Is Your Prayer Life Better Than The Devils Of Gadarenes

 

Is Your Prayer Life Better Than The Devils Of Gadarenes

     The devils in the clothed man pictured above named legion prayed effectively and had all their requests granted by our Lord Jesus. This man who lived in the tombs of the country of Gadarenes had an unclean spirit. Mark 5:3 tells us about this man saying Who had his dwelling among the tombs, and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces, neither could any man tame him. And always night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

     Now this man had devils in him named legion that were able to have all their prayer requests answered by our Lord Jesus. Let's look at how these devils were able to have all their prayers answered quickly by Jesus. And remember don't ever let some devils get through to God in prayer faster and better than any saint of God. Don't react to your problems; Instead present all your prayer requests to the Lord Jesus before you make any final decision and the peace of God that passeth all understanding will show you the way to fix all your troubles. Philippians 4:6 says Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Learn How To Pray Effectively From

The 7 Principles In The Word Of God

Used By The Devils Of Gadarenes

To Get All Your Prayers Answered

1) Pray Reverently

     First the legion devils in the man in the tombs worshipped the Lord Jesus and prayed reverently to get all their prayers answered. Mark 5:6 tells us But when he (the man in the tombs) saw Jesus afar off, he ran and (the legion devils in the man) worshipped him (Jesus). And cried with a loud voice and said, What have I to do with thee Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? These devils were smart and first worshipped Jesus calling Him the Son of the most high God before they made any prayer requests. These devils had the wisdom to first worship Jesus before making any prayer request to effectively have all their prayers answered. 

     Notice that these devils didn't just say Jesus this is what I need or this is what I want. Unfortunately most people when they pray only ask Jesus for their needs and fail to worship Jesus. The result is that most of their prayers are not granted. These devils of Gadarenes first worshipped and adored Jesus before making any prayer requests. The result was that all the devils' prayer requests were granted. Learn a lesson from these devils and worship Jesus first to pray effectively before you make any requests. Then your prayer request will be answered quickly. Don't let a pack of devils get through to God better or faster than you can.

     We are like the little child pictured above in the toy store when we make requests in prayer. If the little child first tells her mom and dad how much she loves them and kindly thanks them for taking her to the toy store, the kid usually can get anything she wants. But if the kid starts screaming and yelling in the toy store mommy give me that new toy or candy right now, the child probably will not receive anything. 

     Learn a lesson from little children and worship and thank Jesus for dying for you on the cross and shedding his blood to save you before you make any prayer requests. First get saved before you make a prayer request that Jesus will grant: Repent, stop sinning, make Jesus your God, and believe that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again. If you're thankful and praise Jesus daily, your prayers will be answered quickly.  Remember the old expression fools rush in and just ask God for things without worshipping our Lord Jesus.

     And finally remember that when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, Jesus told them at Luke 11:2 When ye pray say Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Jesus told the disciples to effectively pray first start your prayer by praising, worshipping, and thanking the Lord Jesus saying Hallowed be thy name Lord Jesus; Thank you for dying for me on the cross and saving me from hell by your precious blood that you shed at the cross. Notice that the Lord's prayer doesn't say Our Father which art in heaven, this is what I'd like; Now give me my daily bread.

2) Pray Scripturally

     Next notice that the devils quoted scripture to Jesus to get their prayers answered and avoid torment. Matthew 8:29 says And behold, they (the devils speaking through the man in the tombs) cried out What have we to do with thee Jesus, thou Son of God; art thou come hither to torment us before the time? These devils reminded Jesus that according to the Word of God they could not be tormented before the time of the judgment day and Jesus granted their request and did not torment them because they prayed scripturally. 

     These devils probably held up a bible to Jesus and said you can not torment us before the time of the judgment because Jude 6 says And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. They also quoted 2 Peter 2:4 that says God spared not the angels that sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgment. Jesus granted these devils' prayer request and did not torment them because they quoted the scriptures. 

     Learn a lesson from these devils and quote scriptures to Jesus when you pray to get all your requests granted quickly. Remember Jesus has to honor his Word and when you quote scriptures in your prayers your faith will increase and God will give you many blessings. For example if you need a healing tell Jesus the bible says I am crucified with Christ at Galatians 2:20 and according to 1 Peter 2:24 By your stripes Jesus (39 stripes for all 39 types of diseases that ever existed) I am healed.

3) Pray Specifically

James 4:2 Ye Have Not Because Ye Ask Not

     Next we see that the devils of Gadarenes prayed specifically and had all their prayer requests granted quickly. These devils specifically asked and prayed for Jesus to grant them three requests. Don't torment us; Don't send us out of the country; And Send us into those pigs over there. These requests were quickly honored because they were specific and not general. Earlier we saw that the request don't torment us was granted. The other two requests are listed at Mark 5:10-13 that say And he (the devils again speaking through the man) besought Him (Jesus) much that He would not send them away out of the country. (This specific request was granted and the devils were not sent out of the country). 

     Mark 5:11 goes on to say Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought Him (Jesus) saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. (Again because of another specific prayer request the devils were allowed to enter into the swine). Learn a lesson from this story and be specific and not general in your prayer requests and Jesus will give you blessings. 

     Now think about this: These devils got three specific prayer requests answered in 2 minutes. When was the last time you had three prayers answered in 2 minutes? Or when was the last time you had any prayer answered? The reason most people don't have their prayers answered is because they fail to ask for anything. Most people rarely pray and ask God for anything. James 4:2 says Ye have not because ye ask not. Jesus told us at John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. 

     In fact the true meaning of the word pray is to ask or request. In other words, talking to God, confessing your sin, and worshipping Jesus is not praying. Praying is asking God specifically for what you need. People used to say we pray or ask the court to do something. Now we say we petition the court to do something. Paul used the word pray to ask for a court hearing at Acts 24:4 that says Notwithstanding that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray (ask) thee that thou wouldst hear us at thy clemency a few words. Remember therefore that you have not prayed to the Lord Jesus until you've asked Jesus for something. 

A Warning In A Dream To A Man Who Failed To Ask God For Anything In Prayer

     A man dreamed he went to heaven and met an angel giving him a tour. The man saw a huge warehouse. He asked the angel what's in the big warehouse. The angel told him that's not for you to know; The man got suspicious because the door to the warehouse was open. 

     When the angel wasn't looking, the man went into the warehouse and looked at what was inside. The man saw a huge infinite mountain of what looked like christmas presents of all sizes. The man saw innumerable gift wrapped boxes of all sizes. When the angel saw that he was in the warehouse, the angel told the man to come out immediately and slammed the warehouse door shut. The angel told the man you weren't supposed to be in there; Don't tell anybody you saw that. 

     Then the man asked the angel what was all that stuff in the warehouse. The angel replied, That's all the stuff God prepared to give you in your life if you had just asked for it; But you didn't ask in prayer for it, so it remained in heaven. 

     Wow, God has a lot of things He wants to give us but we have to ask specifically in prayer for anything we want. But remember you have to ask correctly in God's will for anything and not ask amiss to consume it upon our lusts. James 4:3 warns us Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Jesus taught us that when we pray we should say Lord Jesus Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done as in heaven, so in earth. In other words when we pray we should tell God that His agenda is more important than our personal worldly requests. So therefore stay in God's will to get your prayers answered; This is done by daily reading and memorizing the bible, always attending your local church, and always praying. And if you are in God's will, like a blessed preacher of old named Jimmy Hood ask God for a million dollars so you don't have to hear God say in heaven I had a million dollars to give you but you didn't ask for it. 

     If you correctly pray according to God's will to receive prayer requests to lift up the name of Jesus, you will please God and get your prayers granted. And remember Proverbs 16:7 says When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. And an enemy listed at 1 Corinthians 15:20 is death. Therefore, if you make specific prayer requests according to God's will to please Jesus, the Lord will let you live longer and avoid the enemy of death.    

How My Friend Bill Grady Got A Specific Prayer Request Granted

     One of my favorite preachers named Dr. Bill Grady was granted a prayer request for specifically asking God for his need. After a preacher failed to pay Bill Grady enough money for teaching the Word of God, Bill Grady only had an arm and hammer baking soda box in his refrigerator with no food. While driving over a bridge in a car, Bill Grady prayed and told God specifically I need food. Can I have some food God. 

     Within 10 minutes after Bill Grady got home, a strange car pulled into his driveway and a big dude got out walking to Bill Grady's door. The big dude started kicking Bill Grady's door yelling Grady Grady open the door. At first Bill Grady didn't know what to do because he didn't recognize the big dude. Finally, Bill Grady opened the door and realized it was his old college friend from 30 years ago. His friend said Bill the reason I was kicking your door was because Jesus told me to bring you 7 bags of food groceries and my hands were full. Wow, God answered Bill Grady's prayer in 10 minutes and had his friend provide him with all the food his family needed. 

4) Pray Fervently

     The devils of Gadarenes got their prayer requests granted because they prayed fervently and persistently. Mark 5:10 tells us And he (the devils speaking through the man in the tombs) besought him (Jesus) much that He would not send them away out of the country. And then Mark 5:12 goes on to say And all the devils besought Him. Therefore, when you pray keep asking over and over again for your requests. Whenever anyone tells you if you ask more than once for anything you don't have faith, this is not of God because God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him and continually ask for their prayer requests. And even our Lord Jesus prayed the same prayer request with the exact same words three times in the garden of Gethsemane. 

     Jesus wants us to have importunity or persistence when we pray. The man pictured above at Luke 11:5 got his prayer request answered because of his importunity or persistence. This man kept knocking on his friend's door at midnight asking for three loaves of bread. His friend said Trouble me not the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee any bread. But this man was persistent and kept knocking on his friend's door asking for the bread. And because of his importunity, his prayer request was granted. Therefore, when you pray keep asking for your request even when you don't see it or feel it. God will honor your importunity and give you the blessed desires of your heart. Be not weary in well doing for in due season you will reap if you faint not. 

     Now notice that prayer differs from supplication. Supplication is defined as pleading and begging God persistently for your prayer requests. In other words, supplication is asking God over and over and over again for something. Sometimes, Brother Bob has had to pray for years the same request that Jesus eventually granted because of my persistence. And the bible tells us to have supplication and fervently with persistence ask for our needs in prayer at Philippians 4:6 that says Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

5) Pray Collectively

     The devils of Gadarenes got their prayer requests granted because they prayed collectively together. Mark 5:12 tells us And all the devils (together in a group) besought Him (Jesus) saying Send us into the swine that we may enter into them. Because these devils prayed together in a group, Jesus granted their prayer request and let them enter into the swine. 

     Learn a lesson from these devils and pray in groups with one another to get your prayer requests granted. Remember the bible says that two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labour. If one of them falls the other will lift him up. But woe unto you if you are alone and fall and there is no one to help you. If two lie together they have heat but how can one be warm alone. One prevails, two withstands, and a threefold cord is not easily broken. Also remember that one ant can push a crumb but ten ants can push the same crumb better. 

     James 5:16 tells us confess your faults one to another and pray one for another that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. When people pray together in groups the prayer is more powerful. Groups of people at Peter's church kept praying that Jesus would send an angel to release Peter from prison. Acts 12:5 says Peter therefore was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 

     Because the church prayed for Peter to be released from prison, God sent an angel to take Peter out of prison through three iron gates to freedom. Peter thought he was having a dream but when he saw the angel go up the ladderway to heaven after completing his assignment, Peter learned that the prayers of his church friends sent the angel to set him free from prison. 

6) Pray Acceptably

     The devils of Gadarenes got their prayer requests granted because they prayed acceptably. Instead of the devils asking Jesus to send them into some horses, they acceptably asked Jesus to send them into some pigs because they realized that Jesus did not like pigs. These devils realized that Leviticus 11:7 says And the swine, though he divide the hoof and be cloven footed, yet he cheweth not the cud,; he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall ye not eat and their carcase shall ye not touch., they are unclean to you. 

     Brother Bob tells all my friends everywhere to pray acceptably by making time to listen to God more and more. The more you listen to God, the more God will listen to you. God speaks to us through His Word and by listening to the preachers at our local churches. Therefore the more we listen to the Word of God and the more we go to church and listen to our preachers, the more God will listen to us and answer our prayers. On the other hand, if people fail to listen to God (rarely read the bible and rarely attend church) God will not listen to them and not answer their prayers. This is stated at Zechariah 7:13 that says Therefore it is come to pass, that as He (God) cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I (God) would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts.

     George Muller got 20000 prayer requests answered because he listened to God by reading through his bible 200 times during his life (100 times on his knees). Because George Muller listened to God he had 5000 prayer requests granted the exact same day he prayed them. George Muller said four hours of work after one hour of prayer accomplishes more than five hours without prayer. And Martin Luther said I have so many things to fix today; I'm gonna spend the first three hours in prayer. 

7) Pray Believingly

     Finally the devils of Gadarenes got their prayer requests granted because they prayed believingly. These devils prayed for things that were a good way off. Matthew 8:30 tells us And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought Him (Jesus) saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. Jesus granted their request in something that seemed impossible and a good way off allowing them to enter into the swine because the devils prayed believingly.

     Learn a lesson from these devils and start praying for things that are a good way off and seem impossible to receive according to man. Remember with man it is impossible; But with God all things are possible to them that believe. In other words start asking for big things that seem a good way off. For example it's easy to pray for $5 but why not pray for $5 million dollars to further the work of Jesus and feed the hungry, bless the missionaries, and meet the needs of many orphans and widows. And one final thought; When you pray have the faith the size of a mustard size. Matthew 17:20 promises If you have faith as the grain of a mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 

     I pray in Jesus name that this little bible study blesses multitudes all over this earth with great joy, peace, and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother  Bob Malkin 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 604-7133. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name. 

Why The Preeminent Onyx Became Sardonyx

 

Why Does The Preeminent Onyx Stand Out

This Sermon Was Inspired After Hearing A Sermon

By William P. Grady

Click this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRhhD4Jb8JE

To Hear Dr. Grady's Sermon That Inspired This Bible Study

     Today we will learn why the preeminent onyx stone stands out above all other precious gem stones in the bible. Onyx is black and represents our sinful nature and God wants us to remember that to be saved we must repent and see ourselves as guilty sinners that must decide to stop sinning needing a Saviour named Jesus to save our souls. Right now get saved and repent, stop sinning, confess Jesus to be your God, believing that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again.

     OK, lets see where in the bible the preeminent onyx stone stands out. The black onyx stone is the first gemstone mentioned in the beginning of time in the garden of Eden at Genesis 2:11. This scripture says The name of the first (river in Eden) is Pison that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; And the gold of that land is good, there is bdellium and the onyx stone. Bdellium like the onyx stone is related to myrrh that is used after death for burial reminding us of our black sinful nature needing to be forgiven by Jesus.

  

The Preeminent Onyx Stone Stands Out Above Other Gemstones

On The High Priests Epaulets (Shoulder Pieces) And Breastplate

     The onyx stone takes preeminence over all other gemstones on the high priests epaulets (shoulder pieces) and breastplate. High priests used to wear ephods that were sleeveless garments with 2 shoulder pieces connected to a breastplate. According to Exodus 28:9 there were two black onyx stones used to make the two epaulet shoulder pieces. On each onyx stone shoulder piece was written in birth order the names of the 12 tribes of Israel (6 names on each onyx stone). And according to Exodus 28:17 and Exodus 28:29 the names of the 12 tribes and corresponding gemstones (including the onyx) appear on the priest's breastplate. Look at the picture above for the names of the 12 tribes and the gemstone assigned to each tribe. Notice that the onyx is preeminent and stands out above all other gemstones appearing two times in the epaulets and again on the breastplate. 

Why Joseph Is Represented By The Onyx Stone

     Now notice that the onyx stone is the 11th stone on the priest's breastplate. And Joseph was Jacob's 11th son represented by the black onyx stone. Now why did God say Joseph who is a type of Jesus was like a black onyx stone? Notice that the onyx stone gets double usage on the priests epaulets and breastplate appearing twice. And wow Joseph was the only son of Jacob that got a double portion blessing. Reuben the firstborn lost the double portion blessing for sleeping with his stepmother. Judah whose tribe represents Jesus lost the double portion blessing for sleeping with a whore named Tamar. But Joseph got the double portion blessing because he fled from committing adultery with Potipher's wife. The double portion blessing was given by Jacob to Joseph's two sons Manasseh and Ephraim.

     Next notice that Genesis 37:3 tells us that Israel (Jacob) loved Joseph more than all his children because he was the son of his old age and he made him a coat of many colours. And isn't it amazing that the onyx stone that is mainly black also displays the many colours of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) like Joseph's coat of many colours. 

Like The Onyx Joseph The Refused Black Sheep Of His Family

Became Preeminent And A Great Ruler In Egypt

     Joseph was represented by the black onyx because he was the refused black sheep of his family. Joseph was thrown into a pit by his brothers and sold as a slave to Ishamelites because they didn't like that Jacob preferred him by giving Joseph a coat of many colours. But eventually Joseph (the rejected black onyx stone) became the preeminent ruler of Egypt standing out above all the people.

     Joseph was a type of Jesus and truly according to Psalm 118:22-23 the (onyx) stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. Like Joseph, our Lord Jesus was rejected and crucified but now Jesus is the head stone of the corner and is preeminent like the onyx stone. According to Colossians 1:18 And He (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence.

The Saints Of The Church Are Black In Sin Like The Onyx

But Jesus Who Is White And Ruddy Removes Our Black Sin

And Washes Us Whiter Than Snow In His Own Blood

     The bride of Jesus (the saints of the church) are described as black in sin like the onyx. Song of Solomon 1:5 describes the bride church saying I am black (like the onyx) but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem; as the tents of Kedar; as the curtains of Solomon. Exodus 26:7 let's us know that that goat's hair used to make Solomon's curtains were black. And David who represents the beloved church was black in sin like the onyx and according to Psalm 120:5 dwelt in the black tents of Kedar.

     Now notice how the bride church describes her beloved Jesus at Song of Solomon 5:10 saying My beloved (Jesus) is white and ruddy, the chiefest among 10000. Therefore Jesus is white and all sinners saved in the church are black like the onyx. Now the reason the onyx stands out and is preeminent is because Jesus became the black onyx by taking our black sinfulness upon Himself at the cross where His precious blood washed away our black onyx sins and made them white as snow forevermore. Praise Jesus right now as you say 2 Corinthians 5:21 For He (the Father) hath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. And also say Isaiah 1:18 though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

     You see the black onyx sinners of the church stood out to Jesus and were important. Jesus said at Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And Luke 19:10 says For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. This is why the black onyx stands out in the bible because lost sinners are important to Jesus who wants to save everyone. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  

Why Did The Black Onyx Become A Brownish Red Sardonyx

     Finally we see at Revelation 21:19 that the black onyx becomes a brownish red sardonyx in the foundations of the wall of the heavenly city. Revelation 21:19 says And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire; the third chalcedony, the fourth an emerald, (Notice that the fifth foundation is sardonyx and not just onyx).

     Now why did the black onyx become a brownish red sardonyx in the 5th foundation of the wall of the city? This is because the red blood of Jesus that covers a sinner's black onyx sin changes the black onyx into a brownish red sardonyx. This 5th foundation brownish red sardonyx stone will remind saints in the kingdom to forever remember that Jesus died for them on the cross and shed his precious blood to remove our black onyx sins. The saints will remember and say Revelation 1:5 Unto Him (Jesus) that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood. And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

     Whenever the saints in heaven look at the sardonyx stone, they'll praise Jesus forevermore and always remember that Jesus' blood washed away their black onyx sins. These saints will sing a new song at Revelation 5:9 saying Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.

     Here's a couple concluding remarks about why the black onyx became a brownish red sardonyx? The black onyx stone appeared as the 5th stone on the devil in the garden of Eden according to Ezekial 28:13 representing the number 5 and death from black sin. But in the kingdom the sardonyx brownish red stone will appear as the 5th foundation stone so saints can always remember that the death of Jesus on the cross removed their black onyx sins forevermore. Instead of a black sinful onyx stone, the saints will always see a blessed brownish red sardonyx stone and remember that Jesus shed His precious blood to remove their black onyx sins.  

     Now think about this: When the freshly spilt blood of Jesus covers our black onyx sins the result is a sardonyx with a brownish red base instead of an onyx with a black sinful base. This reminds us of when Joseph's brothers dipped his coat of many colours (representing the onyx of many colours) in the blood of a kid of the goats to create a sardonyx. Joseph's coat of many colours turned into a brownish red sardonyx presented to his father Jacob who eventually discovered that Joseph was not dead but alive because of the blood of an innocent kid which was a sign about the blood of Jesus taking away our black onyx sins.

     Finally, think about these last two points: The first reference to onyx is at the second chapter of  the first book of the bible (Genesis 2:12). The last reference to onyx (sardonyx) is at the second to the last chapter of the bible at Revelation 21:19. And how about this: Both Solomon and Joseph were types of Jesus that married black onyx sinners. According to 1 Kings 3:1 Solomon married Pharoah's black onyx daughter creating a sardonyx. And according to Genesis 41:45 Joseph married the black onyx daughter of Potiphera of On named Asenath creating a sardonyx. 

     I pray in Jesus name that this little bible study blesses multitudes all over this earth with great peace and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin 2233 Pinetree Lane Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 604-7133. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name. 

Learning How To Be A Christian From A Palm Tree

 

Learning How To Be A Christian From A Palm Tree

     Today lets learn the many ways a palm tree teaches us how to be a blessed christian. Psalm 92:12 speaks about palm trees and says The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing. 

     Note this amazing fact about palm trees that show us how to be blessed christians. Palm trees grow in 3 sizes (30 feet high, 60 feet high, and 100 feet high). Christians like palm trees after they hear and believe the word (Jesus) bless multitudes by bringing forth fruit some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. Mark 4:20 says And these are they which are sown on good ground, such as hear the Word (Jesus) and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. Right now learn from the palm tree and get saved, receive Jesus, and  bring forth good fruit with blessings; Repent, stop sinning, confess Jesus to be God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again.  

1) Palm Trees Teach Us How To Be Victorious With Joy

     First palm trees teach us how to be victorious with joy. The palm branch is a symbol of victory. A palm branch was awarded to victorious athletes in ancient Greece. In ancient Rome a person held a palm branch to symbolize victory. When Jesus entered Jerusalem during his Triumphal Entry, the people waved palm branches while they rejoiced victoriously proclaiming that Jesus is King of kings. John 12:12-13 says On the next day much people that were come to the feast when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet Him, and cried, Hosanna; Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. 

     Remember like palm tree branches that are used to proclaim victory, christians should proclaim victory every day with Jesus. Right now say 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore (because of this victory with Jesus) my beloved brethren be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 

     Also the palm tree branches that proclaim victory, remind christians of victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. 1 John 4:4 says christians have victory over the world proclaiming Greater is He (Jesus) that is in you than he that is in the world. Galatians 5:16 says christians have victory over the flesh proclaiming Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. And James 4:7 says christians have victory over the devil proclaiming Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

     During the feast of tabernacles (Sukkot) the Jews use palm tree branches to build a tabernacle and rejoice before God for 7 days about Israel's victory and deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. Every year the Jews obey Leviticus 23:40 that says And ye shall take you on the first day (of the feast of tabernacles) the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees and willows of the brook (to make a Sukkot) and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God 7 days.

     Since I mentioned Leviticus, think about this revelation. The third son of Jacob was Levi. Isn't it interesting that the third book of the bible is called (Levi)ticus. The bible is organized and uses numbers to reveal hidden mysteries. Think about this: There are 66 books in the Word of God. John 1:1-John 1:5 that talks about the Word Jesus has exactly 66 words. The 66 words stop at John 1:6 that talks about John the Baptist and not Jesus. And Isaiah has 66 chapters that correspond to each book of the bible. The 40'th book of the bible is Matthew and Matthew 3:1 talks about John the Baptist. And how amazing that Isaiah 40:3 talks about John the Baptist saying The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

     Finally, tribulation saints will wave palm tree branches proclaiming victory with Jesus over the antichrist beast. Revelation 7:9 says After this I beheld and lo a great multitude which no man could number of all nations and kindreds and people and tongues stood before the throne and before the Lamb clothed with white robes and palms in their hands.  

2) Palm Trees Teach Us To Serve And Help People

     Palm trees are used to serve and help the needs of people and animals in many ways. The palm tree is the most versatile of all indigenous plants and virtually every part of the tree is utilized to make functional items ranging from baskets to fishing boats. The dates from palm trees feed many people. Palm tree seeds are soaked and ground up to make camel food. The oil from the palm tree seeds makes soap. The fibers of palm leaves and palm branches are used to make ropes. The trunks of palm trees are used for timber and lumbar to build houses. Finally, people have discovered how to use the palm tree to make hats, sugar, and healing medicines.

     Like palm trees, christians should serve and help the needs of everyone. Christians should feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, help the stranger, and visit the prisoners and the sick. Matthew 25:37 says Then shall the righteous answer Him saying Lord when saw we thee hungred and fed thee? or thirsty and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger and took thee in or naked and clothed thee or when saw we sick or in prison and came unto thee? And the king shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.    

3) Evergreen Palm Trees Teach Us To Persevere And Keep Living For Jesus

     Palm trees are evergreen trees because even though their bark may get rough and fall off where the outer part fades, the crown (top of the palm tree) always shines bright with life. The leaves or foliage from the palm trees called fronds grow from the crown that always is alive at the top of the palm tree. In other words, palm trees are unusual in the way they grow. Most trees grow by adding rings to their outside every year. But palm trees grow by adding from the inside up and out the top. 

     Like palm trees, christians should grow by exalting the Lord Jesus daily from the inside lifting up holy hands with praises out of their mouths ascending to the highest mountaintops and heights of heaven. Psalm 134:1-3 tells us Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. The Lord that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion. 

     Like palm trees that fade on the outside but grow stronger with everlasting life on the inside, the inward man of christians should be renewed day by day though our outward man perish. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 tells us For which cause we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 

     Like the palm tree, keep persevering and living for Jesus while you overcome the troubles of this temporary world. Remember Galatians 6:9 tells us And let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. In other words lets all be evergreen christians always living for Jesus and shining the gospel light to the ends of this earth to win souls for Jesus. 

4) Palm Trees Teach Us To Survive With The Water Of Life Jesus

In A Desert World

     Palm trees are unique because they can survive where other trees perish. Palm trees always seem to find water in the desert. Like palm trees, christians survive by daily finding water in Jesus and His Word. Every day sanctify, cleanse, and wash yourself with the water of the Word of God by memorizing and listening to God's Word. Ephesians 5:26 tells us That He (Jesus) might sanctify and cleanse it (the church) with the washing of water by the Word that is Jesus.

     When you feel that you are in a desert place like a palm tree, remember the water of life Jesus is always with you till the end of the world. Say along with David Psalm 63:1 O God, thou art my God, early will I seek thee; my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is. How comforting that Jesus is our water of life in a world with no water. Jesus said at John 7:37 If any man thirst let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. And Jesus also said at John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst. But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. 

5) Palm Trees Teach Us To Respect And Be Kind To Everyone

Black, White, Asian, and Latino People

     There are more varieties of palm trees than any other tree. There are many types of palm trees and each palm tree is beautiful and special. Like palm trees, there any many types of christians from different races and backgrounds but these christians are united by their belief in the Lord Jesus. Remember, only Jesus can bring peace and unity to people. Jesus said at John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 

     Like the many types of palm trees, Jesus told us that there would be many types of christians. Romans 12:4 says For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office, so we being many are one body in Christ and every one members one of another. And when we become christians there should be no prejudice among believers in a church or anywhere. Remember 1 John 5:20 says If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

6) Palm Trees Teach Us To Live Holy And Walk Upright

     Palm trees stand tall and grow upright. Like palm trees, christians should walk upright and live holy every day. Psalm 84:11 says For the Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. And 2 Corinthians 7:1 tells us Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

     Now lets compare how the KJV bible differs from the NIV bible at Jeremiah 10:5 that speaks about a palm tree. The KJV bible correctly says that idols that imitate God at Jeremiah 10:5 are upright as the palm tree but speak not. The word palm tree used at Jeremiah 10:5 has the same hebrew meaning as the word palm tree used at Judges 4:5 that says And she (Deborah) dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah.

     Now for some reason the NIV bible removes the word palm tree from Jeremiah 10:5 and replaces it with a scarecrow in a cucumber field. And an earlier version of the NIV non inspired new idiot version of the bible replaced palm tree with scarecrow in a melon patch at Jeremiah 10:5. But the NIV bible kept the word palm tree at Judges 4:5. No one with any sanity would want to read a bible that says scarecrow in a melon patch or cucumber field. Friends only read the true KJV bible and not any of these perverted new translations. If its new its not true and if its true its not new. 

7) Palm Trees Teach Us To Be Durable And Good Soldiers For Jesus

     Palm trees are durable and bring forth fruit in old age. Like palm trees, christians should be durable good soldiers for Jesus bringing forth fruit in old age. According to Psalm 92:12 righteous christians should flourish like the palm tree. Psalm 92:13-14 says Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.

     Notice that only christians planted in the house of the Lord are like palm trees bringing forth fruit in old age. Therefore keep going to church every time your local church doors are open and you will remain blessed and bring forth fruit in old age. Keep praying, stay in the Word, and always attend your local church to be blessed. 

     Be durable like a palm tree and keep serving Jesus as a good soldier for Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3 tells us Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. If you are a good soldier for Jesus, you can say along with Paul at 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. 

     Also note that palm trees produce their best fruit when they reach the age of 30. Isn't it interesting that Luke 3:23 says that Jesus started to bless people greatly when he was about 30 years of age. And wow Genesis 41:46 tells us that Joseph was 30 years old when he was blessed to be the second most powerful ruler of Egypt and saved everyone from a famine by storing up food for 7 years. One other note about the age of 30. I believe when christians get their glorified bodies in heaven they will be like Jesus and forever be the age of 29. This is because Philippians 3:21 promises that Jesus shall change our vile body (at the rapture) that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.

8) Palm Trees Remind Us That Jesus Is A Shade To A Weary Traveler

In The Heat Of The Day

     Palm trees stand so tall that they overshadow everything around them and are a shade to a weary traveler in the heat of the day. Like palm trees, Jesus is a shade to christians who are pilgrims and strangers traveling through this hot desert world. Psalm 121:5 tell us that The Lord (Jesus) is thy keeper; the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. 

     When the children of Israel were traveling through the hot desert, they found a place called Elim (defined as palms with blessings) where they were refreshed with 12 wells of water and the shade of 70 palm trees. Exodus 15:27 says And they (the children of Israel) came to Elim where were 12 wells of water and 70 palm trees, and they encamped there by the waters. I pray in Jesus name any friend reading this anywhere would receive an Elim blessing and be refreshed by the shade of Jesus who also is their everlasting well of water springing unto eternal life.

Jericho The City Of Palms

9) Palm Trees Teach Us That After Death

Jesus Is Our Bridge To The Eternal Peaceful Kingdom

     Palm trees are useful even after they die. When palm trees die, people use their trunks to make bridges over rivers and gorges. Like palm trees, after Jesus died, Jesus became our bridge to get to the blessed eternal peaceful kingdom. Jesus said at John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Jesus is our ladderway bridge to heaven according to John 1:51 that says Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. John lets us know that the ladderway bridge to heaven that Jacob saw in a dream is Jesus. Genesis 28:12 says And he (Jacob) dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.  

     And before Moses died, he got to see the blessed promised land kingdom and Jericho that is called the city of palms. Truly, because Jesus died, he became like a palm tree bridge in death and extended to the promised land of Jericho that Moses saw as a city of palms. Deuteronomy 34:1 says And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo to the top of Pisgah that is over against Jericho. And the Lord shewed him all the land of Gilead unto Dan. And all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh and all the land of Judah unto the utmost sea. And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar. 

      Let Jesus be your palm tree bridge today and believe that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again so you can enter the heavenly kingdom and the city of palms. And after anyone gets saved, they can be a palm tree bridge by witnessing and telling everyone about how to be saved with Jesus. You might be the only palm tree bridge to heaven that anyone sees in their life. Remember let your light of Jesus shine everywhere. 2 Corinthians 3:2 tells us Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men. 

     Like palm trees, even after a christian dies, the christian's writings and testimony can be a bridge that leads people to salvation in the everlasting kingdom. Even after Abel died, the bible says that he being dead yet speaketh and people everywhere remember that Abel's sacrifice of the Lamb Jesus was pleasing to God instead of Cain's self righteous good works. Cain learned that it was wrong for him to say All the works of my hands can fulfill thy laws demands. But Abel learned that it was blessed to say Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling. Hebrews 11:4 speaks about Abel and says By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of His gifts; and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 

     I pray in Jesus name that this little bible study blesses multitudes on this earth with peace and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 604-7133. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.