Drum the Message Home

'Then I said, “If you want to pay me, pay me. If not, then don’t.” So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. The Lord said to me, “Throw the money to the potter.” That is how little they thought I was worth. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the Temple of the Lord.' Zechariah 11:12-13 (NCV) This prophecy was fulfilled 578 years later when Matthew documented that Jesus the Messiah was betrayed for th irty pieces of silver. 'Then one of the twelve apostles, Judas Iscariot, went to talk to the leading priests. He said, “What will you pay me for giving Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty silver coins.' Matthew 26:14-15 (NCV)  

'Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.' Psalm 41:9 (NIV) This prophecy was fulfilled 520 years later when Matthew documented that Jesus the Messiah was betrayed by a close friend, a friend that he trusted and ate bread with. 'And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.” Matthew 26:21-15 (NIV)  

'Everyone in Jerusalem, celebrate and shout! Your king has won a victory, and he is coming to you. He is humble and rides on a donkey; he comes on the colt of a donkey.' Zechariah 9:9 (CEV) This prophecy was fulfilled 578 years later when Luke documented that Jesus the Messiah entered Jerusalem riding a donkey. 'Then they led the donkey to Jesus. They put some of their clothes on its back and helped Jesus get on. And as he rode along, the people spread clothes on the road in front of him. When Jesus was starting down the Mount of Olives, his large crowd of disciples were happy and praised God because of all the miracles they had seen. They shouted, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory to God.” Luke 19:35-38 (CEV)  

'Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ’s sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It’s because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.' 1 Peter 1:18-21 (MSG) What's missing? Have you ever asked this question before? What's missing in my soup? What's missing in my career? What's missing in my life? What if you get to the top of the career ladder to find what you were searching for was just another dead-end? Would you feel cheated? What if you spend your entire life and fortune trying to win the game and find out too late that what y...

'For the sons of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, until all the nation, that is, the men of war who came out of Egypt, perished because they did not listen to the voice of the LORD, to whom the LORD had sworn that He would not let them see the land which the LORD had sworn to their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey.' Joshua 5:6 (NASB). Forty symbolizes a period of testing, trial and probation. It also represents a generation. What have I observed during my forty years as a Christian? What have I noticed along the way? Is there anything that I could pass on to the next generation? Learn to expect the unexpected. I had a few prayers and a few demands and more than a few ideas of how things would turn out for me back in the days of my youth. There are no regrets, just observations of the dichotomy of the matters of the flesh and the matters of the spirit. The unexpected results are why I want to know the truth in every matter of...

'I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—' Psalm 78:2 (NIV) This prophecy was fulfilled 520 years later when Matthew documented that Jesus the Messiah would speak to the crowds in parables. 'Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable.' Matthew 13:34 (NIV)  

'And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland.' Isaiah 35:5-6 (NLT) This prophecy was fulfilled 740 years later when Matthew documented that Jesus the Messiah healed the sick. 'Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me."' Matthew 11:4-6 (NLT)  

' Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.' 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (TPT) I woke up thanking God today. How do I let joy become my continual feast when there is so much suffering? One way that I find joy is to work through the troubles of the day. I pray and I seek out the person that can help get me through my problems. I find my joy in Christ Jesus. I never want to go to bed with bitterness. When I seek out the person with the goal of better understanding, that really seems to help me to process the situation that is troublesome. When I gain understanding it helps me to gain wisdom. With prayer and with wisdom bitterness has to flee and I can go to bed with a thankful heart and wake up with a thankful heart! There are so many reasons to be thankful. Did I mention that I am a grandmother? Funny how a grandchild brings so much joy i...

'Go ahead, build your career and give yourself to your work. But if you put me first, you’ll see your family built up!' Proverbs 24:27 (TPT) Planning and doing what is necessary is important, but, putting God first is what I should prefer. Neglecting to put Him first is always a fatal flaw. Convenience and pleasure comes later. How can I enjoy the fruits of my labor without first I labor? I must do what needs to be done first. This is the path I should ta ke to avoid going into debt. I would be wise to take care of my resources. I would be wise to get ready for what is to come next. Slow and steady, like the turtle, is the way to save and build up my wealth. I refuse to gamble my resources away. I prefer to respect what God has given me. I prefer to research first and to use my resources in a way that brings the best return on my investment. Borrowing money makes me a slave to the lender. This is the path He has laid out for me to take to put my life in...

'Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.' Hebrews 12:15-17 (MSG) Run hard after God. Use every tool that is available to you. Don't fail to spend time every day reading your Bible and exercising your faith. Pray to Him without ceasing. Build yourself up so that you might build one another up. Don't overlook or ignore the poisonous weeds of discontent that spring up around you. Don't fall from grace.  Think about Eve, when she fell, she was only trying to obtain something that...

'I will tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to me, “You are my son, today I have begotten you.' Psalm 2:7 (RSV) This prophecy was fulfilled 520 years later when Luke documented the angel's decree of Jesus the Messiah. 'And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.' Luke 1:35 (RSV)

'Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.' Isaiah 7:14 (KJ21) This prophecy was fulfilled 740 years later when Matthew documented the birth of Jesus the Messiah. 'Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel” (which being interpreted is, “God with us”).' Matthew 1:22-23 (KJ21)  

'Bethlehem Ephrath, you are one of the smallest towns in the nation of Judah. But the Lord will choose one of your people to rule the nation—someone whose family goes back to ancient times.' Micah 5:2 (CEV) This prophecy was fulfilled 760 years later when Matthew documented the birth place of Jesus the Messiah. 'When Jesus was born in the village of Bethlehem in Judea, Herod was king. During this time some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and said, “Where is the child born to be king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”' Matthew 2:1-2 (CEV)  

'Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.'Jeremiah 23:5 (KJV) This prophecy was fulfilled 645 years later when Matthew documented the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah. '1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; 3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; 4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; 5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; 6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; 7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; 8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and...

'The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.' Genesis 49:10 (NIV) This prophecy was fulfilled 1505 years later when Matthew documented the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah. 'This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam...

'When there is no wood, the fire goes out; when there is no one to spread gossip, arguing stops.' Proverbs 26:20 (VOICE) So we have been friends for awhile. You have listened to me for these past few months. I value you as a friend. I appreciate you. You know me. I know you. That is why we can talk so directly to each other. We can talk about anything and we can discuss it, but we choose to do so in love. I would never say anything to hurt you to your face or behind your back. You can trust me to be your encouraging and faithful friend. We choose to be careful about what we say to one another. We have learned from past mistakes to place value in a friend by respecting them with words of truth and to love them with the perfect love of Christ and to let the flames of contention burn out as we choose to walk in the Light of Christ.  As we walk in the Light of Christ, we do not gossip and we never argue about anything. So unlike the contentious women. Her ...

'So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures.' James 1:16-18 (MSG) Do not be deceived. We are the crown of all God's creation. For the one who feels unworthy, the gift is for you. For the proud the gift is for you. He brought us to life and His son changed us. We can know the Father of Light and be changed. God is not the author of temptation that leads to death and sin, no, if it is good and if it is perfect, only then can we know that the gift is coming to us only from Him. Heaven sent. Soon to come. So desirable. Life. What a show off.  

'But they took no plunder. That day, when it was all over, the number of those killed in the palace complex was given to the king. The king told Queen Esther, “In the palace complex alone here in Susa the Jews have killed five hundred men, plus Haman’s ten sons. Think of the killing that must have been done in the rest of the provinces! What else do you want? Name it and it’s yours. Your wish is my command.” Esther 9:9-12 (MSG) During the days of the Persian Empi re, Haman had called for genocide. He had the king's trust and signet ring. Because of his prejudice and racism he had tricked the king and called for all Jewish people to be destroyed. The decree was written and sent out to all of the king's provinces. Then Esther became queen and took a stand against evil. God had a different plan.  Historians say it was a battle of self preservation. Perhaps 75,000 Persian men women and children were massacred during the battle on that day. It was a day of ...

'However, there is a wisdom that we continually speak of when we are among the spiritually mature. It’s wisdom that didn’t originate in this present age, nor did it come from the rulers of this age who are in the process of being dethroned. Instead, we continually speak of this wonderful wisdom that comes from God, hidden before now in a mystery. It is his secret plan, destined before the ages, to bring us into glory. None of the rulers of this present world order u nderstood it, for if they had, they never would have crucified the Lord of shining glory.This is why the Scriptures say: Things never discovered or heard of before, things beyond our ability to imagine— these are the many things God has in store for all his lovers. But God now unveils these profound realities to us by the Spirit. Yes, he has revealed to us his inmost heart and deepest mysteries through the Holy Spirit, who constantly explores all things.' 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 (TPT) Th...

'“Next, you’ll come to Gibeah of God, where there’s a Philistine garrison. As you approach the town, you’ll run into a bunch of prophets coming down from the shrine, playing harps and tambourines, flutes and drums. And they’ll be prophesying. Before you know it, the Spirit of God will come on you and you’ll be prophesying right along with them. And you’ll be transformed. You’ll be a new person!' 1 Samuel 10:5-6 (MSG) That journey will lead you home, and you will be among the enemy for they have moved in and set up camp there. They will not hinder you. You will be directed to the place of learning, a hilltop experience where you will be instructed by the town prophets. You will be encouraged and lead by them through their worship to prophesy right along with them. You will prophesy when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. The Holy Spirit will transform you into a new person. You will be changed. You will be saved. God is orderly and there is nothing confusing in...

'You set a table for me in the presence of my foes. You drench my head with oil. My cup is overflowing. Surely goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.' Psalm 23:5-6 )EHV) Even though the enemy sets out to destroy me, God delivers me in spite of them. God delivers and God also prepares and provides. God prepa res the banquet and provides the table with the entire feast while my opponents watch on in jealous rage and powerless annoyance at the prosperity. God, You remembered everything. The celebration is real. The table is lacking nothing as One of great wealth and abundance would provide. You own it all. You own everything and You love me! I couldn't be any happier. I am filled with Your fullness and Your favor is upon me. You demonstrate Your favor daily, as one would do who knew me before, in my filthy condition. After all, I was coming into Your presence from yet another battle; dirty,...

'Light, space, zest- that’s God! So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing. When vandal hordes ride down ready to eat me alive, those bullies and toughs fall flat on their faces. When besieged, I’m calm as a baby. When all hell breaks loose, I’m collected and cool. I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet. That’s the only quiet, s ecure place in a noisy world, the perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic. God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I’m headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to God. Listen, God, I’m calling at the top of my lungs: “Be good to me! Answer me!” When my heart whispered, “Seek God,” my whole being replied “I’m seeking him!” Don’t hide from me now! You’ve always been right there for me; don’t turn your back o...

'God blesses those who hunger and thirst f or justice, for they will be satisfied.' Matthew 5:6 (NLT) Just as my physical needs for food and drink must be met on a daily basis for me to remain healthy and to survive, we have to eat to live, thus must my spiritual needs and deeper cravings forever be for spiritual blessings. For once I sought You, Lord, looking for Your path to save my soul, but now I seek Your face to hear from You and to make my petitions known. My desire is to know You better. I was created to worship You. When I come to the prayer room with a hungry heart I leave satisfied. You are the bread of life. When I am thirsty I come to Your spiritual well of life giving water and drink, and I thirst no more. When I seek Your grace and Your righteousness, I will surely find justice! The more justice I find in You, the more I seek You and am satisfied. I am hungry for more of You.  

'It is important that all of us submit to the authorities who have charge over us because God establishes all authority in heaven and on the earth. Therefore, a person who rebels against authority rebels against the order He established, and people like that can expect to face certain judgment. You see, if you do the right thing, you have nothing to be worried about from the rulers; but if you do what you know is wrong, the rulers will make sure you pay a price. Would you not rather live with a clear conscience than always have to be looking over your shoulder? Then keep doing what you know to be good and right, and they will publicly honor you. Look at it this way: The ruler is a servant of God called to serve and benefit you. But he is also a servant of God executing wrath upon those who practice evil. If you do what is wrong, then you’d better be afraid because he wields the power of the sword and doesn’t make empty threats. So submission is not optional; it...

'Remind people of these things, as you solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to fight about words, which does no good and only ruins those who listen. Make every effort to present yourself to God as one who is approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, correctly handling the word of truth. As for pointless chatter, avoid it, for it will lead to an ever greater measure of godlessness, and their message will spread like gangrene. This includes Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have veered away from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are overturning the faith of some.' 2 Timothy 2:14-18 (EHV) So, as I hit my nine month goal on Sunday I wondered what that significant day would bring to my diligence. Would I still be committed to following through with everything? What about the early morning prayer? I could gain sleep, but lose hearing from Him. What about the time I spend expanding and developing the Word that He gives m...

'Be alert. Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong. Do everything in love.' 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NCV) To be alert is to be ready and not to fall asleep on the job or to become lazy. This faithful Christian is always in danger. He cannot become distracted by events even for a moment. His very life is at stake. He is to be watchful and to remain poised for battle. In that, he must remain poised and also be prepared for it when danger comes, that shock to the faith so to speak. He can take a stand against the enemy, when the challenges come, that he might diminish their outcomes because he sees them coming. Because he sees the attacks coming, he can be confident in the revelation of God in Jesus and to stay on his feet and not stumble. Even though he is weak, he has been made strong and brave in the fight with the world, the flesh and the devil. Through His strength he has been given spiritual power, wisdom and understanding to take on...

'Don’t be worried with evil workers or envy the gains of people with all-wrong-upside-down ways. Soon enough they will wither like grass, like green herbs fading in summer’s heat. Believe in the Eternal, and do what is good—live in the land He provides; roam, and rest in God’s faithfulness. Take great joy in the Eternal! His gifts are coming, and they are all your heart desires!' Psalm 37:1-4 (VOICE) So, the worry part is associated with anxiety and haven't we just about figured this one out? I know that fear is the opposite of faith. My prayers won't be answered unless I pray with faith believing. The prayer part is the mystery, where God takes over, the faith part is what I do, with the help of the Holy Spirit. I admit that fear is a natural part of me and I must choose to keep it in check. Faith, then, that God will bring evil to justice soon enough gives me the courage and the strength to wait.  So, then what to do about the envy part of me. ...

'You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face.' 2 Corinthians 11: 20 (NLT) Wait! That lie sounds just like the lie I have heard before. Just the same old same old. No truth is in it. Why can't I see it? What does the Bible say about it? Pray for discernment. My duty and practice as a Christian is to be humble and obedient to the teachings of Christ. I am to do the things that are necessary and lawful and to speak truth. His ways are not complicated. His ways are easy and following Him takes me out of bondage. The contrast couldn't be more clear between those who follow Christ and those who follow the false teachers of the world. There is no freedom without You. I should not be deceived and should look at the things those looking to deceive me will do and not be fooled by what I hear them say. I am not to put up with deception when I find mys...

'“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the h airs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.' Matthew 10: 26-33 (ESV) The anecdote to fear is simply this; faith in God. God says 'do not live in fear of the things that I have created, but instead, be wise and fear Me, for I am God, the creator of all things'...