thing. This will build our faith up knowing that it is on a sure foundation because Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Therefore, we hold fast our profession, for Jesus, the Son of God is our high priest, and He also intercedes on our behalf [see Romans 8:34]. Nothing should keep us from fully believing in God for all our needs.   Let us fully enter His rest even if we must work and wrestle through prayer in getting there.  Remember that He loves you and cares for you.

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Doing Good, Rest

Rest in the Lord

Inge Schultz

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him; fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; fret not thyself in any way to do evil.

Psalms 37:7-8

How can we rest in the Lord and not become anxious over Covid-19, or what we have witness within our own communities? I often wonder myself at the injustices that are taking place every day. Last year we have seen an increase of violence in cities across America and it was anything but beautiful. Maybe we should revisit the song America The Beautiful. We need God to shed his grace upon us all in America.

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

There are so many voices that want to be heard that sincere compassion left the office and violence moved in. Anger rises because of unfair practices, criticism, or being threatened. When we begin to not respect other peoples feelings or possessions then we are losing the cohesiveness of humanity. Society needs to work towards the wellbeing of all its members and promote opportunity for everyone and not just a few. That is what doing good is all about. That is what brotherhood means.  It means helping one another. We need God’s grace every day to make it when we are hit with financial issues, health issues, and grieving the loss of someone, or even a pet. We need to remember that there is a higher power we can rely on that has overcome the world. God is for us and not against us.

Can we be a person after God’s own heart like David? In Psalms 37 David is telling us not to “FRET,” or become angry, but to trust in the Lord and do good. David surely has seen violence during his time, and he was hiding and talking to God about it. I am sure David became angry at what was happening around him and against him. He may have even been confused as to why circumstances were against him. Yet, we know that God had a purpose in what was happening, and God did help David through his circumstances. We will get through our circumstances as well if we remember that we are not alone. The Lord told Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7 not to look at others stature because as man they have the habit of looking at the outward appearance instead of looking at what is in the heart. God sees the heart of man. We are to delight ourselves in the Lord and He will give us the desires of our heart.

Our heart must be pure when we ask for what we need. We do not ask to get something so that we can be better than someone else. We ask with a sincere heart like David who prayed and had a conversation with God. Even the apostle Paul said “be ye angry and sin not” [see Ephesians 4:6]. Paul said, “let not the sun go down upon your anger.” In other words, before the sun goes down our anger is to cease. David is warning us that doing evil is not the way to get even, for the Lord sees the heart of man. We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ on that day, and we do not want to become a stumbling block to anyone. [see Romans 14:10-12] It is better to cool our anger by talking to God about it and or confess it to someone who will pray with you to be healed of the anger. Let us continue to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him every day. Thank God for His marvelous grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled

Grace, grace, God’s grace
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within
Grace, grace, God’s grace
Grace that is greater than all our sin

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace
Freely bestowed on all who believe
You who are longing to see His face
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Hymnal written by Julia Johnston in 1911

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