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Greetings brethren, friends and neighbors, I bid you each the shalom that surpasses all understanding, to you and each one whom gathers with you in the fellowship of our Master and Savior Christ Jesus. It should come as no surprise to any of us that the political affairs of Nations are heating up especially where the Nation Israel is concerned. These indeed are signs of the times and it won’t be long before we see the long awaited fulfillment of our Lord’s promises. How long is long, one may ask? Remember that our Lord is patient toward us because He desires that all would be saved but we know that only very few will enter by the door which is through Christ Jesus. John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. Recalling the story of Noah, I am reminded that there was only one door through which all the animals and eight persons of Noah’s family entered. A good question one might ask is was there ever an opportunity for more to enter in before the floodgates were opened up? Well brethren, I believe that prior to Noah building the Ark, there was an opportunity but none believed upon GOD yet all had opportunity to repent and be saved. Among the peoples of Noah’s time were people just like there exists today. There were carpenters, vendors of goods, the religious minded, farmers and shepherds. There were families, husbands and wives, children and single people, rich and poor. There were young and old and middle aged people. People in the time of Noah lived hundreds of years. Communities of people existed then as they do today though the actual population was much less then than it is today. People then were doing what people do today. All were living their lives as they so desired and few attended to the things, which really mattered to our Creator. God’s Spirit was striving long with mankind to no effect and so God decided to shorten the life of humans on earth. As it was written, so it came to pass; Genesis 6:3 “And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” Has any man beyond Noah’s family lived beyond 120 years since that time? I am certain that as much as we have churches and temples today in which to practice religious worship so too did they have such practices in Noah’s day. I discern that Noah was likely a man to whom many sought knowledge about righteousness and some likely applied this to their daily living in the way people do today. They most probably accepted what was convenient and desirable but neglected the weightier matters of God’s laws. There are many examples of religious practice by peoples throughout the Bible stories that ended up not saving the adherents. In the story of Noah, we learn that none were saved except those eight persons who entered the Ark. I am certain that there were many pagan belief systems and faith in God had become a polluted well. This is evidenced in scripture where we are told that the people mocked Noah for obeying God’s command to build the Ark. If Noah was a respected man of God prior to building the Ark then he quickly lost respect among the people when he set off on what they believed to be such a foolish venture. No one believed the warnings and admonitions coming from God except Noah. People made up their own minds what they wanted to accept and what they chose to reject just as many do today. None it seems were saved by their religious practices or misguided faith. Materialism and occultism were wide spread and like plagues afflicting all the people. Almost all were living for self and selfish concern and it appears that drunken parties were common place. Something else was terribly amiss in the time of Noah. Extreme sexual promiscuity is indicated in the following passage. Genesis 6:1-4 “And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.” The Genesis account describes the above as wickedness and evil in the hearts of men and the primary reason why man’s life was shortened. According to the Biblical account all perished in the flood. If not for God’s favor of Noah, the human race would have become a fossil record along with the dinosaurs, which also lived upon the earth prior to the flood. Matthew 24:37-39 “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:42“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” We know that Noah responded to God faithfully as God had sent warning. Though none fearfully believed except Noah and as a result, God preserved his immediate family members. The building of the Ark became a condemnation of the entire world in Noah’s time. Hebrews 11:7 “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Genesis 6:5-8 “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” Genesis 7:1 “And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.” Brethren, should we not then be more careful to consider this word called faith? Faith is more easily understood as “trust.” Trusting in God the Father and His direction in our lives is what is expected. Trusting in the “only begotten” Son in whom the Father was well pleased with is our “calling” and following His example is the path we take if we are “saved.” The tribes of Israel, which sprang up from Abraham, had the “written word.” Why then did they need to be saved and why did Jesus refer to them as the “lost tribes of Israel?” Many people today have a kind of faith in this thing or that but few truly trust what Jesus accomplished. Many today cling to their religious beliefs but few are demonstrating (walking) as Christ Jesus patterned for us. If Christians today truly trusted the pattern and example of Jesus, then would more not be walking in His likeness and behavior? The problem with contemporary Christians understanding today is that many view scripture as contradictory. The reason for this is because many make their comparisons with man’s religious precepts rather than allowing for scripture to define and confirm itself. Scripture clearly shows us that the old Jewish forms of belief became rigid in their application, as are many rituals in today’s contemporary Christianity. Like the Jews, the Seventh Day Adventists deny the freedom and cleansing of foods and drink that God sanctioned by teaching and practicing self abasement and abstinence of certain foods which they still call “unclean.” Yet, God made all things clean to those who give freely what is inside them. Paul made the point, if one chooses to eat or not to eat, what does it matter except that our eating or not eating is done by faith. The Jews once considered the Gentiles as “dogs” in Jesus’ time yet Gentiles were also allowed to enter into the new covenant with God. We know by scriptural accounts that the Apostles all warned not to practice as the Gentiles practiced in matters of daily living and the practicing of certain rituals and customs. Is this then not the reason why contemporary Christianity has traveled so far off the fundamental path of righteousness, largely because faith (trust) is misunderstood? Have the living springs of water not become a polluted well? By the Spirit, I have spoken and written many times before that the Gentiles have done no better with God’s new covenant than the Jews did with God’s old covenant. That is because the Gentiles brought with them their filthy pagan traditions and erring religious heresies into the new Christian assemblies. This has been occurring since the earliest recorded gatherings established and visited by the Apostles as evidenced by the various warnings and admonitions given us in the Apostolic epistles. I declare therefore brethren that the various gatherings throughout the centuries have on a large scale neglected these weightier admonitions and accepted the easier precepts and doctrines. In plain language, Christians as a whole and especially in modern times continue to accept what is convenient and desirable over the more difficult matters of Christ-like acceptance and selflessness. Furthermore, when a particular application or precept doesn’t fit into today’s contemporary model, man simply changes it to suit his own desire or comfort level. Sadly, the Gentiles are doing no better than the Jews did with proper understanding and acceptance. Therein is how contemporary Christianity has gotten so far off the path, which Jesus first walked. Now, I ask you brethren, is this not evil in the sight of God? Can this not be called heresy or even blasphemy? If you find yourself in agreement with my view and understanding then what do you think will be the outcome for those who have brought shame upon our Lord’s redeeming sacrifice? Though ignorance may be easily forgiven what about those who after hearing the truth choose to reject it and fail to amend their ways? Are they forgiven apart from repentance? Was any back in Noah’s time forgiven and allowed to enter in the Ark? I’m sure that many were wishing they had repented when the floodwaters were rising and they saw the door of the Ark would not open. What then is likely to happen for many “so-called” Christians who are denying fundamental application of Christ’s example in their lives? Just how many lovers of self and lovers of money will enter in through the narrow gate? How many wealthy Christians (there are many today) will be sitting at the great banquet with our Lord? Among all the modern day evangelicals who profess and lay claim to saving millions of souls in their careers, how many of them will be let in through the gate? How is it that a pastor or preacher can lay claim to saving anyone? My understanding is that only Jesus saves! In fact let me reiterate; Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” Therefore, there is only “one door” by which any can enter in to be saved. And as I’ve pointed out on many occasions, being saved isn’t a free ticket into heaven. Being “saved” is a duty and responsibility to walk like, think like and act like Jesus the Christ in all manner and respect. That is only made possible when the Father’s Holy Spirit comes to abide in you and makes His home with you. When you learn to walk and live like Jesus taught and demonstrated, then the Father and our Savior come and make their abode with you as Jesus promised. You see it isn’t you any longer but it is Christ in you and that is how the witness of Christ in flesh still carries on. There is no other way to the Father or His Kingdom but through Christ Jesus. Anything else out there that is being offered is a counterfeit. Be warned! Here we are in this war torn world where fighting factions are taking sides, each attempting to do what they believe is the right thing in the Middle East. President Bush believes he is being directed by God to defend modern day Israel and has judged which nations belong to the “axis of evil” all the while using evil means to eradicate evil. The aging Pope is being honored by many around the world because of his ecumenical efforts to accept all nations and their erring religious beliefs and cultural traditions. It is no secret that Pope John Paul honors the Koran and was even photographed kissing the Muslims’ beloved book of heresy. Arafat is dead now and Palestine is more vulnerable than ever before. Plans are under way to rebuild Solomon’s Temple over its original site but before it can be built, the Muslims icon of worship must be brought down. This is so that the Jews may once again offer their sacrifices unto God as they did in the days of old before Jesus established a new covenant. Some American Churches seem to think it important to adopt and accept ancient Jewish traditions while others are allowing for Muslim clerics to enter in their gatherings and cast seeds of religious heresy. Then we have an ever-increasing number of contemporary Christian Churches adopting the more popular health, wealth and prosperity doctrines as a way to increase stagnating church growth. Oh my, it seems like we’re growing into one big happy family of apostates. What’s wrong with this picture? As long as all of the above continue to identify themselves as Jewish, Catholic, Muslim, Palestinian, American or whatever race/creed they subscribe under, they all will continue to fall short of the grace that is being offered because all are still believing with prejudice and partiality. This is no different than the historical segregation issues between whites and blacks in America. Why are we all still clinging to our cultures and traditions at the expense of love and humility towards one another? Do you see that pride is at the root of this evil? It has always been a matter of pride among peoples who fight contending for cultural preservation. Here in America, there is no shortage of pride and the Jews and Muslims are abundantly filled with pride themselves. Brethren, what comes before a fall? Yeah, you guessed it; PRIDE. Though prejudice still exists in America today, many Americans have been able to overcome their indifferences, hatreds and prejudices by acknowledging commonality among other races. Pride allows us only to look at the differences but love and humility allows us to see common aspects in others. This almost sounds like I’m promoting ecumenicalism but I’m not. The commonality that we each can embrace is the simplicity and purity of selfless love and humility that Jesus patterned for us. It is this very love that allows us to embrace our enemy without accepting the unacceptable. The kind of worship Jesus and the Father desire is of Spirit and Truth. But as long as we steadfastly cling to our pagan rituals, rights and hotly defend our cultural and religious traditions, declaring one way to be more correct over another, we will always be at odds with one another. The only way we are going to see peace among ourselves and between Nations is when we are abiding and worshipping God the Father as sons and daughters to Him in the like pattern of Christ Jesus. The pattern I’m speaking of is the selfless love and humility towards others that Jesus demonstrated. We must kill the enmity within us whose name is PRIDE. Pride is what is keeping many from making and achieving peace with God. “No Jesus – No Peace vs. Know Jesus – Know Peace.”
Dear Brother, As a fellow truth seeker, I came across your site by “googling” discernment ministries. It has been an ongoing process of deliverance from lies to truth for 3 years now. I thank God He is faithful to complete the good work. While reading some of your forum, I came across your discussion with Josephine regarding schizophrenia. I am a communications director for 911 and was sent to Memphis and trained as a Crisis Intervention Team faculty member. This was one week of intense training of mental illness and how to train law enforcement to respond to people in crisis and de-escalate the situation, thus causing less harm to the consumer/family and law enforcement. As a follower of Christ, you can imagine the questions running through my head while I was there, and I will mention that I was the minority. The one question that I continually asked the physicians and mental health professionals as they readily and continually announced that people wake up one day and “voila,” there is suddenly an imbalance in their brain chemicals for no discernable reason. What causes the neuro-transmitters to go haywire over night? As you well know, I never got an answer. In the world in which we live and in the business I am in, I always question how hard am I being on humanity? My question to you with your experience in mental health is, are all mental health issues demonic? The word says God gives us a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. If our mind is not sound, then it is not from God? Knowing the Word and that we are to do the works He did through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, how does one minister the truth in a situation such as mine? During the course of the weeks training, I ate a meal with an officer who is agnostic. Open to discussing the why’s and wherefore, I brought up the fact that based on my belief in the Word, mental illness was not from God and therefore demonic and that no amount of drugs would change the situation only healing and deliverance from God could. Needless to say, throughout the few functions our "team" has had since then, he does not engage my company other than a friendly hello. I guess what I am really asking is, is it all demonic? Does God allow a person to suffer such a life especially if they have been born again? Is it possible to hear the truth through all the drugs and other voices? Through this close fellowship with "mental health professionals," their only answers are, “diagnose and prescribe.” It is a never ending cycle as once the scripts take effect, eventually the person gets tired of the side effects and quits taking them, next comes the crisis... then more drugs or stronger drugs as they spiral downward. It appears most cases start w/depression and then slowly deteriorate.... I have not had any personal encounters within my immediate family, but over the last several years, many that I know, including a few within my work circle have been "diagnosed" with depression/manic depression/bi-polar. Hard to believe how people actually function in this world when they can not handle a situation without becoming depressed by the circumstances...and are on some type of medication to make their world "seem" right. I am most questioning, and you have only heard a few, as I sometimes have a hard time guarding my heart so as not to become hard hearted as I think most people are looking for an escape and when you try to share the truth in love, they don't want to hear it, i.e. a cousin in-law who is "bi-polar", on anti depressants etc, has been saved and baptized and at the same time does not hear? I just don't get it. A step cousin, same thing, borderline this, borderline that...also a professed born again believer, I spent hours and times discussing the healing and delivering power of Jesus and all that is in the word for his children etc and she has quit her job trying to get disability on mental illness. These are 33 and 40 year old women respectively who have their whole life in front of them, the first with two children. What can I do and how much do I do before just walking away because it appears that is the way they want to be? This is a question I ask myself over many times about many people. Have you any answers, exhortations or even corrections regarding this? As one of you, I am not a church goer after having been delivered from the ministry of Benny Hinn (3 years as a baby Christian) and unbeknownst to me why, but unable to find a church "home" since then. Now I know! I have been walking on my own with the Lord since 1992. It is most difficult to relate to most people and I by no means ask for council from even the few sisters in my acquaintance as they still follow the "men". I am most comforted, having found discernment sites, that I was not off base and that I am not alone. I have read enough of your site and your responses that I trust you can give me some sound answers and/or correction in my thinking. I thank God for your ministry and your obedience to Him. I love the straight shooting truth! God bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you.... My response to her was as follows… Greetings and peace to you and those with whom you gather in the fellowship of our Lord. I am happy to hear you have found answers to a most complex problem within the realm of American Christianity. There are an extraordinary number of counterfeit cults out there disguised as Christian denominations. It is disparaging to one's heart to say the least. But alas, you have fellowship with us here at Cephas. I was pleased to read your letter and am delighted to share with you what I do know and also caution you with what I don't know. There is still much to be learned regarding the spiritual influences upon humanity. Each of us must decide for himself how to believe and respond according to the example and pattern of Christ Jesus. This is our faith and we are warned anything not of faith is sin. My answer to your question of wether all mental health issues are demonic or not is a resounding "yes." I base my answer in part, on the historical examples given us in the Word and other ancient manuscripts not part of the recognized cannon. I also have witnessed much unbelief and heresy in the lives and families of those affected by depression disorders. I would also like to underscore the importance of using one's mind to reason objectively with what we know to be factual vs. theory. Many Doctors and Scientists argue their cases in the physical with theories and cumulative results based on test studies rather than incorporating the more plausible argument and influence of poor spiritual health in humans. For some strange reason, society has determined that the physical world can be explained without the spiritual. That's partly due to they're being unable to believe what they cannot see, test or measure in the laboratory. So, the spiritual has been left in the hands of the religious minded and is not considered as relevant to the secular world. Jesus proved that the spiritual realm not only exists but it has an influence on our physical world. I believe that the separation is due to "unbelief" and it is unbelief that gets us in trouble more often than not. Remember that Jesus "delivered" afflicted persons who truly wanted a different life. His instructions were often, "to go now and sin no more" so that what has afflicted you will not come back to revisit you. In my wife's case, I can identify the source of demonic habitation being made or accomplished by her choosing to hate or miss-trust others as opposed to loving others. This opened up doors through which fallen spirits could come and make their abode with her. I've seen many manifestations within churches that are clearly not of God yet God's name is being used in vain! The heresy and blasphemy being practiced is hard to stomach for one with discernment. Having been in the Benny Hinn movement, I'm sure you've seen similar or even more dramatic spiritual manifestations. My wife grew up as a Roman Catholic and that also may have been part of the problem which influenced her. There were other avenues of hatred and prejudice towards others stemming from her family that contributed to her severe psychotic depression. "The love of money" was and still is a source of all her family's quarrels, strife and conflict. In fact, it was the love of their money that caused them to "take our home away" from my three children because they blamed me for my wife's suicide. That's how we ended up on a small sailboat and to this day, are still struggling by their hateful and vindictive assaults against us. I say that the love of money is at least in part, responsible for opening the doorway by which many become afflicted by other spirits fallen from grace. Just look at the motivating factor behind every popular evangelist out there today. They are getting filthy rich off those who believe God will grant them riches beyond the imagination if they give liberally their hard-earned dollars to support the various minister's lavish lifestyles. The West was won by the hot pursuit of gold and later oil. "Manifest Destiny" as it was called gave Americans the green light to take it by force and make a prosperous life without any regard to this land's original stewards (native Americans). The Spanish conquered South America and much of the South Pacific Island groups under the guiding arm of the Catholic Church and so throughout history, man runs for the wealth and prosperity the world offers instead of what awaits them in heaven. It’s always been easier for man to “take” rather than waiting to “receive.” If I could summarize the above, I would say then that living to serve self without regard to others cares and needs is what invites demonic habitation. Jesus showed us that selfless living was the better path to eternal life and eventually receiving heavenly wealth beyond the imagination. As a man in this world, I am still to this day, poor as dirt but in my poverty, I have been made very rich indeed in the grace and giftings that proliferate themselves with the acceptance of suffering and sacrifice. Who wants to suffer in today’s world? Of soldiers, Its easy to see some readily serve and sacrifice their lives for our country because of what they believe but look how most are treated when they return. Who is willing to live selflessly and serve for Christ's sake and die like a soldier in Christ or be hung on a cross for a just cause trusting in something (having faith in) you cannot see? I found my answer to the above question outside the churches of man. There are people like yourself who are genuinely concerned for the health and welfare of others and some are engaged in worthy occupations that give ready aid to those in need without expecting much in return. These are those for whom the Kingdom is worthy. I trust that they are in many cases the living examples of true Christ-like faith more so than the religious hypocrites who lay heavy burdens of guilt upon the backs of men without so much as being willing to lift a finger to carry another man's burden. The above should answer your question about suffering as well. We who are in Christ are "promised" suffering and we who accept Christ and suffer for it are made heirs to His Kingdom promises. We must always leave the door open for God to glorify himself like He did when Lazarus died and was decomposing in his tomb. Jesus answer as to why did He let Lazarus die was simply so that God may glorify Himself in His Son. I believe strongly that the same awaits any that are willing to follow the very same pattern that Jesus established. Since our ways are often not God's way, we need to be ever mindful seeking His will and remember that through Him, death is taken out of the way and our suffering is not in vain IF we abide in Him. Therefore, our witness to others in this world of unbelief needs to be more about showing ourselves as examples to the unbelievers more so than preaching a good word because to some in the world, seeing is believing. My most recent experience with a Bi-polar individual (My employer's 35 yr. old son) has shown me that through all the drugs and treatments (including Electro-shock therapy) administered to him has made it impossible for him to "hear" God's voice or understand the Holy Spirit's unction. He is most often dazed and somewhat incoherent. He has little in the way of interest in the truth of Christ's Gospel and does not trust anyone even remotely sounding like a Jesus follower. His reasoning is sadly, that "everyone out there professing themselves to be Christian is not living up to the standards which they profess. They're all hypocrites," he declares. That is why I say with boldness and sincerity that our salvation is a duty and responsibility to others thereby fulfilling our duty as followers of Christ. We owe it to each other after we have received the knowledge of the truth. You must get used to being rejected by others and pray for them even while they revile you. Because the word "Christian" has become such a stain and reproach and has lost its definition in contemporary circles of faith, I most often address myself as a God fearing man and show them through my word and deed what "God fearing" means. I don't pass out the milk I once received in the churches of man and I recognize that until we start walking in maturity as God fearing sons and daughters, the world will not see the evidence of faith in Christ crucified. We are called to come out from among them and instead of being as they are, be like Christ in all manner and form starting within our own households. Please don't misunderstand the last statement. You can't do anything apart from Him because anything in you that is good or Godly is imputed. In other words, it is the living God dwelling in the flesh of man. It won't be any different than what Jesus promised. It will be exactly like He promised and you will need courage to live with Him inside you because He will do greater works through you because of your unwavering trust (faith) in Him. I can testify and bear witness to you that the Word is fulfilled in our lives that live this way. There is no contradiction, only confirmation. Therefore, it isn't you, it isn't me, it’s Him in us that makes the difference. That my dear sister is what the promised indwelling Spirit of God makes possible. There is only room for Him and no other. We must take care of our vessels and be careful to show ourselves as examples always. He paid the price and we belong to Him. I have found that witnessing to others outside the churches of man is easier and even more edifying than witnessing inside the churches. If you want to see just how fast Christians will revile you and curse you for having a demon, try speaking the real utterances of God in an appropriate context inside a church and see just how fast they cast you out. It will likely be more like it was for Jesus when Jews tried many times to deliver Him up and persecute Him before His time. It won't be different my dear sister but the same will come to pass. That too is part of the suffering we must bear and share with our Lord. If they do not listen or seem to care, move on as Jesus did and leave no stone unturned. Pray all day, everyday for God to use you and glorify Himself in you. The things you have yet to see will further solidify your faith in Him and you will not ever be disappointed in your relationship with Him. Welcome my beloved sister to the real fields of harvest! I, like you, believe that no amount of drugs or secular treatments can heal these types of disorders. At best, their remedy is but a mere Band-Aid and healing is never received apart from a miracle from God. I have written much about this but it all boils down to this; today’s pharmaceuticals and various therapies have replaced the most potent medicine ever known to mankind... His FAITH. I think you may find further insights by perusing EXHORTATIONS archived on that link on my front page. One that comes to mind is "Insurance vs. Assurance." There may be others but my mind is being redirected at the moment. I hope I have answered with clarity some of your questions and provided you with further insight. I may touch base with you again if anything comes to me by way of further assistance and supporting material. The best that we both have is of course our beloved Word of which Jesus said, "is the Spirit of Truth." AMEN I close with a Psalm of Thanksgiving. Here’s wishing you all a purpose filled holiday season! Trust brethren that Peace will come again one day for all men of His good will. Until then, let us be steadfast in our pursuit of His redeeming qualities and make a difference! Father, glorify thyself and sanctify us Lord that we may be one with you as obedient sons and daughters. May we achieve unity in Christ Jesus and be useful Kingdom subjects. AMEN Psalms 9:1-20“To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David.” I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence. For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou sits in the throne judging right. Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, and thou hast put out their name forever and ever. O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them. But the LORD shall endure forever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings. When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble. Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that lifts me up from the gates of death: That I may show forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation. The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net, which they hid, is their own foot taken. The LORD is known by the judgment, which he executes: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever. Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight. Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.”
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