DAILY DEVOTIONALS: 2.6.21

Prophetsfrom the Beginning “That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required ofthis generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.” (Luke11:50-51) God’s true prophets have been persecuted from the beginning. Abel, son of Adam and Eve, was the first, according to Jesus, for his blood was shed by Cain “from the foundation of the world.” A “prophet” in biblical terms was a man who proclaimed inspired wordsfrom God (not necessarily predictions of the future, but words inspired by the Holy Spirit—note 1 Peter 1:10-11; 2 Peter 1:19-21). Evidently Abel was speaking God’s own words to Cain when the latter slew him in jealous wrath. The Zacharias mentioned is probably “Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest,” who was stoned when he prophesied against the people under King Joash (2Chronicles 24:20-22), for he was the last prophet actually mentioned in the Old Testament as having been slain for his testimony. Thus, the period encompassed by the Lord’s statement was the entire Old Testament period, “from the foundation of the world” to the coming of Christ. The same experience awaited most of the prophets used by God to pen the New Testament Scriptures. Thus doesthe world react to God’s inspired Word! There is another important truth in this passage. The blood of God’s prophets began to be shed “from the foundation of the world,” not just beginning almost five billion years after the foundation of the world, as modern evolutionists allege! This is strikingconfirmation that the world was made from start to finish in six literal days. See also Mark 10:6, Acts 3:21, etc., for similar incidental confirmations of this truth. HMM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Replace Your Complaints with Prayers - by Greg Laurie � www.harvest.org Don�t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. �Philippians 4:6 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/replace-your-complaints-with-prayers/- Listen There�s nothing wrong with praying about what you need. If you have a need, bring it to God. The Bible even says, �You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, thatyou may spend it on your pleasures� (James 4:3 NKJV). But if God doesn�t come through as quickly as you want Him to, don�t falsely accuse Him. Actually, I think it�s a good idea to write down the things the Lord has done for us because we can forget sometimes. That is what happened to the Israelites in the wilderness.They started complaining because they weren�t reflecting on all that God had done for them. Just look, however, at what He did. He spared them in Egypt and didn�t allow the plagues to come upon them. He freed them from slavery, parted the Red Sea, and destroyedthe Egyptian army. Then He led them step-by-step through the wilderness with the best GPS ever: fire at night and a cloud during the day. He fed them with manna. And they complained. Now, think about what God has done for you as a follower of Jesus Christ (because He�s done a lot already). First, He saved you from Hell. He brought you out of darknessinto His light. He forgave all your sins and filled you with the Holy Spirit. Also, He�s provided for you, guided you, and protected you. He may have healed you physically. And He might have even performed a miracle in your life. God did these things for you. So remember that the next time things aren�t making sense. Remember that the next time you�re tempted to say that God has abandoned you. No, He hasn�t. The writer of Hebrews reminds us, �Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever� (13:8 NLT). He was with you yesterday, He is with you today, andHe will be with you tomorrow. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I Just Don't Understand... by Sarah Phillips Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. Proverbs3:5-7 Proverbs3: 5- 7 are often the first words that rise out of my memory bank in dark moments. The reason this scripture resonates so much with me has to do with these six words: lean not on your own understanding. At Salem Web Network, managers give new employees a book called Strength Finder 2.0. The book is designed to help you identify and maximize your top 5 strengths in the workplace. I scored highest in something called “Intellection.” A person whoscores highly in this category loves to think – so much that he or she finds reasons to think just for the joy of thinking. I chuckled at these results. Friends and family have described me as “cerebral” on more than one occasion. Thanks to this strength, I’m really good at thinking through complex issues. I get energy from analyzing many aspects of life. Others come to me whenthey want a thorough, thoughtful perspective. Why am I so drawn to thinking? Ultimately, it’s because I want to understand. I am like an adult version of my four-year-old nephew, always asking “why?” and “how?” -- especially on matters I feel have eternal significance. Unfortunately, this drive to understand can easily morph from my greatest strength into my Achilles’ heel. Why? Because there are some things in life that even the greatest minds cannot understand. I was on a forum recently where, in response to recent headlines, someone asked, “How can a man kill his wife, kids, and then commit suicide?” People debated back and forth. But no answer seemed to satisfy. I had a friend call me recently, devastated over his girlfriend’s unexpected decision to break up with him. He wanted to know why. She never gave him an answer. And I couldn’t either. On some level, we all want to understand, don’t we? Daily, I receive emails from hurting readers that go like this: “I am so unhappy with my spouse. Help me understand her!” “I don’t understand why my child does these things. What have I done wrong?” “I can’t seem to get a job. I just don’t understand God’s will for my life.” When I encounter things that are really difficult to understand, my first instinct is to rev up my God-given gift for thinking to try to figure it out. This is when things start to go bad. I think if I can understand it, I will be okay. I ruminate on theissue, mentally chewing on it over and over again, losing sleep in an attempt to find peace through understanding. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Effectiveness of God's Way Exodus 3 Yesterday we observed the ineffectiveness of Moses' attempt to liberate his people from Egyptian slavery, but today we see him given a second chance to do it God's way. If we could learn the lessons Moses learned about the dangers of self-reliance and theadvantages of depending on the Lord, we would save ourselves much hardship. When we choose to cooperate with God and submit to His way, He will do amazing things in and through us. Despite Moses' past failure, the Lord still used him to accomplish the divine plan, but only after he became usable—that is, humbled and broken of self-will.Just consider what God achieved when Moses did it His way. • He showed what great things He could do through one yielded, dependent person. • He got more done in less time, and with fewer resources. There was no insurrection or long, drawn-out war—just a dramatic display of His power. • He proved the superiority of His way by freeing over two million people without the loss of a single Hebrew life. ------TheAwesome Word “Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.” (Psalm119:161) This stanza of Psalm 119 is rich in descriptions of the way God’s Word envelops the believer in awe and wonder. This initial focus is of the heart rather than the mind. Our minds are key to growth and maturity in Christ (Romans12:1-2), but the heart must be engaged in our relationship with our heavenly Father (Luke 10:27). The psalmist rejoiced in the Word of God “as one that findeth great spoil” (Psalm 119:162). Peter taught that the Word “liveth and abideth for ever” (1Peter 1:23). It is far more than written text; it is the very God-breathed words by which the Lord Jesus will ultimately judge the world (John 12:48). Love for the Word of God can cause the godly to “hate and abhor lying” (Psalm 119:163) and begin to recognize the way that God exercises His “righteous judgments” (v. 164) on those who dare to flaunt their wickedness. Nothing, the psalmist noted, “shall offend them” (v. 165). That mature perception brings praise “seven times a day” (v. 164). It also brings “great peace” (v. 165), the “peace of God, which passeth allunderstanding” (Philippians 4:7). Reveling in the wonder and awe of the Scriptures brings a stable “[hope] for [our] salvation” (Psalm 119:166), which in turn produces an open obedience tothe commandments of God and a “soul” commitment to guard the Word (v. 167). This godly lifestyle is assured by those who understand that “all [our] ways are before thee” (v. 168). “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments:for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). HMM III ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Finding Clear Guidance Psalms 25:12 How can you be sure you’re making the right decision? Sometimes it may seem as if God plays hide and seek when we’re trying to know His will, but that’s not the way He operates. He wants to give us clear direction. The real question is, What do you needto do to hear His voice? Clear the pathway. We have two main obstacles that hinder our discernment: sin in our life, and our own strong desires about the situation. To receive the Lord’s guidance, we must repent of all known sin and make our desires secondary toHis. Exercise patience. Sometimes it takes a great deal of strength to stand still when everything within you is shouting, “Hurry! Time is running out!” But if you rush ahead of God, you may miss His will. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Bow & The Arrow by Shawn McEvoy Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs3:5-6 Wisdom, suggests the book of Proverbs, is prized above all things. And wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. Therefore, the wisest thing one can do is to trust and honor God. And trusting and honoring God, according to Proverbs 3:1-12, "not only delivers one from evil, but promises certain rewards," according to my Ryrie Study Bible notes. Among those rewards are: Pretty good stuff. Stuff we all like, and seek hard after. Barns filled with plenty, length of days, refreshment to your bones. And yet... The section of Proverbs 3 that we know, love, cherish, cling to, and quote most often is the part that promises not peace, not health, not abundance. It is the part that promises guidance. "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths." Let's not miss that. In this promise-rich portion of Scripture, the part we people recite more often than the others is the part about trusting God more than ourselves so that in our "ways" and "paths," we will know which way to go. We will know what todo. We will get there directly. We will be able to read the signposts planted by the Almighty. The child of God receives many additional gifts when he or she receives wisdom. Is it possible that the most highly prized among them is a highly-tuned sense ofspiritual direction? If you've ever listened to peers ponder or authors write about the subject of seeking / finding / learning / doing "God's will," then I think you might agree that the answer could just be yes. We long to serve, to offer ourselves worshipfully. To walk soclosely with God that "in him we live, and move, and have our being" (Acts17:28). Symbolically, what might this sense of direction, guidance, straight paths, and complete trust look like? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Conforming or Transforming? By Meghan Kleppinger And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2, NAS “Character is always lost when a high ideal is sacrificed on the altar of conformity and popularity.”-- Charles Spurgeon Reading down a top magazine’s list of the 100 best English-language novels published since 1923 made my pulse quicken and my heart sink. As an avid and admittedly often obnoxiously-distracted-in-public reader (I always have a book on me in case the opportunityto read arises – like when I’m waiting for coffee, caught up in traffic, or standing in a line at the department of motor vehicles, to name a few examples), I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I nearly had a panic attack, not because of any distaste or disagreement over the books chosen, but because of the number of books listed that I haven’t read yet. Quickly, I made my way to both the local library and Amazon.com websites and planned to startbuilding my reserve list and filling my online shopping cart. As I moved my mouse to the search box so I could enter my selection, a little something I like to call “common sense” came over me. Scolding myself, I whispered with clenched teeth, “Meghan, get a hold of yourself!” After a few deep breaths, there was a point of rational thinking when I realized that I didn’t even know who wrote the list and that more than half of the books selected would never have been personal choices simply because of my dislike for the authorsor the types of literature. I know and read what I like. Occasionally, I’ll try something new or especially challenging just for fun, but mostly I’m loyal to a small circle of favorite authors. Isn’t easy to get caught up in what everybody is doing? Polls, magazines, television advertisements and movies are constantly telling us how to think, what to wear, who to vote for, what to watch, and in this case, what to read. As Christians, we need to be especially careful with messages dictating what is “in.” This list of books, for example, had several titles I shouldn’t read simply because I am a Christ-follower. It’s not about whether I can “handle” the content, it’s aboutliving a life that reflects and pleases Christ. When I choose to read a book, I’m making a decision to commit hours and hours engrossed in that story. As we choose what to wear, listen to, watch, or read, we need to remember what Scripture says about how we spend our time and what we spend our time focusing on. “…Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (Philippians4:8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two Gates, Two Ways Matthew 7:13-14 Have you ever been accused of being a narrow-minded Christian? Those who level such accusations against us certainly mean it as an insult. According to Jesus, however, that’s the only way to walk if we want to experience abundant life now and eternal life with Him in heaven. But it will require a deliberate choice on our part, because no one automatically drifts onto this pathway. The broad way is easy to find. In fact, unless you make a conscious choice to avoid it, you’ll find yourself on it. Most people like this wide path because it encompasses all philosophies and belief systems. Everything is acceptable, and everyone’s “truth” is valid. It even seems like the loving path because no one is left out. There are no restrictions, and freedom is unlimited. Or is it? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Wonderful Angel “And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?” (Judges13:18) This intriguing encounter occurred during one of Israel’s periods of apostasy and servitude, when the people had been ruled for 40 years by the pagan Philistines. There was one godly couple in the tribe of Dan, however, who evidently had long been praying fora son, and God finally answered their prayers. “The angel of the LORD” came to give the good news to Manoah and his wife. The remarkable son who was to come was mighty Samson, who later would free his people. But it is the Angel Himself who is most intriguing here. His name was “Secret,” meaning “too marvelous even to comprehend.” The same word is translated “Wonderful” in Isaiah 9:6, where it is cited as a name of the coming divine Son, whose name would also be “mighty God” and “everlasting Father.” This “angel of the LORD” was thus none other than God the Son in one of His rare pre-incarnate appearances, or theophanies, when the invisible God manifested Himself visibly to man. There are many created angels (Hebrews12:22), or “messengers,” of God, but on certain occasions, this One who is called “the angel of the LORD” (also “the angel of his presence,” as in Isaiah 63:9, and “the Angel which redeemed me,” as in Genesis 48:16), is clearly none other than God Himself. In such cases, it could only have been the pre-incarnate Christ, for the Bible says: “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declaredhim” (John 1:18). God had already revealed Himself in this way to great men of God, and now even to an unknown couple. Eventually this Angel, whose name is Wonderful, “was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John1:14), and will one day dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:3). HMM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are You Scared of Loving Zacchaeus? By Laura MacCorkle When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Luke 19:5, NIV I’m scared of some things—and some people—but I’m not too scared about spending time with those who don’t know Jesus. Never have been. In fact, I enjoy people who are vastly different than me. I must say, though, that I am nowhere even close to the greatest friend-who-knew-no-stranger-of-all-time: Jesus. And so I admire his ability to walk toward those who might scare you and me … those who we might walk away from today. Zacchaeus was one such character. He really was a despicable little man. As I’m sure you know, tax collectors in Bible times were not the sort of person you invited over for a potluck to your home on an early spring evening. No, they were viewed as the lowest of the low. The pond scum of society. The ones you wouldn’t even letin your front door. Amazingly, though, Jesus didn’t adjust his course when he was walking through Jericho one fine day. With his eye on the tax collector, Jesus walked right to where Zacchaeus was perched in a sycamore tree. Because he was small in stature, Zacchaeus had climbedup this tree so that he could see who Jesus was when he passed by in the crowd of people. He had heard about him, and now he wanted to see for himself. Had he heard how he’d performed miracles? How he’d attracted and fed large crowds of people? How he’d touched the untouchables and healed those with leprosy? How he’d stood up to the religious establishment and called them on their legalistic teachings? Who knows for sure. But whatever he had heard, Zacchaeus wanted to see this man who defied everyone’s expectations of what the Messiah would be. “Zacchaeus,” Jesus said as he addressed him by name. “Come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Can you imagine what Zacchaeus must have thought? He knows me! Wait, HOW does he know me? And why is he coming to spend time with me? Doesn’t he know that everyone despises me because I take all of their money? Why would he want to spend time with ME? But whatever Zaccheus may have thought didn’t stop him from scrambling down the tree and welcoming Jesus “gladly.” He was smitten with the love of the Savior. And he knew that this was the Christ. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OutwardAppearances “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because Ihave refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1Samuel 16:7) Man does, indeed, look on the outward appearance rather than inward convictions. This has always been true, but never more so than in these latter days, even among evangelical Christians. There is very little emphasis in the Bible on such things, however. As far as dress and adornment are concerned, Paul said: “I will therefore that....women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold,or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works” (1Timothy 2:8-10). The same principle surely would apply also to men. With respect to physical conditioning and development, the following is almost the only reference in the Bible: “Bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things” (1Timothy 4:8). The apostle Paul himself (probably the most effective and fruitful Christian of all) was a man of most unimpressive appearance (2Corinthians 10:10). “I was with you in weakness,” he reminded them, but nevertheless it was “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1Corinthians 2:3-4). There is nothing wrong, of course, with physical beauty or athletic prowess, unless they center attention on self rather than Christ, but it is the “inner man” of the heart where true strength and beauty should be sought. Therefore, as Jesus said: “Judge notaccording to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John7:24). The Lord looks on the heart, and so should we. HMM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Getting Rid of Pineapple Hospitality by Katherine Britton Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. - Romans12:13 On Friday night, my house will be clean. The kitchen will sparkle like one from Better Homes and Gardens, the guest room curtains will gently ripple in the breeze, and - best of all - my guests and friends will feel such warmth that they never want to leave. Ever had that dream? The impending arrival of friends has made me reconsider just what it means to practice hospitality. Part of me knows that the house is just not "ready" for guests - I don't even have a pineapple tacked on the wall at this point. Granted, the boxes have diminished,but I don't consider my house properly "finished" yet. For that reason, part of me feels like I can't offer my guests "real" hospitality. Ever lived that reality? So what does hospitality mean? The dictionary definition of hospitality surprised me. Hospitality is "the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way." Not one word about wowing the guestswith the food, the after-dinner entertainment, or even the surroundings. The very definition takes the focus off of things and puts it back where it belongs - on people and fellowship. It's an attitude as well as an action. Many of my favorite growing-up memories feature a table with lots of people around it. I remember laughter, encouraging conversation, challenging conversation. My parents still love to invite people they meet at church back to the house for brunch, eventhough many of their guests are total strangers two hours prior to the meal. They ask people about their lives and share their own. They don't put on a show, but they do offer authenticity and a desire to encourage others. My house sure isn't perfect, but then, neither am I. Neither are the people who walk through my door. Waiting until the house is perfect actually signals a pride issue for me, because it's an excuse not to offer what I do have. I want to be like Lydia inActs, who probably hadn't planned to shelter the disciples at her house until she asked them. She just saw the need and shared what she could. I desire that kind of heart, a heart that can share God's gifts of love, provision, and joy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Throne of Grace Hebrews 4:14-16 Almighty God is righteous and just. Romans 3:23 tells us that all people have sinned and are inadequate to be in His presence. As a result of His wrath against sin, we were doomed to eternal separation from Him. But thankfully, the story doesn’t end there. In His love and mercy, God sent His Son to walk among us. Jesus experienced the hardship and temptation common to all people, yet He never sinned. The Savior chose to die a gruesome death in our place, payingthe penalty for our wrongs. There is no deeper love, Scripture tells us, than a man who gives up his life for a friend (John 15:13). Jesus went even farther—dying forus while we were still His enemies (Rom. 5:10). In fact, He would have sacrificed Himself even if you were the only person ever to exist. Promising forgiveness and eternal life, Christ asks sinful man to believe and follow Him. When we trust in Jesus, we are adopted as God’s children and receive His indwelling Spirit, who blesses abundantly with joy, peace, and guidance. Always welcome beforethe Throne of Grace, believers have access to converse with the Father at any time. He promises to hear and respond to our seeking, repentant hearts. And Jesus intercedes for us, praying on our behalf. We don’t deserve the Lord’s invitation to have an intimate relationship with Him. Yet in His grace, He is loving and compassionate toward us. What a privilege to be able to approach the King’s throne, knowing He listens, understands, and cares. Rest in God’slove, and enjoy sweet fellowship with Him. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Treasurein Heaven “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavensthat faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.” (Luke12:33) The Lord Jesus frequently warned us against trying to accumulate wealth here on Earth. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,” He said. Rather, “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew6:19-20). In our text above, He even says to sell what we have and give it away. To the rich young ruler, He said: “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven” (Matthew19:21). God’s Word cannot contradict itself, however, so this teaching must also be balanced against a man’s responsibility to “provide...for his own, and specially for those of his own house” (1Timothy 5:8). Similarly, “the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children” (2Corinthians 12:14). We are also encouraged to “give to him that needeth” (Ephesians4:28) and to sow “bountifully” as “a cheerful giver” (2Corinthians 9:6-7). Such instructions imply that by faithful labor in the vocations God has given us, we shall have the wherewithal to do such things. Ananias and Sapphira were punished not for retaining part of their possessions for their own needs, butrather because they lied about it (Acts5:1-10). Our giving should be done “with simplicity”—that is, with “singleness” of heart (Romans12:8). All we have is of the Lord and should be used in ways that honor Him, in accord with His Word and His providential leading. We should provide judiciously for the needs of those dependent on us, but our own personal needs and wants should be kept minimal sothat more can be used in His service and to meet the needs of others. HMM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Love… and Other Mysteries by John UpChurch My goal is that they will be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have full confidence because they have complete understanding of God's secret plan [mystery], which is Christ himself. (Colossians2:2) There are two things you need to know about how I met my wife. These two inevitably surprise or shock; so, we’ll just get them out of the way first. We met on eHarmony (back when it was still a Christian site), and from the first date to the date of thewedding was four months. Yes, four—and that was actually longer than we wanted. Okay, so maybe there are three surprises here. You see, I knew I wanted to marry her before we had even seen each other. No pictures. No hints. Nothing. The beauty of eHarmony back then was that you didn’t have to show your face to the other person. Youfilled out a personality profile, and then found yourself knee-deep in a pool of potential matches. Well, that was supposed to be how it worked, and that’s what happened for my wife-to-be. But I only had one match. Her. You could call it providence. You could call it “finding the one.” Or you could call it a decided lack of women on the site. Whatever the case, we asked each other a few questions, and then started emailing. Emailing led to phone calls. Phone calls led toa first date. And a first date led to a second date on the same day. But I was gone well before that point. Tucked away in our phone conversations about high school nicknames (I’d tell you hers, but she’ll read this) and our faith stumbles and triumphs, I came to know that I’d need to hear those stories—well—for as long our brains could dredge them up. Hers were mine. Mine were hers. All we needed was a place to drive away from with our car coveredin toilet paper and chocolate letters. (Wedding tip: never give miniature chocolate candies to your wedding guests.) When the apostle Paul talked about marriage being a mystery in Ephesians 5:1, I'm pretty sure he had mine in mind. Of course, by mystery, he didn’t mean Sherlockian intuition wringing meaning from a peanut shell (or whatnot); he meant God opening our eyes to something. Where once thedarkness smothered understanding, God turned the flood lights on. And it was ten times as awesome for being revealed at just the right time. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Throne of Glory 1 John 1:1-4 When you pray, how do you approach God? Numerous Christians visualize a holy, righteous being and approach Him with feelings of fear, unworthiness, and reluctance. On the other hand, many believers picture the Lord as a pal and talk to Him with little reverence. Neither approach is healthy. Our finite minds cannot fully grasp that God is both loving and holy. Let’s first explore the holy, fear-provoking side of the Lord. As you read today’s passage, visualize the incredible power around heaven’s throne. It fillsmy heart with awe and wonder. Before Jesus walked on earth, the temple contained an area called the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence resided. Only the priest could enter—and just on specified days, after ritual cleansing and preparation. If he did not get himself ready exactly accordingto scriptural rules, he would be struck dead. To be in God’s presence requires obedience. In fact, because of the Almighty’s absolute holiness and perfection, He is unable to commune with sinfulness, which is the condition of all mankind (Rom.3:9). Therefore, every one of us is guilty and deserving of condemnation. Thankfully, though, God did not leave us helpless, but out of His grace and love, sent His Son to be our Redeemer. Every page of Scripture can deepen our understanding of God’s greatness. Are you amazed at His presence and deeds? To understand more about His character, discipline yourself to read and meditate on the Word. Then take time to praise Him, for He alone isworthy of our adoration. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ThouHast Made Me Glad “For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.” (Psalm92:4) “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High” (Psalm92:1). So begins this “Song for the Sabbath day” (heading), the psalmist extolling the virtues of praising God both day and night (v. 2). The true believer, with a proper understanding of God’s majesty, can see, in every situation, His lovingkindness andfaithfulness. There is no better way to begin and end the day than to rehearse manifestations of His loving control over each event and circumstance and express confidence in His ability to handle new situations. “O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughtsare very deep” (v. 5). Vexation over the seeming prosperity of the enemies of God is understandable, but we must rest in the fact that God will act justly at the proper time, when it best suits His purpose. “The wicked...shall be destroyed for ever: But thou, LORD, art most highfor evermore. For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD,...shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered” (vv. 7-9). Conversely, the righteous will ultimately flourish. Whether in this lifetime or in the next, God’s justice will prevail. “Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God” (v. 13). The claim of ultimate victory must not be considered as vague, insufficient, and improbable, as skeptics have always claimed. The reputation of God Himself is on the line. He will not allow His name to be tarnished. He must act “to shew that the LORD is upright:he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him” (v. 15). As in our text, we can even now be “glad” and “triumph” in His works, whether we see them in this life or in the life to come. “O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep” (v. 5). JDM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Careful What You Think By Debbie McDaniel “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” Proverbs 4:23 NCV This verse from Prov. 4:23 = so true. Our inner thoughts, our words, even what's spoken to ourselves, it really matters. For it can hold the power to run our lives and dictate our choices. All the more reason to make sure that our "thinking" is based on Truth, on what God says. When we fill our minds, our thoughts, our hearts with the right things, the wrong things won't have any room to enter. His Word, His Truth offers a protection, a guard over our hearts and lives, for our decisions and thoughts. It’s not easy sometimes. The world can be really great at throwing stones, insults, and discouraging words our way. We might get off track. We get distracted. We look to other sources to give us wisdom and direction. Or to make us feel better about ourselves.Many times, we start buying the lie and speaking negativity or defeat over our own lives, and those around us. We start sinking deeper. And believing it’s all true. God knows how vulnerable we are to attack, in allowing our thoughts and words to work against us, and in causing division or strife with others. Maybe that’s why He gives this wisdom, to set a guard, a gate, over our hearts and minds, so that we don’t allowjust any thought or word to enter in. Another version says it like this, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Prov. 4:23 NIV - “Above all else” - with constant awareness and diligence, like a watchman - “guard” - protect, to keep safe - “your heart” – your innermost being, which represents the very core of your thoughts, your mind, your actions and decisions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Our Great Mission Matthew 28:18-20 If you’re a believer, you are part of the awesome body of Christ, which is called to bring His light to the world both individually and corporately. Though many see the church as a social organization, that’s not what the Bible says it is. Sometimes we forget that our purpose isn’t simply to have fellowship, sing, preach, and worship. Jesus entrusted us with good news of the true life He offers to everyone. This calling isn’t just for foreign “missionaries”—it’s for every believer. Your mission field includes your family, friends, coworkers, and perhaps even a people group God puts on your heart, often right in your community. Before returning to heaven, Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission, in which He promised to be with believers to the end of the age. That pledge still stands. He doesn’t send us out to do His work on our own. Vowing never to leave us, He gave theassurance that all tasks He assigns will be achieved through us by His Holy Spirit. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Song in the Desert - by Greg Laurie � www.harvest.org When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the LORD had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the LORDand in his servant Moses. �Exodus 14:31 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/a-song-in-the-desert/- Listen The Israelites were finally free. They�d left Egypt and Pharaoh behind, and they were making their way to a new land. But soon they arrived at what looked like an insurmountableobstacle: The Red Sea. To make matters worse, they realized the Egyptian army was chasing them (which, by the way, was the mightiest army on earth at the time). As a result, they took their eyesoff God and put them on their enemies. They went to Moses and said, �Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren�t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did youmake us leave Egypt?� (Exodus 14:11 NLT). Then Moses began to pray, and God effectively said, �This isn�t a time pray. This is a time to move.� God told him, �Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground� (verse 16 NLT). So Moses raised his hand over the Red Sea, the waters parted, and the Israelites went through the Red Sea. When they made it to the other side, Moses stretched out his handover the sea again, and the waters collapsed on the Egyptians. Then the people gave glory to God. The Israelites had their song in the desert. But immediately they went into the wilderness on the heels of this great blessing. This reminds us that trials often follow blessings. Sometimes valleys come right after our so-called mountaintop experiences. Yet there are truths that we can only learn in the deserts of our lives. There are things we can only learn in the wilderness. Our spiritual roots grow deep when the winds around us make us strong, because God�s endgame is to make us more like Jesus. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beware the Backward Glance - by Greg Laurie � www.harvest.org No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening�it�s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. �Hebrews12:11 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/beware-the-backward-glance/- Listen Alan Redpath wrote, �The conversion of a soul is the miracle of a moment, the manufacture of a saint is the task of a lifetime.� That process is called sanctification. Salvation is instantaneous, but sanctification, becoming more like Christ, takes a lot of time. In fact, it takes a lifetime. The hardships of our lives are like God�s gym. We break down the muscle to build it up. James said, �Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way,consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow� (1:2�3 NLT). I don�t like to exercise, but I put up with it because it produces something that�s important. It�s the same with hardships and trials. We don�t necessarily like them. Infact, the Bible says, �No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening�it�s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way� (Hebrews 12:11 NLT). Often, however, we complain. That�s what the Israelites did in the wilderness. It had been one month since God delivered them from Egypt, which was something they�d beenpraying about for a long time. But they said, �If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt. . . . There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought usinto this wilderness to starve us all to death� (Exodus 16:3 NLT). The Devil is cunning. He will bring back certain memories from our past before we were Christians, but they�re never the miserable memories. However, Jesus said, �Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God� (Luke 9:62 NLT). The first step to going back is looking back. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Exactly What We Need - by Greg Laurie � www.harvest.org And the children of Israel ate manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land; they ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan. �Exodus 16:35 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/exactly-what-we-need/- Listen In 1999, David Whipple bought a burger at a McDonald�s in Logan, Utah, to use in a demonstration. He put it in his coat pocket and then forgot it was there. When his wifefound it in the coat in 2013, he decided to store it in a tin from that point on. Recently a reporter persuaded Whipple to take a look at the burger. Other than the pickle, which had disappeared, they concluded that it looked �relatively the same� afterall those years. When God provided food for the Israelites in the wilderness, they couldn�t even keep it overnight. Otherwise, it would rot (except the extra they collected for the Sabbath).They called this food �Manna,� and they were to gather as much as they needed for the day. Exodus 16 tells us, �So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only a little. But when they measured it out, everyone had just enough. Thosewho gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed� (verses 17�18 NLT). Let�s think of Manna like God�s Word for a moment. Job said, �I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than mynecessary food� (Job 23:12 NKJV). We can find everything we need to know about God in the pages of Scripture. And we can find everything we need to know about life there as well. The Bible says that God�s mercies are �new every morning� (Lamentations 3:23 NKJV). Every day, we should open the Bible and say, �Lord, I need You to speak to me throughthis Book. I need to hear Your voice.� Don�t live off yesterday�s blessings. Start every day with the Word of God. -------------------------------------------------------------------- The Worldwide Flood �And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters ofa flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.� (Genesis 9:11) Those Christians who accept the concept of the �geological ages� commonly have to explain away the great deluge by assuming it was not really a global flood. They realize that any flood that would rise until �all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven,were covered� and in which �every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground� (Genesis 7:19, 23) would undoubtedly eliminate anyevidence of the supposed geological ages. Therefore, they have suggested modifying the Bible record to mean an overflow of the Euphrates River or some such phenomenon that would destroy just the peoples of the �known� world at that time. There are numerous problems with this �local flood� notion, however. Appendix 6 of The Henry Morris Study Bible, for instance, lists 100 reasons why the biblical Flood must be understood as worldwide and cataclysmic. But probably the best argument is that such an argument makes God out to be a liar! God promised Noah that this kind of flood would never be sent on the earth again. There have been innumerable river floods, tsunamis, torrential regional rains, etc., in themore than four millennia since Noah�s day. If God�s promise referred only to some such flood as one of these, then He has not kept His Word! But God does not lie, and He has kept His promise. There has never been another such Flood. �He that believeth not God hath made him a liar� (1 John 5:10).Theistic evolutionists, progressive creationists, and all others who believe the geological ages instead of God�s Word should, it would seem, seriously rethink their position. HMM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Murmurs from the Multitude- by Greg Laurie on Feb 4, 2021 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? �2 Corinthians 6:14 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/murmurs-from-the-multitude/- Listen They were probably impressed with the wonder-working God of Israel, and they, too, wanted to escape. So this �mixed multitude� or �foreign rabble� joined the Israelitesas they left Egypt. But though they left Egypt, apparently Egypt never left them. And they were a bad influence on God�s people. They started to complain, and then the Israelites began to complain too. They said, �Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, thecucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!� (Numbers 11:4�6 NKJV). Interestingly, this foreign rabble hated the manna. They basically said, �We detest it. We don�t want that manna in our lives.� Yet it was bread from Heaven, sent from God. Likewise, non-Christians don�t get why Christians love the Bible. In fact, a real test of your spiritual life is whether you look forward to Bible study. Do you dread itand can�t wait until it�s over? That�s an indication of where you are spiritually. A hungry believer is a healthy believer. If you�re strong spiritually, if you�re healthy spiritually, then you�ll be constantly hungry for more of God�s Word. But if you�reunhealthy spiritually, you won�t. Ungodly people were a bad influence on the Israelites. The apostle Paul warned, �Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousnesswith lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?� (2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV). Think about who influences you. Show me your friends, and I�ll show you your future. If as a Christian you hang around people who do not believe as you, they can influenceyou and bring you down. So be very careful. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neither Wine nor Strong Drink �For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shallbe filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother�s womb.� (Luke 1:15) Whether or not the Bible clearly commands total abstinence from alcohol for Christians, it is increasingly being recognized that alcohol is the most widely abused and dangerous drug of all�causing more fatal accidents and injuries, more broken homes, more sexualpromiscuity, more job absenteeism, and more disease than cocaine or any other drug. Yet it is widely promoted socially and increasingly is being accepted even among evangelical Christians. But the example of John the Baptist is worth considering. The angel Gabriel testified that he would be �great in the sight of the Lord� and then added that he would �drink neither wine nor strong drink,� implying a connection between the two. Indeed, Christcalled John the greatest man who had ever lived up to that time (Matthew 11:11)�that is, greater than even Abraham, Moses, or Daniel! Then the very same verse says that John would �be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother�s womb,� and he is the only man of whom that was ever said. Again there seems to be a connection, for no one could simultaneously drink wine or strong drink andalso be filled with the Spirit. The apostle Paul also warned concerning this conflict when he said: �Be not drunk [literally, �begin to be drunk�] with wine...but be filled [that is, �be continually being filled�] with the Spirit� (Ephesians5:18). Drinking alcoholic beverages in moderation may or may not be permissible, but that does not make it right. �All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient� (1Corinthians 6:12). At least in John�s case, being great in God�s sight and being filled with the Spirit were closely associated with abstinence from alcohol. HMM VISIT: PROPHECY WATCHER WEEKLY NEWS: HTTP://PROPHECY-WATCHER-WEEKLY-NEWS.BLOGSPOT.COM