Delivered

Micah 4:10 (b)

“There you will be rescued; here the Lord will redeem you from the hand of your enemies."

As prophesied, Judah was rescued, delivered, healed (from idolatry) and strengthened from her enemies. But, she had to spend many heartbreaking years in captivity for her rebellious sins against God.

Lord, thank you for bringing us all out of our own personal Babylon and for whatever it took along the way. Forgive our stubborness and lack of faith. Strengthen us now we pray. Amen.

The Truth

Plowed As A Field

Micah 3:12

"Therefore, on account of you, Zion will be plowed as a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of ruins, and the mountain of the temple will become high places of a forest.”

Because the leadership of that country had become utterly corrupt, including politicians, landowners, wealthy men and women, priests, prophets and religious leaders; and because ordinary people had been corrupted as well, "therefore," destruction would come upon the land.

Look to the Lord, lest you end up like "Zion," which was "plowed as a field."

The Truth

Woe To Schemers

Micah 2:1

"Woe to those who scheme iniquity, who work out evil on their beds! When morning comes, they do it, for it is in the power of their hands."

Schemers, those who plan to take advantage of others and follow through with it, are working out evil.

As He says in this verse, "it is in the power of (our) hands." He will reward us, now and/or in eternity for responding to His will and caring for our neighbor, but we will be judged for our sins when we exhibit unbelief, harm or take advantage of others.

The Truth

“This is My (Jesus) commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

Retribution On Israel

Micah 1:5

“All this (Micah 1-4) is for the transgression of Jacob and for the sins of the house of Israel.”

Because of the sin of Samaria (northern kingdom) and Jerusalem (southern kingdom) judgment will come upon them both.

Because the people could not decide between Jehovah and Baal, between the things of God and the things of the world – the Lord said, “I will judge” (v.6-7).

God, have mercy on us individually and this country collectively for we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. We all deserve your righteous judgment but we plead for your infinite mercy. Amen.

The Truth

"Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions." (Psalm 51:1)

Press Toward Heaven

Philippians 3:14

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Heaven is the goal because it is that which every Christian has his eye on.
Heaven is also the prize of the upward calling; what we aim at in all we do.
Heaven is our future home, through the call of God, by the blood of Christ.
And, there is no getting to heaven as our home but by Christ as “the way.”

The Truth

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)

Shalom - Peace Be With You

Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Sar Shalom, in Hebrew). You may have already known that the word “shalom” means peace. But actually, it has several meanings in the Hebrew. Shalom means peace, completeness, prosperity, safety, contentment, health, blessing, and rest — and not only that. Shalom is the common word for hello and goodbye.

So, when you greet someone or bid them a farewell “shalom”, what you are actually doing is speaking all those blessings upon them — and really, speaking over them the ultimate peace, Jesus, Himself!

‘Tis the season to speak shalom over one another!

The Truth

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

A Submitted Mind

Philippians 2:5

“Let this mind be in you which is also in Christ Jesus.”

Simply put, we should have the very attitudes and actions that we see in Christ Jesus - selfless, sacrificial and serving. Paul is calling all of us to a daily lifestyle of maintaining a mind submitted to Jesus Christ or (as this hymn says) we could wonder away.

O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! 
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart. O take and seal it. Seal it for Thy courts above.

The Truth

May the mind of Christ, my Savior,

Live in me from day to day,

By His love and power controlling

All I do and say. - unknown

To Live Is Christ

Philippians 1:21

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

This is the single mind we need to think properly and live joyfully in this world. Anything else one might live for will leave you unsatisfied, wanting more.

Paul regarded himself as already dead to sin through the cross of Christ. He saw that “Christ IS… our life” (Colossians 3:4). He said, “I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20). Therefore, for him to die was gain, for then he would be with Christ.

“The only way to rejoice through life, to be happy in and about life, is to identify solely with Jesus.” (Jon Courson)

The Truth

“For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ (Acts 17:28)

With Repentance Comes Forgiveness

Jonah 4:1

“But it greatly displeased Jonah and he became angry.”

We now understand why Jonah ran away from the call of the Lord in the first place. He simply did not like the Assyrians and became very angry that God had forgiven these enemies of the nation Israel. (Jonah 3:10)

Jesus commanded us to "love one another" (John 13:34) and He followed that statement with: "By this all will know that you are My disciples, IF you have love for one another" (John 13:35). Why would people trust that the invisible God loves them, if His people who are visible display no love?

The lesson to learn from the book of Jonah is that forgiveness is for everyone who repents. If God forgave the Ninevites on the basis of their repentance; if He tolerated Jonah and accepted this stubborn man who resisted Him, He will do the same for you and me and anyone else, if we repent.

The Truth

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleans us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

God's Gift To You - Merry Christmas

Jesus came to this earth, by Gods' plan and design.
The place of His birth, marked by a heavenly sign.
A new star above, showed the place where He lay.
The Fathers' gift, sound asleep on the hay.

So innocent and pure, this gift to man.
Would soon receive, Roman nails in His hand.
He was born to die, His life He gave.
So all might live, and their souls be saved.

One day all will answer, for what they have done.
With Gods' gift to the world, His only son.
So accept His gift, and your soul you will save.
From the wages of sin, and the death of the grave.

Chris Kinder 10'

The Truth

"For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is a "gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

Message Received

Jonah 3:6

"When the word reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne, laid aside his robe from him, covered himself with sackcloth and sat on the ashes.”

This King was touched to his soul by the message of Jonah. So much so that he put on sackcloth and sat in ashes. He was mourning his sins and the sins of his people. This king was so upset by the message he heard, that he caused not only the people, but even their animals to fast and wear sackcloth; (v.7) commanding his people to turn from wickedness and violence. (v.8)

God can change the hearts of men, even ruthless leaders like this king. As it says in Proverbs, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it whenever He wishes.” (Proverbs 21:1)

Pray for our leaders – as they can be turned from evil just as this king was.

The Truth

“Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.” (1 Kings 18:37)

Ready To Do Thy Will

Jonah 2:9

"But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is from the Lord."

Jonah, right from the beginning of this book had been running from God and the call of God for his life. He now says (after 3 days in the belly of a great fish), "that which I have vowed I will pay." Jonah is now willing to place God's will ahead of his own.

May we not have to reach the bottom in our own lives before we are willing to follow His call, as it could be too late.

The Truth

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)

Follow The Call

Jonah 1:3

"But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord."

Any step away from God is a step down the wrong path. Whenever we run in the opposite direction of the Lord’s call or command, you can be sure Satan will have a ship ready for us to set sail on - and we’ll pay a heavy price for it. I’ve been on that boat, to my Tarshish. I have experienced the cost and like Jonah, I knew it was wrong when I did it.

But thankfully, our King is merciful, compassionate, slow to anger and desirous that all should be saved (2 Peter 3:9) - Me, You, the Ninevites, that person you don’t want to forgive who has wronged you in some way. The Gospel is for everyone, not just a chosen few. So, share it and do not flee from the call.

The Truth

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)

Never Rejoice Over The Fall Of Others

Obadiah 1:12

"Do not gloat over your brother's day, the day of his misfortune. And do not rejoice over the sons of Judah in the day of their destruction; Yes, do not boast in the day of their distress.”

The message to us is to NEVER "rejoice" over the fall of others; friends and enemies alike. Instead, pray for them and if possible, reach over to their need and lift them up.

The Truth

"He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished." (Proverbs 17:5b)
"Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles." (Proverbs 24:17)

Forces of Wickedness

Ephesians 6:12

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Behind any kind of confrontation our struggle seems to be, against flesh and blood. After all, there are physical flesh and blood human beings who take a stand against us. But there is more. Behind the anger of the moment we are also encountering the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Life is much more scary than one may think. There are spiritual forces of wickedness - rulers, powers and forces of darkness that are bent on your destruction and mine.

You and I need protection - more accurately, a protector.

The Truth

“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:13)

Follow God

Ephesians 5:1

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.”

Here Paul is telling us (with the word therefore), that it only makes sense to follow the one who has forgiven you. Ch.5 explains how to walk (follow) after Jesus; in love, in “the light” of scripture, in wisdom and in harmony with our marriages.

In following Christ’s examples we become servants, as opposed to being served. Our focus is on others and not ourselves. As Jesus said, “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant, and whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave.” (Matthew 20:26-27) And then He continued, “just as the Son of Man (Christ) did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

The term Christian signifies we are followers of Christ. May we, by the power of the Spirit, walk by His example daily.

The Truth
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)

Forgive Each Other

Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

As God has forgiven us so much in Christ, can we do any less for others?

Kindness, tenderness, forgiveness (unconditional), this is what Paul is requesting of the church body, even when others don’t forgive you.

That’s tough to do on our own but, the impossible for you and I is possible for God, especially when you and I are “forgiven” in Christ. Then, we find ourselves acting in His strength, His love and not in our own. Jesus said, “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.”(Matthew 7:12) Be kind to others and more often than not, they will be kind to you.

Forgiveness is not a burden God places upon us, but rather a safeguard for our mental health and emotional stability. If there is someone toward whom you’re bitter, do yourself a huge favor and forgive them – even as God has forgiven you.

The Truth

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25)

For Your Glory

Ephesians 3:13

“Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory.”

Here the Apostle Paul is saying, “Don’t worry about what I am going through, it is meant for your edification.

Tribulations are not all about punishment. Yes they can be corrective in nature but they also reshape us, refine us, that we might help others. How else can the world see the mystery of Christ in us – not when things are easy, not when things are comfy, but they see the mystery when things get rocky.

Yes, God allows Situations to be difficult, (the rain falls on the just and the unjust) but it is always for a purpose and it is always based in His love. The world gets to see the mystery of Christ in you, your hope of glory. And in seeing this mystery, they are drawn to the Master.

A.W. Tozer was right when he said that, “before God can use a man greatly, He must also allow him to be hurt deeply.”

The Truth

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

FORMER Children of Wrath

Ephesians 2:3

“Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”

That’s you, me, Paul, everyone who has ever lived – “All have sinned.” (Romans 3:23) We are all by nature, “Children of Wrath.” It’s not only the gross “lusts of our flesh” that plague humanity, but also the secret “desires of the… mind” that are a deep and very real problem. God knows our thoughts and we are condemned by them.

But the good news is that “wrath” is the FORMER state of all who trust in the LORD Jesus Christ. For by His grace, “we have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:8)

Thank you LORD!

The Truth

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Forgiveness

Ephesians 1:7

“In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

Redeemed, purchased, liberated, ransomed, freed – by His death, through His blood and His total payment for the sins of man on the cross.

Many think it was unwise of God to lavish such redemption and forgiveness on guilty sinners. But it was in all wisdom and prudence that He gave this to us. (Ephesians 1:8)

Thank you LORD.

The Truth

“Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12)

The Remnant

Amos 9:8

“Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the face of the earth; nevertheless, I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob, declares the Lord."

As a nation, the Israel of that time would NOT trust in Him. And so the nation would be destroyed. However, in the midst of destruction, we also see the mercy of God in this verse where it says: "I will not totally destroy" them.

He who said, "I will correct you in justice," also says, "I am with you... to save you" (Jeremiah 30:11). Therefore, TRUST in Him, for He is not only about judgment - "God is (also) love" (1 John 4:8). His judgment gets our attention, but His love sets us free.

The Truth

“Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them will return; the destruction decreed shall overflow with righteousness.” (Isaiah 10:22)

Thanksgiving History

(From the archives)

The original feast in 1621 occurred sometime between September 21 and November 11. Unlike our modern holiday, it was three days long. The event was based on English harvest festivals, which traditionally occurred around the 29th of September. After that first harvest was completed by the Plymouth colonists, Gov. William Bradford proclaimed a day of, "Thanksgiving and Prayer", shared by all the colonists and neighboring Indians.

During the American Revolution a yearly day of national Thanksgiving was suggested by the Continental Congress. In 1817 New York State adopted Thanksgiving Day as an annual custom, and by the middle of the 19th century many other states had done the same. Here is a exerpt from the state of New-Hampshire's Thanksgiving Proclamation.

"The congress in general assembly do here by command the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness."

In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln appointed a day of Thanksgiving as the last Thursday in November, which he may have correlated with the November 21, 1621, anchoring of the Mayflower at Cape Cod. Since then, each president has issued a Thanksgiving Day Proclamation. President Franklin D. Roosevelt set the date for Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November in 1939. (approved by Congress in 1941)

As a nation our forefathers knew the value of thanking God for all His blessings. It is my prayer that our current and future generations of leaders will do the same.

The Truth
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Israel's Guilt

Amos 8:8

"Because of this will not the land quake and everyone who dwells in it mourn? Indeed, all of it will rise up like the Nile, and it will be tossed about and subside like the Nile of Egypt."

Because of; Trampling the needy, doing away with the humble, cheating customers, mocking the Sabbath, taking from the poor, forcing the poor into slavery to repay debts, selling spoiled wheat for profit, being filled with pride, greed and idolatry - Israel will recede, like the Nile river.

Just like the Israel of old, every one of us needs to be shaken out of our complacency, our pride. We are not as efficient or as good as we think we are.

The Truth

“So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” (Luke 16:22-23)

I Was No Prophet

Amos 7:14 “The Answer of Amos”

“Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdsman, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit.”

Amos was a simple herdsman who obeyed the call of the LORD. Like Moses and David, who were both found watching over flocks of sheep when God call them, Amos was no different.

None of these men claimed to be intellectuals and yet all were used by God to minister to His people. Meaning, ability is not as important to God as availability.

May we all be available to do His will when He calls.

The Truth

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

Be Authentic

Amos 6:8

“The LORD GOD hath sworn by Himself, saith the LORD GOD of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.”

Because the people were going through the motions of true worship, the place in which the Lord once delighted to dwell (Psalm 87:2) was now a place He abhorred and the city would be delivered up for judgment into the hands of the Assyrians (Ezekiel 23:22-27).

So true in many today, going through the motions of Church and worship. May we be authentic and worship Him in Spirit and Truth. If not, it can have serious consequences.

The Truth

"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)

Seek Me And Live

Amos 5:4

“For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: Seek Me and Live”

The short-term promise of this verse is directed to the nation Israel. If they, as a nation simply turned to God with everything they had, God would spare them. It was (and is) His promise to individuals and groups everywhere: "Seek Me that you may live."

Seek Him today. You'll find the Lord and His safety - forever!

The Truth

"You will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 4:29).

Prepare To Meet Your God

Amos 4:12

“Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.”

Here God declares because all previous judgments have been in vain, He will send upon them (Israel) something even more terrible still. He leaves the nature of the coming chastisement a mystery that the very suspense may work fear and repentance – that they might turn to him with a changed heart, if perchance He may forgive and withdraw his heavy hand.

How would you prepare to meet God, who is coming to contend with you? What armor would you put on? What weapon would you forge? What courage could you muster? Alas! It would all be futile.

Wisdom suggests we humble ourselves before this God, prepare to meet Him, and give all diligence to make Him our God, REPENT, for happy are the people whose God He is, who have all this power engaged for them.

The Truth

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:5)

Israel's Punishment

Amos 3:2

"You only have I known of all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities."

God said to Israel through Moses, "You are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth." (Deut.7:6)

He chose them, gave them a special calling and a tremendous blessing, even made them His family. But, like any father worth his salt, The Lord is not letting His children go unpunished for their wrong doings. “Whom The Lord loves He also chastens.” (Hebrews 12:6)

Therefore they were punished, because their sins dishonored Him, affronted Him, and grieved Him, more than the sins of others, and because it is necessary that God should vindicate His own honor by demonstrating that He hates sin and hates it most in those that are nearest to Him.

The church should be warned by this, where much is given (by God to a nation or other people) much is expected in return.

No matter who we are: Israel, the church, nations or simply individuals - we have a choice. We can either walk with God or not, serve Him or not, love Him or choose not to. He will never take away our free will but all men will be held accountable for their choice – so choose well.

The Truth

“You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” (Deut. 6:13, 10:20, Matt.4:10)

Thus Says The LORD

Amos 2:1
“Thus said the LORD;” (Jehovah the God of Israel).

The nations that; despised the law of the Lord, twisted God’s Law to their own economic advantage, disrespected His protection and provision, caused the Priests to stumble with wine and closed the mouths of the prophets – were held accountable to Him as their Judge.

These nations allowed sin to rise to such a height, that God would not turn away His punishment. Though He had granted them a long reprieve, and had often turned away their punishment, He would not turn it away any longer, justice had to take its course.

The God of Israel is the God of the whole earth, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. (Revelation 22:13) His Spirit will not always strive with man. He will judge, not just the nations of the pasted but all men. In that day, every eye shall see, every tongue will confess, Jesus as LORD.

The Truth

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and the books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” (Revelation 21:12)

Judgment Against Ammon

Amos 1:13 “Judgment Against Ammon”

Thus says the Lord: "I will not turn away it’s (Ammon) punishment, because they ripped open the women with child in Gilead, that they might enlarge their territory.”

The Ammonites were fierce and brutal in war. They often fought the armies of Israel, in attempts to extend their own borders westward. In our text, God reasonably agrees that to rip open pregnant women is a terrible thing to do, and He indicates in these verses He would judge that crime.

The purpose of killing the unborn was to eliminate a future army in 20-years, after those babies had turned into men. Our own society would do well to look at it’s practices of destroying life. God says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” (Romans 12:19)

The Truth

“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.” (Psalm 19:9)

Bear One Another's Burdens

Galatians 6:2
"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ"

The Law of Christ is the Law of love. Christ gave us no other law than this law of mutual love: "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another." (John 13:34) Jesus also directed us to, “Love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as our selves.” (Matthew 22:36-40)

To love, in these examples, means to bear another's burdens. Christians must have strong shoulders to bear the burdens of their fellow Christians - to be able to minister in love to those who are hurting. Those who fail to do so, expose their lack of understanding of the law of Christ. Love, according to Paul, "believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:7) – meaning, I’m with you no matter what.

Christian love then does not allow us to bail when the going gets tough or give lip service to a brother/sister in need. We are called to help our brothers/sisters by; taking up their load, sustaining them by our counsel, our exhortations, our prayers and restoring them to strength and back into their position in the body.

The Truth

"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the week, and not to please ourselves." (Romans 15:1)

True Freedom

Galatians 5:1

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”

Here Paul once again is making reference to the rules and regulations of Judaism. That the, “yoke of bondage” to the law is no longer necessary because, Jesus Christ died to free us from it.

His purpose in dying for us, is that we might be set free from sin and death. We were slaves but did not understand our slavery at the time. There are no chains on our hands, but sin is a slavery of the soul – more subtle but very real.

Jesus has broken the chains of guilt and shame around our hearts and set us free from the bondage of the law. We only need to say “yes” to Him to experience true freedom and the joy, peace and love that come with His forgiveness.

The Truth
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Our Adoption As Sons

Galatians 4:5

“But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His son, made of a women, under the law, to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

At just the right time, Jesus Christ was sent to purchase us who were under the law. Trying hard to obey it, but, powerless to do so, He took our position on the cross that we might take the position as sons of God through adoption.

Adoption speaks of our privilege and position within God’s family. The moment we are born again, we are placed in an adopted state as heirs, as sons of God.

Because we are adopted sons, we have the Spirit of the only begotten Son in our hearts. Therefore we can call God, “Abba”, Father – and like all fathers, He will hear the voice of His children.

The Truth

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. And if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,” (Romans 8:16-17)

Redeemed From The Law

Galatians 3:13

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”)

Paul is not saying that the law is a curse, but that the law has a curse—death. Christ paid the penalty for our sins and so as long as we remain in the relationship with Him, we do not have to fear the eternal death that is the normal penalty for sin.

Even though the law can guide a person in the right way to live, and even though it describes the character of God, it also condemns and brings us guilty before God through an awareness of sin. However, it does not possess the power to forgive, to justify, or give life. It can do nothing to reverse the condemnation – the curse – once it is incurred through sin.

But, Christ who took the curse upon Himself so that we would not have to bear our own punishment redeemed us from the law. And the Father, in His mercy, forgives us and justifies us through faith in His Son.

The Truth

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2)

Saved By Faith

Galatians 2:16a

“knowing that man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ.”

Good deeds will not save us, through they are marks of a mature Christian, only faith in Jesus Christ and Him alone will justify us before the Almighty.

The Truth

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Restore With Meekness

Galatians 1:6-7

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel, which is really no gospel at all; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ"

Here, the apostle endeavors to impress upon these Galatians a sense of their guilt in forsaking the gospel way of justification; and yet at the same time, he tempers his reproof with mildness and tenderness towards them.

He represents them as being drawn away (to a different gospel) rather than coming to it of their own accord. Though this does not excuse them, it allows for grace to work, as it can be viewed as not entirely of their own volition.

This teaches us that, in reproving others, as we should be faithful, gentle, and endeavor to restore others in the spirit of meekness.

The Truth

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in ant trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

Cleansed and Forgiven

Joel Ch.3:20-21

“But Juda shall dwell forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the Lord dwelleth in Zion.”

In that day (the day of the Lord) God’s people will look at Jesus – the one they had pierced – and they will at last realize what He did for them (Zechariah 12:9-10). They will mourn over the fact that they rejected Him.

In that day, they will see Him and embrace Him. They will be cleansed and forgiven, and all of Israel will be saved.

The Truth

“And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “the deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” (Romans 11:26-27)

The Day Of The Lord

Joel 1:15

“Alas the day. For the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as destruction from the almighty.”

There are three major days or eras spoken of in Scripture; the day of man, the day of Christ and the day of the Lord.

We are presently in the day of man (1 Corinthians 4:3), where mankind is having his own way. This world, for the most part, has rejected the Lord and is suffering the consequences.

The day of Christ, spoken of in 1 Corinthians 1:7-8; 2 Corinthians 1:14 and Philippians 1:6, is synonymous with the Rapture of the Church – when the church is taken up into heaven and will spend 7 years with Christ before returning with Him to rule and reign on the earth.

The third day spoken of in the Scriptures (Isaiah 2:12; 13:6 Ezekiel 30:3) is the day of the Lord. It is a time immediately following the rapture when God intervenes directly in the affairs of humanity. This begins a period of time known as the great tribulation – the seven-year period seen in Revelation 6-19, when God finally gets the attention of a world that isn’t listening. This continues into the event directly following the tribulation – the Millennium, 1000 years of peace when Jesus rules and reigns from Jerusalem.

While two of these eras are yet future, we need to be living our lives with the expectation of His eminent return, that we might be counted worthy to escape the things which are to come.

The Truth

“Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands will be limp, every man’s heart will melt, and they will be afraid.” (Isaiah 13:6-7)

Cry To The Lord

Joel 1:14

“Sanctify you a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry to the LORD”

The plague of locusts that had so devastated Israel’s crops, carried an important lesson. Sin is not just an individual matter--it's a corporate one as well. Therefore, the nation was feeling the divine discipline of God.

In our text we see the prophet Joel calling on God’s people to; fast, gather together, cry unto the Lord with tears of repentance and seek God’s forgiveness for their sin as a nation.

America is in the same boat, a nation in need of repentance. We are so far from our Christian Roots that I shutter to think of the judgment we have in store for us at the end of His grace and mercy unless, we “cry to the Lord”, repent and turn from our present course.

Although the Lord is longsuffering towards us (and not willing that any should perish but, that all should come to repentance 2 Peter 3:9) there will come a time when He will no longer hold back His divine judgment.

The Truth

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God who will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7)

My Weakness - His Strength

2 Corinthians 12:9a

“And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Jesus is assuring Paul that, He will support him; that Paul would not sink exhausted under his trials but, he will still go through it.

The strength of Christ shines forth in its perfection and glory by supplying, supporting, and building us up in times of weakness; for it is when we are conscious our weaknesses, that the Lord can manifests His power.

This is what leads Paul to say, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Cor.12:10)

We are only here for a short season. There will be thorns in our flesh, poking at us, disappointing us – but, it is during times of trial that we recognize our limitations, draw closer to God for His strength and discover His will and direction for our lives.

The Truth

“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials…” (James 1:2-4)

Boast In The Lord

2 Corinthians 10:17-18

"Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."

If we are able to have any success, the praise and glory of all we experience should go to God. Ministers in particular must be careful not to glory in their performances, but must give God the glory of their work, and their successes.

Of all flattery, self-flattery or self-commendation is the worst. At best, self-commendation is not praise, and it is oftentimes as foolish and vain as it is proud; therefore, instead of praising or commending ourselves, we should strive to approved by God, and his blessings will be our best commendation.

The Truth

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Finish What You Started

2 Corinthians 8:11-12

“Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”

Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds.

Good beginnings are well; but we lose the benefit, unless there is perseverance. When men purpose that which is good, and endeavor, according to their ability, to perform also, God will not reject them for what it is not in their power to do.

The blessing is not in the purposing or the beginning of something but in the doing. James encourages us to be doers and not just hearers (James 1:22). He also warns us against not taking action when we know we should or when we recognize that something needs to be done. (James 1:23-24).

Therefore, take a step of faith. Don’t worry about what you can’t do, just do what you can.

The Truth

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Godly Sorrow Produces Repentance

2 Corinthians 7:10

“For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”

There is a godly type of sorrow and an ungodly type of sorrow. Godly sorrow leads to repentance. Ungodly sorrow, or the sorrow of this world, just kills.

Our culture has rejected all "negative" emotions. However, God gave us the capacity for these negative emotions, and there is a proper use of them. Ec 7:3 says, "Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better."

We should feel bad about sin. There should be sorrow over our failures. However, this sorrow should lead to repentance, and then when forgiveness is received, our sorrow should be cast upon the Lord (Isa 53:4). Peter's sorrow after his denial of Jesus changed him, and certainly, he never regretted those tears he cried.

But the sorrow experienced by those who do not turn to God produces only death. They grieve over their situation because they don't turn to God (that's repentance). The mere sorrow of the world leads only to remorse and despair, to the death of a broken heart, possibly to suicide; in any case, to the loss of the true eternal life.

Christians should only have sorrow until they repent. Once repentance has come, we need to appropriate the forgiveness and cleansing that are already ours through Christ.

The Truth

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Now Is The Time

2 Corinthians 6:2b

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the time of salvation.”

To the unbeliever Paul is saying, do it now, accept Jesus, become born again, give meaning to life, be saved from your present circumstances and inherit eternal life. If not, and you continually say no to His call, there will come a time when He will let your decision stand - a decision Jesus himself would describe as the only unpardonable sin, the blasphemy of the Holy Ghost. (Matt.12:31)

However, 2 Corinthians was written to the Christians in Corinth. It was a message to strike while the iron was hot and not ignore the call of God concerning sin in their lives. They were to immediately repent, turn from their sinful life style, accept His forgiveness and start living for His call on their lives.

As for us, each day we live is a precious gift of mercy and grace and one less day we have in our appointed time on this earth. Let’s live it in His service knowing we redeemed the time and His call on our lives.

The Truth

“As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children.” (Psalm 103:15-17)

Assurance Of The Resurrection

2 Corinthians 5:1

“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

It is important to know whom Paul is speaking to here. He is addressing the believers in Christ in the city of Corinth encouraging them in the resurrection. (2 Corinthians 4:14)

Here in our text Paul the tentmaker, compared his physical body to a tent, something temporary. Meaning he understood that it would wear out, breakdown, need repair and eventually dissolve.

However he goes on to explain that we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Therefore, if the tent speaks of our earthly body, the house not made with hands must speak of our resurrected body – custom made for eternity.

As Christians we know that Jesus is alive and for this reason we know that death cannot claim us because, He has promised us eternal life. (John 17:2-3)

The Truth

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

Power In Earthen Vessels

2 Corinthians 4:6,7

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of the darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this power in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

By His Spirit, God places the treasure of His Son into our hearts as believers. We then become the earthen vessels of His treasure and reflect His light to those around us.

Our reflection of His (God) presence in our lives is related to our connection to Christ. Like any solar panel, we cannot remain charged in darkness, we need the light to be empowered. Therefore, we need to remove anything in our life that comes between the Son and us.

His reflection will be clear in our lives if we keep our eyes on Him and not allow the world to creep in.

The Truth

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of the world.” (John 8:12)

God Of All Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Paul found real comfort in God and was able to comfort others because he experienced God’s faithfulness first hand. Being able to speak from experience has a tremendous power of immediately putting you on the same level with the person you are trying to help.

Even God Himself experienced the pain of watching His only Son beaten, whipped and nailed to a cross for us. So when we turn to Him and His Word, it has the power of comfort from His experience. Therefore, He is able to comfort us in all tribulation so that we in turn may comfort others.

The Truth

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

Sound Bites From 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 11:27 “Conduct at the Lord’s Table”

“But let every man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”

Paul is saying, “examine yourself” respect what you are doing, you’re in the right place, now come with the right heart. We take communion to “celebrate” what Christ did for us. So, celebrate! Thank you Jesus.


1 Corinthians 12:7 “Spiritual Gifts”

"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all."

Each of us has been given the gift of the Spirit, who in turn, imparts to us our gift to bless the body with, as He wills. Find your gift, your calling, your purpose to the body of Christ and bless them.

Lord help us all to earnestly desire the best gifts but use us all for the body of Christ. Amen.

1 Corinthians 13:13 “The Greatest Gift”

“And now abide faith, hope love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Faith and hope are true cornerstones to Christianity but love is the greatest virtue, because through love we are able to respond to God and others in the present.

1 Corinthians 14:40 “Order in Church Meetings”

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Two parts to this verse; things must be done decently and in order – but all things must be done.

Let us covet all the gifts as a body, then us them in the way they were intended – the effect will be beautiful, gentle and peaceful.

Guard Your Liberties

1 Corinthians 8:9

“But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are week.”

We must guard our liberty around weaker brothers in Christ. More important than the knowledge that I am free to partake in something, is the realization that my weaker brother may not be.

That beer or that movie could be just the issue he/she is struggling with. Many new Christians are hypersensitive about issues of conscience and the possibility of failing. They may feel that by having that beer or watching that movie their walk has been compromised, or their prayers won’t be heard.

Not only can a weak conscience become defiled but also it can be shocked or saddened, by observing our liberty. Paul says in this chapter, when we so wound a brother, we sin against Christ (v.12). It is better to abstain around weaker brothers than to partake and cause offense.

Forgive me Lord if my liberties have ever stumbled another. Amen.

The Truth

“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” (Romans 14:12-13)

Live As You Are Called

1 Corinthians 7:17

"But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches."

As the Lord has called each one, so let him walk: No matter what your station (married, single, divorced, widowed, remarried, whatever), God can work in your life. Instead of thinking that you can or will walk for the Lord when your station changes, walk for the Lord in the place you are at right now.

This also is a warning about trying to undo the past in regard to relationships; God tells us to repent of whatever sin is there and then to move on. If you are married to your second wife, after wrongfully divorcing your first wife, and become a Christian, don’t think you must now leave your second wife and go back to your first wife, trying to undo the past. As the Lord has called you, walk in that place right now.

So let him walk is also a warning to beware the danger of thinking other people have it better than you, because of their different station in life. Married, single, divorced, remarried, don’t matter nearly as much as walking with Jesus right now.

And so I ordain: This is no unique rule for you Corinthians. It is the universal rule of Christianity to reach every condition; and in every state a man may live so as to be a credit to it. It is the duty of every Christian to be content with his lot, and to conduct himself in his rank and place as becomes a Christian. Our comfort and happiness depend on what we are to Christ, not what we are in the world. No man should think to make his faith or religion, an argument to break through any natural or civil obligations. He should quietly and contentedly abide in the condition in which he is placed by Divine Providence.

The Truth

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called..” (Ephesians 4:1)

Bought With A Price

1 Corinthians 6:20

"Have you not been bought with a price: Therefore glorify God in your body."

As the slave who is purchased by his master for a sum of money is the sole property of that master, so we being bought with the price of the blood of Christ, are not your own and are his property. As the slave is bound to use all his skill and diligence in the service of his master, so we should employ body, soul, and spirit in the service of our Lord.

Our bodies were originally created in God's image (Ge.1:26,27) that we might give Him glory, a purpose that was derailed when sin entered the world. But believers have been redeemed so that they might fulfill one of their original purposes - to glorify God in their body!

In Romans Ch.1, Paul explains how a failure to glorify God spirals downward until finally God turns them over to the power of their depraved nature with the result being that their bodies were dishonored. They were of no value to glorify the Creator.

But praise God that because of His great mercy and grace and the cleansing blood of Christ, even those "dishonored" bodies can be redeemed and restored to a state of usefulness in which they can glorify God.

The Truth

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Purge Out The Old Leaven

1 Corinthians 5:7

“Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump.”

Here in Chapter 5 immorality had crept into the church at Corinth (v.1) and instead of being grieved about it, the Corinthian believers were proud of their open-mindedness, their tolerance, their political correctness in allowing the offending brother to remain in their midst (v.2).

Paul understood that immorality not only defiles an individual but also left unchecked, will defile the church. So, that the entire body may be protected against this evil, he instructs the church to purge out the offending brother (v.13).

This does not mean that we are to cut off from our company anyone who falls into or struggles with this sin (or any sin) but, the one who knowingly, obstinately, perpetually practices it…yes. As Charles Spurgeon put it, "Salvation in sin is not possible, it must always be salvation from sin."

The Truth

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Faithful Stewards

1 Corinthians 4:6

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

The word “steward” refers to the slave who knew the location of his master’s wealth. As in Genesis 39, where Joseph was a type of slave to Potiphar. The text here points out that stewards are only required to be faithful, not successful.

As Christians, we are slaves to Christ who know the location of the riches of Scripture. Our only requirement is that we be faithful to the leading of the Holy Spirit in sharing that wealth with others.

You may not ever be noticed, applauded, promoted or patted on the back – and that’s okay. Just be a faithful steward of the treasure within you. Lord, helps us to be faithful stewards of what you have given us.

The Truth

“His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:23)

The Chief Corner Stone

1 Corinthians 3:11

“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Here the apostle informs us what foundation he had laid, Jesus Christ, the chief corner stone (Ephesians 20). Upon this foundation, all the faithful ministers of Christ build. Upon this rock, all Christians find their hopes of heaven. Those that build their hopes on any other foundation build upon the sand. It is in Christ only that God is reconciling a sinful world to himself (2 Corinthians 5:19)

Jesus talked about the importance of building our lives on a solid 
foundation. He said that the person who obeys His Word is like "a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24).

If we build according to His code, we will not be swept away when a crisis hits with hurricane like force. The tempests of temptation and the storms of suffering cannot sweep a sturdy structure off a solid foundation.

Adversity will come, but a life constructed of virtue and goodness and built on faith in Christ, cannot be destroyed.

The Truth

“He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.” (Luke 6:48)

Spiritual Wisdom

1 Corinthians 2:9

But it is written, “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Paul is not only referring to heaven here but (I believe) he is saying even in this life, we as believers see things others don’t and know things others can’t, because the Holy Spirit ministers to our spirits concerning spiritual truth.

Therefore, we look at the world around us through a totally different lens, while waiting for our Lords return. When going through difficult seasons we trust in His divine guidance and protection in our daily lives. When hearing about events around the world (and especially the middle east) that turn toward war and destruction, we are not surprised for we know our Bible prophesy.

Although the spiritual man is able to put everything into perspective and have a sense of peace in difficult times, the worldly man can’t figure him out. It is the Spirit of God only that can reveal the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:11) therefore, the natural man cannot know them. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

As Christians, (those who love God) not only have we been given this heavenly helper while here on earth but, God has prepared even more than can be imagined for us in heaven.

The Truth

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

An Appeal To Unity

1 Corinthians 1:10

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should speak the same thing, and that there be no division among you."

The Church of Corinth had become divided into (4) groups (1 Cor.1:12) pulling the body apart, which became Paul's reason for sending this letter and to instruct them on true unity.

Division in the Church, is also very common today. You’ll hear things like; he’s too boring, he doesn’t do this or they do that or the worship is better over there, etc.

The answer for all the divisions (past, present and future) is the same yesterday, today and forever - Jesus Christ and Him crucified. If a church is grounded in this and dedicated to the gospel, then all other minor concerns will fall away because it’s focus is in the right place.

The Truth

“There is one body, and one Spirit, One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)

I Will Heal Their Apostasy

Hosea Ch.14:4

“I will heal their apostasy, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from them.”

The purpose in judgment is healing. God will ultimately prevent us from prospering in our sin until we repent. For He longs to turn us from apostasy (falling away from Him) to bringing us into His arms so He can bless us. God does not delight in our suffering but, like any loving father, He will chasten those He loves.

David, who knew both the judgment and the forgiveness of God wrote, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5). David was a bold, open man, who sinned, regretted it deeply, and returned to the Lord. The trouble that inevitably came to him, only lasted until he saw his need for repentance; then he was FORGIVEN, and joy filled his life once more.

Like David, if you will turn to Him and to His ways today, you will abundantly LIVE in the sight of God.

The Truth

“If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleans us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Do Not Forsake Me

Hosea Ch.13:6

“As they had their pasture, they became satisfied, and being satisfied, their heart became proud; therefore they forgot Me.”

In Deuteronomy, God said to Israel, "when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant – when you have eaten and are full – then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage" (Deuteronomy 6:10-12).

This is warning for us, as well. We have been given much, and our tendency is to receive FROM God, and then turn AWAY from the very One who gave it all to us. To be successful in something is very satisfying, and therein lies the danger. Because pride lurks and can draws us away from the One who gave us everything.

Lord, help us to not think more highly of ourselves than we should. And help us to give You the glory for our daily bread and whatever else You see fit to bestow on us. Amen.

The Truth

“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 89:1)

Return To The Lord

Hosea Ch.12:6

“Therefore, return to your God, observe kindness and justice, and wait on Him continually.”

How honest are you? God sees your heart and He knows your ways. He knows your likes and dislikes, your propensities, He knows all about it.

In this verse is God’s prescription for all who fall into sin: Turn to Him, the Great Physician, and with His help your heart will be healed and you may return to the One who created you and loves you. And when you do, he will bring kindness and justice to those who wait on Him.

Thank you Lord for your love and restoration for our lives. Help us to return to You and abide in You continually. Amen.

The Truth

“So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.” (Joel 2:13)

Willing To Save

Hosea 11:8

“How can I give you up, Oh Ephraim? How can I surrender you, O Israel? How can I make you like Admath? How can I treat you like Zebolim? My heart is turned over within Me, all My compassions are kindled.”

In this scripture we truly see the heart of a loving Father, struggling to punish his child. To the point that, He questions how the judgment should be carried out.

God hates judgment and longs that His people might be rescued from sin. And, just as He was willing to rescue Israel (a polluted and idolatrous people) so He is also willing to save us, if we will just recognize our sin.

Thank you Lord for your patience and long suffering with us. Thank you that you are willing to seek and to save those, which are lost.

The Truth

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

Do Not Rejoice

Hosea Ch.9:1

“Do not rejoice, O Israel, with joy like other nations, For you have played the harlot, forsaking your God.”

This does not simply refer to the physical act of adultery – it goes much deeper, into the spiritual realm of their heart and mind. Israel, like America, Britain and other nations today, went her own way, seeking after the "gods" of wealth, materialism, and power – sacrificing God’s laws at the alter of their own desires, even after repeated warnings. Like Gibeah (Israel), our nation will be punished because of its sin as well, if we will not change our depraved direction and return to our Christian roots.

Lord bring a great revival to this country and return us to your leadership once again. Amen.

The Truth

“The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” (Ezra 8:22b)

I Never Knew You

Hosea Ch.8:2 "Israel shall cry unto Me, My God, we knew thee."

Israel will discover, like those who will stand before Jesus in the day of judgment, going through the motions of serving Him will not be enough. God will say to them, I never knew you and they would receive punishment as a nation. Nations can't be punished in the next world for their sins, so they must be held accountable in this one.

God’s holy anger burned against the nation Israel. He said, through the prophet Hosea, that He REJECTED their false worship (the idols of verse 4, and especially the despicable golden "calf" of verses 5 and 6). God’s commandments to them were simple, to love Him and love one another (Matthew 22:37-40), yet they could not keep them.

Jesus was very clear about the subject matter of this verse as recorded in Matthew’s gospel. He said, "Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name, cast out demons, and done many wonders in Your Name?’ And then I will declare to them, “ I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:22-23). Something this nation should keep in mind.

Lord, bring this country back to its knees. Amen.

The Truth

“For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand in your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity.” (Psalm 5:4-5)

He Desires To Heal

Hosea Ch.7:1

“When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the evil deeds of Samaria, for they deal falsely; the thief enters in, bandits raid outside,”

We see in this verse, God longs to heal, to rescue those who have fallen. However, all too often, like Ephraim and Samaria (as observed by God through Hosea), people want their sin, more than they want God.

From His point of view, they (the religious leaders, politicians, and everybody else) were like thieves, robbers, and those who commit fraud. That’s precisely how He views those who reject the Son of God. He would save us all, but many will not turn.

As Jon Courson puts it, “There was a time in our country when people were embarrassed about their sin. Now it’s flaunted, leaving us to wonder how much healing, how many blessings are averted because of it.”

God had provided, protected and prospered Israel yet Israel rebelled against Him turning to powerless idols and relying on faulty alliances – remind you of any other nation? Yet because the Lord desires to heal, He will break them down, they will suffer the consequences of their choices and eventually see their need for Him.

Lord draw us closer to You every day of our lives and protect us from the evil one who would desire to sift us like wheat. Amen.

The Truth

"If we say we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:6-7)

Never Be Lost

Hosea Ch.5:15

“I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early.”

When we are in the Lord, we can never be lost. We can lose fellowship with God (who can have no fellowship with sin) but, He will and He does find His lost "sheep" and brings them home.

Our part, as it says in the text, is to acknowledge our sin and seek the Lord while He may still be found. This, being done with a repentitive heart, will bring forgiveness and restoration. (1 John 1:9)

Our text does not mean there will be no consequences for our actions, "for whom the Lord loves He also chastens." Job also tells us, “not to despise the chastening of the Lord. For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds but His hands make whole.”(Job 5:17-18) Meaning, we can learn through affliction, be restored and brought back into fellowship with Him.

As Christians we will experience tribulation in this world. Some of which will be brought on by the consequences of our own sinful actions. However, as it eventually was with the nation of Israel, so it can be with us if we seek His face – forgiveness and restoration.

Lord please use whatever it takes to bring our unsaved loved ones to a realization of their need for You and return our prodigals home at last. Amen.

The Truth

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Let Him Alone

Hosea 4:17

‪”Ephraim is joined to idols; Let him alone.‬”

How tragic it is when God says of a people, “Just let them alone.” Ephraim, the Northern Kingdom, had become stubborn, fascinated with idols and joined to them in worship – refusing God’s love and protection despite His warning that, "My Spirit will not always strive with man" (Genesis 6:3).

This scripture reminds us, there is a line we can cross over and go beyond the limits of God’s grace and protection. Then like Israel, we will be left to the consequences of our own choices and God will not hear our cries from heaven.

Lord, help us that we might learn from history and from the evil of Israel in forsaking You; in allowing other interests, other loves to exceed their love for You. Oh God, keep our hearts pure that we might serve You and worship and follow You. Amen.

The Truth

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Restoration of Israel

Hosea 1:10

“Yet, the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which can not be measured or numbered. In the place where it was said to them, You are not my people, they will be called children of the living God.”

This is a prophecy of the glorious restoration of God's grace, God's love and God's work on the nation of Israel.

God had promised that the children of Israel should be as the sand of the sea. (Genesis 32:12; Romans 9:27) And though for their iniquities He had thinned and scattered them, the spirit and design of His promise and covenant would still be fulfilled.

Even in the place of the darkest area where God says to Israel, "You are not My people, Loammi: not My people," yet in that place God will say, "You are My people." And God is going to restore His work on Israel.

The Truth

“I will call them My people, who were not My people. And her beloved, who was not my beloved. And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them,
 You are not My people, there they shall be called sons of the living God. (Romans 9:25-26)

True Obedience

Romans 16:19a

“For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf.”

Paul is telling the saints in Rome that their obedience to the principles of the Gospel is known everywhere and that gives him joy. (As it would any shepherd) He is speaking here of an obedience that is motivated by love, that flows from a new heart, which now desires and is empowered to be obedient to the Master’s voice and to follow His statutes.

However, Paul also warns them to, “be wise in what is good and simple to what is evil.” (Romans 16:19b)

Meaning, don’t be fooled into another gospel. If we say, “I believe in the gospel of God” and yet continually are disobedient to God, that is not submission. We cannot be truly obedient by developing our own gospel or following another.

Help me Lord to be obedient to your voice and give me the ability to hear that still small voice in this crazy, loud, fast paced world. Amen

The Truth

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

Hope For All

Romans 15:4

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."

The Scriptures are full of examples of God's grace, patience, comfort and hope. So, as we are ministered to through His Word, we can then minister to others in time of need.

The key word in this verse is patience. We need to be as patient with God as He has been patient with us. I don't know about you, but I would have given up on me long before He did. I’m still learning and the older I get the more I realize just how much I don’t know about what I don’t know.

Finally Paul speaks of our hope in the Scriptures. Hope is an expectation of a coming good and is most often referred to in conjunction with the second coming of Jesus Christ. A hope not just for himself but for all.

The advice in our text then is this; read the scriptures, learn form them, be patient and look toward His return.

The Truth

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19

“Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:13)

Submit To Government

Romans 13:1

“Let every soul be subject to the government authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God”

Paul makes it very clear here that we as Christians are subject to higher powers. For there is no person in power but that God has not ordained him/her to be there. While you might not respect the person who is in power, you must realize the Lord has ordained him or her to be there for His greater purposes and submit to their leadership.

This verse then should change our perspective on everything that is currently happening. The Lord knows where He is in His prophetic calendar and He is lining up events that will fulfill prophecy.

As believers we know that all of society must fall apart, Jesus himself said it is inevitable (Matthew 24:37). Current events in Israel, Iraq, Missouri, prove just that. Therefore, we are to pray for those in government and authority over us, for they are divinely ordained and in need of Spiritual direction.

The truth

“Therefore, submit yourselves to every institution of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme,” (1 Peter 2:13)

Comfort of the Scriptures

Romans 15:4

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."

The Scriptures are full of examples of God's grace, patience, comfort and hope. So, as we are ministered to through His Word, we can then minister to others in time of need.

But patience is the key word in this verse. We need to be as patient with God as He has been patient with us. I don't know about you, but I would have given up on me long before He did. I’m still learning and the older I get the more I realize just how much I don’t know about what I don’t know.

Finally Paul speaks of our hope in the Scriptures. Hope is an expectation of a coming good and is most often referred to in conjunction with the second coming of Jesus Christ.

The advice in our text is sound. Read the scriptures, learn form them, be patient and look toward His return.

The Truth

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19

“Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:13)

Law of Liberty

Romans 14:5b

“Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”

The law of liberty has created great controversy within the church. In Paul’s day it centered on such matters as: what food to eat, what day to worship, how to be baptized. Today we see similar debate concerning; smoking, drinking, dancing, movies – most of which are not clearly spelled out in the Word.

In Ch.14 Paul clearly points out that, you might have a conviction or a persuasion (and that is ok) but, don’t push that on someone else. Rather, let every man be persuaded in his own mind concerning what liberties he should take without laying a guilt trip on anyone else, in controversial matters. Instead, live by your convictions and let others see the advantage so they in turn may be persuaded.

The Truth

“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful; all things are lawful for me, but all things do not edify. Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:23,31)

Renew Your Mind

Romans 12:2

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

The idea is rather simple: We are to allow the transforming Word of God to work within us and produce outward results, instead of permitting external pressures to shape us.

 If we meditate on God's Word daily, it will influence our thoughts and help us grow to be more like Jesus Christ. Then we will act in a manner that pleases Him.

Pressures of the world will continue to try to shape our character, but they will not succeed if God's Word is changing us from within.

The Truth

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

All Things

Romans 11:36

“For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”

This is about as all-inclusive as Paul could have stated it. All things means just that - all things. The hill called Golgotha, the thorns that pierced His brow, even the tree from which the Cross was formed, that brought His agonizing death. How great is His love for His creation, that He would die for it to redeem it?

From Genesis, “In the beginning” to Revelation, “I am the beginning and the end”; we see the message of Jesus and how all things were created through Him and for Him.

The Truth

“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and on the earth, visible and in visible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16)

Saving Faith

Romans 10:9

“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.”

This verse does not say; could be saved or might be saved but it states will be saved.

I remember confessing my faith in Jesus before a large congregation and making the same confession of faith before being baptized many years ago. I recall, as a young person, this overwhelming feeling of joy. That simple childlike faith changed my life and put it forever into His hands.

To this day He remains closer than a brother - He has never forsaken me, even in my darkest days. He has always forgiven me seventy times seven. I am His and He is mine and no one can snatch me out of His hand. He is the good Shepard - I know His voice and He knows my name and someday, He will give me a new name.

The Truth

“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32)

God’s Sovereignty

Romans 9:15

“I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”

This means that God’s mercy and compassion cannot be subject to any cause outside His free grace. Just as a jury may decide the right to life or death, so the judge of all the earth has a right to spare or condemn the guilty, as may seem best in His sight.

In Exodus 33:19, God had mercy on the Israelites by not destroying all of them for their idolatry while Moses was on the mount. The whole nation deserved to be destroyed, yet God only killed 3,000 people, not because they were more wicked or less godly, but simply because He chose to be merciful.

God never lacks in mercy, a continual attribute of His character – a truth that every saved sinner should never forget. Salvation is never initiated by mans choice or merited by mans effort. Salvation always begins in God’s sovereign, gracious, and eternal will. Those who receive God’s mercy receive it solely by His amazing grace.

Consequently, there is no more humbling doctrine in all of Scripture, than that of election and we as believers should not be afraid of it, but rejoice in it.

The Truth

“So then it is not of him who wills, nor him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” (Romans 9:16)

Depression Antidote

Romans 8:1 “Free from Condemnation”

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

Romans 8 has been described as the true antidote for depression because it covers all three common areas of depression; the past, the present and the future.

Here in verse 1 Paul speaks of being free from passed sin – one of Satan’s oldest condemnation tools. I thank God for sending His Son Jesus to free me from my past. It does haunt me sometimes, for I am human and my mind can go to places I don’t want it to but when it does I go right to Romans 8:1. Thank you Jesus.

Jesus showed His compassion and love through forgiveness in the parable of the unforgiving servant when he responded to Peter question, “How often are we to forgive? Seven times?” Jesus answered him, “Seventy times seven.” Meaning don’t keep track, just forgive.

If we are truly in Christ, all our sin (past, present and future) are covered in the blood of Jesus. So when God looks at us He doesn’t see our sin, He sees us in His Son.

The Truth

He who believes in Him (Jesus) is not condemned; but he who does not believe in Him is condemned already because he did not believe in the name of the only begotten son of God.” (John 3:18)

The Newness of Life

Romans 7:6 “Delivered from the Law”

“But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit an not in the oldness of the letter.”

Having been in Christ through faith (salvation) and identified with Christ through baptism, Paul now speaks of the New Covenant – an entirely different way of living in the newness of the Spirit. We are to walk in the Spirit, respond to the Spirit, obeying, yielding and asking for direction in our lives – throwing off the yoke of legalism (the law).

The Truth

“No longer will I give you tablets of stone, but I will write my will upon the tablet of your heart.” (Jeremiah 31:33)

Baptism

Romans 6:4

“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Jesus was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life.”

Our identification with Jesus Christ is symbolized by baptism. We (who have been baptized) received this new identification of, the death and burial of our old life - while becoming publically linked to Jesus in a new life. Through salvation then we are in Christ, while through baptism, we identify with Christ.

The Truth
“Therefore, if anyone be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” (2 Cor. 5:17)

Disobedience vs. Obedience

Romans 5:18

“Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.”

What a contrast in these two men. Adam’s life brought death and judgment but Jesus’s death brought eternal life and righteousness. Adam’s disobedience made all men sinners but Jesus obedience can make all men righteous. Adam’s action brought the law but Jesus’s gift (His selfless sacrificial act) brought grace.

The Bible tells us that having been justified by faith we now have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1) Yet the world, through all it’s efforts, cannot attain peace because it has not embraced the “prince of peace.” Apart from Jesus Christ, there is no true peace, no forgiveness of sin, no justification of life, no grace through His righteousness and no eternal life.

Obedience or Disobedience, life or death, condemnation or justification it’s your choice because God has given you a free will. Thank you Jesus for your selfless gift to all mankind. Help us now to accept it by faith, Amen.

The Truth

“Choose this day whom you will serve……But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)

Abraham Believed

Romans 4:3a “Abraham Believed”

“For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness.”

Here Paul makes his point on justification based on history. He points to Abraham and how God declared him righteous (justified) not based on any good works, nor based on the fact that he was perfect but simply because, Abraham believed. (Genesis 15:6)

As Chuck Smith use to say, “belief is connected to the agent doing the work and there is nothing to difficult for God.”

The Truth

“And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform.” (Romans 4:21)

From Condemnation To Justification

Romans 3:20-22

“Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (v.20)

The law only condemns us. Jesus pointed this out in his sermon on the mount when He spoke about the sin of adultery beginning in the heart, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matt. 6:28) Under this interpretation, many would be guilty of breaking the law both then and today. But let's keep reading.

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.” (v.21)

Here Paul tells us that justification is apart from the law, not a part of the law. This means the law cannot free you; it can only bring you to the realization that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. So, where is the justification? Keep reading.

“Even the righteousness of God which is through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all who believe.” (v.22)

Paul now gets to the point that justification is for all mankind and there is only one way to become justified, through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. Everyone sins; everyone falls short of the glory of God. But, God sent a propitiation for us, to justify and redeem us. Hallelujah!

The Truth

“For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16)

Condemnation vs. Identification

Romans 2:1b

“For in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself: for you who judge practice the same things.”

Judging others is a practice Jesus warned against in His sermon on the mount, “Do not judge lest you be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” (Matt. 7:1-2)

As Christians, we are not to make judgments of others in condemnation (in anger, accusatory) but we are to judge for identification (in wisdom). Jesus said, “beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.” (Matt. 7:15) and “By their fruits you will know them.” (Matt. 7:16) Meaning, be vigilant and on guard to identify something that is off or out of place and correct it.

Correction, done with love and grace and not condemnation or judgment, is healthy for the body, backed by scripture and can restore one to fellowship.

The Truth

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

To Everyone Who Believes

Romans 1:16b

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth”

The promise of the gospel (the good news) reveals God’s love and His willingness to wash away our sin by the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. This revives our lives, it gives us a clean slate and real purpose in life.

By believing in His finished work, we then walk through life with the power of His Spirit in us knowing that; what has begun in faith, will also be completed through faith. (Phil.1:6) This is the staying power of our Christian walk, the anchor for the storms of life.

The Truth

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)

Purpose, Prayer and Prophecy

Jon Courson, in his commentary on the Old Testament stated that, “there are three words that characterize Daniel’s life; purpose, prayer and prophecy.” I couldn’t agree more so let’s take a closer look.

First, Daniel was a man who purposed in his heat that he would walk with God - a man of commitment, conviction and the courage in stand up against the world system and for the Lord. Very rare attributes both then and now.

Second, Daniel was a man of prayer, disciplined in seeking the Lord a minimum of three times daily. He constantly; sough the Lord’s direction for his life, interceded for others, asked for wisdom, humbled himself in sackcloth and ashes and many times in fasting’s.

Thirdly, Daniel was a prophet. He was so interested in prophecy that he was used as a vehicle. In fact, the book he wrote (Daniel) is perhaps the most prophetic book in the entire Bible as it is the key that unlocks the Book of Revelation.

What an excellent life to seek to parallel. Lord help us all.

The Truth

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)

Be Wise - Turn To Righteousness

Daniel 12:3

“And they that be wise, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament: and they that turn to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever.”

The tribulation will be one of the darkest periods in human history. However, during that time God will have His shinning lights on the earth that, through their wise behavior and clear testimony, will teach others the way of righteousness. No matter how troublous the times have been, or will become, the darkest hours afford the largest opportunity for letting the gospel light shine.

In the light of what is happening prophetically, we should be motivated to share our faith and the good news, to win others to Christ. For as we turn others to Jesus, they will shine as stars forever.

Praying for the coming Harvest Crusade. Hoping to add thousands of bright lights.

The Truth

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise." (Proverbs 11:30)

Stand Strong

Daniel 11:32b

“but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”

The desecration of the temple, (in 170 B.C.), so incensed the people (the Jews), that Judas Maccabaeus gathered together a group of zealots and began to attack the Syrians. After 5 years, the Maccabaeus overthrew the Syrians and threw them out of Jerusalem. Eventually, the Jews retook the temple and purified it. Today the “Feast of Dedication or Hanukkah” in the Jewish calendar, celebrates the retaking and rededicating the temple unto God.

No matter how big an enemy might be or how unreasonable the odds might seem, the people who truly know their God shall stand strong and perform great exploits.

The Truth

“If God is for us, who can stand against us.” (Romans 8:31)

Daniel's Words, Were Heard

Daniel 10:12

“Then he (an angel) said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.”

Like Daniel, our prayers are heard and like him we must be persistent. We must strive, in our prayer life, to understand what God wants to accomplish in our present situation. Humbling ourselves before the creator of the universe is a good start, as God is not some genie we can summon for our three wishes. True revelation and understanding will come as we truly seek His will and not our own.

The Truth

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

Daniel's Prayer

Daniel 9:3a

“Then I set my face before the Lord God to make request in prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.”

This is one of the great chapters of prayer in the Bible. Here Daniel is interceding for the nation of Israel, asking God to have mercy on them and forgiveness for their rebellion and disobedience. By all indications this prayer took most of the day as we see later in the verse that it was done with fasting.

The most important area of service that we can do for our King and His kingdom is to pray – and more so as we see the Day of the Lord approaching.

The Truth

“Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)

Accomplishing The King's Business

Daniel 8:27

“And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king’s business.”

The vision of the end times was so real it made Daniel sick but he was able to see it for what it was, a prophetic look at the future.

Like Daniel, we too must go about our King’s business - of saving; family, friends and those who God brings to us, from the end of days. Not only am I talking talking about eternal destiny here but; the tribulation period and the suffering and persecution that goes along with it.

May we all be seeking to accomplish, “The King’s” business - adding souls to the book of life.

The Truth

"For then shall be a great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."(Matthew 24:2)

"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." (Daniel 12:1)

Ruling Forever

Daniel 7:18 "Ruling Forever"

“But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.”

This vision of the tribulation period brought grief to Daniel and had quite an impact upon his mind. However, the Lord also sent encouragement by letting him know, that even though these things would come to pass; judgment would be carried out and the saints of the Most High would possess the kingdom forever. That’s us. Hallelujah!

The Truth

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” ( Isaiah 9:6,7)