HAVE YOU ALREADY “FALLEN FROM THE HORSE”?

Acts 9: 1-29

1 And Saul, still breathing threats and deaths against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest.

2 And he asked him for letters to Damascus, to the synagogues, so that if he found some of this Way, whether men or women, he would lead them prisoners to Jerusalem.

3 And as he was on the way, it came to pass that, as he approached Damascus, a bright light from the sky suddenly surrounded him.

4 And when he fell to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?

5 And he said, Who are you, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Tough is for you to recalcitrate against the goads.

6 And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what do you want me to do? And the Lord said to him, Arise, and go into the city, and there you will be told what you should do.

7 And the men who were going with him stopped in amazement, hearing the voice, but seeing no one.

8 And Saul arose from the earth, and, opening his eyes, he saw no one. And, leading him by the hand, they led him to Damascus.

9 And he did not see for three days, and he neither ate nor drank.

10 And there was a certain disciple in Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias! And he replied: Here I am, Lord.

11 And the Lord said to him, Arise, and go to the street called Direita, and ask in Judas' house for a man from Tarsus named Saul; for, behold, he is praying;

12 And in a vision he saw that a man named Ananias came in, and he put his hand on him, that he might see again.

13 And Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how many evils he has done to your saints in Jerusalem;

14 And here you have the power of the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.

15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, because this is a chosen vessel for me to carry my name before the Gentiles, and the kings and children of Israel."

16 And I will show you how much you must suffer for my name.

17 And Ananias went and entered the house and, laying his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the path where you were coming, sent me, that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

18 And immediately scales fell from his eyes, and he recovered his sight; and, getting up, he was baptized.

19 And when he had eaten, he was comforted. And Saul spent a few days with the disciples who were in Damascus.

20 And immediately in the synagogues he preached Christ, that he is the Son of God.

21 And all who heard him were astonished, and said, Is this not the one in Jerusalem who was persecuting those who called on this name, and that is why he came here, to take them prisoners to the chief priests?

22 Saul, however, tried harder, and confused the Jews who lived in Damascus, proving that that was the Christ.

23 And after many days had passed, the Jews took counsel among themselves to kill him.

24 But his pitfalls came to Saul's knowledge; and how they guarded the doors, both day and night, so that they could take his life,

25 When the disciples took it at night, they lowered it, in a basket, over the wall.

26 And when Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he sought to join the disciples, but they all feared him, not believing that he was a disciple.

27 Then Barnabas, taking him with him, brought him to the apostles, and told them how on the way he had seen the Lord and spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.

28 And he walked with them in Jerusalem, coming and going,

29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. He also spoke and disputed against the Greeks, but they sought to kill him.

We find in the Bible the story of a young man who had to “fall off his horse”. He fell from his pride and pride to be a wonderful instrument in the Lord's hands. His name is Paulo de Tarso.

Paulo comes from the Latin Paulus, which means "small". He became small because he “fell off his horse”. Before, it was called “Saulo”, which means “anointed”. He knew the meaning of his name: and considered himself the "anointed himself". It was precisely because of spiritual pride that Saulo needed to “fall off the horse” of his self-sufficiency.

Saul was devastating the Church; he would enter the houses and drag men and women out to throw them in prison (Ac 8, 1b-3). Observe the fury of this young man. In fact, all of this happened because Paul allowed, from the day he saw the stoning of Stephen, that a great hatred invaded his heart. This led him to commit barbarities that are narrated in the Acts of the Apostles, for believing that he was doing the will of the Creator.

It was a loophole that he opened! And in his life, what gap has been opened? Perhaps the revolt against someone in your family, your father or your mother, grandmother; grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin, friend, acquaintance, an affective situation that made you feel rejected; feeling humiliated, physical or psychological abuse, unrestrained sexuality or drug use.

Anyway, the fact is that the breach created resentments in his heart, and Satan was able to enter it. And when he enters, he does a great deal of damage, as he did in Saulo. Jesus loves everyone, Saul was no exception. The Lord loved him, knew his heart. Jesus saw the damage that happened in his life, because he gave the enemy a breach, and he came with the power to rescue him.

In the Hebrew language, Jesus called him “anointed”: Saul. An "anointed one" could not act like Paul. But, to God, he was his chosen one, His anointed. At that moment, Saulo “fell off his horse”! And the Lord gave him an order: "Now, get up, enter the city, and there you will be told what to do" (Acts 9: 6).

That young man, who emanated threats and revolts, is caught by Jesus and is transformed when Ananias lays hands on him: he is filled with the Holy Spirit!

That same Jesus loves and knows you. He knows what breach you opened and the same love he had for Saul, he has for you. Saulo “fell” from his pride and, “falling to the ground, he heard a voice that said:‘ Saulo, Saulo, why are you persecuting me? ’” (Ac 9.4).

God wants to enter his life as he did in Saul's life, even if it is necessary to make you “fall off the horse”. You cannot go on with that kind of life. You are an elect, a chosen one, like Saul! What God has done, changing the course of Saul's life, wants to do with you. You just have to accept it!

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What the Eternal expects of you!

 HOW WILL THEY HEAR WITHOUT SOMEONE PREACHING TO THEM?

And he said to them (Jesus): Go into all the world, preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

What is your world? Where the Eternal planted you, start there ...

because "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved".

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe him that they have not heard of? And how will they hear if there is no one to preach?

Romans 10: 13,14

Jesus is coming ... many of us have heard this message many times and, some wonder where is that promise? Jesus has not yet returned. I've heard it since my grandparents' time. And the interesting thing is that, knowing this, he wrote:

2 Peter 3: 1-18

1 Beloved, I now write to you this second letter, in both of which I awaken your sincere courage with exhortation;

2 That you may remember the words that were first spoken by the holy prophets, and our commandment, as apostles of the Lord and Savior.

3 Knowing this first, that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts,

4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? because as long as the parents slept, everything remains as it was from the beginning of creation.

5 They voluntarily ignore this, that by the word of God the heavens have existed since antiquity, and the earth, which was taken out of the water and in the midst of the water remains.

6 For what things the world then perished, covered with the waters of the flood,

7 But the heavens and the earth, which now exist by the same word, are reserved as treasure, and are kept for fire, until the day of judgment, and the destruction of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved, do not ignore one thing, that a day to the Lord is like a thousand years, and a thousand years as a day.

9 The Lord does not delay his promise, although some take it late; but he is long-suffering towards us, not wanting some to get lost, but that everyone will repent.

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief by night; in which the heavens will pass with a great crash, and the elements will burn, and the earth and the works in it will be burned.

11 Therefore, when all these things should perish, what people should you be in holy treatment and piety,

12 Waiting and hastening for the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will melt in fire, and the elements, burning, will melt?

13 But we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

14 Therefore, beloved, looking for these things, seek that you be found immaculate and blameless in peace.

15 And have the patience of our Lord for salvation; just as our beloved brother Paul wrote to you, according to the wisdom that was given him;

16 Speaking of this, as in all his epistles, among which there are difficult points to understand, which the unlearned and inconstant are twisting, and likewise the other Scriptures, to their own perdition.

17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, beware that, by the deception of abominable men, you are caught up together, and fall from your steadfastness;

18 Rather, grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To him be given the glory, just now, as in the day of eternity. Amen.

The truth is that Jesus is returning to many people in the world and now, because of the corona virus, we are realizing this more vehemently: And I ask myself: - Did they hear the Gospel during the course of their lives? Did you have a family member who gave good testimony? Someone who has shown them the way of hope? Some I think so, however, not all ... You know, our lives are not limited to this world, to the few years of life we ​​have and yes, what we planted in this path. Above all, it consists of deciding where to go after leaving this tabernacle as the Bible says. And along this path, plant good seeds that bear good fruit. And what are we doing to change this reality? Our ministry begins with our family ... What has been our character and testimony within our families, in the neighborhood, at work, on the course, at school or colleges? Have we spoken of the love of the Eternal who through Jesus reached us? Are we being a channel of blessing for someone? Do we help others in what we can? Are we caring, loving, forgiving, responsible?

Have you been saved? Was it washed, rescued, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb?

Preach the Gospel! That is Jesus' order! You are a living witness of Jesus Christ! Live Letter!

Talk about that love. Even if you don't know how to speak, have attitudes consistent with your faith!

Start somehow: demonstrating, speaking, physically, on social networks. In this pandemic period, when we cannot visit or meet with people, social media has been a vast field of preaching the Gospel! A great opportunity to spread the Kingdom of the Eternal and his love. Let go of shame, pride, guilt and sadness, selfishness, the feeling of inability.

Allow yourself to be an instrument in the hands of the Creator!

I discovered a while ago, that it doesn't need to be all right in your life, for you to preach the Gospel: even in the face of your struggles, adversities, trials, affronts and deserts ... The Eternal works and uses his suffering to help others ... because he only understands and develops empathy, whoever passes by.

I beseech you, brothers, to become like me, for I have become like you. You have offended me in no way;

as you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to them.

Although my illness was a trial for you, you did not treat me with contempt or disdain; on the contrary, they received me as if I were an angel of God, like Christ Jesus himself.

What happened to your joy? I am sure that, if it were possible, you would have taken out your own eyes to give them to me.

Did I become your enemy by telling you the truth?

Galatians 4: 12-16

Jesus after being resurrected talking to Peter on the beach He asked Peter three times: Pedro do you love me? And Jesus replied: Peter, take care of my sheep ...

This call does not need a post, it is the role of everyone who believes! All who profess to have faith in Jesus!

And the Word of the Eternal warns us:

 Timothy 4: 1-7

1 I therefore charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead, at his coming and in his kingdom,

2 That you preach the word, urge in time and out of time, remarks, rebukes, exhortations, with all long-suffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, having itching in their ears, doctors will pile up for themselves according to their own lusts;

4 And they will turn their ears away from the truth, returning to fables.

5 But you, be sober in everything, suffer the afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

6 For I am already being offered by the sprinkling of sacrifice, and the time for my departure is near.

7 I fought the good fight, I finished my career, I kept the faith.

My wish is that you will at all times be an instrument in the hands of the Creator for the advancement of the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ because, he is returning ...

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WAIT IN GOD ... HE HAS WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU!

WAIT IN THE ETERNAL CREATOR ...

A SONG TO BRING YOU COMFORT, CONFIDENCE AND STRENGTHEN YOU TO WAIT IN THE ETERNAL CREATOR ....

Psalm 40

1 I waited patiently for the LORD, and he bowed to me and heard my cry.

2 he drew me out of a horrible lake, out of a mire of mud, put my feet on a rock, steadied my steps.

3 And he put a new song in my mouth, a hymn to our God; many will see it and fear and trust in the Lord.

4 Blessed is the man who puts his trust in the Lord, and who does not respect the proud or those who turn away from lies.

5 Many are, Lord my God, the wonders that you have worked for us, and your thoughts cannot be counted before you; if I wanted to announce them, and speak of them, they are more than can be counted on.

6 Sacrifice and offering you did not want; you opened my ears; you have not claimed for a burnt offering and a sin offering.

7 Then he said, Behold, I am coming; on the roll of my book is written.

8 I delight to do your will, O my God; yes, your law is within my heart.

9 I preached justice in the great congregation; behold, I have not withheld my lips, Lord, you know it.

10 I did not hide your righteousness within my heart; I have proclaimed your faithfulness and your salvation. I have not hidden your kindness and your truth from the great congregation.

11 Do not take away your mercies from me, Lord; keep your kindness and your truth to me continually.

12 For innumerable evils have surrounded me; my iniquities have trapped me so that I cannot look up. They are more numerous than the hairs on my head; so my heart fails.

13 Be proud, Lord, to deliver me: Lord, hurry to my aid.

14 Let those who seek my life to destroy it be confused and ashamed; go back and confuse those who want me badly.

15 Desolate be those who say to me, Ah, for their affront. Ah!

16 Let those who seek you rejoice and rejoice in you; Let those who love your salvation constantly say, May the Lord be magnified.

17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord takes care of me. You are my help and my deliverer; don't stop, my God.

Often, the Eternal makes us personal promises, in any area of ​​our lives: restored family, healing from illness, marriage, spiritual liberation, transformation of a loved one, restoration of a child on drugs, a dream job , a promotion at work, the realization of owning a home, the dream of having a child, of being prosperous or an entrepreneur or even, biblical promises like the DELE promise is with us every day, of not to be forsaken, that adversity will not destroy us, about salvation, promises are put in check ... and many because they do not understand, think that the fulfillment of the Eternal's promise will be immediate! however, until this promise is fulfilled, there is a desert path to be followed. This happens with every Christian and at various times in life. In this way, adversities arise, anguish and sadness hit us, situations are beyond our control, we feel cornered, unprotected and defenseless to the point that we think there is no way. They are invested by our enemy, Satan, using situations and people to discredit what the Eternal promised us! And discourage us from continuing to fight and keep hope. This desert path is preparing and strengthening our faith in Him! ... Nobody is happy to wait. Waiting requires perseverance, faith, resistance and trust, qualities that are difficult for human beings to exercise in the face of contrary circumstances! It is also difficult to deal with the silence of the Eternal, closed skies. Where it seems, that our prayers are not being heard. However, at that time, we can remember the psalmist David and, follow his example of going to the feet of the Eternal and praying in faith, even if it “seems in vain”, to stop in faith! also to be comforted when anguish and hopelessness knock on the door of our hearts! The secret is to wait on the Eternal, to keep the trust and faith in Him! David, a shepherd, the youngest son of Jesse who was despised, was called by the Eternal and chosen to take Saul's place as king of Israel. At seventeen, he was anointed king of Israel by the prophet Samuel before his family. David had already saved a lion and bear, his father's sheep and on the day that the Philistine giant confronted the army of the living God, there was David, full of the presence of the Eternal, overthrew Goliath and took off his head. David played the harpoon and after Saul displeased the Creator, he was plagued by demons. These were the circumstances that the Eternal allowed David to approach Saul, belong to his army and be enabled to one day be King. David touched the harpoon and the demons moved away.

King David Story: Who Was David in the Bible?

David's story is one of the best known in the Holy Bible. King David was the second monarch of Israel, the man chosen by God to lead his people. David's life is narrated in the Old Testament, in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 1 Chronicles.

The meaning of the name "David", dawid, is uncertain. However, one of the most accepted possibilities is that the name Davi means "beloved", from the Hebrew dod. It has also been suggested that dawid should be equated with the term dawidum, "chief" or "army officer". If that were the case, then "David" would be a title rather than a proper name, but that suggestion is very unlikely.

Who was David?

David was the youngest son of Jesse, belonged to the tribe of Judah, and was the grandson of Moabite Ruth with the Jew Boaz. He was born in Bethlehem, a city that was approximately 10 kilometers south of Jerusalem. His father was a wealthy and respected man in the city.

David was raised as a shepherd. This profession taught him many qualities that he practiced throughout his life. When he took the throne of Israel, for example, he showed courage, dedication and care for the people. Exercising his profession of shepherding sheep, David faced challenging situations, such as a bear and a lion (1 Samuel 17: 34-37). The biblical text states that David was red, from the Hebrew ‘admoni,“ red, ”and looked good (1 Samuel 16:12).

David is anointed king by Samuel

The first time that David is mentioned in the Bible is in the text that describes the occasion of the visit of the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem. God had rejected Saul as king of Israel, and revealed that his successor was in the house of Jesse.

The prophet Samuel interviewed David's brothers as possible candidates for the throne. Initially David was not present. However, when none of Jesse's other sons met the divine specifications, David was called from the field where he tended the flock.

When David presented himself, God confirmed to the prophet Samuel that he was the chosen one. Then David was anointed in the presence of his brothers (1 Samuel 16:13). However, the purpose of such an anointing was not publicly revealed at that time. Most commentators understand that those present at that time probably understood that perhaps Samuel was anointing a possible successor in his prophetic ministry. It would be something similar to what the prophet Elijah did when anointing young Elisha as his successor.

In any case, the important thing is that the Bible states that from that day on "the Spirit of the Lord came upon David" (1 Samuel 16:13). Although he was chosen by God, it would still be some time before David was recognized by the people as king.

David and Goliath

One episode that brought David extreme recognition among the people of Israel was when he faced and killed the Philistine giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17). David had left home to bring food to his brothers who were warriors, as well as to gather information for his father about the battle against the Philistines.

On the battlefield, David became aware of Goliath's challenge to the army of Israel. He had proposed an individual battle against the chosen one on the Hebrew side. The winning side would determine the outcome of the battle.

This challenge had lasted forty days, but no one had yet been chosen to fight Goliath. For the Israelites, fighting that giant seemed to be suicide. King Saul himself understood the risks of that choice. For this reason he offered many rewards to anyone who volunteered to fight Goliath. In addition to the rewards, Saul also offered his daughter's hand in marriage.

When David offered to accept the Philistine giant's challenge, he received the best military equipment among the Hebrews. However, he declined the offer, as he was unable to handle the armor. When fighting, David used the stone and a sling as a weapon. The giant was defeated, its head was cut off and the young shepherd's victory showed that the Lord of Hosts was with him.

David at Saul's court

It is not possible to accurately specify the chronology of events that follow the anointing of David by Samuel, the victory over Goliath and his performance at Saul's court. What we do know is that David was recommended as a musician to relieve Saul's melancholy (1 Samuel 16:18). When he faced Goliath, he took turns as shepherd of his father's flock and his duties at Saul's court.

In addition to being the king's private musician, David also began to be the bearer of Saul's armor. The king had become attached to him (1 Samuel 16: 21-23). After David's heroic act defeating the giant, his popularity grew greatly among the people.

This strong and true friendship survived the periods of trial, and the covenant made by David and Jonathan lasted even after the death of Saul's son, when King David sent for the crippled Mephibosheth and assigned him the inheritance of Saul's family (2 Samuel 9: 7-13).

It was also during this period that Saul's envious anger grew against David. He had become the people's favorite (1 Samuel 18: 5). The Israelites even began to compose music for David, extolling his deeds more than those of the king himself.

Saul was unable to deal with that situation, and on several occasions he tried to harm and even kill David. He did this both directly and indirectly (cf. 1 Samuel 18:11; 19:10). Saul knew that David's popularity seriously threatened his family's continued throne. This was the main reason for this persecution.

In fact, this was true, which makes the friendship between David and Prince Jonathan even more extraordinary, as Jonathan recognized that the Lord's plan for Israel's future did include David as king (1 Samuel 23: 16-18). Jonathan even tried to appease his father's wrath against David, but was unsuccessful, and David finally had to flee.

David the fugitive

When David fled Saul, he first sought shelter in Ramah, next to the prophet Samuel. The king was still committed to capturing him, but was unsuccessful (1 Samuel 19: 18-24).

After Ramah, David went to the sanctuary of Nob. There he secured food and weapons for his journey to Gate, a city of the Philistines. It was in this city where David received training that trained him as a great warrior.

During this period David also began to form an unlikely army. He brought together men considered to be miserable, debtors and discontented. Among his loyal companions, many were not even Hebrews.

During this period David was gaining the confidence of clans of Judah who were dissatisfied with the role played by Saul. However, while King Saul was alive, David did not attempt anything against his life. It was in this context that he said that one cannot touch the Lord's anointed. This well-known phrase is also misinterpreted by many people.

David's story as king

David's history as king began even before he took the throne of Israel. First he became king of the tribe of Judah in Hebron (2 Samuel 2-4). This place was approximately 50 kilometers from Jerusalem, and became its capital.

As king in Hebron, David made important strategic alliances. Gradually he began to win over Israel's top leaders. With that, he circumvented the indisposition with many of those who supported Saul's home. David stayed in Hebron for seven and a half years.

David, king of Israel

David became king over the twelve tribes of Israel after the death of Ishbosheth, Saul's son. Isboseth had been proclaimed king by some supporters of his father. One of them was Saul's former captain, Abner, who was also killed. David assumed the throne of Israel still in Hebron, but shortly afterwards he transferred his capital to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 3-5).

In this way, King David became the first to rule Israel as a unified empire. Even with the division that occurred after the death of his son, King Solomon, the dynasty of the House of David lasted approximately 425 years.

In Jerusalem, King David built his palace on Mount Zion, after conquering the region of the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5: 6-9). In addition to this, he also built several other important buildings. King David also centralized the worship of God in Jerusalem, placing the Ark of the Covenant in the capital of the empire, and he wanted to build a Temple for the Lord, but this task God did not allow him to perform, and he was later in charge of his son, Solomon.

King David also established a powerful professional army. He won legendary victories against the Edomites, Philistines, Canaanites, Moabites, Ammonites, Aramaeans and Amalekites. King David built roads and strengthened trade routes. His actions brought great prosperity to the people of Israel.

The personal life of King David

King David had throughout his life many wives and concubines, with whom he fathered many children. David's best-known sons in the biblical narrative were Absalom, Adonijah, Ammon, Solomon, and Tamar, his daughter.

If the reign in front of Israel was prosperous and exemplary, the same cannot be said of his family life. King David's family has always been surrounded by conspiracies, intrigues, rivalries and tragedies.

A clear example of this are the episodes involving Absalom, who killed Ammon for raping Tamar. Then he himself was killed by Joab, King David's nephew, for treason. King David managed to unite twelve tribes, but he was unable to unite his own children.

King David's sin

King David's sin

It was in the period of great prosperity in the kingdom of Israel that David experienced his most bitter fall, where he conspired adulterated with Beth-sheba and conspired the death of Uriah, the woman's husband.

King David was severely rebuked by the prophet Nathan, exposing a sin that until then looked as if it would be covered up. David married Bathsheba, deeply repented, God forgave him, but did not fail to punish his sin (2 Samuel 12). From the union between Bathsheba and David their heir was born on the throne of Israel, King Solomon.

The consequences of David's sin could be seen clearly in the sequence of Israel's history. Certainly, this sin described in the Scriptures is a warning for each of us, because the holy and just character of God does not tolerate this type of thing.

The character of King David

King David was far from being a perfect man, but he was a sincere, faithful and loyal person to his friends. But mainly, David was sensitive to the voice of God.

King David was someone who had his heart completely inclined to God. He knew of his limited human condition before an Almighty God. In this way, he was true to repent and seek divine favor.

Psalmist David

King David is described as “the sweet psalmist from Israel” (2 Samuel 23: 1). The Old Testament makes numerous references to David as being a kind of leader of Israel's musical worship. He was also an inventor of musical instruments and a skilled composer (Nehemiah 12: 24-46; Amos 6: 5).

Of all the psalms recorded in the Bible, 73 of them in their titles attribute their authorship to David. Some of them are identified as being messianic psalms. In fact, Jesus himself attributes the authorship of one of these psalms to David (Leviticus 20:42).

King David in the New Testament

King David is mentioned numerous times not only in the Old Testament, but also in the New Testament. The most important mention of his person is as an ancestor according to the flesh of our Lord Jesus (Romans 1: 3). It is cited prominently in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospels.

In all, there are at least 58 references to King David in the New Testament. Among them is included the title often used to refer to Jesus as "Son of David". In the book of Revelation, the apostle John recorded the following words spoken by Jesus himself: "I am the root and the generation of David" (Revelation 22:16).

One of the best known descriptions of who David was is recorded in the book of Acts of the Apostles. In it, we read that King David was a man “after God's own heart” (Acts 13:22).

SOURCE: https://estiloadoracao.com/historia-do-rei-davi/

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obedience is the secret!

THE SEWING LAW IN THE ETERNAL KINGDOM ...

Tithing and offerings were common practice in the Old Testament. Jesus, Jesus' apostles and followers practiced it. After all, there have always been and there will be orphans, poor (needy) and widows. The Eternal is the owner of gold and silver. He doesn't need us or our money. However, the Eternal has established Principles, which, if obeyed, will bring blessings and benefits to our lives. If disobeyed, they will have consequences. We should not act out of interest, but out of gratitude and recognition of what the Eternal is in his essence, after all his son Jesus Christ offered for us. Of course, we want to be blessed, but more than that, we need the presence of the Blessor. Jesus gave an order: Jesus appears to the eleven disciples

Matthew 28.16-20; Luke 24: 36-49; John 20: 19-23; Acts 1.6-8

14 Finally, Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples while they were at the table, eating. He rebuked them for not having faith and for insisting on not believing what those who had seen him resurrected had told them. 15 Then he said,

- Go all over the world and announce the gospel to all people. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 Those who believe will be given the power to perform these miracles: to cast out demons by the power of my name and to speak new languages; 18 if they catch snakes or drink any poison, they will suffer no harm; and when they lay hands on the sick, they will be healed.

How to fulfill this order without resources? In Jesus' time, this was even possible, however, much longer, due to long walks and long trips by ships, carts and mounted on animals. They were unable to reach a large number of people at the same time, as today is possible with the internet. Today, there are means of transport to optimize time, digital resources, TV programs, where media spaces are very expensive. In Jesus' time, the worship was at home or outdoors. Today, due to the laws, rules and bureaucracies, normally, closed spaces are purchased and prepared according to the “rules” for receiving people, with acoustics, security, in short, with all the necessary infrastructure. There are expenses for light, water, telephone, internet, maintenance and cleaning, evangelism material, social works, mission trips, rent, evangelism projects and support for the Persecuted Church in the world (MISSÃO PORTAS ABERTAS) among others. Nothing is free, but everything is for Grace! and provided by the resources of the brothers (tithes and offerings) to sustain and propagate the Kingdom of the Eternal throughout the land until Jesus returns! Jesus cannot count on the government, but on His Church, who are each of us who profess faith in Him! Are there false prophets, profiteers and greedy dogs? Yes! Many the Holy Bible says so! If you don't feel good about tithing or giving in a local church! Do it by faith to an institution you trust: Nursing homes, orphanages, nursing homes, projects that help street people, the elderly, widows. But, do not retain what is not yours! For the Bible says that when we withhold, we are stealing from the Creator! Even if you don't believe in tithing anymore. The New Testament, after Jesus' resurrection, reveals many passages clarifying that the offering is necessary. As for the value, it's you and the Eternal! By faith!

The Eternal will not forget your deposit until that Great day! 2 Timothy 1: 12b

1 Corinthians 9: 9-27

Rights and duties of an apostle

9 In the Law of Moses it reads: "Do not tie the ox's mouth when he is treading the wheat." Is God interested in oxen? 10 Or was it about us that he said that? Of course, this is written in our favor! Both the sower and the reaper do their work in the hope of receiving their share of the harvest. 11 If we have sown the spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we receive any material reward from you? 12 If others have a right to expect this from you, do we not have much more rights than they do?

However, we have not used that right. On the contrary, we have endured everything so as not to disturb the gospel of Christ. 13 Surely you know that those who work in the Temple are from the Temple who receive their food. And they also know that those who offer sacrifices on the altar receive part of the meat of the animals that are sacrificed there. 14 So the Lord also commanded those who proclaim the gospel to live by the work of proclaiming the gospel.

15 But I have not used any of these rights, nor am I writing this now to claim those rights for myself. I would rather die than do that! And no one will take away the pride that I have to act like this! 16 I have no right to be proud to announce the gospel. After all, doing this is my duty. Woe is me if I don't announce the gospel!

17 Therefore, if I do my work of my own accord, then I can expect some payment. However, if I do it as a duty, it is because it is a job that God gave me to do. 18 In that case, what is the payment I receive? It is the satisfaction of announcing the gospel without charging anything and without demanding the rights that I have as a preacher of the gospel.

19 I am a free man; I am not anyone's slave. But I became a slave to everyone in order to win as many people as possible for Christ. 20 When I work among Jews, I live as a Jew in order to win them over to Christ. I am not under the Law of Moses; but when I work among the Jews, I live as if I am under that Law to win the Jews over to Christ. 21 Likewise, when I am among non-Jews, I live outside the Law of Moses in order to win non-Jews for Christ. This does not mean that I do not obey the law of God, because I am, in fact, under the law of Christ. 22 When I am among the weak in the faith, I also become weak in order to win them over to Christ. So I become everything to everyone in order to be able, in any way possible, to save some.

23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel in order to share in your blessings. 24 You know that in a race, although all runners take part, only one wins the prize. So run in such a way that you win the prize. 25 Every athlete who is training can take hard exercises because he wants to receive a crown of laurel leaves, a crown that, by the way, does not last very long. But we want to receive a crown that lasts forever. 26 So I run straight to the finish line.

I'm also like a boxer who doesn't miss a blow. 27 I treat my body harshly and force it to be completely controlled so that, after having called others to join the fight, I myself will not be eliminated from it.

Of the multitude of those who believed, one was the mind and one was the heart. Nobody considered anything they owned, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, for those who owned land or houses sold it, brought the money from the sale and placed it at the feet of the apostles, who distributed it according to the needs of each one. Acts of the Apostles 4: 32-35

Honor the Lord

with all its resources

and with the first fruits

of all his plantations; your barns

will be completely full,

and their barrels will overflow with wine.

Proverbs 3: 9-10

Jesus looked and saw the wealthy putting their contributions in the gift boxes. He also saw a poor widow put two small copper coins. And she said, "I claim that this poor widow has put more than all the others. All of these have given what was left over; but she, from her poverty, gave everything she had to live." Luke 21: 1-4

In everything I did, I showed you that through hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus himself, who said: 'There is greater happiness in giving than in receiving' ".

Acts of the Apostles 20:35

There are those who give generously,

and sees its wealth increase;

others retain what they should give,

and fall into poverty. Proverbs 11:24

I received everything, and what I have is more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received the donations you sent from Epaphroditus. They are an offering of mild aroma, an acceptable and pleasing sacrifice to God. Philippians 4:18

The disciples, each according to their means, decided to provide help for the brothers who lived in Judea. They did so, sending their offerings to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Acts of the Apostles 11: 29-30

The practice of tithing today is not law for Christians, but it is also not condemnable before God, since anyone who contributes healthily to the Lord's work does so voluntarily and by faith.

Undoubtedly, our contributions have served to help those in need, to expand the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world through missionaries and various media, to support leaders who work full-time in the churches (2 Cor 11: 8-9; 1 Tim 5.18), for the construction of congregations, where we can come together as a church and worship God in a more organized way, to create, maintain and expand truly social projects.

In short, we can consciously and effectively contribute to the Lord's work, "because God is not unjust to forget your work and the work of love that you showed for his name while serving the saints and still serving" (Hb 6.10).

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BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME, PRAY ... YOU DON'T IMAGINE WHAT THE ETERNAL GETS YOU FREE!

 WE CAN count on the protection of the eternal creator!

Life is a war. Even if you do not see it, spiritually speaking, there are situations orchestrated by Satan to kill you, to destroy you. Destroy your family, finances, health, your fellowship with the Creator, trying to destroy your faith! And, you need to be aware! Most people do not realize, however, if you stop to observe better, you will notice strange events: an almost run over, an uncontrolled car that almost hits you, a storm suddenly, an object launched from nowhere near you, a person who does not know you looking for confusion, discussion, or saying that he hates you, he is angry with you, situations of misunderstanding, misinterpreted, something that should be simple becomes a storm, a person close to you stumbles in revolt looking for conflicts, in the traffic someone you hit your car and you already want to argue, point a gun, at work, someone who is chasing you, an assault, you are in danger! His life is at risk, that is, from “nothing” situations arise, these occasions, orchestrated by evil to take lives. A stray bullet, actually “found”, how many cases do we hear on the news? How many fights ended: death? How many situations of being in the wrong place at the wrong time? How many "fatalities"? However, despite this, the Eternal is our protection. Pray to the Creator before leaving home. Give your life, your day to Him. In the midst of all the struggles and difficulties, the Eternal protects those who love him. The Creator takes care of our lives and our souls. He who trusts in the Eternal, even though he is afraid, like Peter, can count on Jesus and ask for help because, through the blood of Jesus, the Eternal is on his side.

When difficulties surround us and we see no way out, we can cry out for the Eternal and he will deliver us. Our protection does not depend on our strength or power, it depends on the Eternal exercising His Mercy. He gives us wisdom and the ability to face all situations and protects us from the evil one in all circumstances and moments ...

Protection in the Bible

Our hope is in the Lord;

he is our help and our protection. Psalm 33:20

Protect me, O God,

for I take refuge in you. Psalm 16: 1

Everyone will hate you because of my name. However, not a hair on your head will be lost. It is by persevering that you will obtain life. Luke 21: 17-19

Don't two sparrows be sold for a penny? However, none of them fall to the ground without your Father's consent. Even the hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows! Matthew 10: 29-31

I won't be in the world anymore, but they are still in the world, and I'm going to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one, just as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them in the name you gave me. None of them was lost, except the one who was destined to perdition, for the fulfillment of Scripture. John 17: 11-12

We know that everyone who is born of God is not in sin; he who was born of God protects him, and the Evil One does not reach him. 1 John 5:18

I lift my eyes to the hills

and I ask: Where does the help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow you to stumble; your protector will remain alert, yes, the protector of Israel will not sleep;

he is always alert! The Lord is your protector;

as a shadow that protects you,

it is on your right. By day the sun will not hurt you;

nor the moon at night. The Lord will protect you from all evil,

will protect your life. The Lord will protect your way out

and his arrival,

since now and forever. Psalm 121: 1-8

A thousand may fall at your side;

ten thousand, on your right,

but nothing will hit him. Psalm 91: 7

Rejoice, however,

all who take refuge in you;

always sing for joy!

Extend your protection over them.

In you rejoice those who love your name. For you, Lord, bless the just;

your favor protects you like a shield. Psalm 5: 11-12

I cry out to you, O God, for you answer me;

incline your ears to me

and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your love,

you, who with your right hand saved

those who seek protection in you

against those who threaten them. Protect me like the apple of your eyes;

hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who attack me with violence,

of the mortal enemies that surround me. Psalm 17: 6-9

The horse is a vain hope of victory;

despite his great strength, he is unable to save. But the Lord protects those who fear Him,

those who steadfastly hope in their love, to deliver them from death and guarantee their lives,

even in times of famine. Psalm 33: 17-19

Blessed be the Lord, my Rock,

who trains my hands for war

and my fingers for battle. He is my faithful ally, my strength,

my protection tower

and my deliverer;

he is my shield, the one in whom I take refuge.

He subdues peoples to me. Psalm 144: 1-2

How birds protect their young

with your wings,

the Lord of hosts

protect Jerusalem;

he will protect and deliver you;

he will spare and save you ". Isaiah 31: 5

Do not deny me your mercy, Lord;

that your love and your truth

always protect me.

Psalm 40:11

Guard my life and deliver me!

Don't let me down,

for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me,

because my hope is in you.

Psalm 25: 20-21

May the Lord answer you

in the time of anguish;

the name of the God of Jacob protects you! From the sanctuary send you help

and from Zion give you support. Psalm 20: 1-2

Sir, many are my opponents!

Many rebel against me! There are many who say about me:

"God will never save you!" But you, Lord,

you are the shield that protects me;

you are my glory

and make me walk with my head held high. I cry to the Lord with a loud voice,

and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep, and wake up again,

because it is the Lord who sustains me. The thousands around me don't scare me. Psalm 3: 1-6

Hate evil, you who love the Lord,

because it protects the lives of its faithful

and deliver them from the hands of the wicked. Psalm 97:10

The Lord protects the simple;

when I was out of strength, he saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul,

because the Lord has been good to you! For you saved me from death,

you saved my eyes from tears

and my stumbling feet, so that I could walk before the Lord

in the land of the living. Psalm 116: 6-9

He defends the cause of the oppressed

and gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind,

the Lord raises the downcast,

the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects the stranger

and supports the orphan and widow,

but it defeats the purpose of the wicked. Psalm 146: 7-9

For the Lord is the one who gives wisdom;

from his mouth proceed

knowledge and discernment. He reserves wisdom for the just;

like a shield

protects those who walk with integrity, because it guards the path of the just

and protects the path of your faithful. Proverbs 2: 6-8

Wisdom offers protection,

how money makes you,

but the advantage of knowledge is this:

wisdom preserves life

who owns it. Ecclesiastes 7:12

Righteousness protects the upright man,

but wickedness brings down the sinner.

Proverbs 13: 6

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ANALYZE IF THIS IS NOT YOUR CASE ...

HAVE YOU CONTENTED WITH THE ETERNAL CREATOR?

Have you ever asked the Creator about your life story?

Ever wanted to not exist?

Have you ever asked about suffering, which you were subjected to?

Ever wondered, why were you born?

What purpose does your life have?

Why did you make such wrong and disastrous choices?

I believe that all of us, at some point in life, go through these questions, sometimes we speak, other times they are only in thought, however, Are you alive? Know that even if it looked like you were not alone. The Eternal Creator watched you, waiting for the opportunity for you to allow Him to reveal Himself to you! and answer you. Make you understand why each choice, each step, the mistakes and successes, the victories and defeats. The reason for the emptiness, the anguish, the feeling of a hole in the chest, the sadness for no reason, the reason for the bad memories and negative feelings, the reason for the murmuring ...

Perhaps, the path you took was not to the liking of the Eternal, even so, He allowed it because it was your choices, your decision! And you needed to reap what you planted!

However, there is no need to remain in darkness!

Do you need to forgive yourself?

Come to light! Jesus can still transform his entire history of pain into learning and purpose to help others. Allow yourself to be an instrument in the hands of the Eternal !!! Make the suffering worth it. To make you stronger, more experienced, more empathetic, more merciful, more loving, more kind, less judgmental.

The Word of the Eternal guides us not to question the paths, which He allows us to cross. It certainly has a purpose, an experience to be shared with others ...

May you see how much the Eternal was with you in every moment of danger, in the deliveries of death, in situations of difficulty, of apparent despair, using people and situations to favor and help you ...

Most likely, you will need to get rid of some baggage: pride, hatred, anger, resentment, envy, hurt, rejection and feeling of revenge ... and with the help of Jesus to become a tree of good fruits ...

A song to build your life. Let the Eternal speak to your heart ...

Now I See - Banda Universos

https://youtu.be/qVHlPFNPQ7g?list=RDqVHlPFNPQ7g

 ROMANS 9 19-33

God's wrath and mercy

19Some of you will say to me, “If so, how can God find fault with people? Who can go against God's will? ” 20But who are you, my friend, to argue with God? Could a clay pot ask those who made it, "Why did you make me like this?" 21For the man who makes the pot has the right to use the clay as he wants. From the same clay he can make two pots: one pot for special use and another for common use.

22And that is what God did. He wanted to show his ire and make his power well known. So he endured with much patience those who deserved the punishment and who were going to be destroyed. 23He also wanted to show how great his glory is, that he poured out on us, that we are those whom he felt sorry for and whom he had already prepared to receive his glory. 24For we are those whom God has called, not only those who are Jews, but also non-Jews. This is what he says in the Book of Hosea:

“Those who were not my people

I’ll call ‘my People’.

The nation I didn't love

I’ll call ‘my Beloved’.

26And in the same place where it was said:

‘You are not my people’,

there they will be called

‘The children of the living God’. ”

27And Isaiah said of Israel:

“Even though the people of Israel

be so numerous

like the grains of sand on the sea shore,

only a few of them will be saved.

28For the Lord will judge immediately and at once

the whole world."

29As Isaiah himself had said before:

“If the Lord Almighty

hadn't left us

some descendants,

we would be now

like the city of Sodom,

we would be destroyed

like Gomorrah. ”

The people of Israel and the gospel

30What are we going to say, then? Let's say this: non-Jews, who did not seek to be accepted by God, were accepted through faith. 31But the people of Israel, who were looking for a law to be accepted by God, did not find what they were looking for. 32And why not? Because they sought to achieve this through their actions and not through faith. They stumbled on the “stumbling block”, 33as the Holy Scriptures say:

“Look! I'm putting in Zion

a stone that they will trip over,

the rock that will make them fall.

But whoever believes in it

you will not be disappointed. ”

 

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REFLECTS...

 DO WHAT'S RIGHT! EVEN IF, IT LOOKS LIKE YOU WILL BE HARMED!

WHEN WE HELP OR EXHORT SOMEONE, GENERALLY, THE ENEMY (SATAN) AFFECTS US, IN ANY WAY, CREATING ADVERSE SITUATIONS, OF APPARENT LOSS OR LOSS. I SAY THIS, BY OWN EXPERIENCE AND, MAINLY, BECAUSE THE WORD OF THE ETERNAL CREATOR YHWH, ALERTS US ABOUT IT. THE SAME WAY OCCURS WHEN WE ALERT SOMEONE ABOUT SIN OR WRONG CONDUCT. NORMALLY, WE WILL BE TESTED. AND THE IDEAL IS THAT WE BE APPROVED. FOR THIS, LET US BE ATTENTIVE.

SATAN BLOWS IN YOUR EAR. YOU THINK IT IS YOUR THOUGHT BUT IT IS NOT! TO TRY TO SAY:

• “SAW IT WASN'T WORTH YOU TO HELP FULANO, BELTRANO, OR CICRANO”;

• "SEE, YOU TAKE LOSS";

• “SAW, YOU GOT HER EVIL”;

• “SEE, YOU WERE A THROUGH, SUCKER”, BESTA, BOBO (A);

• “IT WAS BETTER NOT TO HELP, YOU WOULD BE WITHOUT THIS PROBLEM”

• “SAW, FULANO DID NOT VALUE WHAT YOU DID”;

• “SAW, FULANO (A) IS INGRATE (A), DON'T THANK YOU”

• “SEE, WHEN FULANO (A) NEEDED, YOU HELPED HIM NOW, DON'T CARE FOR YOU!”

WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT WE SHOULD DO WHAT'S RIGHT! WHAT WOULD JESUS ​​DO!!!! EVEN IF THE PERSON WILL NOT RECOGNIZE YOUR EFFORT OR PERFORMANCE IN HELPING YOU!

WE SHOULD DO AS JESUS ​​DOES, HIM COME THE REWARD! AND HE ALWAYS SEES !!!!

Galatians 6

1Siblings, if anyone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual, you must restore that person with a spirit of humility. However, take care of yourself so that you are not tempted. 2 You carry each other's heavy loads and thus you are fulfilling the Law of Christ. …

1 Peter 5: 8

8Be alert and watch. The Devil, your enemy, walks around like a lion, roaring and looking for anyone to devour.

James 4:17

17Then think about this: Whoever knows that he must do good and does not do so commits sin.

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do it also to yourselves, because this is the law and the prophets.

Enter through the narrow door; for the door is wide, and the path that leads to perdition is wide, and many are those who enter through it;

And because the door is narrow, and the path that leads to life is narrow, and there are few who can find it.

But beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside, they are devouring wolves.

You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes picked from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?

Thus, every good tree produces good fruit, and every bad tree produces bad fruit.

The good tree cannot bear bad fruit; nor does the bad tree bear good fruit.

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut and thrown into the fire.

Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7: 12-20

WE ARE NOT PERFECT BUT, I BELIEVE THAT WE CAN EXERCISE THIS IN THE DAILY IMPROVEMENT AND BE HUMAN BEINGS WITH EMPATHY AND BETTER PEOPLE EVERY DAY ...

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