OUR FATHER WHO BRINGS JUDGEMENT FOR ATTROCITIES

The book of Amos chapter 1 verse 13 says this;

This is what the Lord says: “For three sins of Ammon, even for four, I will not relent.

Because he ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to extend his borders,

This verse, captured by the prophet Amos,  describes the atrocity that the people of Ammon committed in order to the extend their borders. Specifically, Ammon targeted pregnant women and cut them open as part of their merciless campaigns for territorial domination.

In response to this conduct, the Lord declared through prophet Amos that He would burn up the city walls and destroy their fortresses while they themselves were under attack and while violent storms brought havoc to them.

Further to that, the leaders of Ammon were going to be exiled as part of the judgement against them for their actions. As verses 14 and 15 say;

I will set fire to the walls of Rabbah that will consume her fortresses amid war cries on the day of battle, amid violent winds on a stormy day. Her king will go into exile, he and his officials together," says the Lord.

1

OUR FATHER WHO IS THE JUDGE OVER THE AFFAIRS OF MEN

The book of Amos chapter 1 verse 10 says this;

I will send fire on the walls of Tyre that will consume her fortresses.”

The prophet Amos, revealing the judgements that were to come to  Israel and Judah and the surrounding regions, singled out the city of Tyre for a judgement of fire that would consume their fortresses to render them defenseless.

Tyre had undertaken to capture entire communities of the people of Edom and sell them as slaves even though they had a treaty of brotherhood between them.

Their disregard of a treaty and the wholesale destruction of communities and the enslavement of people invited  judgement of destruction upon them.

2

OUR FATHER WHO CHOOSES HIS PEOPLE

The book of 1 Thessalonians chapter 1 verse 4 says this;

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 

In this verse, Paul the Apostle, calls the believers in Christ "brothers and sisters" in an expression of familial closeness and love.

He then declares that they were chosen by God and in the next verse ( verse 5 ), Paul lists the reasons that he knows this;

because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 

In other words, these are markers of the circumstances that occur when God chooses a people;

1. The gospel arrives with power
2. The gospel arrives with the Holy Spirit
3. The gospel is carried with deep conviction

Amen.

2 

OUR FATHER WHO BRINGS JUDGMENT TO THE HOUSE OF DARKNESS

Amos chapter 1 verse 7 says this;

I will send fire on the walls of Gaza that will consume her fortresses.

This verse is a prophetic word from Amos the prophet fortelling the coming judgement upon the settlement of Gaza.

The people of Gaza had undertaken to raid towns and having captured the entire population of the inhabitants, they sold these captured people to neighbouring kingdoms.

For this aggrigeous conduct, their judgement was the destruction of their fortress walls by fire to leave them vulnerable to being raided themselves.

The judgment of God is just.

Amen.

1

OUR FATHER WHO GIVES FAVOUR TO THE HUMBLE

The book of Ruth chapter 2 verse 10 says this;

At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”

Ruth, in her encounter with Boaz, was puzzled by his favour toward her but she conducted herself humbly before him.

She, not knowing that the story of her compassion for her mother-in-law had preceded her, asked Boaz why he was singling her out from among the other gleaners and further to that, why he would concern himself with her when she was a foreigner in the land.

Ruth's humility and sincerity gained her great favour in the eyes of the leaders of the land and she was integrated into the fabric of the Messianic lineage when she became the wife of Boaz who was the father of Obed who was the father of Jessie who was the father of King David.

Amen.

5

OUR FATHER WHO TEACHES US A MOST EXCELLENT WAY

The book of Philemon chapter 1 verse 4 - 5 says this;

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.

This passage, written by Paul the Apostle (while he was in prison) to three believers named Philemon, Apphia and Archippus, describes why Paul was always grateful to God for these brothers and sisters  in Christ as he prayed for them.

He had been hearing of Philemon's love for all the holy believers and his faith in the Lord  Jesus.

For Paul, now an old man, having one of the people to whom he taught the gospel now demonstrating unwavering faith and showing love to others, was very encouraging to him.

Philemon was following what Paul called, in the book of 1 Corinthians, a most excellent way.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Amen.

2

OUR FATHER WHO SAVES US FROM OPPRESSION

The book of Isaiah chapter 14 verse 3 says this;

 On the day the Lord gives you relief from your suffering and turmoil and from the harsh labor forced on you, 

This verse fortells of a time when the Lord will bring to an end to the regime of darkness over His people.

The kingdom of darkness, exploititavely ruling the kingdoms of the earth,  will be imposing harsh and unrelenting labour over  the people of the earth.

They will be oppressing the people with suffering and turmoil and it is when people are in this state, the Lord will bring to bear His power and authority to break the kingdom of darkness as Isaiah chapter 14 verse 5 says;

The Lord has broken the rod of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers, which in anger struck down peoples with unceasing blows and in fury subdued nations with relentless aggression.

Let us always give thanks to the Lord for His promise to intervene on  the behalf of the people of the earth to lift the burden of oppression off of His people.

Amen.

2

 OUR FATHER WHO HELPS HIS OWN

From Psalm 94;

Unless You O Lord had helped me

I never would have survived

When my foot stumbled, you reached out to me

Your unfailing love kept me alive

When my heart within me was in distress

You turned my heart to joy with consolation

You have become my strong fortress

My rock in whom I have my portion

5

OUR FATHER WHO LOVES US

From Psalm 37;

Trust in the Lord and do good

Dwell in His safe pasture

Take delight in the Lord

 He will give you the desires of your heart

Commit your way to the Lord

Trust in Him and He will make

 your reward shine like the dawn

 Your vindication like the noonday sun

Be still before the Lord wait patiently for Him

Hope in the Lord and keep His way

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him

though he may stumble, he will not fall  for the Lord upholds him with His hand.

1

OUR FATHER WHO BLESSES HIS PEOPLE 

The book of Isaiah chapter 44 verse 3 says this;

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground;

I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

This promise made by the Lord to the believer where the believer's offspring will be filled by the Spirit and be blessed by the Lord.

This declaration is a great comfort to the Lord's people for their offspring will flourish like grass in a meadow and like poplar trees by a stream.

As the believers seek first the kingdom of God, the blessing of God upon their children will be part of the things that will be added unto them.

Amen.

4

OUR FATHER WHO PROVIDES ANSWERS TO THOSE WHO ARE LOYAL TO HIM

From the book of Ezekiel chapter 14 verse 2 -3 says this;

Then the word of the Lord came to me:  “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?

This passage captures the Lord's statement to the prophet Ezekiel that pointed out that the leaders of Israel had idols in their hearts and that they had regarded wicked stumblimg block.

The question was then asked whether the Lord should have let them make an enquiry to Him at all.

To make any demands on heavens resources, we must harbor no allegiances or have any incumberances to the kingdom of darkness.

Amen 

2

OUR FATHER WHO VALUES FAITHFULNESS

The book of Ezekiel chapter 15 verse 2 says this;

“Son of man, how is the wood of a vine different from that of a branch from any of the trees in the forest? 

The Lord, in giving Ezekiel an analogy of the faithlessness of the people who lived in Jerusalem, asks him in what way the wood from a vine was not the same the wood from any other tree in the forest.

The Lord completed the analogy by describing how the wood from a vine had no practical purpose when it was whole and even less when it charred by fire.

The Lord compared the people of Jerusalem to a burned twig that had no useful purpose because they were unfaithful.

Amen.

2

OUR FATHER WHO IS THE LORD OF ISRAEL

The book of Ezekiel chapter 14 verse 8 says this;

I will set my face against them and make them an example and a byword. I will remove them from my people. Then you will know that I am the Lord.

This verse, speaking of the people of Israel or foreigners who dwelt in Israel and who separated themselves from the Lord and then pursued idols and set wicked stumbling blocks before their faces, declares that the Lord will set His face against them and so as to set an example for others, would remove them from the midst of His people.

This just governance would be a demonstration of the Lordship of God over His people.

Amen.

1

 

OUR FATHER WHO WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON HIS PEOPLE

The book of Isaiah chapter 14 verses 1 - 3 foretells of the day that the Lord will have compassion on Israel and at that moment, the state of affairs will undergo an inversion. The passage reads like this;

The Lord will have compassion on Jacob; once again he will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land.

Foreigners will join them and unite with the descendants of Jacob.

Nations will take them and bring them to their own place.

And Israel will take possession of the nations and make them male and female servants in the Lord’s land.

They will make captives of their captors  and rule over their oppressors.

On the day the Lord gives you relief from your suffering and turmoil and from the harsh labor forced on you, You will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon.

Israel will have foreign nations join and support them even as the kingdom of darkness tries gain permanent  control the Lord's people.

The nations that oppressed God's people will be brought under the ownership of Israel.

On this day, Israel (and the spiritual kingdom of Israel),  freed by the Lord from the dominance of the kingdom of darkness, will take up a taunt against her oppressor that is recorded in Isaiah chapter 14 verses  5 - 20.

The taunt will tell of the sudden fall of the kingdom of darkness where the king of Babylon will be exposed for what he actually is.

The whole of  creation will wonder why they feared him when they see him under the judgement of the Lord.

Amen.

3

OUR FATHER WHO ASSOCIATES WITH THE FAITHFUL

From Psalm 101;

My eyes, says the Lord, will be on the faithful

That they may dwell with Me forever

And those whose walk is blameless

They will ever minister unto Me 

1

OUR FATHER IS WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE

From Psalm 100;

Shout for joy all the earth.

Worship the Lord with hearts of gladness

Know that the Lord is God We are His creations

His faithfulness endures for all generations

Enter His gates with thanksgiving

Fill His courts with cheerful laughter

Give thanks and earnestly praise Him

For the Lord is good His love endures forever

7

OUR FATHER WHO IS BRILLIANT TO BEHOLD

Psalm 97 verse 8 says this;

Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, Lord.

The Lord God Almighty approaches the earth and His glory and brilliance are seen by the people of the earth.

His arrival is marked by flashes of lightening and the mountains melt like wax in His presence.

The adversaries of God are judged in fire and those who worship idols are disgraced because even the spiritual entities will be unable to avoid worshipping Him.

At the sight of their God, the settlements of people will be glad because of the judgements that are metted out.

Amen.

18

OUR FATHER WHO REVEALED TO HIS PROPHETS WHAT HE INTENDED TO DO TO SAVE US OUT OF DARKNESS

The book of Isaiah chapter 9 verse 5 says this;

Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

The prophet Isaiah, foretold of a time of darkness when the land of Galilee would host the Light of the world.

The awaited Light would transform the nation into a large kingdom under the throne of David and this kingdom would be marked by joy as victory over the oppressor is celebrated.

The arrival  of the Light would be predicated by bloodshed and the boots and garments stained by blood during the battle in the heavenlies would be added to the fire of judgment against the agents of darkness.

What was being resisted was the arrival of the child mentioned in Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6 which reads;

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Amen.

1

OUR LORD WHOSE BRIDE WILL FLOURISH

The book of Isaiah chapter 54 verses 3 - 5 says this;

For you will spread out to the right and to the left;  your descendants will dispossess nations  and settle in their desolate cities.

 “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.

For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.

The bride described in this passage is the spiritual church which has been sanctified by God and prepared for victory over the kingdom of darkness.

The bride will flourish as the Lord draws His people unto Himself and they will do great exploits and dispossess the realms of spiritual wickedness.

This is achieved because of the close relationship they have with their redeemer who is the Lord Almighty, the Holy God of all the earth

Amen.

2

OUR FATHER WHO IS GREATER THAN ALL

The book of Isaiah chapter 7 verse 9 says this;

The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah’s son.

If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.’”

Judea, under king Ahaz, learned that they were going to be invaded by the kingdoms Ephraim and Aram. The King and all the people were shaken and fearful.

Our verse captures the central  case that the prophet Isaiah was instructed to make to king Ahaz of Judea.

King Ahaz was told that he and his people must be fearless in the face of the new enemy alliance.

The verse makes the argument that the leaders of the enemy alliance were weak and if King Ahaz and the people of Judea could not stand in faith against them, they would not stand at all in the face of any challenge.

This is a remainder to stand in faith even when we initially perceive that the odds are insurmountable.

As it says in the book of John chapter 10 verse 29;

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

Amen.

5

OUR FATHER WHOSE JUDGEMENT IS INESCAPABLE

The book of Isaiah chapter 15 verse 9 says this;

The waters of Dimon are full of blood, but I will bring still more upon Dimon—a lion upon the fugitives of Moab and upon those who remain in the land.

The people of Moab, under judgment, suffered the swift destruction of their cities and homes. Some of them wailed and lamented and went to their temple and high places to find spiritual help from their gods but get no relief.

They were forced to flee in convoys  of refugees to other lands. In the panic of departure, they grabbed anything of value they had and traversed the ravines and to get away.

As they moved, their cries and wails were heard by other towns which spread even more fear through the whole land.

Even as the the people of Dimon fled, they could not escape for a lion set upon them and caused havoc among the refugees and the remnant stayed behind.

Amen.

3

OUR FATHER WHO HEARS

From Psalm 120;

I call on You Lord in my distress

I cry to you in dismay

Deceitful tongues speak against me 

Please answer when I pray

Save me Lord 

Save me Lord

2 

OUR FATHER WHOSE EYES ARE ON THE FAITHFUL

From Psalm 99 101 verse 15 1 ;

I will sing of Your love and Your justice O Lord

I will be careful to lead a blameless life

Your eyes are on the faithful 

On the faithful  in the land

And we will dwell with You safely 

In the palm of Your hand

Amen.

3

OUR FATHER WHO INVITES US TO DWELL IN HIS HOUSE

Psalm 14 15  verse 9 2 says this;

The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous,  who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others;

This passage lists some of the attributes that we would need to have in order to be invited to dwell in the house of God or to dwell  on His holy mountain.

- Our walk in life would be blameless

- We would  always speak the truth

- We would never slander others

- We would do no wrong to neighbours

- we would never cast slurs on other people

These attributes are centered around personal integrity and the unwillingness  to injure other people.

Amen.

5

OUR FATHER FORTELLS THE FUTURE THROUGH HIS PROPHETS BEFORE HE DOES ANYTHING

The book of Ezekiel chapter 12 verses 10 - 14, which records the prophet Ezekiel giving the explanation for his enactment of an exile leaving Jerusalem, says this;

Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: These actions contain a message for King Zedekiah in Jerusalem and for all the people of Israel.’ Explain that your actions are a sign to show what will soon happen to them, for they will be driven into exile as captives.

“Even Zedekiah will leave Jerusalem at night through a hole in the wall, taking only what he can carry with him. He will cover his face, and his eyes will not see the land he is leaving. Then I will throw my net over him and capture him in my snare. I will bring him to Babylon, the land of the Babylonians, though he will never see it, and he will die there. I will scatter his servants and warriors to the four winds and send the sword after them.

Because the people of Israel  were rebels and were described by the Lord as having eyes and refusing to see and having ears but refusing to hear, the Lord had directed Ezekiel to publically carry out the actions of a person going into exile so that they could understand that they were going into captivity in the near future.

The object lesson was still not compreshensible to them so the Lord told Ezekiel to tell the people in plain language that the terrible judgement was about to befall them.

Amen.

2

OUR FATHER WHO COUNTERS FALSE PROPHETS

The book of Ezekiel chapter 11 verses 2 - 4 says this (NLT);

The Spirit said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who are planning evil and giving wicked counsel in this city. 

They say to the people, ‘Is it not a good time to build houses? This city is like an iron pot. We are safe inside it like meat in a pot.’

Therefore, son of man, prophesy against them loudly and clearly.”

This passage describes a journey that the prophet Ezekiel was taken on by the Holy Spirit.

On this journey, he was taken to the temple area in Jerusalem where he saw 25 prominent men of the city giving bad advice to the people.

The Spirit of God told Ezekiel that this counsel being dispensed by these men was wicked and wrong because they were telling people that they were safe in the city of Jerusalem because the city was like a pot and they were secure while they remained in it.

Because of this false advise that offered the people false comfort, the Spirit of God instructed Ezekiel to loudly and clearly prophecy against those 25 men because they were obscuring the fact that the invading army was shortly going to overun Jerusalem and destroy it and take the people as captives.

The Lord wanted to counter the false narrative that was being generated by the prominent people in the city and Ezekiel was the one to speak up against the evil deception.

Amen.

10

OUR FATHER WHO HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US

Psalm 77 verse 10 says this;

Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.

The psalmist, in a time of distress, had called upon the Lord and Lord could not be reached.

The question that was posed was whether the Lord had abandoned him forever and would never reconnect with him again.

He was concerned that in anger, the Lord had brushed aside His compassion and would not feel mercy on him.

Reaching this point of dispair, it occured to the psalmist that he should try another tact to relate to the Lord

Instead of groaning and fearing, he would instead think of the astonishing things that the Lord had already done for him and for his people.

He would recall the great power that the Lord had displayed in their midst.

He would think of these things and as a result, he is not overwhelmed but rather is filled with faith and hope.

Amen.

3

 OUR FATHER WHO HEARS US

From Psalm 5;

Hear my cry, my God and King

For to You do I pray

With joy and reverence do I sing

For You have made a way

Lead me Lord in righteousness

Surround me with Your great love

In the morning hear my voice

I bow before Your temple above

8

OUR FATHER WHO MADE ALL THINGS

From Psalm 33;

Unto the Lord, sing joyfully

Make music to His name 

On harps and lyres play skillfully 

To Him who all things made

We wait in hope for our help and shield

In Him our hearts rejoice

For we trust in His holy name

May His love ever be with us

The word of God is right and true

The earth's full of His love

He promised He'd make all things new 

He's faithful in all he does

2

OUR FATHER WHO HEARS OUR PRAYERS

From Psalm 44 and Psalm 88;

Rise up oh God and rescue us

Because of Your unfailing love

For it is not by our strength Oh God

But by Your arm and Your light

You are the God who saved us

We call to You every day

May our requests come before You

Lord hear us when we pray

In God we  boast all day long

We lift our hearts together

In God we  boast in joyful song

We will praise Your name forever

3