He served the Lord even though revelation was rare...
“Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.” [1]
He did not yet know the Lord. God’s Word was not yet revealed to him...
“Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him.” [2]
Then, the Lord spoke his name and he responded...
“Now the Lord came, stood, and called as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant hears.’” [3]
The Lord was with him and gave him the right words to say...
“So, Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.” [4]
The Lord continued to appear to Samuel and reveal Himself to Samuel via His Word...
“Then the Lord appeared again in Shiloh. For the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.” [5]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to us via Your Word that is recorded and preserved for us in the Bible. Thank You Jesus Son of God for removing the wall of separation between us and the Father via Your atoning sacrifice for our sins. Thank You Holy Spirit for deigning to dwell in us and for revealing the meaning of God’s Word for us.”
[1] 1 Samuel 3:1
[2] 1 Samuel 3:7
[3] 1 Samuel 3:10
[4] 1 Samuel 3:19
[5] 1 Samuel 3:21
Please pray that God will use 21st Century Jeremiah publications to help prophetic speakers to accurately align their messages with the Scriptures even as the prophet Jeremiah sought to do in his day.
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Friday, April 29, 2022
Hold Fast The Confession
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” [1]
“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” [2]
“Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [3]
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” [4]
[1] Hebrews 10:23
[2] Romans 10:9
[3] Philippians 2:11
[4] Proverbs 18:21
“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” [2]
“Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [3]
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” [4]
[1] Hebrews 10:23
[2] Romans 10:9
[3] Philippians 2:11
[4] Proverbs 18:21
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
The Power of Prayer and Praise to God
“At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the prisoners were listening to them.” [1]
What did Paul and Silas do in prison? What was the outcomes of their actions?
Paul and Silas prayed, presumably aloud, and sang hymns to God. This does not a normally happen when two men are locked up for doing good. They had every reason to cry injustice and complain, but instead, they prayed and sang. The prisoners listened.
With Jesus their heart-breaking situation gave way to shining the Gospel light amidst people sitting in darkness. The world offers division, complaint, strife, anger, victimhood, guilt, shame, and pride. Jesus offers a grateful heart that can “give thanks in all circumstances.” [2]
Paul and Silas had the promise from Jesus of a glorious resurrection. Even if they were executed, they would rise again. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” [3]
What did the prisoners hear spilling out from Paul and Silas amidst their trials? What are our listeners hearing us say?
The example of Paul and Silas moved their jailer to ask them, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” [4]
It is highly probable, based on the outcomes recorded in this Bible story, that if we sincerely pray to God and loudly praise Him with song, someone will ask us how they too can be saved.
[1] Acts 16:25
[2] 1 Thessalonians 5:18
[3] Matthew 5:11-12
[4] Acts 16:30
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Maintaining The Main Mission
Paul’s accusers: “For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.” [1]
Paul’s response: “I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.” “Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.” [2]
After Jesus revealed Himself to Paul and commissioned him to preach the Gospel to Jews, non-Jews and to kings, [3] the Apostle was not deterred by the false accusations and hardships that came against him. He had hope in God! He had hope in God because for him the resurrection from the dead of the just and the unjust was a reality.
Previously, Epicurean and Stoic philosophers mocked him saying, “What does this babbler want to say?” While others said of him, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. [4]
Paul responded to these mockers and skeptics with a warning, “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” [5]
The revelation of Jesus Christ brought Paul to repentance. He repented of his rage against Jesus and His followers. Jesus led him and empowered him to become one of His greatest writers and proclaimers of the resurrection message. Thanks to God’s grace, every other priority of Paul gave way to the priority of preparing people for eternity. Despite mocking, mischaracterization, and maltreatment, he maintained his mission.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to prepare people for eternity by revealing Your Son Jesus Christ to them even as You have so graciously revealed Him to us. It is in His Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 24:5
[2] Acts 24:15, 21
[3] Acts 9:15
[4] Acts 17:18
[5] Acts 17:30-31
Paul’s response: “I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.” “Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.” [2]
After Jesus revealed Himself to Paul and commissioned him to preach the Gospel to Jews, non-Jews and to kings, [3] the Apostle was not deterred by the false accusations and hardships that came against him. He had hope in God! He had hope in God because for him the resurrection from the dead of the just and the unjust was a reality.
Previously, Epicurean and Stoic philosophers mocked him saying, “What does this babbler want to say?” While others said of him, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. [4]
Paul responded to these mockers and skeptics with a warning, “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” [5]
The revelation of Jesus Christ brought Paul to repentance. He repented of his rage against Jesus and His followers. Jesus led him and empowered him to become one of His greatest writers and proclaimers of the resurrection message. Thanks to God’s grace, every other priority of Paul gave way to the priority of preparing people for eternity. Despite mocking, mischaracterization, and maltreatment, he maintained his mission.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to prepare people for eternity by revealing Your Son Jesus Christ to them even as You have so graciously revealed Him to us. It is in His Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 24:5
[2] Acts 24:15, 21
[3] Acts 9:15
[4] Acts 17:18
[5] Acts 17:30-31
Saturday, April 23, 2022
Bound For Glory!
Did you know that Samson, the great strong man of God, was once bound and delivered over to his enemies by his own people to save them from death?
It is true! The Philistine army deployed itself against Israel. Israel asked them why. The Philistines replied, “We have come up to arrest Samson...” So, 3,000 Israelites approached Samson, and said to him, “We have come to arrest you, to deliver you into the hand of the Philistines.” They bound Samson with ropes and brought him up to the Philistines. Thankfully, the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon Samson. He broke the ropes. He slew 1,000 Philistines. He was free again. [1]
The Apostle Paul was also bound but later freed.
A man with a prophetic gift took Paul’s belt and bound his own hands and feet with it. He said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” Paul’s friends were quite upset by this prophesy. Paul responded to them by saying, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” [2]
Jesus was also bound. “The detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.” [3] Jesus was also bound by strips of grave clothing. “Then they took the body of Jesus and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.” [4] But no bonds, no grave clothing and no sealed-shut tomb were able stop Jesus. He had the power of an endless life. [5]
In all these cases, God’s messengers were set free from the bonds that people tried to bind them with. And in all these cases, these who were bound by the world, were also bound for glory.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please keep us ever mindful that all the world’s bindings against Your servants are destined to burst. You have bound us for glory. We are bound for glory thanks to You and Your Son Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. It is in His Name that I praise You. Amen.”
[1] Judges 15:9-15
[2] Acts 21:10-13
[3] John 18:12
[4] John 19:40
[5] Hebrews 7:16
It is true! The Philistine army deployed itself against Israel. Israel asked them why. The Philistines replied, “We have come up to arrest Samson...” So, 3,000 Israelites approached Samson, and said to him, “We have come to arrest you, to deliver you into the hand of the Philistines.” They bound Samson with ropes and brought him up to the Philistines. Thankfully, the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon Samson. He broke the ropes. He slew 1,000 Philistines. He was free again. [1]
The Apostle Paul was also bound but later freed.
A man with a prophetic gift took Paul’s belt and bound his own hands and feet with it. He said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” Paul’s friends were quite upset by this prophesy. Paul responded to them by saying, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” [2]
Jesus was also bound. “The detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.” [3] Jesus was also bound by strips of grave clothing. “Then they took the body of Jesus and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.” [4] But no bonds, no grave clothing and no sealed-shut tomb were able stop Jesus. He had the power of an endless life. [5]
In all these cases, God’s messengers were set free from the bonds that people tried to bind them with. And in all these cases, these who were bound by the world, were also bound for glory.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please keep us ever mindful that all the world’s bindings against Your servants are destined to burst. You have bound us for glory. We are bound for glory thanks to You and Your Son Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. It is in His Name that I praise You. Amen.”
[1] Judges 15:9-15
[2] Acts 21:10-13
[3] John 18:12
[4] John 19:40
[5] Hebrews 7:16
Friday, April 22, 2022
The Heavenly Message
“Jesus
came preaching the good news of the kingdom of God. He charged His disciples
with the Great Commission. The Book of Acts records the Great Commission in
action - the proclamation of the Gospel and the instruction of new believers.”
~ Alexander Strauch
Thursday, April 21, 2022
God's Response To Pain
Exile is to ancient Israel is what crucifixion of Jesus is to Church. Return from exile (restoration) is to Israel what resurrection of Jesus is to Church.
Before exile, tradition had become a prop. Landholding had become a prop. Power had become a prop. God had to take away all their props so they can come back to God.
The Bible is God’s response to human suffering… “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
Romans 15:4
Before exile, tradition had become a prop. Landholding had become a prop. Power had become a prop. God had to take away all their props so they can come back to God.
The Bible is God’s response to human suffering… “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
Romans 15:4
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Christ-Centered Christianity
“Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days [3 weekly meetings] reasoned with them out of the Scriptures.” [1]
“The Greek word translated ‘reasoned’ is the root for our English word dialogue. There was an exchange, questions and answers. He dialogued with them ‘from the Scriptures.” (Hughes) [2]
“Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.” [3]
Paul did the work in Thessalonica, Greece, of proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead. He presented persuasive evidence to his listeners.
The first reaction...
A great multitude of devout Greeks (even chief women) believed in JESUS. [4] Praise the Lord!
The second reaction:
Those who were jealous recruited a mob of lewd people and started a riot. They attacked the house of Jason and brought him and others who supported Paul before the rulers of the city. Their accusation against was:
“These that have turned the world upside down are come here also... They are contrary to Caesar... They say that Jesus is king.” [5]
Thankfully, the rulers let Jason go. [6]
In the meantime, Paul and Silas traveled to Berea, Greece. The Bereans received God’s Word with readiness of mind. They searched the Scriptures daily. Many of them believed including highly honored Greek women and men. [7]
Wonderful!
Then, angry people arrived from Thessalonica and stirred up the people against Paul once again, so he went and preached to people in Athens, Greece. [8] An Athenian man named Dionysius and an Athenian woman named Damaris, and others believed in Jesus. [9]
Leading people to believe in Christ is Christ-centered Christianity. We are still pointing people to Him today.
Jesus gives those who believe in Him new and abundant life. He takes the guilt of sin away because He forgives all our sins. He gives us His Holy Spirit. His Spirit gives us love, joy and peace that we never experienced prior to our faith in Christ. And He gives us eternal life. I pray, if you have not believed in Christ yet, that you would believe in Him today.
[1] Acts 17:2
[2] Enduring Word Commentary
[3] Acts 17:3
[4] Acts 17:4
[5] Acts 17:5-7
[6] Acts 17:9
[7] Acts 17:11-12
[8] Acts 17:13-15
[9] Acts 17:34
“The Greek word translated ‘reasoned’ is the root for our English word dialogue. There was an exchange, questions and answers. He dialogued with them ‘from the Scriptures.” (Hughes) [2]
“Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.” [3]
Paul did the work in Thessalonica, Greece, of proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead. He presented persuasive evidence to his listeners.
The first reaction...
A great multitude of devout Greeks (even chief women) believed in JESUS. [4] Praise the Lord!
The second reaction:
Those who were jealous recruited a mob of lewd people and started a riot. They attacked the house of Jason and brought him and others who supported Paul before the rulers of the city. Their accusation against was:
“These that have turned the world upside down are come here also... They are contrary to Caesar... They say that Jesus is king.” [5]
Thankfully, the rulers let Jason go. [6]
In the meantime, Paul and Silas traveled to Berea, Greece. The Bereans received God’s Word with readiness of mind. They searched the Scriptures daily. Many of them believed including highly honored Greek women and men. [7]
Wonderful!
Then, angry people arrived from Thessalonica and stirred up the people against Paul once again, so he went and preached to people in Athens, Greece. [8] An Athenian man named Dionysius and an Athenian woman named Damaris, and others believed in Jesus. [9]
Leading people to believe in Christ is Christ-centered Christianity. We are still pointing people to Him today.
Jesus gives those who believe in Him new and abundant life. He takes the guilt of sin away because He forgives all our sins. He gives us His Holy Spirit. His Spirit gives us love, joy and peace that we never experienced prior to our faith in Christ. And He gives us eternal life. I pray, if you have not believed in Christ yet, that you would believe in Him today.
[1] Acts 17:2
[2] Enduring Word Commentary
[3] Acts 17:3
[4] Acts 17:4
[5] Acts 17:5-7
[6] Acts 17:9
[7] Acts 17:11-12
[8] Acts 17:13-15
[9] Acts 17:34
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
The Proper Response to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
The proper response our Lord’s resurrection is to GO and TELL others.
The Apostle Paul, who experienced a face to face encounter with the Risen Lord Jesus, did just that!
For example, in the city of Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul ministered for three Sabbaths in a Jewish synagogue. He reasoned with them from the Scriptures. What was the topic of his Bible teaching? The resurrection of Jesus Christ!
“He explained and proved that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.’” Christ is Greek for Messiah!
Some Jews, a great multitude of Greeks, and many leading women were persuaded that Jesus was Messiah and joined with Paul and his ministry partner Silas. [1]
Next, Paul and Silas preached Christ in a Berean synagogue. The Berean Jews searched the Scriptures daily to verify if Jesus did indeed fulfill the Bible’s prophesies. Many of them believed. There were also many Greek converts including prominent women as well as men. [2]
Next, Paul stood amid the Areopagus (a temple to a Greek god) located in Athens Greece. Here too, he preached Christ. [3]
He told his listeners, “We ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” [4]
Some in the audience mocked Paul while others wanted to hear more. One man named Dionysius, one woman named Damaris, and some others believed and joined him. [5]
Paul is God’s example of a person who loves God and his neighbor. God’s love led him to care for peoples’ souls. By faith in God’s Word and reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit, he continually made new followers of Jesus Christ.
As many as receive Jesus Christ, to them He gives the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who are born... of God. [6] Converted by His Word and Holy Spirit!
[1] Acts 17:1-4
[2] Acts 17:11-12
[3] Acts 17:22
[4] Acts 17:29-31
[5] Acts 17:32-34
[6] John 1:12-13
The Apostle Paul, who experienced a face to face encounter with the Risen Lord Jesus, did just that!
For example, in the city of Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul ministered for three Sabbaths in a Jewish synagogue. He reasoned with them from the Scriptures. What was the topic of his Bible teaching? The resurrection of Jesus Christ!
“He explained and proved that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.’” Christ is Greek for Messiah!
Some Jews, a great multitude of Greeks, and many leading women were persuaded that Jesus was Messiah and joined with Paul and his ministry partner Silas. [1]
Next, Paul and Silas preached Christ in a Berean synagogue. The Berean Jews searched the Scriptures daily to verify if Jesus did indeed fulfill the Bible’s prophesies. Many of them believed. There were also many Greek converts including prominent women as well as men. [2]
Next, Paul stood amid the Areopagus (a temple to a Greek god) located in Athens Greece. Here too, he preached Christ. [3]
He told his listeners, “We ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” [4]
Some in the audience mocked Paul while others wanted to hear more. One man named Dionysius, one woman named Damaris, and some others believed and joined him. [5]
Paul is God’s example of a person who loves God and his neighbor. God’s love led him to care for peoples’ souls. By faith in God’s Word and reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit, he continually made new followers of Jesus Christ.
As many as receive Jesus Christ, to them He gives the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who are born... of God. [6] Converted by His Word and Holy Spirit!
[1] Acts 17:1-4
[2] Acts 17:11-12
[3] Acts 17:22
[4] Acts 17:29-31
[5] Acts 17:32-34
[6] John 1:12-13
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Believing Between Then And Now
Jesus had told His disciples multiple times that He would die, but on the third day rise again. [1] But we read of their unbelief between then and now... The time between His crucifixion and His resurrection. [2]
Between the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus rested on the Sabbath. He did not go into crisis control mode. The tomb was sealed. It was a rich man’s tomb complete with bodyguards.
Is it any coincidence that God set apart the seventh day of the week and made it holy? I think not! Sabbath is a day to die-to-self and to rest in God. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, did not work during His Sabbath in the grave. But on the first day of the week, when there was work to do, He resurrected with healing in His wings. [3]
“He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God.” [4]
What about those unbelieving disciples? What happened to them? Poisoned minds! The devil did this to our first parents... he poisoned their minds against God. Some members of Alcoholics Anonymous speak of the devil being on one’s shoulder speaking into their ear. Yes, the enemy poisons people against God, against themselves and others. Some doubted until they saw Jesus alive from the dead on the third day.
How many are doubting today that Jesus will return just as He said?
We must beware of doubting when we should be resting. The Apostle Peter warned that in the last days, many will be saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?” [5]
“The unbelieving... poisoned their minds against the brethren.” [6] Did the brethren quit? No, “they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” [7]
Some persuaded the multitudes to stone the Apostle Paul. Did he quit? No, he went forward preaching the Gospel in the next city. He and his ministry team made many disciples there. [8]
Paul exhorted his disciples to continue in the faith, saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” [9]
Despite all that is waged against Jesus Christ, and the truth that He gives us, He overcomes. It was prophesied long ago of Jesus in God’s Word the Bible...
“I will make My firstborn the highest of the kings of the earth.” [10]
Keep on believing between the then of Sabbath and the now of Resurrection!
[1] Matthew 16:21, Matthew 17:23, Matthew 20:19
[2] Matthew 28:17, Luke 24:25, John 20:24-27
[3] Malachi 4:2
[4] 2 Corinthians 13:4
[5] 2 Peter 3:4
[6] Acts 14:2
[7] Acts 14:3
[8] Acts 14:19-21
[9] Acts 14:22
[10] Psalm 89:27
Between the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus rested on the Sabbath. He did not go into crisis control mode. The tomb was sealed. It was a rich man’s tomb complete with bodyguards.
Is it any coincidence that God set apart the seventh day of the week and made it holy? I think not! Sabbath is a day to die-to-self and to rest in God. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, did not work during His Sabbath in the grave. But on the first day of the week, when there was work to do, He resurrected with healing in His wings. [3]
“He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God.” [4]
What about those unbelieving disciples? What happened to them? Poisoned minds! The devil did this to our first parents... he poisoned their minds against God. Some members of Alcoholics Anonymous speak of the devil being on one’s shoulder speaking into their ear. Yes, the enemy poisons people against God, against themselves and others. Some doubted until they saw Jesus alive from the dead on the third day.
How many are doubting today that Jesus will return just as He said?
We must beware of doubting when we should be resting. The Apostle Peter warned that in the last days, many will be saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?” [5]
“The unbelieving... poisoned their minds against the brethren.” [6] Did the brethren quit? No, “they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” [7]
Some persuaded the multitudes to stone the Apostle Paul. Did he quit? No, he went forward preaching the Gospel in the next city. He and his ministry team made many disciples there. [8]
Paul exhorted his disciples to continue in the faith, saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” [9]
Despite all that is waged against Jesus Christ, and the truth that He gives us, He overcomes. It was prophesied long ago of Jesus in God’s Word the Bible...
“I will make My firstborn the highest of the kings of the earth.” [10]
Keep on believing between the then of Sabbath and the now of Resurrection!
[1] Matthew 16:21, Matthew 17:23, Matthew 20:19
[2] Matthew 28:17, Luke 24:25, John 20:24-27
[3] Malachi 4:2
[4] 2 Corinthians 13:4
[5] 2 Peter 3:4
[6] Acts 14:2
[7] Acts 14:3
[8] Acts 14:19-21
[9] Acts 14:22
[10] Psalm 89:27
Friday, April 15, 2022
Good Friday Is GOOD
Good Friday commemorates the day on which Jesus, the Son of God, was crucified for our sins. He had committed no sin. He was God’s perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Below is the meat of what the Apostle Paul preached about Jesus...
“Though they found NO CAUSE for death in HIM [Jesus], they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. After they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him [in the Old Testament], they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.
BUT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD! [Hallelujah!]
...We declare to you GLAD TIDINGS... GOD... has raised up JESUS.” [1]
“Therefore, let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the FORGIVENESS OF SINS; and BY HIM EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES IS JUSTIFIED FROM ALL THINGS FROM WHICH YOU COULD NOT BE JUSTIFIED BY THE LAW OF MOSES.” [2]
Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The Law of Moses convicts humanity of sin before God. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ erases the criminal records of every believer in Him from all divine offenses.
We who believe in JESUS are no longer offenders before GOD. We are justified... just-if-I’d not sinned... justified by God due to our faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
How does one get his or her name in the Lamb’s Book of Life? The answer is to believe in one’s heart and confess with one’s mouth, “Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away my sin.”
As Scripture says, “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” [3]
The key to victory over sin, satan and death is FAITH in the SON of GOD, JESUS CHRIST!
This is what makes Good Friday so GOOD!
[1] Acts 13:28-33
[2] Acts 13:38-39
[3] Romans 8:33-34
Below is the meat of what the Apostle Paul preached about Jesus...
“Though they found NO CAUSE for death in HIM [Jesus], they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. After they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him [in the Old Testament], they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.
BUT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD! [Hallelujah!]
...We declare to you GLAD TIDINGS... GOD... has raised up JESUS.” [1]
“Therefore, let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the FORGIVENESS OF SINS; and BY HIM EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES IS JUSTIFIED FROM ALL THINGS FROM WHICH YOU COULD NOT BE JUSTIFIED BY THE LAW OF MOSES.” [2]
Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The Law of Moses convicts humanity of sin before God. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ erases the criminal records of every believer in Him from all divine offenses.
We who believe in JESUS are no longer offenders before GOD. We are justified... just-if-I’d not sinned... justified by God due to our faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
How does one get his or her name in the Lamb’s Book of Life? The answer is to believe in one’s heart and confess with one’s mouth, “Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away my sin.”
As Scripture says, “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” [3]
The key to victory over sin, satan and death is FAITH in the SON of GOD, JESUS CHRIST!
This is what makes Good Friday so GOOD!
[1] Acts 13:28-33
[2] Acts 13:38-39
[3] Romans 8:33-34
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Returning To God
“The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above.” [1]
“A common English expression claims ‘what goes around comes around.’ It is true that good people can experience difficult circumstances and even persecution [2], and evil people can sometimes appear successful. [3] Both are temporary situations, however. Natural cause-and-effect usually brings negative consequences to evildoers and benefits to those who do good.
The phrase ‘backslider in heart’ literally means ‘a turned-aside heart.’ This is someone who has rejected God’s wisdom [4] in favor of their own preferences. [5] As the book of Proverbs often notes, ignoring God increases risks in earthly life [6] and guarantees death in eternity.” [7 Q1]
“Often the love we need most is the love we want least. The love feels so harsh, so blunt, so unpleasant in the moment that we often don’t even recognize it as love. Sometimes the Lord’s love for us feels like the opposite of love, but that’s only because we can’t see everything He sees. Behind the real pain He allows is an even more real love for those for whom He sent His Son. [8]
The world would never call any kind of pain ‘love.’ The world simply does not have categories for God doing whatever necessary to draw us to Himself, but His love for us explodes the world’s small categories and far surpasses its weak expectations.
The sweetest gift God gives us when He wounds us is that He gives us more of Himself.
We see this kind of love throughout the prophets. God is willing to withhold anything to bring His people back to Himself. Again and again, the pain He allows is designed to lead us to comfort and hope and healing, not despair. Don’t be afraid to feel the pain in suffering, and to grieve the pain, but let it lead you to God, not away.” [Q2]
The prophets conveyed God’s desire to replace peoples’ distance with closeness to Him.
He withheld food to make them hungry: “I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in all your places, yet you did not return to Me.” [9] God was willing to watch them hunger if that’s what it took for them to hunger for Him again.
He stopped the rain to make them thirsty: “I also withheld the rain from you when there were yet three months to the harvest; I would send rain on one city, and send no rain on another city; one field would have rain, and the field on which it did not rain would wither; so two or three cities would wander to another city to drink water, and would not be satisfied; yet you did not return to Me.” [10]
He corrupted the fields to ruin their harvest: “I struck you with blight and mildew; your many gardens and your vineyards, your fig trees and your olive trees the locust devoured; yet you did not return to Me.” [11] God compromised their livelihood to initiate a return to Him.
God even allowed their young sons to die in war: “I sent among you a pestilence after the manner of Egypt; I killed your young men with the sword, and carried away your horses, and I made the stench of your camp go up into your nostrils; yet you did not return to me. . .. I overthrew some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were as a brand plucked out of the burning; yet you did not return to Me.” [12] He allowed some to die that others might truly live.
God’s purpose was not destruction, but reconciliation. His motivation was not revenge, but invitation. In every ounce of suffering, He calls to His people, “Return to Me.”
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” [13] The pain may feel like God’s fierce anger in the moment, but it actually serves to reveal His warm compassion toward us. Joel writes, “Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and He relents over disaster.” [14]
Return and be healed! “The Lord will strike Egypt, striking and healing, and they will return to the Lord, and He will listen to their pleas for mercy and heal them.” [15] The Lord does take away. The Lord does strike. All that He may heal. Hosea sings, “Come, let us return to the Lord; for He has torn us, that He may heal us; He has struck us down, and He will bind us up.” [16]
“I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” [17] When we return to the Lord, we don’t meet resistance or reluctance. This Father runs to receive His prodigal. [18]
“Thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’ But you were unwilling.” [19] When we suffer, enduring disappointment or rejection, wrestling with disease or disability, losing someone we loved, we may want rest more than anything — rest from the pain, from the questions, from the doubt, from the anxieties. Tragically, many of us run away from God to try and find rest when the suffering is designed to lead us into real rest with Him.
God hangs the same banner over every trial: “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” [20]
“The ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” [21] Satan prowls like a lion, waiting to devour the vulnerable. He preys on the weak. He wants your life to be full of sorrow. However, when we begin to realize all that God does for us during adversity, we not only learn to tolerate our weaknesses and afflictions, but we also “boast all the more gladly” in them. [22]
“I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be My people and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart.” [23] In the end, the sweetest gift God gives us when He wounds us is that He gives us more of Himself. When we return to God, we get God. [24] And He is worth whatever we must lose or suffer to have Him.
God pleads for His people to return — to come home — but also warns us. “Thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” For behold, he who forms the mountains and creates the wind, and declares to man what is his thought, who makes the morning darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth — the Lord, the God of hosts, is His name!” [25]
Whether we return to God or not when we’re wounded, we will meet Him one day. The suffering we experience now is designed to bring us to Him as a precious son or daughter. But if we refuse, we will meet Him as an enemy, and our suffering will be far worse forever. An eternity apart from Him, and against Him, will make years of pain and heartache look strangely light and momentary by comparison.
Don’t be afraid to feel the pain in suffering, and to grieve the pain, but let it lead you to God, not away from Him. He is wounding you with love and pleading with you to run to Him.
[1] Proverbs 14:14
[2] Psalm 9:9–10
[3] Psalm 73:2–3
[4] Proverbs 1:7; 3:5
[5] Proverbs 14:11–12
[6] Proverbs 13:21
[7] Proverbs 10:29; 11:4
[8] John 3:16
[9] Amos 4:6
[10] Amos 4:7–8
[11] Amos 4:9
[12] Amos 4:10–11
[13] Isaiah 55:7
[14] Joel 2:13
[15] Isaiah 19:22
[16] Hosea 6:1
[17] Isaiah 44:22
[18] Luke 15:20
[19] Isaiah 30:15
[20] Matthew 11:28–29
[21] Isaiah 35:10; 51:11
[22] 2 Corinthians 12:9
[23] Jeremiah 24:7
[24] 1 Peter 3:18
[25] Amos 4:12–13
[Q1] Quotes from Bibleref.com
“A common English expression claims ‘what goes around comes around.’ It is true that good people can experience difficult circumstances and even persecution [2], and evil people can sometimes appear successful. [3] Both are temporary situations, however. Natural cause-and-effect usually brings negative consequences to evildoers and benefits to those who do good.
The phrase ‘backslider in heart’ literally means ‘a turned-aside heart.’ This is someone who has rejected God’s wisdom [4] in favor of their own preferences. [5] As the book of Proverbs often notes, ignoring God increases risks in earthly life [6] and guarantees death in eternity.” [7 Q1]
“Often the love we need most is the love we want least. The love feels so harsh, so blunt, so unpleasant in the moment that we often don’t even recognize it as love. Sometimes the Lord’s love for us feels like the opposite of love, but that’s only because we can’t see everything He sees. Behind the real pain He allows is an even more real love for those for whom He sent His Son. [8]
The world would never call any kind of pain ‘love.’ The world simply does not have categories for God doing whatever necessary to draw us to Himself, but His love for us explodes the world’s small categories and far surpasses its weak expectations.
The sweetest gift God gives us when He wounds us is that He gives us more of Himself.
We see this kind of love throughout the prophets. God is willing to withhold anything to bring His people back to Himself. Again and again, the pain He allows is designed to lead us to comfort and hope and healing, not despair. Don’t be afraid to feel the pain in suffering, and to grieve the pain, but let it lead you to God, not away.” [Q2]
The prophets conveyed God’s desire to replace peoples’ distance with closeness to Him.
He withheld food to make them hungry: “I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in all your places, yet you did not return to Me.” [9] God was willing to watch them hunger if that’s what it took for them to hunger for Him again.
He stopped the rain to make them thirsty: “I also withheld the rain from you when there were yet three months to the harvest; I would send rain on one city, and send no rain on another city; one field would have rain, and the field on which it did not rain would wither; so two or three cities would wander to another city to drink water, and would not be satisfied; yet you did not return to Me.” [10]
He corrupted the fields to ruin their harvest: “I struck you with blight and mildew; your many gardens and your vineyards, your fig trees and your olive trees the locust devoured; yet you did not return to Me.” [11] God compromised their livelihood to initiate a return to Him.
God even allowed their young sons to die in war: “I sent among you a pestilence after the manner of Egypt; I killed your young men with the sword, and carried away your horses, and I made the stench of your camp go up into your nostrils; yet you did not return to me. . .. I overthrew some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were as a brand plucked out of the burning; yet you did not return to Me.” [12] He allowed some to die that others might truly live.
God’s purpose was not destruction, but reconciliation. His motivation was not revenge, but invitation. In every ounce of suffering, He calls to His people, “Return to Me.”
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” [13] The pain may feel like God’s fierce anger in the moment, but it actually serves to reveal His warm compassion toward us. Joel writes, “Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and He relents over disaster.” [14]
Return and be healed! “The Lord will strike Egypt, striking and healing, and they will return to the Lord, and He will listen to their pleas for mercy and heal them.” [15] The Lord does take away. The Lord does strike. All that He may heal. Hosea sings, “Come, let us return to the Lord; for He has torn us, that He may heal us; He has struck us down, and He will bind us up.” [16]
“I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” [17] When we return to the Lord, we don’t meet resistance or reluctance. This Father runs to receive His prodigal. [18]
“Thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’ But you were unwilling.” [19] When we suffer, enduring disappointment or rejection, wrestling with disease or disability, losing someone we loved, we may want rest more than anything — rest from the pain, from the questions, from the doubt, from the anxieties. Tragically, many of us run away from God to try and find rest when the suffering is designed to lead us into real rest with Him.
God hangs the same banner over every trial: “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” [20]
“The ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” [21] Satan prowls like a lion, waiting to devour the vulnerable. He preys on the weak. He wants your life to be full of sorrow. However, when we begin to realize all that God does for us during adversity, we not only learn to tolerate our weaknesses and afflictions, but we also “boast all the more gladly” in them. [22]
“I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be My people and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart.” [23] In the end, the sweetest gift God gives us when He wounds us is that He gives us more of Himself. When we return to God, we get God. [24] And He is worth whatever we must lose or suffer to have Him.
God pleads for His people to return — to come home — but also warns us. “Thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” For behold, he who forms the mountains and creates the wind, and declares to man what is his thought, who makes the morning darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth — the Lord, the God of hosts, is His name!” [25]
Whether we return to God or not when we’re wounded, we will meet Him one day. The suffering we experience now is designed to bring us to Him as a precious son or daughter. But if we refuse, we will meet Him as an enemy, and our suffering will be far worse forever. An eternity apart from Him, and against Him, will make years of pain and heartache look strangely light and momentary by comparison.
Don’t be afraid to feel the pain in suffering, and to grieve the pain, but let it lead you to God, not away from Him. He is wounding you with love and pleading with you to run to Him.
[1] Proverbs 14:14
[2] Psalm 9:9–10
[3] Psalm 73:2–3
[4] Proverbs 1:7; 3:5
[5] Proverbs 14:11–12
[6] Proverbs 13:21
[7] Proverbs 10:29; 11:4
[8] John 3:16
[9] Amos 4:6
[10] Amos 4:7–8
[11] Amos 4:9
[12] Amos 4:10–11
[13] Isaiah 55:7
[14] Joel 2:13
[15] Isaiah 19:22
[16] Hosea 6:1
[17] Isaiah 44:22
[18] Luke 15:20
[19] Isaiah 30:15
[20] Matthew 11:28–29
[21] Isaiah 35:10; 51:11
[22] 2 Corinthians 12:9
[23] Jeremiah 24:7
[24] 1 Peter 3:18
[25] Amos 4:12–13
[Q1] Quotes from Bibleref.com
[Q2] Quote from Marshall Segal (@marshallsegal) writer & managing editor at desiringGod.org
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Peter's Vision
A New Direction – And it is Good!
The Lord gave Peter a vision of animals that Peter had never eaten before and told him to rise, kill the animals and eat them. Peter’s response was, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” But the Lord told him, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”
While Peter wondered what this vision meant, men were at the gate of the house asking to see him. The Holy Spirit said to Peter, “Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” [1]
The three men led Peter to the house of a Roman Centurion named Cornelius. Cornelius had invited many relatives and friends to hear what Peter had to say. Before Peter entered the home of Cornelius, he explained to him why he, a Jew, felt at liberty to enter the home of a Gentile...
He said, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore, I came without objection as soon as I was sent for.” [2]
Peter preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the group of Italians in a home setting. The Holy Spirit fell on them, they believed in Christ and were baptized. [3]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help leaders and followers of the blessed faith that You have given to us through Your Son Jesus Christ, that we, would be open to new instructions and new directions from You, for the sake of souls that need and want to hear the Gospel. This I pray in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.”
[1] Acts 10:13-20
[2] Acts 10:23-29
[3] Acts 10:34-48
The Lord gave Peter a vision of animals that Peter had never eaten before and told him to rise, kill the animals and eat them. Peter’s response was, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” But the Lord told him, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”
While Peter wondered what this vision meant, men were at the gate of the house asking to see him. The Holy Spirit said to Peter, “Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” [1]
The three men led Peter to the house of a Roman Centurion named Cornelius. Cornelius had invited many relatives and friends to hear what Peter had to say. Before Peter entered the home of Cornelius, he explained to him why he, a Jew, felt at liberty to enter the home of a Gentile...
He said, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore, I came without objection as soon as I was sent for.” [2]
Peter preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the group of Italians in a home setting. The Holy Spirit fell on them, they believed in Christ and were baptized. [3]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help leaders and followers of the blessed faith that You have given to us through Your Son Jesus Christ, that we, would be open to new instructions and new directions from You, for the sake of souls that need and want to hear the Gospel. This I pray in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.”
[1] Acts 10:13-20
[2] Acts 10:23-29
[3] Acts 10:34-48
Monday, April 11, 2022
Arise, Go, Do
He heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
He said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So, he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” [1]
In what ways are we intentionally or unintentionally persecuting Jesus! Is He not who we expected Him to be? Are we afraid to have a close relationship with Him?
Saul of Tarsus was kicking against the goads. Goads are used to keep a sheep on the right path. Saul was not just drawing outside the lines; he was trying to erase them. He was kicking the lines, that is, until he met Jesus.
After Saul met Jesus personally, he was humble. He called Jesus Lord. He wanted to arise, go, and do for Jesus. He followed the Good Shepherd.
“Lord Jesus, please forgive us for kicking against the goads. Please fill afresh and anoint us with Your Holy Spirit to arise, go and do Your will... to be Your disciples and to be Your disciple-makers like the Apostle Paul (formerly known as Saul). It is in Your mighty Name that I pray. Amen.”
He said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So, he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” [1]
In what ways are we intentionally or unintentionally persecuting Jesus! Is He not who we expected Him to be? Are we afraid to have a close relationship with Him?
Saul of Tarsus was kicking against the goads. Goads are used to keep a sheep on the right path. Saul was not just drawing outside the lines; he was trying to erase them. He was kicking the lines, that is, until he met Jesus.
After Saul met Jesus personally, he was humble. He called Jesus Lord. He wanted to arise, go, and do for Jesus. He followed the Good Shepherd.
“Lord Jesus, please forgive us for kicking against the goads. Please fill afresh and anoint us with Your Holy Spirit to arise, go and do Your will... to be Your disciples and to be Your disciple-makers like the Apostle Paul (formerly known as Saul). It is in Your mighty Name that I pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 9:4-6
Thursday, April 7, 2022
Unlocking Lockdowns
“Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in. And the Lord said to Joshua: ‘See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor.’” [1]
The key to any victory, spiritually speaking, is the Lord! As the Apostle Paul said, “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” [2]
The city of Jericho was on a spiritual lockdown. All but the harlot Rahab was happy with the way things were. They did not want the people of God in their city. They were determined to keep them out. The Lord told Joshua that walls were coming down. He told Joshua that He would unlock the lockdown. God is greater than demons and humans who defy Him.
“Joshua said to the people: ‘Shout, for the Lord has given you the city!’ The people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.” [3]
Spiritually speaking, if God wants a person, city and/or nation to experience a spiritual awakening, no one can stay His hand, but God chooses to work through people to bring about victories in this world. People like Joshua and his band of believers. People who shout if need be. People who sound trumpets if need be. But ultimately, people who believe GOD is GOD.
“Dear Heavenly Father, we ask that in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ, that You decimate strongholds of darkness in our cities and nations and give Your Christ-believing and Christ-proclaiming people glorious victories today. Thank You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Your glory is above all the earth! In the Name Jesus Christ, I praise You and I pray! Amen!”
“If it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” [4]
[1] Joshua 6:1-2
[2] Romans 8:31-32
[3] Joshua 6:16, 20
[4] Acts 5:39
The key to any victory, spiritually speaking, is the Lord! As the Apostle Paul said, “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” [2]
The city of Jericho was on a spiritual lockdown. All but the harlot Rahab was happy with the way things were. They did not want the people of God in their city. They were determined to keep them out. The Lord told Joshua that walls were coming down. He told Joshua that He would unlock the lockdown. God is greater than demons and humans who defy Him.
“Joshua said to the people: ‘Shout, for the Lord has given you the city!’ The people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.” [3]
Spiritually speaking, if God wants a person, city and/or nation to experience a spiritual awakening, no one can stay His hand, but God chooses to work through people to bring about victories in this world. People like Joshua and his band of believers. People who shout if need be. People who sound trumpets if need be. But ultimately, people who believe GOD is GOD.
“Dear Heavenly Father, we ask that in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ, that You decimate strongholds of darkness in our cities and nations and give Your Christ-believing and Christ-proclaiming people glorious victories today. Thank You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Your glory is above all the earth! In the Name Jesus Christ, I praise You and I pray! Amen!”
“If it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” [4]
[1] Joshua 6:1-2
[2] Romans 8:31-32
[3] Joshua 6:16, 20
[4] Acts 5:39
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Resurrection-based Love
"With great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all." [1]
Why would the apostles give witness to the the resurrection of the Lord Jesus?
Why was this message the core of their proclamation?
Why did God grant great grace to this movement?
"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."
Did you catch the last phrase of the above Bible verse? "Which He purchased with His own blood." Jesus Christ of Nazareth died on the cross for our sins. His body laid lifeless in a tomb for 3 days. "By the grace of God, He tasted death for everyone." [3] Jesus, the Son of God, was crucified and buried for your sins and mine, but He resurrected on the 3rd day to assure us of our resurrection, that is, if we believe in Him and confess Him as our Lord and Savior.
There is a guaranteed eternity with God in heaven for all who believe in Jesus Christ and profess Him as their Lord and Savior. This eternity was purchased for us with the price of the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
God gives great grace to those who proclaim this message. The Holy Spirit places guardians and proclaimers of this message over flocks of God's people, and He gives us grace to hold the line and not compromise the message.
I have come to see this message as resurrection-based love. It is a love that runs much deeper than a person's personal happiness and freedom in this temporary world. It is a love that cares that every soul should enjoy God's riches and glory for all eternity.
[1] Acts 4:33
[2] Acts 20:28
[3] Hebrews 2:9
[2] Acts 20:28
[3] Hebrews 2:9
Monday, April 4, 2022
Rejoice Your Name is Written in Heaven [1]
Yesterday, I listened to a message by Colin Smith on the radio. He said, “Your best life now” is only true if you are on your way to hell. But if we trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, our best life is yet to come. He urged servants of God’s Word not to rejoice in ministry successes, but to rejoice that our names are written in heaven. It is wonderful to enjoy seasons of harvest from our ministry efforts, but even when we do, we should remember the best is yet to come thanks to the redemptive work of our Savior Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Peter preached, “...Be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” [2]
Nothing else is more important than being assured that Jesus Christ is Lord and Messiah!
“All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.” [3]
Many will be deceived in the last days. Only those who are assured that there is an eternity with God that is worth much greater than anything this world has to offer, will refuse to deny the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
“Nothing impure will ever enter it [New Jerusalem], nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” [4]
How is anyone cleansed of sinful impurities? The answer is Christ! Recognize that only the sacrifice of Christ of Himself on the cross for our sins is sufficient to cleanse us of all our sins. How does one get his or her name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? You must believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ alone is Lord and Savior.
“Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” [5]
[1] Luke 10:20
[2] Acts 2:36
[3] Revelation 13:8
[4] Revelation 21:27
[5] 1 John 5:4-5
The Apostle Peter preached, “...Be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” [2]
Nothing else is more important than being assured that Jesus Christ is Lord and Messiah!
“All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.” [3]
Many will be deceived in the last days. Only those who are assured that there is an eternity with God that is worth much greater than anything this world has to offer, will refuse to deny the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
“Nothing impure will ever enter it [New Jerusalem], nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” [4]
How is anyone cleansed of sinful impurities? The answer is Christ! Recognize that only the sacrifice of Christ of Himself on the cross for our sins is sufficient to cleanse us of all our sins. How does one get his or her name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? You must believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ alone is Lord and Savior.
“Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” [5]
[1] Luke 10:20
[2] Acts 2:36
[3] Revelation 13:8
[4] Revelation 21:27
[5] 1 John 5:4-5
Saturday, April 2, 2022
Biblically-Based Shepherding
“...I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” [1]
Paul set an example for the elders of the Church of God, and for Christian leaders of all generations. His example was to place the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace above all other tasks, even above the task of self-preservation.
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood.”
The elders of the Church of God were to watch over themselves spiritually and over God’s flock. Their identity was??? To be overseers and shepherds of the church of God. What was the value of the people that they were appointed to protect and provide for? Their value was the matchless worth of the Son of God’s own blood. He redeemed their souls with the price of His own blood.
This week, my son-in-law, Todd Fletcher, who is highly successful pastor in Colorado, gave me a book by Alexander Strauch that is well-researched, well-thought-out and well written on the topic of shepherding. Todd’s highest priority has been to develop a Biblically-based-leadership group. The Lord has blessed his church with depth and growth. I am praying that the Lord will do the same for the First Church of the Nazarene in Kirksville.
[1] Acts 20:24
[2] Acts 20:28
Paul set an example for the elders of the Church of God, and for Christian leaders of all generations. His example was to place the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace above all other tasks, even above the task of self-preservation.
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood.”
The elders of the Church of God were to watch over themselves spiritually and over God’s flock. Their identity was??? To be overseers and shepherds of the church of God. What was the value of the people that they were appointed to protect and provide for? Their value was the matchless worth of the Son of God’s own blood. He redeemed their souls with the price of His own blood.
This week, my son-in-law, Todd Fletcher, who is highly successful pastor in Colorado, gave me a book by Alexander Strauch that is well-researched, well-thought-out and well written on the topic of shepherding. Todd’s highest priority has been to develop a Biblically-based-leadership group. The Lord has blessed his church with depth and growth. I am praying that the Lord will do the same for the First Church of the Nazarene in Kirksville.
[1] Acts 20:24
[2] Acts 20:28
Friday, April 1, 2022
Grace to Accomplish the Mission
“Him [Christ] we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.” [1]
God compels His servants to warn and teach people with the goal of perfecting them in Christ Jesus. God worked mightily in His servant Paul at this task.
“With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.” [2]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please continue to grant us the grace to stay on task, namely, to lead people to Jesus and to be more like Jesus day by day as they sojourn here on earth. In the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.”
[1] Colossians 1:28-29
[2] Acts 4:33
God compels His servants to warn and teach people with the goal of perfecting them in Christ Jesus. God worked mightily in His servant Paul at this task.
“With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.” [2]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please continue to grant us the grace to stay on task, namely, to lead people to Jesus and to be more like Jesus day by day as they sojourn here on earth. In the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.”
[1] Colossians 1:28-29
[2] Acts 4:33
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Forgiven Much - Forgiving Much
I am one who has received much grace from God, that is, unmerited and undeserved mercy, forgiveness and goodness from Him... thanks to Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord. Blessed be His holy Name!
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
The Grace Of God
“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” [1]
Death has a much deeper meaning in the context above. This death is a result of human pride daring to doubt God and to live in opposition to God. The shock of it all is that after death each human being meets God. He does exist. His holiness is beyond comprehension.
“...Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. He committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return. When He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. He bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” [2]
God in His incredible grace sent His own Son into the world. God in the flesh! Jesus Christ is the only being who wore human flesh and yet never sinned. He never lied or deceived. He did not threaten those who inflicted horrific suffering on Him. He placed every injustice into His Father’s hands. He bore my sins and your sins on the cross. He was betrayed for 30 pieces of silver... the price of a slave. He took the lashes of a whip across His back (also like a slave) for our healing.
We all fall short of God’s glory. [3] Our righteousness is like filthy rags compared to God’s. [4] Our only hope for salvation is to turn to the Shepherd and Overseer of souls. Embrace His grace! Acknowledge verbally to Him and to others that without the atoning sacrifice of Christ, “I am a lost soul and cannot be accepted by a holy God.”
And then, live as the Apostle Paul lived. He declared, “By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” [5]
[1] Proverbs 16:25
[2] 1 Peter 2:21-25
[3] Romans 3:23
[4] Isaiah 64:6
[5] 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:8
Death has a much deeper meaning in the context above. This death is a result of human pride daring to doubt God and to live in opposition to God. The shock of it all is that after death each human being meets God. He does exist. His holiness is beyond comprehension.
“...Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. He committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return. When He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. He bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” [2]
God in His incredible grace sent His own Son into the world. God in the flesh! Jesus Christ is the only being who wore human flesh and yet never sinned. He never lied or deceived. He did not threaten those who inflicted horrific suffering on Him. He placed every injustice into His Father’s hands. He bore my sins and your sins on the cross. He was betrayed for 30 pieces of silver... the price of a slave. He took the lashes of a whip across His back (also like a slave) for our healing.
We all fall short of God’s glory. [3] Our righteousness is like filthy rags compared to God’s. [4] Our only hope for salvation is to turn to the Shepherd and Overseer of souls. Embrace His grace! Acknowledge verbally to Him and to others that without the atoning sacrifice of Christ, “I am a lost soul and cannot be accepted by a holy God.”
And then, live as the Apostle Paul lived. He declared, “By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” [5]
[1] Proverbs 16:25
[2] 1 Peter 2:21-25
[3] Romans 3:23
[4] Isaiah 64:6
[5] 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:8
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
The Prayer of Jesus to His Father For Us
“You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” [1]
Jesus prays to the Father and refers to Himself in this prayer using the third person. Jesus is the One given authority by the Heavenly Father to grant eternal life to people. He grants eternal life to people who know Him and the Father. Do you know the Father and Son? Are you listening to God via His Word the Bible daily? Have you received His Holy Spirit? If not, God can make that happen. Jesus gives new life to as many as receive Him and believe in His Name.
“Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your Name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.” [2]
The Name that the Father has given us for salvation is Jesus Christ HIs Son. The Father keeps us and helps us to be one with Him and with other believers. He is the One who does this.
“I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.” [3]
Jesus intercedes for us who know and follow Him that we will be kept from the evil one.
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” [4]
This prayer is for us who believe in Jesus via the words of His apostles recorded in the New Testament. He prays for our oneness in Him because the world needs to know Him. Our dedication to Jesus and to follow His teaching is a powerful witness to the world.
“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am...” [5]
“Thank You Lord Jesus that You desire for us to be with You for all eternity.”
[1] John 17:2-3
[2] John 17:11
[3] John 17:15
[4] John 17:20-21
[5] John 17:24
Jesus prays to the Father and refers to Himself in this prayer using the third person. Jesus is the One given authority by the Heavenly Father to grant eternal life to people. He grants eternal life to people who know Him and the Father. Do you know the Father and Son? Are you listening to God via His Word the Bible daily? Have you received His Holy Spirit? If not, God can make that happen. Jesus gives new life to as many as receive Him and believe in His Name.
“Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your Name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.” [2]
The Name that the Father has given us for salvation is Jesus Christ HIs Son. The Father keeps us and helps us to be one with Him and with other believers. He is the One who does this.
“I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.” [3]
Jesus intercedes for us who know and follow Him that we will be kept from the evil one.
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” [4]
This prayer is for us who believe in Jesus via the words of His apostles recorded in the New Testament. He prays for our oneness in Him because the world needs to know Him. Our dedication to Jesus and to follow His teaching is a powerful witness to the world.
“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am...” [5]
“Thank You Lord Jesus that You desire for us to be with You for all eternity.”
[1] John 17:2-3
[2] John 17:11
[3] John 17:15
[4] John 17:20-21
[5] John 17:24
Monday, March 28, 2022
Be Encouraged You who Hope in the Lord
“Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he himself will fall into his own pit; but the blameless will inherit good.” [1]
The Lord promises to watch over the way of those who pursue Him, and to deal with those who knowingly or unknowingly attempt to lead others astray.
“These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them.” [2]
The narrative that is going around in this world so prevalently tends to paint the serious disciple of Jesus as some kind of villain or untrustworthy person. Jesus said not to let this kind of treatment cause you to stumble. Keep following Jesus! Keep trusting in Him!
“Oh, love the Lord, all you, His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” [3]
Keep loving the Lord! Your eternity is in His hands and in His hands alone. The Lord is in the boat with those who are sailing on stormy seas. He may seem to be sleeping but He is very aware of what we are going through. He is not afraid. He is calm. He says to be of good courage.
“Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.” [4]
Simple but true! Take time to worship the Lord! Sing to Him! A lot of people are being rescued from trouble as they simply stop, take a breath, calm down and start worshipping the Lord!
[1] Proverbs 29:10
[2] John 16:1-4
[3] Psalm 31:23-24
[4] Psalm 33:1-3
The Lord promises to watch over the way of those who pursue Him, and to deal with those who knowingly or unknowingly attempt to lead others astray.
“These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them.” [2]
The narrative that is going around in this world so prevalently tends to paint the serious disciple of Jesus as some kind of villain or untrustworthy person. Jesus said not to let this kind of treatment cause you to stumble. Keep following Jesus! Keep trusting in Him!
“Oh, love the Lord, all you, His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” [3]
Keep loving the Lord! Your eternity is in His hands and in His hands alone. The Lord is in the boat with those who are sailing on stormy seas. He may seem to be sleeping but He is very aware of what we are going through. He is not afraid. He is calm. He says to be of good courage.
“Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.” [4]
Simple but true! Take time to worship the Lord! Sing to Him! A lot of people are being rescued from trouble as they simply stop, take a breath, calm down and start worshipping the Lord!
[1] Proverbs 29:10
[2] John 16:1-4
[3] Psalm 31:23-24
[4] Psalm 33:1-3
Friday, March 25, 2022
Loving God - Experiencing His Abiding Presence
Our Lord receives listening and acting upon His commands as expressions of love for Him...
“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” [1]
He rewards such loving expressions with His abiding presence...
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” [2]
The Holy Trinity: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; the fullness of the Godhead, abides and teaches us as we love Him and express our love for Him by cherishing His commands and keeping them...
“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” [4]
[1] John 14:21
[2] John 14:23
[3] John 14:25-26
[4] Hebrews 13:20-21
“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” [1]
He rewards such loving expressions with His abiding presence...
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” [2]
The Holy Trinity: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; the fullness of the Godhead, abides and teaches us as we love Him and express our love for Him by cherishing His commands and keeping them...
“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” [4]
[1] John 14:21
[2] John 14:23
[3] John 14:25-26
[4] Hebrews 13:20-21
Thursday, March 24, 2022
Winning The Spiritual War
The spiritual war is Christ’s battle to save souls from the devil’s plot to destroy them.
The devil misled our first parents to sin against God, and thereby lose their close relationship with Him. [1]
The devil’s primary goal is separate people from God. Jesus told Simon Peter, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” [2]
Jesus prays for us that our faith in God fails not. This is how we can pray for one another.
“Do not give place to the devil.” [3] The devil tactics include deception, fear, anxiety, temptation, diversion, and discouragement.
Helps to overcoming the devil include knowing your Bible, praying and submission to God.
When tempted by the devil, Jesus used God’s Word to defeat him. [4]
Pray! “The end of all things is at hand be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer.” [5]
Obey God resist the devil! “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [6]
Wear divine armor. “...Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” [6] Read Ephesians 6:14-17 for the full description of your armor.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour who resist steadfast in the faith...” [7]
Rebuke the devil in the Name of Jesus! “Jesus rebuked the devil...” “...Cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” He “gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.” “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” [8]
The devil’s claims on us were cancelled at the cross for us. Profess your faith in this truth. “They overcame him [the devil] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” [9]
[1] Genesis 3:1-7
[2] Luke 22:31-32
[2] Ephesians 4:27
[3] Matthew 4:1-11
[4] 1 Peter 4:7
[5] James 4:7
[6] Ephesians 6:10-11
[7] 1 Peter 5:8-9
[8] Matthew 17:14; 10:8; Luke 9:2; 10:19
[9] Revelation 12:11
The devil misled our first parents to sin against God, and thereby lose their close relationship with Him. [1]
The devil’s primary goal is separate people from God. Jesus told Simon Peter, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” [2]
Jesus prays for us that our faith in God fails not. This is how we can pray for one another.
“Do not give place to the devil.” [3] The devil tactics include deception, fear, anxiety, temptation, diversion, and discouragement.
Helps to overcoming the devil include knowing your Bible, praying and submission to God.
When tempted by the devil, Jesus used God’s Word to defeat him. [4]
Pray! “The end of all things is at hand be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer.” [5]
Obey God resist the devil! “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [6]
Wear divine armor. “...Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” [6] Read Ephesians 6:14-17 for the full description of your armor.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour who resist steadfast in the faith...” [7]
Rebuke the devil in the Name of Jesus! “Jesus rebuked the devil...” “...Cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” He “gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.” “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” [8]
The devil’s claims on us were cancelled at the cross for us. Profess your faith in this truth. “They overcame him [the devil] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” [9]
[1] Genesis 3:1-7
[2] Luke 22:31-32
[2] Ephesians 4:27
[3] Matthew 4:1-11
[4] 1 Peter 4:7
[5] James 4:7
[6] Ephesians 6:10-11
[7] 1 Peter 5:8-9
[8] Matthew 17:14; 10:8; Luke 9:2; 10:19
[9] Revelation 12:11
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Relieving the Suffering of Refugees
“I was a stranger and you invited Me in.” [1]
In Huaquillas, Ecuador, approximately two hundred families — mostly Venezuelan — are homeless. Twenty percent to thirty percent of this population are children and adolescents. Christians are helping them.
In Somalia, parents watch helplessly as their children die from starvation due to severe drought.
In Afghanistan, suicide rates have spiked exceedingly. There are reports of parents selling their children food. Their situation is so dire.
Before the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began, the UNHCR set the number of refugees at 79.5 million. There are refugees fleeing from Venezuela, Syria, Afghanistan, Congo, South Sudan, and Myanmar. Now add two million from Ukraine.
We pray as though we were them, and claim the promises in God’s Word for them...
“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in You I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed.” “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” [2]
Refugee children sometimes become separated from their families. These children are more vulnerable to abuse, labor, exploitation, and trafficking.
“Lord of the nations, You tell us to ‘Turn from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it.’ We ask You to make ‘wars cease to the ends of the earth’ so children and families can enjoy safety and prosperity again.” [3]
In Syria, there is an orphanage for children of violence. Many of them Yazidi children. Their mother’s fled from the killing squads in Iraq. Despite their efforts to flee for safety, they were raped, and gave birth to children. Before some returned to Iraq, they were told to leave the children behind because no one wanted to see these children of their enemies. Now, these mothers try to keep on living even though it is like they are dead inside.
“For He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in His sight.” [4]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for mobilizing Your people to respond to these needs.”
[1] Matthew 25:35
[2] Psalm 57:1; Psalm 46:1; Psalm 34:18
[3] Psalm 34:14; Psalm 46:9
[4] Psalm 72:12-14
In Huaquillas, Ecuador, approximately two hundred families — mostly Venezuelan — are homeless. Twenty percent to thirty percent of this population are children and adolescents. Christians are helping them.
In Somalia, parents watch helplessly as their children die from starvation due to severe drought.
In Afghanistan, suicide rates have spiked exceedingly. There are reports of parents selling their children food. Their situation is so dire.
Before the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began, the UNHCR set the number of refugees at 79.5 million. There are refugees fleeing from Venezuela, Syria, Afghanistan, Congo, South Sudan, and Myanmar. Now add two million from Ukraine.
We pray as though we were them, and claim the promises in God’s Word for them...
“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in You I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed.” “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” [2]
Refugee children sometimes become separated from their families. These children are more vulnerable to abuse, labor, exploitation, and trafficking.
“Lord of the nations, You tell us to ‘Turn from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it.’ We ask You to make ‘wars cease to the ends of the earth’ so children and families can enjoy safety and prosperity again.” [3]
In Syria, there is an orphanage for children of violence. Many of them Yazidi children. Their mother’s fled from the killing squads in Iraq. Despite their efforts to flee for safety, they were raped, and gave birth to children. Before some returned to Iraq, they were told to leave the children behind because no one wanted to see these children of their enemies. Now, these mothers try to keep on living even though it is like they are dead inside.
“For He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in His sight.” [4]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for mobilizing Your people to respond to these needs.”
[1] Matthew 25:35
[2] Psalm 57:1; Psalm 46:1; Psalm 34:18
[3] Psalm 34:14; Psalm 46:9
[4] Psalm 72:12-14
Monday, March 21, 2022
I and My Father are One
Jesus professed, “I and My Father are One.” [1]
The word “One” is a key word used in the Shema. The Shema is a prayer that religious Jews pray in the morning and evening. Shema is the first Hebrew word of the prayer. Shema means to “hear.” Below is the first line of the Shema prayer:
שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָֽד
She-ma yisrael, YHWH eloheinu, YHWH echad
Hear O’ Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One [2]
After Jesus professed that He and His Father are One, the Jewish religious leaders took up stones to stone Him. [3] They understood what He was claiming.
Jesus asked these leaders, “Do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?” [4]
He urged them, “If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” [5]
Thankfully, the story of Jesus in John’s Gospel chapter ten does not end with Jesus being stoned. It ends with these words, “And many believed in Him there.” [6] And many people continue to come to faith in JESUS every day all over the world.
The second line of the Shema is:
בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד
Baruch shem kavod malchuto l’olam va-ed
Blessed is the name of His glorious kingdom for ever and ever.
And third line is:
וְאָ֣הַבְתָּ֔ אֵ֖ת יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ֥ וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁךָ֖ וּבְכָל־מְאֹדֶֽך
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” [7]
May this third petition be true of each of us.
[1] John 10:30
[2] Deuteronomy 6:4
[3] John 10:31
[4] John 10:36
[5] John 10:37-38
[6] John 10:42
[7] Deuteronomy 6:5
The word “One” is a key word used in the Shema. The Shema is a prayer that religious Jews pray in the morning and evening. Shema is the first Hebrew word of the prayer. Shema means to “hear.” Below is the first line of the Shema prayer:
שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָֽד
She-ma yisrael, YHWH eloheinu, YHWH echad
Hear O’ Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One [2]
After Jesus professed that He and His Father are One, the Jewish religious leaders took up stones to stone Him. [3] They understood what He was claiming.
Jesus asked these leaders, “Do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?” [4]
He urged them, “If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” [5]
Thankfully, the story of Jesus in John’s Gospel chapter ten does not end with Jesus being stoned. It ends with these words, “And many believed in Him there.” [6] And many people continue to come to faith in JESUS every day all over the world.
The second line of the Shema is:
בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד
Baruch shem kavod malchuto l’olam va-ed
Blessed is the name of His glorious kingdom for ever and ever.
And third line is:
וְאָ֣הַבְתָּ֔ אֵ֖ת יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ֥ וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁךָ֖ וּבְכָל־מְאֹדֶֽך
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” [7]
May this third petition be true of each of us.
[1] John 10:30
[2] Deuteronomy 6:4
[3] John 10:31
[4] John 10:36
[5] John 10:37-38
[6] John 10:42
[7] Deuteronomy 6:5
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Gather, Learn, Go Forth by Grace
“...The Lord said to me, ‘Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to revere Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.’” [1]
“Praise You Heavenly Father for wanting to meet with us Your people. Thank You for giving us Your words and preserving them in the Holy Bible. Thank You for revealing to us who You are so that when we meet You face to face we are not strangers. Thank You that You care for our children and want them to be included for all eternity to be with You.”
“To you it was shown, that you might know that the Lord Himself is God; there is none other besides Him.” [2]
“Thank You Heavenly Father for revealing Yourself to us. We are privileged to know You and have Your presence in our lives!”
“Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. You shall therefore keep His statutes and His commandments which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which the Lord your God is giving you for all time.” [3]
“Yes, Lord, we want know You more. Ponder You in our hearts! Be faithful to You! Please help us to choose the right way... lead us and guide us. Please go before for us and our children. May You be exalted and glorified by the way we walk with You. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen!”
Now, may, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” [4]
[1] Deuteronomy 4:10
[2] Deuteronomy 4:35
[3] Deuteronomy 4:39-40
[4] Revelation 22:21 (the last verse of the Bible)
“Praise You Heavenly Father for wanting to meet with us Your people. Thank You for giving us Your words and preserving them in the Holy Bible. Thank You for revealing to us who You are so that when we meet You face to face we are not strangers. Thank You that You care for our children and want them to be included for all eternity to be with You.”
“To you it was shown, that you might know that the Lord Himself is God; there is none other besides Him.” [2]
“Thank You Heavenly Father for revealing Yourself to us. We are privileged to know You and have Your presence in our lives!”
“Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. You shall therefore keep His statutes and His commandments which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which the Lord your God is giving you for all time.” [3]
“Yes, Lord, we want know You more. Ponder You in our hearts! Be faithful to You! Please help us to choose the right way... lead us and guide us. Please go before for us and our children. May You be exalted and glorified by the way we walk with You. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen!”
Now, may, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” [4]
[1] Deuteronomy 4:10
[2] Deuteronomy 4:35
[3] Deuteronomy 4:39-40
[4] Revelation 22:21 (the last verse of the Bible)
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Nearly Stoned, Cried with Tears, Feels for Us
Nearly Stoned:
“Then the Jews said to Him, ‘You are not yet 50 years old, and have You seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’ Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.” [1]
When Jesus said, “I AM,” He was straight out saying I AM Yahweh. The same one who spoke to Abraham and to Moses. They wanted to kill Him for claiming to be GOD in human flesh but could not. It was not yet Passover, the time when He would lay down His life for our sins.
Cried with Tears:
“In the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death and was heard because of His godly fear.” [2]
It was for us that Jesus was crucified. His prayers were heard. On the third day He rose again!
Feels for Us:
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” [3]
Redeemed Us:
“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.” [4]
Receiving Songs of Praise:
Jesus Christ is in glory now! Worshipped by angels and saints! Giving new songs to those who identified with Him and professed Him in this world. Making them kings and priests to God to reign on the earth!
“Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for redeeming us by Your blood. Please be glorified throughout the earth today! May You feel our love for You! It is in Your Name that I pray.”
[1] John 8:57-59
[2] Hebrews 5:7
[3] Hebrews 4:15
[4] Revelation 5:9-10
“Then the Jews said to Him, ‘You are not yet 50 years old, and have You seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’ Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.” [1]
When Jesus said, “I AM,” He was straight out saying I AM Yahweh. The same one who spoke to Abraham and to Moses. They wanted to kill Him for claiming to be GOD in human flesh but could not. It was not yet Passover, the time when He would lay down His life for our sins.
Cried with Tears:
“In the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death and was heard because of His godly fear.” [2]
It was for us that Jesus was crucified. His prayers were heard. On the third day He rose again!
Feels for Us:
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” [3]
Redeemed Us:
“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.” [4]
Receiving Songs of Praise:
Jesus Christ is in glory now! Worshipped by angels and saints! Giving new songs to those who identified with Him and professed Him in this world. Making them kings and priests to God to reign on the earth!
“Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for redeeming us by Your blood. Please be glorified throughout the earth today! May You feel our love for You! It is in Your Name that I pray.”
[1] John 8:57-59
[2] Hebrews 5:7
[3] Hebrews 4:15
[4] Revelation 5:9-10
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Bread Yielding Everlasting Life
“The bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” [1]
Jesus claimed to be the bread of God and bread of life. In Luke 16:19-30, Jesus described what eternity is like without God. The man in Hades wanted water to cool his tongue. He experienced eternal deprivation. If only he had listened to Jesus, but it was too late.
Jesus told the crowds, “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life.” [2]
Jesus is life-giving bread because He gives His Holy Spirt and God’s Words to His followers. He explained, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are Spirit, and they are life.” [3]
As Jesus emphasized that He was the only way to God and to eternal life, many disciples forsook Him. They were not willing to believe that God made only one way to Himself, and that the way was through His Son Jesus Christ. Some remained faithful...
“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you also want to go away?’ But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also, we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” [4]
Friend, I cannot emphasize enough the absolute importance of believing in Christ alone for salvation. Be His disciple! Listen to Him. Love Him! Ask Him for spiritual discernment. Have a personal and ongoing relationship with Christ. Be willing to suffer the loss of all things and die for Him. Eternity is a long time.
Jesus was nailed to a cross. So, was the thief next to Him. People were jeering and insulting Jesus. Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” [5] A prayer for divine forgiveness that we all need. The crucified thief died a horrific death, so did Jesus, but despite the circumstances, the thief knew by God’s Holy Spirit that Jesus was Messiah. He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” [6]
[1] John 6:33, 35
[2] John 6:40, 47-48
[3] John 6:63
[4] John 6:66-69
[5] Luke 23:34
[6] Luke 23:42-43
Jesus claimed to be the bread of God and bread of life. In Luke 16:19-30, Jesus described what eternity is like without God. The man in Hades wanted water to cool his tongue. He experienced eternal deprivation. If only he had listened to Jesus, but it was too late.
Jesus told the crowds, “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life.” [2]
Jesus is life-giving bread because He gives His Holy Spirt and God’s Words to His followers. He explained, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are Spirit, and they are life.” [3]
As Jesus emphasized that He was the only way to God and to eternal life, many disciples forsook Him. They were not willing to believe that God made only one way to Himself, and that the way was through His Son Jesus Christ. Some remained faithful...
“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you also want to go away?’ But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also, we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” [4]
Friend, I cannot emphasize enough the absolute importance of believing in Christ alone for salvation. Be His disciple! Listen to Him. Love Him! Ask Him for spiritual discernment. Have a personal and ongoing relationship with Christ. Be willing to suffer the loss of all things and die for Him. Eternity is a long time.
Jesus was nailed to a cross. So, was the thief next to Him. People were jeering and insulting Jesus. Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” [5] A prayer for divine forgiveness that we all need. The crucified thief died a horrific death, so did Jesus, but despite the circumstances, the thief knew by God’s Holy Spirit that Jesus was Messiah. He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” [6]
[1] John 6:33, 35
[2] John 6:40, 47-48
[3] John 6:63
[4] John 6:66-69
[5] Luke 23:34
[6] Luke 23:42-43
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Professing Jesus Christ as the Son of God
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” [1]
“Amen, Lord Jesus, we listen to You, and believe in Your Father, the One who sent You. Thank You for giving us everlasting life. Thank You for assuring us that we will pass from death to life without being judged.”
“Amen, thank You Lord Jesus that the works that You did, and the works that Your servants recorded for us in the Bible, testify that You are the Messiah and Savior of our souls.”
“...The very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.” [2]
“Amen, thank You Lord Jesus that the works that You did, and the works that Your servants recorded for us in the Bible, testify that You are the Messiah and Savior of our souls.”
“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” [3]
“Amen, Lord, the more than 300 prophecies in the Old Testament of the coming Messiah have been fulfilled in You. Thank You for revealing this to us!”
“If you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.” [4]
“Amen, Lord Jesus Christ, we know and believe that You are the Christ the Son of the Living God. In You, we have everlasting life. You are worthy of all praise, glory, blessing and honor. May the whole earth be filled with Your glory! You are our Redeemer!”
[1] John 5:24
[2] John 5:36
[3] John 5:39
[4] John 5:46
[2] John 5:36
[3] John 5:39
[4] John 5:46
Monday, March 14, 2022
Aware, Able, Abiding, Arming
Aware
“You have searched me, Lord, and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You, Lord, know it completely. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” [1]
Able
God says, “I am able.”
“He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” [2]
Abiding
“Anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest...” [3]
Arming
“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in His majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms...” [4]
Prayer
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You, that though You sustain the entire universe at every moment of everyday, You are keenly aware of us. You are working all things together for our good as we love You and trust in You. You are doing more for us than we are asking or imagining. We rest in Your in love. Thank You that Your everlasting arms are holding us. We give You thanks and praise in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.”
[1] Psalm 139:1-4, 16
[2] Ephesians 3:20
[3] Hebrews 4:10-12
[4] Deuteronomy 33:26-27
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Praying For Souls
“The vast company of unsaved people do not realize the seriousness of their lost estate; nor do they become alarmed even when the most direct warning and appeal is given to them. There is over them a spell of indifference and neglect toward the things that would secure for them any right relation to God. Their sinfulness before God and their imperative need of a Savior are strangely disregarded.
The faithful minister soon learns, to his sorrow, that his most careful presentation of truth and earnest appeal produces no effect upon them, and the question naturally arises: ‘How, then, can these people be reached with the Gospel?’
One of the greatest foes to modern evangelism is described in the following passage:”
“And even if our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that are perishing: in whom the God of this age has blinded the thoughts of the unbelieving, that the illumination of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of god, should not dawn upon them.” [1]
“Satan’s doctrine has always been one of moral perfection secured by self-effort or personal works. His program is in complete contrast to the true principle of saving faith, through which one depends on God alone for all needed transformation.”
“Christ has become the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes.” [2]
“Saving faith may thus be defined as a voluntary turning from all hope and grounds based on self-merit, and assuming an attitude of expectancy toward God, trusting Him to do a perfect saving work based only on the merit of Christ. It is clear from the Scriptures that the Gospel of the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ is the only possible ground of salvation and escape from the power of Satan unto God.”
Are your regarding the absolute vitalness of being saved by God? That only God can save you! If not, may the Holy Spirit take off the blinders and help you to see that faith in Christ is your only hope of eternity with God.
[1] 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
[2] Romans 10:4
Other quotes from: “True Evangelism — Winning Souls by Prayer” Lewis Sperry Chafer, pp. 53-56
The faithful minister soon learns, to his sorrow, that his most careful presentation of truth and earnest appeal produces no effect upon them, and the question naturally arises: ‘How, then, can these people be reached with the Gospel?’
One of the greatest foes to modern evangelism is described in the following passage:”
“And even if our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that are perishing: in whom the God of this age has blinded the thoughts of the unbelieving, that the illumination of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of god, should not dawn upon them.” [1]
“Satan’s doctrine has always been one of moral perfection secured by self-effort or personal works. His program is in complete contrast to the true principle of saving faith, through which one depends on God alone for all needed transformation.”
“Christ has become the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes.” [2]
“Saving faith may thus be defined as a voluntary turning from all hope and grounds based on self-merit, and assuming an attitude of expectancy toward God, trusting Him to do a perfect saving work based only on the merit of Christ. It is clear from the Scriptures that the Gospel of the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ is the only possible ground of salvation and escape from the power of Satan unto God.”
Are your regarding the absolute vitalness of being saved by God? That only God can save you! If not, may the Holy Spirit take off the blinders and help you to see that faith in Christ is your only hope of eternity with God.
[1] 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
[2] Romans 10:4
Other quotes from: “True Evangelism — Winning Souls by Prayer” Lewis Sperry Chafer, pp. 53-56
Saturday, March 12, 2022
God Loves You!
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” [1]
I am so thankful that God sent His Son into the world to show us His glory. Grace and truth reflect His glory.
Jesus brought truth to light in a world full of darkness and deception. He did this graciously.
The main truth that Jesus conveyed to us is that God loves us.
He included, even healed, the leper who was previously outcast. He opened the eyes of the blind... now there’s light where once was only darkness! He made lame legs walk again.... restoring the get-up-and-go to someone whose get-up-and-go got-up-and-went. He forgave the thief on the cross next to Him... the one who believed that Jesus would raise from the dead even though Jesus was dying on the cross next to him. Jesus said to him “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” [2] Today! Not after a long period of time in purgatory! Immediate paradise because Jesus says so. He can do that! Amazing grace!!!
May the Lord Jesus bless you today to know and believe God’s love for you. May you rest in His love.
Oh and by the way, Jesus stood up to the oppressive and deceptive Pharisees. He did not cave to Pilate or Herod when they threatened Him for holding to His mission. Jesus showed the bullies that there is life after death when He resurrected on the 3rd day!
May our Lord Jesus bless you with the peace that passes all understanding to keep your heart and mind in Him. God has wonderful plans for you. Just keep on believing! God loves you!
[1] John 1:14
[2] Luke 23:43
I am so thankful that God sent His Son into the world to show us His glory. Grace and truth reflect His glory.
Jesus brought truth to light in a world full of darkness and deception. He did this graciously.
The main truth that Jesus conveyed to us is that God loves us.
He included, even healed, the leper who was previously outcast. He opened the eyes of the blind... now there’s light where once was only darkness! He made lame legs walk again.... restoring the get-up-and-go to someone whose get-up-and-go got-up-and-went. He forgave the thief on the cross next to Him... the one who believed that Jesus would raise from the dead even though Jesus was dying on the cross next to him. Jesus said to him “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” [2] Today! Not after a long period of time in purgatory! Immediate paradise because Jesus says so. He can do that! Amazing grace!!!
May the Lord Jesus bless you today to know and believe God’s love for you. May you rest in His love.
Oh and by the way, Jesus stood up to the oppressive and deceptive Pharisees. He did not cave to Pilate or Herod when they threatened Him for holding to His mission. Jesus showed the bullies that there is life after death when He resurrected on the 3rd day!
May our Lord Jesus bless you with the peace that passes all understanding to keep your heart and mind in Him. God has wonderful plans for you. Just keep on believing! God loves you!
[1] John 1:14
[2] Luke 23:43
Friday, March 11, 2022
Biblical Economics
Balaam made a bad investment.
A king sent a delegation to him. The king offered him money to betray God’s people. Balaam told the delegation no, but then allowed them to stay the night. The Lord told him not to compromise with them, so he sent them away.
The king sent a second delegation more distinguished and larger than the first. Balaam told them that he could not do what the king wanted him to do but told the delegation to stay the night. In the night, the Lord gave Balaam leave to go with the delegation if he obeyed the Lord.
At a certain point, the Lord put an angel in his path with a sword drawn. He told Balaam, “I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me.” The angel permitted Balaam to proceed but warned him to speak only what God told him to speak. [1]
Balaam did not pronounce a curse on God’s people as the evil king wanted him to do, but he did advise the evil king how to weaken them. Moses asked his commanders...
“Have you allowed all the women to live? They were the ones who followed Balaam’s advice and enticed the Israelites to be unfaithful to the Lord in the Peor incident, so that a plague struck the Lord’s people.” [2]
Jesus commanded the Church of Smyrna to repent of the sins of Balaam. He said...
“Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.”
Jesus promised to reward those who repented and overcame these sins. [3]
When we make bad investments, we need to repent and ask the Lord to forgive us.
The Psalmist prayed, “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You. I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word, I put my hope.” [4]
Biblical economics is to turn FROM bribers and seducers. Biblical economics is to turn TO the Lord in repentance, faith, and hope. Biblical economics is to AVOID evil and DO what is RIGHT. Transfer your TRUST and HOPE to the Lord!
Below is more sound Biblical financial advice:
“The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with Him.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.
Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing.
The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.
With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.
When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.
The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.” [5]
[1] Numbers 22:4-38
[2] Numbers 31:14-16
[3] Revelation 2:14, 17
[4] Psalm 130:3-5
[5] Proverbs 11:1-11, 21, 23
A king sent a delegation to him. The king offered him money to betray God’s people. Balaam told the delegation no, but then allowed them to stay the night. The Lord told him not to compromise with them, so he sent them away.
The king sent a second delegation more distinguished and larger than the first. Balaam told them that he could not do what the king wanted him to do but told the delegation to stay the night. In the night, the Lord gave Balaam leave to go with the delegation if he obeyed the Lord.
At a certain point, the Lord put an angel in his path with a sword drawn. He told Balaam, “I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me.” The angel permitted Balaam to proceed but warned him to speak only what God told him to speak. [1]
Balaam did not pronounce a curse on God’s people as the evil king wanted him to do, but he did advise the evil king how to weaken them. Moses asked his commanders...
“Have you allowed all the women to live? They were the ones who followed Balaam’s advice and enticed the Israelites to be unfaithful to the Lord in the Peor incident, so that a plague struck the Lord’s people.” [2]
Jesus commanded the Church of Smyrna to repent of the sins of Balaam. He said...
“Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.”
Jesus promised to reward those who repented and overcame these sins. [3]
When we make bad investments, we need to repent and ask the Lord to forgive us.
The Psalmist prayed, “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You. I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word, I put my hope.” [4]
Biblical economics is to turn FROM bribers and seducers. Biblical economics is to turn TO the Lord in repentance, faith, and hope. Biblical economics is to AVOID evil and DO what is RIGHT. Transfer your TRUST and HOPE to the Lord!
Below is more sound Biblical financial advice:
“The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with Him.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.
Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing.
The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.
With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.
When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.
The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.” [5]
[1] Numbers 22:4-38
[2] Numbers 31:14-16
[3] Revelation 2:14, 17
[4] Psalm 130:3-5
[5] Proverbs 11:1-11, 21, 23
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Our Lord’s Passion for Us
“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the twelve.” He watched for an opportunity to betray Jesus when no crowd was present.” [1]
Speaking to His disciples, “You are those who have stood by Me in My trials.” [2]
Speaking to Simon Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” [3]
“He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt and prayed, ‘Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” [4]
“Jesus asked him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man [the Messiah] with a kiss?’” [5]
“The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating Him. They blindfolded Him and demanded, ‘Prophesy! Who hit you?’ And they said many other insulting things to Him.” [6]
“They all asked, ‘Are you then the Son of God?’ He replied, ‘You say that I am.’ Then they said, ‘Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from His own lips.’” [7]
“Thank You Lord Jesus, Son of the Living God, Messiah, for undergoing all these trials to save us from our sins. Please help us to stay strong and overcome this life’s trials, knowing assuredly that a new day is coming. A happy day of love, joy and peace that will never end thanks to Your sacrifice for us!”
[1] Luke 22:3, 6
[2] Luke 22:28
[3] Luke 22:31-32
[4] Luke 22:41-44
[5] Luke 22:48
[6] Luke 22:64-65
[7] Luke 22:70-71
Speaking to His disciples, “You are those who have stood by Me in My trials.” [2]
Speaking to Simon Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” [3]
“He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt and prayed, ‘Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” [4]
“Jesus asked him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man [the Messiah] with a kiss?’” [5]
“The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating Him. They blindfolded Him and demanded, ‘Prophesy! Who hit you?’ And they said many other insulting things to Him.” [6]
“They all asked, ‘Are you then the Son of God?’ He replied, ‘You say that I am.’ Then they said, ‘Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from His own lips.’” [7]
“Thank You Lord Jesus, Son of the Living God, Messiah, for undergoing all these trials to save us from our sins. Please help us to stay strong and overcome this life’s trials, knowing assuredly that a new day is coming. A happy day of love, joy and peace that will never end thanks to Your sacrifice for us!”
[1] Luke 22:3, 6
[2] Luke 22:28
[3] Luke 22:31-32
[4] Luke 22:41-44
[5] Luke 22:48
[6] Luke 22:64-65
[7] Luke 22:70-71
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
HIS KINGDOM IS NEAR
“As Jesus looked up, He saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘Truly I tell you,’ He said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’” [1]
Jesus noticed the rich. Jesus noticed the poor. He commended the poor widow for valuing God above her own life.
“Some of His disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, ‘As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.’” [2]
The beautiful sturdy things of this world are destined for dust. Jesus preferred to speak of faith. That our faith in God would stand and not be ruined. He warned...
“Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.” [3]
There are “Jesus” counterfeits. False images or teachings about Jesus that will not stand in the last day. Jesus warned, “Watch out! Don’t be deceived! Don’t follow them!” He added...
“People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. ...Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” [4]
Some are looking at the terrors. Jesus recommends that we stay focused on His return. Value the eternity that Jesus Christ bought for us on the cross. He says to STAND UP! LIFT UP! Your REDEMPTION is near!
When Jesus returns, we who are waiting for Him will learn our true worth to God. Not in earthly things that crumble but in the eternal presence of God! His abiding presence! God is coming for us who profess and worship Jesus Christ! Know, yes, KNOW, when you see these things happening, HIS KINGDOM IS NEAR!
[1] Luke 21:1-4
[2] Luke 21:5-6
[3] Luke 21:8
[4] Luke 21:26-31
Jesus noticed the rich. Jesus noticed the poor. He commended the poor widow for valuing God above her own life.
“Some of His disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, ‘As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.’” [2]
The beautiful sturdy things of this world are destined for dust. Jesus preferred to speak of faith. That our faith in God would stand and not be ruined. He warned...
“Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.” [3]
There are “Jesus” counterfeits. False images or teachings about Jesus that will not stand in the last day. Jesus warned, “Watch out! Don’t be deceived! Don’t follow them!” He added...
“People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. ...Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” [4]
Some are looking at the terrors. Jesus recommends that we stay focused on His return. Value the eternity that Jesus Christ bought for us on the cross. He says to STAND UP! LIFT UP! Your REDEMPTION is near!
When Jesus returns, we who are waiting for Him will learn our true worth to God. Not in earthly things that crumble but in the eternal presence of God! His abiding presence! God is coming for us who profess and worship Jesus Christ! Know, yes, KNOW, when you see these things happening, HIS KINGDOM IS NEAR!
[1] Luke 21:1-4
[2] Luke 21:5-6
[3] Luke 21:8
[4] Luke 21:26-31
Monday, March 7, 2022
Many Believed in Him Because of Her Testimony
“And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” [1]
“Perhaps it is no wonder that the women were first at the Cradle and last at the Cross. They had never known a man like this Man—there never has been such another. A prophet and teacher who never nagged at them, never flattered or coaxed or patronized; who never made arch jokes about them, never treated them either as ‘The women, God help us!’ or ‘The ladies, God bless them!’ who rebuked without querulousness and praised without condescension; who took their questions and arguments seriously; who never mapped out their sphere for them, never urged them to be feminine or jeered at them for being female; who had no axe to grind and no uneasy male dignity to defend; who took them as he found them and was completely unself-conscious.”
“Wherever you find a great man, you will find a great mother or a great wife standing behind him -- or so they used to say. It would be interesting to know how many great women have had great fathers and husbands behind them.” [2]
May the Lord bless all the women who serve the Lord in a culture that does not always support their efforts or acknowledge their contributions.
[1] John 4:39
[2] Quotes from Dorothy L. Sayers
“Perhaps it is no wonder that the women were first at the Cradle and last at the Cross. They had never known a man like this Man—there never has been such another. A prophet and teacher who never nagged at them, never flattered or coaxed or patronized; who never made arch jokes about them, never treated them either as ‘The women, God help us!’ or ‘The ladies, God bless them!’ who rebuked without querulousness and praised without condescension; who took their questions and arguments seriously; who never mapped out their sphere for them, never urged them to be feminine or jeered at them for being female; who had no axe to grind and no uneasy male dignity to defend; who took them as he found them and was completely unself-conscious.”
“Wherever you find a great man, you will find a great mother or a great wife standing behind him -- or so they used to say. It would be interesting to know how many great women have had great fathers and husbands behind them.” [2]
May the Lord bless all the women who serve the Lord in a culture that does not always support their efforts or acknowledge their contributions.
[1] John 4:39
[2] Quotes from Dorothy L. Sayers
Sunday, March 6, 2022
Accepted In The Beloved
On Sunday, January 25, 1736, he was aboard a ship. A life-threatening storm struck! It was 7 o’clock when he noticed the humility of certain passengers. They were serving others. They served, saying, “it was good for their proud hearts,” and that “their loving Savior had done more for them.” Throughout their journey. he had noted their meekness. “No injury could move them. If they were pushed, struck, or thrown down, they rose again and went away; but no complaint was found in their mouth.”
The great deep was about to swallow us up. A terrible screaming began, but they calmly sung on. I asked one of them afterwards, “Are you not afraid?” He answered, “I thank God, no.” I asked, “But are not your women and children afraid?” He replied, mildly, “No; our women and children are not afraid to die.”
“At 12 o’clock the wind fell. This was the most glorious day which I have hitherto seen.”
After returning to England, he unwillingly attended a certain Christian meeting. About 8:45 pm, the speaker described the change God works in the heart of those who trust in Christ. He felt his heart strangely warm. He trusted in Christ! In Christ alone for salvation! God gave him an assurance that his sin were taken away, even his. Jesus saved him from the law of sin and death! [1]
“Now when Moses went into the tabernacle of meeting to speak with Him, he heard the voice of One speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; thus He spoke to him.” [2]
The Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Covenant was symbolic of Christ. This is where God spoke to Moses. The Mercy Seat, Christ, is where God meets with us today.
“Praise to the glory of His grace, He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” [3]
We are never good enough in our own righteousness to approach unto God or to be accepted into the family of God. It is only the Beloved, Jesus Christ, that we have redemption. By His grace, our sins are removed, and we are accepted by God, and by all who believe in Jesus!
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [4]
The key to salvation is to confess our sins to God and to trust in Jesus Christ for the removal of our sins and for cleansing from unrighteousness. As song goes, “Just as I am, without one plea but that Thy blood was shed for me. And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee, Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come.”
“Sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” [5] God accepts us in the Beloved [Jesus His Son], and then, He gives us His Holy Spirit to live a new life that reflects the glory of God’s grace.
[1] Excerpts from John Wesley’s Journal
[2] Numbers 7:89
[3] Ephesians 1:6-7
[4] 1 John 1:8-9
[5] Romans 15:16
The great deep was about to swallow us up. A terrible screaming began, but they calmly sung on. I asked one of them afterwards, “Are you not afraid?” He answered, “I thank God, no.” I asked, “But are not your women and children afraid?” He replied, mildly, “No; our women and children are not afraid to die.”
“At 12 o’clock the wind fell. This was the most glorious day which I have hitherto seen.”
After returning to England, he unwillingly attended a certain Christian meeting. About 8:45 pm, the speaker described the change God works in the heart of those who trust in Christ. He felt his heart strangely warm. He trusted in Christ! In Christ alone for salvation! God gave him an assurance that his sin were taken away, even his. Jesus saved him from the law of sin and death! [1]
“Now when Moses went into the tabernacle of meeting to speak with Him, he heard the voice of One speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; thus He spoke to him.” [2]
The Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Covenant was symbolic of Christ. This is where God spoke to Moses. The Mercy Seat, Christ, is where God meets with us today.
“Praise to the glory of His grace, He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” [3]
We are never good enough in our own righteousness to approach unto God or to be accepted into the family of God. It is only the Beloved, Jesus Christ, that we have redemption. By His grace, our sins are removed, and we are accepted by God, and by all who believe in Jesus!
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [4]
The key to salvation is to confess our sins to God and to trust in Jesus Christ for the removal of our sins and for cleansing from unrighteousness. As song goes, “Just as I am, without one plea but that Thy blood was shed for me. And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee, Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come.”
“Sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” [5] God accepts us in the Beloved [Jesus His Son], and then, He gives us His Holy Spirit to live a new life that reflects the glory of God’s grace.
[1] Excerpts from John Wesley’s Journal
[2] Numbers 7:89
[3] Ephesians 1:6-7
[4] 1 John 1:8-9
[5] Romans 15:16
Saturday, March 5, 2022
Evil About To Expire
“War broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” [1]
“Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” [2]
“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” [3]
The war on evil is won in the heavens. The victory has yet to manifest here on earth. The good news is that evil has an expiration date thanks be to God!
For now, we can pray that those who are led to join with Satan in his rebellion against God and in his destroying activity against humanity, will be defeated.
When someone told King David, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” David prayed, “O Lord, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” [4]
The Lord says: “Whoso digs a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolls a stone, it will return upon him.” [5]
The Lord says: “A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.” [6]
When our intel is confusing, a catch-all prayer to pray is: “Heavenly Father, please do what is best for everyone involved.”
We can pray the prayer the Lord taught us to pray. This prayer covers all the bases...
“Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.” [7]
[1] Revelation 12:7-9
[2] Revelation 12:12
[3] Revelation 20:10
[4] 2 Samuel 15:31
[5] Proverbs 26:27
[6] Proverbs 24:16
[7] Matthew 6:9-13
“Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” [2]
“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” [3]
The war on evil is won in the heavens. The victory has yet to manifest here on earth. The good news is that evil has an expiration date thanks be to God!
For now, we can pray that those who are led to join with Satan in his rebellion against God and in his destroying activity against humanity, will be defeated.
When someone told King David, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” David prayed, “O Lord, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” [4]
The Lord says: “Whoso digs a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolls a stone, it will return upon him.” [5]
The Lord says: “A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.” [6]
When our intel is confusing, a catch-all prayer to pray is: “Heavenly Father, please do what is best for everyone involved.”
We can pray the prayer the Lord taught us to pray. This prayer covers all the bases...
“Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.” [7]
[1] Revelation 12:7-9
[2] Revelation 12:12
[3] Revelation 20:10
[4] 2 Samuel 15:31
[5] Proverbs 26:27
[6] Proverbs 24:16
[7] Matthew 6:9-13
Friday, March 4, 2022
Rest In The Lord
Have you ever found yourself hating your personality? Hating the way you act around others? Squirming inside at the way you did or said things? You want to be a blessing to others. Yet, the thought that you are not good enough hinders you? Do poor thoughts of yourself paralyze you from doing and saying what God is prompting you to do and say?
Give negative self-thoughts over to God in prayer. Ask Him to forgive you for being so hard on yourself. So unrealistic with yourself! God has good thoughts of you. He loves you. He is on your side.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. [1] These are the fruits God’s Spirit produces. Let the Holy Spirit bring forth His fruit in you. Lean on Him!
“For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [2]
God bought you at a price. He sees great worth in you. Negative self-thoughts and self-talk are not helpful. Glorify God! He is ready to be glorified in you.
Think on what the Lord is saying about you in the Bible. Jesus says to learn from Him. He is gentle, not unrealistic. He will provide rest for your soul.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” [3]
May the Lord bless you today as you rest in Him!
[1] Galatians 5:22-23
[2] 1 Corinthians 6:20
[3] Matthew 11:28-29
Give negative self-thoughts over to God in prayer. Ask Him to forgive you for being so hard on yourself. So unrealistic with yourself! God has good thoughts of you. He loves you. He is on your side.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. [1] These are the fruits God’s Spirit produces. Let the Holy Spirit bring forth His fruit in you. Lean on Him!
“For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [2]
God bought you at a price. He sees great worth in you. Negative self-thoughts and self-talk are not helpful. Glorify God! He is ready to be glorified in you.
Think on what the Lord is saying about you in the Bible. Jesus says to learn from Him. He is gentle, not unrealistic. He will provide rest for your soul.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” [3]
May the Lord bless you today as you rest in Him!
[1] Galatians 5:22-23
[2] 1 Corinthians 6:20
[3] Matthew 11:28-29
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
A Lamb In The Savior's Arms
“The humble status of a shepherd may be one reason Jesus chose that title when He described His relationship with us. Identifying as a Shepherd demonstrated Christ’s meekness and emphasized the fact that He came for even the lowliest of the low.” [1]
Jesus was not ashamed to introduce Himself to others as a shepherd. He said, “I am the Good Shepherd. I know My own and My own know Me.” [2]
Jesus is the Messiah that King David prophesied about in the Old Testament...
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” [3]
Our Good Shepherd protects and cares for His sheep...
“He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms; He will carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” [4]
I’m so glad that Jesus is willing to carrying me and others like me in His arms. Close to His heart! I need Him for sustenance. I need Him for protection. I need to be led gently.
All the nations shall be gathered before Jesus, “and He will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” [5] Meaning that He knows His sheep. He will not forget us on the last day.
Jesus is also called “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” [6]
“To be called a Lamb of God means that God gave Jesus to be killed like a lamb for our sins so we could live forever.” The majority of Old Testament passages that mention “lamb” refer to a sacrifice (85 out of 96). As a nation, Israel began its history by putting lamb’s blood on the doorposts and lintels of each house.” [7]
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” [8] God placed the iniquity of all sinners on Jesus. To embrace and confess Jesus is to appropriate what He did for you on the cross when He became a sacrifice for your sin. God forgives the sins of those who believe in Jesus.
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” [9] This is the chant of those in heaven. They are there because of what JESUS did here. Glory to His Name!
[1] gotquestoins.org
[2] John 10:14
[3] Psalm 23:1-2
[4] Isaiah 40:11
Jesus was not ashamed to introduce Himself to others as a shepherd. He said, “I am the Good Shepherd. I know My own and My own know Me.” [2]
Jesus is the Messiah that King David prophesied about in the Old Testament...
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” [3]
Our Good Shepherd protects and cares for His sheep...
“He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms; He will carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” [4]
I’m so glad that Jesus is willing to carrying me and others like me in His arms. Close to His heart! I need Him for sustenance. I need Him for protection. I need to be led gently.
All the nations shall be gathered before Jesus, “and He will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” [5] Meaning that He knows His sheep. He will not forget us on the last day.
Jesus is also called “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” [6]
“To be called a Lamb of God means that God gave Jesus to be killed like a lamb for our sins so we could live forever.” The majority of Old Testament passages that mention “lamb” refer to a sacrifice (85 out of 96). As a nation, Israel began its history by putting lamb’s blood on the doorposts and lintels of each house.” [7]
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” [8] God placed the iniquity of all sinners on Jesus. To embrace and confess Jesus is to appropriate what He did for you on the cross when He became a sacrifice for your sin. God forgives the sins of those who believe in Jesus.
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” [9] This is the chant of those in heaven. They are there because of what JESUS did here. Glory to His Name!
[1] gotquestoins.org
[2] John 10:14
[3] Psalm 23:1-2
[4] Isaiah 40:11
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Knowing the Lord and Making Him Known
“Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, ‘This Man receives sinners and eats with them.’” [1]
Jesus responded, “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” [2]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that long for all people to know You well. To understand properly who You are, and to have faith in You. Please help we Your people to have the same longing that dwells in You so that more and more people will trust in You and walk with You. In the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”
[1] Luke 15:1-2
[2] Luke 15:7
Jesus responded, “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” [2]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that long for all people to know You well. To understand properly who You are, and to have faith in You. Please help we Your people to have the same longing that dwells in You so that more and more people will trust in You and walk with You. In the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”
[1] Luke 15:1-2
[2] Luke 15:7
Saturday, February 26, 2022
Judging Rightly Pursuing Truth
“You will Know the Truth and the Truth will Set you Free” [1]
One day, God asked Jeremiah to walk the streets of Jerusalem. God wanted him to find one person who judged rightly and sought the truth. If he could find just one, God promised to forgive his city. This story reminds me of the time God promised to Abraham that if there were just ten righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah, He would spare the city. [2]
The people of Jerusalem needed a righteous person. Jeremiah did not find him. But alas, the day would come when a sinless man would walk the streets of Jerusalem. He would faithfully bear witness to the truth. His Name is Jesus Christ.
Last night, I watched a YouTube video about the liberation of the people of the former USSR from a very oppressive government. Below are some quotes from the video:
“If the leaders need to answer to the will of the people every few years, then the leaders are held accountable for their actions.”
“People were aware of being lied to, but they did not know just how much they were being lied to. They saw that the propaganda they were shown conflicted with the reality they saw with their own eyes.”
“As the people became more and more aware of their conditions, they began to consolidate and express their desire for a government that would reflect the will of the people. [Kind of like the early American colonist who said they did not want taxation without representation.]
They wanted a less centralized government. They wanted federalization where each region had equal rights. A referendum was held. The result was that the people voted overwhelmingly for equal rights among the various republics and peoples of the USSR. The old vanguard staged a coup to stop the progress of this freedom movement but failed. The people were no longer interested in preserving the USSR in any form. [3]
In light of this video, I thought of the prophet Jeremiah. He spoke truth from God that his country’s leadership did not want people to hear. They tried to silence him. They tried to convince the people he was a traitor, but in the end, Jeremiah was right. He was right because he received his words from God. God was directing his thoughts, actions, and speech. In fact, though no one seemed to listen to him or regard him worthy of respect, Jeremiah never let up sounding the alarm that his country was in trouble. If only they had listened to him and acted upon the truth that he spoke, they would have been spared from much harm.
May the Lord help the people of the nations to judge rightly and pursue truth. Listen to what His Spirit is saying through His servants! Grant us grace to believe and act on His truth that is found in the Bible.
[1] John 8:32
[2] Jeremiah 5; Genesis 18:32
[3] The Breakup of the Soviet Union Explained (YouTube)
One day, God asked Jeremiah to walk the streets of Jerusalem. God wanted him to find one person who judged rightly and sought the truth. If he could find just one, God promised to forgive his city. This story reminds me of the time God promised to Abraham that if there were just ten righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah, He would spare the city. [2]
The people of Jerusalem needed a righteous person. Jeremiah did not find him. But alas, the day would come when a sinless man would walk the streets of Jerusalem. He would faithfully bear witness to the truth. His Name is Jesus Christ.
Last night, I watched a YouTube video about the liberation of the people of the former USSR from a very oppressive government. Below are some quotes from the video:
“If the leaders need to answer to the will of the people every few years, then the leaders are held accountable for their actions.”
“People were aware of being lied to, but they did not know just how much they were being lied to. They saw that the propaganda they were shown conflicted with the reality they saw with their own eyes.”
“As the people became more and more aware of their conditions, they began to consolidate and express their desire for a government that would reflect the will of the people. [Kind of like the early American colonist who said they did not want taxation without representation.]
They wanted a less centralized government. They wanted federalization where each region had equal rights. A referendum was held. The result was that the people voted overwhelmingly for equal rights among the various republics and peoples of the USSR. The old vanguard staged a coup to stop the progress of this freedom movement but failed. The people were no longer interested in preserving the USSR in any form. [3]
In light of this video, I thought of the prophet Jeremiah. He spoke truth from God that his country’s leadership did not want people to hear. They tried to silence him. They tried to convince the people he was a traitor, but in the end, Jeremiah was right. He was right because he received his words from God. God was directing his thoughts, actions, and speech. In fact, though no one seemed to listen to him or regard him worthy of respect, Jeremiah never let up sounding the alarm that his country was in trouble. If only they had listened to him and acted upon the truth that he spoke, they would have been spared from much harm.
May the Lord help the people of the nations to judge rightly and pursue truth. Listen to what His Spirit is saying through His servants! Grant us grace to believe and act on His truth that is found in the Bible.
[1] John 8:32
[2] Jeremiah 5; Genesis 18:32
[3] The Breakup of the Soviet Union Explained (YouTube)
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