Contend For The Faith! - Jude 20-25

Jude finishes the book with some calisthenics for contention.

1. Build up
2. Reach out
3. Rest in

In order to contend for the faith, I must first build up my personal faith. Second, I must reach out to those who need Christ. Third, I must trust in the promises of God.

Walk with the Lord and contend for the faith!!!

Be A Ready Saint! - Jude 1-7

Jude describes believers as saints.

1. The Position of Saints - "sanctified, preserved, called"
2. The Practice of Saints - "earnestly contend for the faith"
3. The Problem for Saints - "ungodly men" (creeps)

You are either a saint or you aint! Bad grammar but good theology! As a child of God I am called upon to stand up with truth for the truth of God. There will always be opposition to the true "faith" but I can stand in the security of the truth.

Walk with the Lord and be a ready saint!!!

Beware Of False Teachers! - 2 Peter 2:17-22

Peter reminds us that we will constantly battle false teachers as we seek to love God and live for God in this sin cursed world. False teachers may be identified by certain marks.

1. Hypocrisy - "wells without water"
2. Vanity - "clouds carried with a tempest"
3. Immorality - "wantonness"
4. Illegitimacy - "dog, sow"

I must be wise about to whom I listen and where I learn. I must love and live the truth!

Walk with the Lord and beware of false teachers!!!

A Sure Authority! - 2 Peter 1:15-21

Peter reminds us that we have an authority "more sure" than seeing with our own eyes and hearing with our own ears - the Word of God!

1. Comparison - other books are "cunningly devised fables"
2. Commendation - God's Word is "more sure" than personal experience
3. Conception - God's Word is the product of the Holy Spirit through men

I must trust the Bible as the final authority for all areas of life. I must take heed to the Bible and obey its' truth. I must tell others the message of the Bible - that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.

Walk with the Lord and in His sure authority!!!

2 Peter 1:5-9

These verses begin with "beside all this" so I will go back to say that by accepting Christ we are partakers of the Divine nature having escaped (past tense) the corruption that is in the world through lust. That means basically we who are Christians are different. We don't go after everything the people of the world run after.
Now we are to add the following things to our original faith. These are first a life of virtue, which is an honest and good life. Then knowledge meaning we are building on our faith a good knowledge of God's Word. Then temperance meaning self-control. Then patience, next godliness, meaning God is in control of our lives. Next brotherly kindness, Christian to Christian, and last of all love to all people.
With these we will not be barren, meaning unproductive nor lacking in the fruit of the Spirit, having a good knowledge of life with our Lord Jesus Christ.
What does it mean to lack these things? Can true Christians lack these things? They certainly can. All they have to do is nothing after they are saved. There is a spiritual myopia that prevails in some Christians in our day. They are not unsaved, but notice they have forgotten they were purged from old sins. In order to be healthy we must continue to add the above named Christian graces.

Love The Truth! - Daniel 12:4-13

Daniel loved truth and lived truth. Because of this, He received additional truth from God.

Availability of Truth - God has given us His truth in His Word - We can know it.
Authority of Truth - God's truth is completely accurate and reliable.
Accountability of Truth - We will be held responsible for how we follow and obey God's truth.

I must love the truth enough to seek it out. I must live the truth enough to show forth Christ. I must "lip" the truth by sharing my faith.

Walk with the Lord and love the truth!!!

Commune With God! - Daniel 10:1-9

Daniel was a man who walked in communion with God.

1. Priority of communion - more important than food - fasted 21 days
2. Practice of communion - consistent from day 1 as a teen - prayer, fasting, Word
3. Purpose of communion - "revealed" - to know God and His ways

Purpose to walk in communion with God today and every day in the coming year.

Walk with the Lord and commune with God!!!

Daniel 9:11-19

Daniel in these verses is confessing a sin that was probably not his own but what we could call a national sin. He owns his part in his confession of the nation's sins. Later there was to be another national sin greater than this in the rejection of Christ from which the nation of Israel is still reeling in consternation even today. It will not be over until they look upon Him who they have pierced and mourn for their great national sin and then there will be peace for Israel.

When I think of national sins, I cannot help but look at the United States. Think of the unborn babies that have been slaughtered because people do not want to face the consequences of their sins. I also think of how the Bible is vehemently against the sin of homosexual behavior(Romans 1:22-27 among others)which our nation now calls good, or an alternative life style. Then we have drunkenness and drug addiction all bringing a curse on a nation which was founded on Biblical principles. Cannot our nation reel in spiritual drunkenness over our sins?
We like Daniel must constantly bow and make confession over the sins of our beloved nation which is slowly, maybe even rapidly coming to destruction. In Galatians 6:7 we learn the principle of reaping what we sow. This applies to our nation as well. I pray that we will be spared from the kind of things Israel went through, but we can only do it, if as a nation we turn to God and confess our sins and turn from them.

Trust The Scriptures! - Daniel 8:15-27

Daniel was given God's Word in prophecy which he saw partially fulfilled in his life time and much more that was later fulfilled.

1. Read the Scripture
2. Rely on the Scripture
3. Rest in the Scripture

The Word of God is accurate and trustworthy I can follow it with complete confidence.

Walk with the Lord and trust the Scriptures!!!

Understand The Times! - Daniel 7:1-14

By spending time alone with God, Daniel had an understanding of the times.

Lion - Gold - Babylon
Bear - Silver - Medo/Persia
Leopard - Brass - Greece
Dreadful - Iron - Rome
10 Horns - Iron/Clay - Revived Rome

The times of the Gentiles are all under the sovereign control of the most High who uses them to accomplish His purposes and then ultimately abolishes them and rules over them in an everlasting kingdom.

The Most High God is in control of my life - see Him in the activities of the world and see Him at work in my life. Trust Him with my life. Cooperate with Him to accomplish His plan.

Walk with the Lord and understand the times!!!

Daniel 6:1 - 15

If we could say two things about Daniel up to this point, it would be trustworthy and strict loyalty to God. His honest character was well known by the king who, because of this, set him over all his affairs. However no matter how humble Daniel was, the king's actions made the others envious to the extent that they wanted to destroy him. Yet they could find no fault to accuse Daniel with.
Now if someone wanted to find something to accuse you about, would they find it? We are in the midst of a series of debates about who will win the nomination as the Republican candidate for president. There seems to be one accusation after another. Many of them may not be true at all.
When it came to Daniel they said: "If we find anything at all, it will have to be something about his loyalty to his God." So they set a trap for Daniel and made this plan that no one could pray to anyone except the king. Because of the king's pride, they succeeded. There again, since Daniel knew about it, what would he do? Daniel did not waver but continued his practice of praying three times a day. They had him! The outcome of the story, which we all know very well, is not in our set of verses for today.
If you were in a similar situation, would you have enough loyalty and confidence in God to do it? Would I? This is a good question? Spend some time considering it.

Avoid Alcohol! - Daniel 5:1-16

Belshazzer failed to avoid the temptation of alcohol. He held a party that began a downward spiral to destruction.

1. Drink - flippant activity
2. Defiance - foolish attitude
3. Dread - fearful anxiety

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise!

Walk with the Lord and avoid alcohol!!!

Worship The Sovereign God! - Daniel 4:1-18

King Nebuchadnezzar gives his testimony. God is sovereign! (The greatest, highest, supreme ruler of the universe)

1. God is sovereign in His position. v.2
2. God is sovereign in His power. v.3a
3. God is sovereign in His purpose. v.3b

The sovereign God declares His sovereignty. The sovereign God demonstrates His sovereignty. The sovereign God deserves recognition of His sovereignty.

Bow down before Him, love and adore Him, His name is wonderful, Jesus my Lord!!!

Walk with the Lord and worship the sovereign God!!!

Daniel 3:19-30

Last Monday I wrote about Daniel and his three friends making a risky choice and God coming through for them in a most remarkable way.
Then in chapter 2 we find they already escaped death because God gave Daniel an answer to the prayers of the four of them in interpreting Nebuchadnezzer's dream. This took a great trust in the faithfulness of God.
Now these three men were going to be put to the test again. This time Daniel didn't seem to be in the country. Would they come through without the influence of Daniel?
This was a great challenge. I like their courage. It inspires me, and in the past ages, I am sure many of the people of God were driven to take many risks by the choices made by these three men.
There is more at stake here than the choice of these men. Is the story true? There is a book called "Daniel in the Critics Den." The true worth of this Bible is at stake. If one story could be disproved, we would have to throw the book away.
Now the end of story is that God came through again for these three men. A true miracle of God. To rule out the miracles of the Bible is to me unthinkable. It was a miracle that saved my soul.

Give God The Glory! - Daniel 2:44-49

Give God the glory! That is the testimony of Daniel. He interpreted the king's dream not to win accolades for himself and not primarily to save the lives of the wise men including his own but to accomplish the will of God for the glory of God.

This should be my purpose in living. My goal in life is to please God by doing His will in His way for His glory!

Walk with the Lord and give God the glory!!!

Daniel 1:9-21

Daniel was found here with two choices. He was to either follow what he felt was God's leading as in the past, or to go with the course of this present world he was in at the time. He possibly knew the choice he was making was risky. What if God didn't come through for him? However, he must have been in the habit of obeying God in his early life. This didn't start right here. This speaks of something about his Father and Mother and his childhood. He is now faced with the choice of obeying God as was with his past life of purity, or to now throw it all away and go with the flow. I am sure the appetities of the others were well satisfied with the kings food. Would God come through according to his choice. He is really putting God to the test. It would be his neck on the block if God didn't come through, but God did come through. Not only for Daniel but also for his three friends. The fact that his three friends were willing to follow speaks a lot for Daniel too. Because of his leadership they too were willing to put their own lives on the line. God came through for them,too. Who are we leading? Would anyone put their life on the line if they followed our advice or our ways? Think about it.

Demonstrate Grace! - Galatians 6:11-18

Paul shares in Galatians 6 several demonstrations of grace living.

1. Caring - v.1-5
2. Sharing - v.6-10
3. Bearing - v.11-18
- Bearing pain
- Bearing pressure
- Bearing persecution

Paul was involved in salvation and service by grace. This allowed him to bear up in times of difficulty. Self effort and sowing to the flesh reap corruption. Strife, selfishness and contention are the corruption of the flesh.

Walk with the Lord and demonstrate grace by caring, sharing and bearing!!!

Be Fruitful In The Spirit! - Galatians 5:22-26

When we walk in the Spirit (allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives), He produces fruit in us.

1. Source of the fruit - fruit is different than works or products in that it comes from life
2. Supply of the fruit - fruit is produced by the Spirit in us
3. Scope of the fruit - fruit affects all realms of life
- Godward - love, joy, peace
- Manward - long-suffering, gentleness, goodness
- Selfward - faith, meekness, temperance

Walk with the Lord and be fruitful in the Spirit!!!

Galatians 5:7 - 15

There are a number of real themes in these few verses and I will try to extract them one at a time. The first is "Ye did run well." The Galatian people heard the gospel through Paul and rejoiced in the grace of God, but then people came in and persuaded them to turn to the law of Moses to finish out their salvation. This was a wrong doctrine completely.

The next is that "a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." In all places in the Bible leaven represents sin of some kind that spreads in a congregation. In Paul's letter to the Corinthians, it was an immoral man who was allowed to continue in good standing among God's people. Some could say: "If he could do it and nothing happen then why can't I?" Here is a doctrine that is corrupt and that could spread like wild fire among unsuspecting people until the whole church is affected.

The next is that we are called to liberty but we are not to use that liberty to indulge our sinful nature. Did you ever notice how in the U.S., many things are now called good that were not that way in years past? We call that liberty. Another name is tolerance. Shame on us if we do that.

The last is that the law is fulfilled in the Word! Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love fulfills the rest of the commandments as far as people are concerned. You can't hurt them if you love them. Are you practicing that way of dealing with people?

Stand Fast In Freedom! - Galatians 4:27-5:1

Salvation by grace through faith in Christ brings freedom!

1. Conflict - law/works vs. grace/faith
2. Contrast - bondage vs. freedom
3. Challenge - stand fast in freedom

The law was something added as a "mirror" and a "monitor" showing the Jews their need of Christ and monitoring behavior. The law was never intended to be a "mother" - giving life!

Walk with the Lord and stand fast in freedom!!!

Enjoy The Privilege Of Sonship! - Galatians 4:1-7

This passage discusses the privilege of Sonship in the family of God.

1. The Possession of Sonship - we become a child of God by birth through faith alone in Jesus Christ.
2. The Position of Sonship - now that Christ has come there is no need to still be under the "schoolmaster" of the law. There is neither Jew nor Greek.
3. The Power of Sonship - we are redeemed and have new freedom and new motivation.
4. The Proof of Sonship - the indwelling Holy Spirit is the seal of our sonship.

Walk with the Lord and enjoy the privilege of sonship!!!

Galatians 3:17 - 22

As a Gentile Christian, I find these verses very relevant to me. If we were to look at the Old Testament most of God's promises were to Israel. That there would be a future church system made up of Gentiles was only a mystery in the Old Testament. Yet God told Abraham that in his 'seed' all the nations of the earth would be blessed. This had nothing to do with keeping the law of Moses because the law was not given until four hundred and thirty years later. What Paul tells the Gentile Galatians that salvation is not in keeping the law of Moses but by faith in the work of Christ on the cross as payment for our sins. This should result in a changed life and it is not because of the law of Moses. Paul is concluding that there is no law given that could bring a person to heaven and eternal life or otherwise Christ would not have had to come here to die for us.
As we read these few verses we must conclude that: we are saved by "grace alone through faith alone, in Christ alone." If I did Christian work for the rest of my life, could I add anything to what Christ did on the cross? The answer is an emphatic "NO!"
"He bore our sins in His own body on the tree." I Peter 2:24.

Justification By Faith! - Galatians 3:1-9

In this passage Paul explains the doctrine of justification by faith.

1. The Basis - the work of the Spirit by faith.
2. The Binding - all who believe by faith are the true seed of Abraham.
3. The Blessing - all who believe are forgiven and receive eternal life.

I have been declared righteous by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Walk with the Lord and rejoice in justification by faith!

Galatians 2:15-2:21 - Dead or Alive

Paul furthers his explanation as to why we do not have to follow the law today by telling us we are dead. We failed to keep the law, but when we were baptized into the body of Christ, we were in Christ in the crucifixion, in fulfilling the law, in living our lives right now. It is not me who is truly alive, but the life I have is only because Christ is living in me! Christ died so that all who place their faith in Him could live...in Him. What a miracle that a sinner like me could live eternally as a part of the Body of Christ!

So...Jews and Gentiles are saved in the exact same manner; Faith in Christ.
Anyone who tries to earn salvation by keeping the Law (or any other standard) will fall short every time. Death is certain and deserved. But, life is found by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone!

He deserves all honor and glory and praise!

Keep The Integrity Of The Gospel! - Galatians 2:1-6

Paul was a preacher of the Gospel. Paul sought to maintain a testimony of integrity for the Gospel.

1. Companionship - Paul chose wise friends who had a good testimony.
2. Communication - Paul clearly made known his message of the Gospel and checked with others to make sure it was correct.
3. Consistency - Paul's Gospel message remained the same as evidenced by Titus who as a Gentile was not asked to be circumcised.

Maintain the integrity of the Gospel through friends who are true, through communication that is clear and through faithfulness that is consistent.

Walk with the Lord and keep the integrity of the Gospel!!!

Galatians 1:10 - 17

The book of Galatians is what we call a correction letter. There were those who came to Galatia who persuaded many to become circumcized and keep the law of Moses and have a mixture of Christianity and the old religion of the Jews.
Paul now tells the Galatian people how he got the word of God by a special revelation from Christ Himself. When he heard from Christ from Heaven there was a complete turn around in Paul's life.
Paul say he was separated from his mother's womb for the ministry which Christ gave him. That speaks loads to me. If Paul speaks this way perhaps God has something special for each of us to do. Do you care that God may have something special He has given you to do? I look back and see this in my own life. With Paul it was to reveal His Son in himself first. Immediately there was a complete turn around in his life. This happened to me 55 years ago, and I want to say I never turned back. Is He seeking to do something similar in your life?

Thank God For Virtuous Women! - Proverbs 31:10-31

This passage gives us information concerning virtuous women!

1. The prize of a virtuous woman.
2. The purity of a virtuous woman.
3. The priorities of a virtuous woman.
4. The praise of a virtuous woman.

I give thanks to God for my virtuous wife! I want to train virtuous daughters! I need to pray for all the women of our church that this would be their goal!

Walk with the Lord and thank God for virtuous women!!!

To Do List (or Not to Do) for a King - Proverbs 31:1-9

Today, we read the counsel of King Lemuel's mother which he received is passing down to his sons. It is believed commonly that King Lemuel is really King Solomon ("Lemuel" meaning "To God" or "For God"). If this is the case, then these words of wisdom are from Bathsheba to Solomon.

She exhorts her son the king to rule his kingdom properly in two main areas:
#1 To abstain from reckless sin (adultery/fornication and drunkenness).
#2 To help the helpless (the dying, hurting, disabled, poor and needy).

These exhortations are good for all of us to heed, especially those in leadership.

We should ask ourselves if there is any sin in our lives which is keeping us from fulfilling our God-given responsibilities. And, we should evaluate whether our leadership is blessing those who are truly destitute, or if it is neglecting them.

A good leader will allow himself or herself to lead effectively by being blameless and by ensuring that those who need our protection the most are safe and enabled to freely establish themselves by working hard (to whatever extent they are able) and by loving others around them.

Be A Godly Generation! - Proverbs 30:11-20

Each generation has a characterization. Make sure that I am a part of a godly generation.

1. Self-governing generation v.11
2. Self-righteous generation v.12
3. Self-exalting generation v.13
4. Self-seeking generation v.14

I must do my part to be a God oriented generation and not a self oriented generation. Raise up a godly generation through example, exhortation and supplication.

Walk with the Lord and live as a godly generation!!!

Proverbs 29:15 - 27

There are a lot of various lessons in this little section of the Word of God. The first is that children cannot be left by themselves and be expected to turn out right. In nature it can happen to turtles and ostriches, but children are much better off with training. I suppose we have all failed in this or at least I see short comings in my family life.
The next is that "Where there is no vision, the people perish." I do believe instead of vision the word revelation is the best word here. Unless God speaks to a nation there is great failure and loss of souls, even the soul of the nation.
Next we must be careful not to speak before we have weighed an issue. It is so easy to speak before we think. Our present political debates have shown us this.
Pride can bring a man low. Jesus taught about this. But there is honor in being of a humble spirit. It is better for others to praise you than to receive praise for yourself.
The last is where do I put my trust and praise. God will not fail me, but man will bring me disappointment every time.

Avoid The Pitfalls Of Possessions! - Proverbs 28:15-28

This passage gives several warnings to those who are rich. The pitfalls discussed are:

1. Greed
2. Covetousness
3. Oppression
4. Theft
5. Laziness
6. Flattery
7. Respect of persons
8. Pride
9. Selfishness

I must realize that all possessions come from God and all possessions belong to God. My ambition should be to know, obey and glorify Christ not to gather and cling to material things!

Walk with the Lord and avoid the pitfalls of possessions!!!

Be A True Friend! - Proverbs 27:10-18

This section of Proverbs talks about true friendship. Several marks of a true friend are given.
1. Faithful
2. Wise
3. Prudent
4. Honest
5. Content
6. Positively Influential
7. Submissive to authority

I must seek to be a true friend - one who cares about others more than self. Be thankful for true friends that God has given me.

Walk with the Lord and be a true friend!!!

Proverbs 26:17-28

I find it hard to blog about Proverbs as there is usually a variety of subjects in a small section of verses. The book of Proverbs is about how to live wisely in this world where much foolishness and sinful behavior exist. I will try to name some of the subjects one by one. The first is meddling which means first digging into business that is not mine. Being a trouble maker would be similar. The end of this would be that it would turn around and bite you. The next would be gossip, telling things that will ultimately cause harm to the person spoken against. Sometimes it may not even be true if it is passed on from an unreliable source. The same can be said of a man of contention separating very good friends. Once this kind of fire starts it cannot be quenched easily. Our lips and tongue can be used in two ways. We can be a fire that cannot be quenched or we can be one to comfort and spread the Gospel to those who have need of hope beyond the cares and troubles of this life. This is the kind of person I want to be. However, we must be careful as it is very easy to slip.

Use Wealth Wisely! - 1 Timothy 6:17-21

Money is not the root of all evil but the love of money is the root of all evil! Having money is not the problem as long as we use it wisely.

1. Avoid Pride - "high minded"
2. Avoid Pitfalls - self reliance, self indulgence
3. Avoid Procrastination - temporal values

Be grateful for what God has provided! While I have opportunity invest in eternal values!

Walk with the Lord and use wealth wisely!!!

Dealing With Elders Correctly! - 1 Timothy 5:17-25

This passage gives instructions regarding elders.

1. Elders Reward v.17, 18 - "double honor"
2. Elders Rebuke v.19-21 - "rebuke before all"
3. Elders Requirement v.22, 24, 25 - "not a novice"
4. Elders Remedy v.23 - "a little wine (vinegar) for stomach"

I need to be thankful for the faithful elders that have helped me in my life. I need to be a faithful "elder" as I shepherd God's people.

Walk with the Lord and deal with elders correctly!!!

I Timothy 5:1-8

These verses call for respect for those in the church who are older. This does not necessarily mean those who have the office of an elder. Timothy who was at this time a younger man was to handle complaints of sinful behavior of older men with the utmost care. The same care was to be made of older women of the church. Younger women were also treated with utmost care. There was no room for flirtation or remarks not becoming for a minister of the Word, or even other men in the church. Much harm has been made by men in the churches about this very thing. It gives way to much fodder for those in the church who are prone to gossip.
The next few verses are about widows who were on church rolls as those who needed to be supported with food and clothing and other necessities. Because of our governmental system there isn't quite as much need among the churches today. However we must be on the lookout for the needs of widows today. Because of our social security and welfare system, many churches have overlooked these needs today. We must be careful not to say "Let the government take care of it."

Reject Doctrines Of Devils! - 1 Timothy 4:1-8

In order to please God and walk victoriously a believer must reject the "doctrines of devils".

1. Evil - pointless - "lies and hypocrisies"
2. Expectations - powerless - through self discipline, will power
3. End - profitless - no good in this world or the world to come

I must exercise godliness.

1. Love the truth today!
2. Learn the truth today!
3. Live the truth today!

Walk with the Lord and reject "doctrines of devils"!!!

Encourage Godly Women! - 1 Timothy 2:8-15

This passage speaks of the godly woman and describes her dress, behavior and role.

1. A godly women's apparel - v. 9 - modesty, maturity
2. A godly women's activity - v. 10-14 - subjection and silence
3. A godly women's awareness - v. 15 - position, power

A godly woman radiates inner beauty through modest and appropriate dress, through good works which demonstrate respect and willingness to follow the leadership of the man and through the acceptance of her role of the power of influence and understanding of relationships.

Thank God for my wonderful, godly wife, Susan! Seek to train my daughters to be godly women!

Walk with the Lord and encourage godly women!!!

I Timothy 1:12-20

The first thing I want to talk about is Paul's past. His was ultra religious. So much so that he would kill those of the true faith in Jesus Christ. But God had a plan for Paul to be the Apostle to the Gentile people. Paul calls his past ignorance and unbelief. I have a past too. There was a lot of ignorance and unbelief but God had mercy on me too and He had His own way of putting me in the so called ministry.
Then Paul comes out with the wonderful statement of Christ coming into the world to save sinners calling himself chief of sinners. I was that too, but my sins were just the opposite of Paul's. There was nothing religious about me. Sin is sin no matter which way you slice it. If you don't realize sin in your life you have no chance to realize you need to be saved. There was the story of a young man who asked a preacher how much does sin weigh. The preacher said, "To a dead man, sin weighs nothing at all, because he is dead in trespasses and sin." We are made alive when we repent and turn to God through Christ.
Paul closes this with a wonderful doxology. Christ is King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever Amen. Notice Paul's statement is that Christ is God. Paul once wanted nothing to do with Him. Do you recognize Christ as God and is He your God and Savior?

Give Praise! - Psalm 150:1-6

This Psalm wraps up a section of Psalms that deal with praise.

1. Exhortation to praise - I must give praise - It is a command from God and a challenge from others
2. Examples of praise - Praise God for His name, nature and notable acts
3. Extent of praise - Everyone, everywhere with everything

Praise is important!

1. To God - He delights in our praise
2. To us - Praise keeps our soul from despair and depression and protects us from sin
3. To others - Praise encourages others and helps us be accountable

Walk with the Lord and give Him praise!!!

Stay On The Foundation For Praise! - Psalm 147:12-20

This Psalm reminds us that the foundation for praise is the Word of God.

1. God's Word gives motivation for praise
2. God's Word gives the means for praise
3. God's Word gives the measure of praise

To praise God effectively I must have my heart saturated with the Word of God.
Praise God according to His Word today.

Walk with the Lord and praise God on the foundation of His Word!!!

Psalm 146:1-10

This psalm begins with praise the LORD oh my soul. Our soul is that which connects body and spirit. It is my soul that desires, lusts, plans etc. It is the seat of my feelings. If my soul has a desire to praise God, what is left to please myself? I will praise the LORD while I have my being. Once my breath is gone there is no more chance to praise Him. Now is the time for that.
We are living in a day when everything about man is failing. We are wondering who we can trust. Who will bring us out of this great crisis. We are at the brink of a presidential election. Who can bring us out of this great debt situation? Who can bring our troops home? We must come to the end of ourselves and look only to the Lord. Then we come to the term 'Happy' is he who has the God of Jacob for his help. Why not the name Israel? Whenever someone would speak of a dire need the name Jacob would be used. Jacob also speaks of unworthiness. What was I before I came to Christ as an unworthy sinner. What can I give to God? The answer is nothing!
The rest of the psalm is what God can and will do, and most of it speaks of Jesus Christ. Without Him we would be nothing. We owe it all to Him. Stop as you read this and ponder where you really are.

Praise The Lord!

In this psalm we are encouraged to praise the Lord! Praise is acknowledging God for who He is.

1. The Decision of Praise - "I will"
2. The Declaration of Praise - "The Lord is"
3. The Duration of Praise - "for ever and ever"

Choose to praise the Lord today! Tell Him and someone else of His greatness!

Walk with the Lord and praise the Lord!!!

Turning Despair To Delight! - Psalm 142:1-7

David was in despair. He explains the steps of overcoming despair and turning it into delight.

1. Request from the right source of help - "cried unto the Lord"
2. Reject the wrong source of help - "no man cared for my soul"
3. Rely on the true source of help - "I cried unto thee"
-God is my true refuge
-God is my true portion
-God is my true strength
-God is my true deliverer

Look to God to protect, to fulfill, to enable and to rescue me today!

Walk with the Lord and turn despair into delight!!!

Psalm 140:1-13

This is a prayer of David on behalf of all the godly people who are persecuted by wicked and evil men. Since this is the Old Testament, I did not say anything about Christianity today. Yet there are Christians who are persecuted in many parts of the world today as the godly people of our day.
David in verse 7 calls God the strength of his salvation. This psalm is "imprecatory," which means wishing something bad on his enemies. Christians are taught just the opposite, in that we are to love our enemies and do good to those who persecute us.
David's prayer is about an evil speaker not to be established, but isn't this true of many so called dictators in this world today? One thing that is true is that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted and the right of those who are poor. Now what does this say to me? If I belong to Him through knowing Christ as my Savior, I can trust God to always do me good. A favorite verse of mine is Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."

You Are Important To God! - Psalm 139:1-12

You are specially designed by the omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent God and His thoughts toward you are more than the stars!

1. God is omniscient - He knows me!
2. God is omnipresent - He is with me!
3. God is omnipotent - He designed me!

God has placed me as a part of His sovereign plan in:
1. my family
2. my church
3. the world

Be faithful to God's purpose in my life!
Walk with the Lord and know that you are important in His plan!!!

Give Thanks! - Psalm 136:10-26

Part of our fellowship with God is expressing our gratitude to Him. This Psalm encourages the giving of thanks. To "give thanks" is to acknowledge God for what He has done.

1. Give thanks to Elohim (my creator) for His acts of creation. v. 2,5-9
2. Give thanks to Jehovah (my redeemer) for His acts of redemption. v. 1, 10-15
3. Give thanks to Adonai (my master) for His acts of direction. v. 3, 16-26

I will give thanks to God for making me the person that he has and for the creation all around me.
I will give thanks to God for saving me and all He did to bring me to salvation.
I will give thanks to God for directing me and for providing for and honoring obedience.

Thank you God for all you did in making our 9/11 memorial service an awesome success!!!

Walk with the Lord and give thanks!!!

Psalm 135:13-21

Here there is a contrast between our God who is the living God, the perfect judge of His people and idols who are the work of men's hands.
Idols are inanimate objects, having mouths, eyes, ears, but cannot speak, see, nor hear. Notice it is said: they that make them are like them. Can you imagine making a statue or a doll and thinking that your creation can do something for you? That is true of anything we put in the place of the Sovereign, living God.
Next we have three verses of blessing to God. First it is the house of Israel, the chosen nation. Then the house of Aaron the priestly family. Then the house of Levi, the priestly tribe. After that the City where God placed His name.
You will notice this is an Old Testament blessing for the chosen people of God. Our blessing is the same but different in scope because our blessing is through salvation through Jesus Christ. First of all we are saved because He bore our sins in His own body on the tree (cross). Then we are blessed if we walk with Him in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Be A Soulwinner! - Psalm 126:1-6

The challenge of sowing and reaping as a soulwinner is put forth in this psalm.

1. The Peril - agonizing labor - "tears"
2. The Process - go, weep, sow, reap
3. The Prize - joy - "rejoicing"

The process of soulwinning is agonizing labor - fear, humility, disappointments, opposition but the prize of joy makes it worth it! Take opportunity to be a soulwinner today!

Walk with the Lord and be a soulwinner!!!

Have The Right Look! - Psalm 123:1-4

The psalmist described the look of the pilgrims on their way to worship in Jerusalem. This should be our "look" as we make our pilgrimage toward heaven!

1. A Look of Submission
2. A Look of Service
3. A Look of Supplication

Look to the God of heaven stay under His authority, acknowledge His dominion and sovereignty. Look for protection, direction, and provision. Look to the Lord to meet my needs.

Walk with the Lord and have the right look!!!

Psalm 121:1-8

These were psalms called Songs of Degrees. One by one they were sung by Israelites going up to Jerusalem for worship as they neared the Temple.
This psalm begins with: I will look to the hills from whence cometh my help. To me this ends with a question mark. Can I find my help here in Jerusalem? The answer is we have to look higher than the hills or even the Temple Mount. If we can't look to the God of Heaven, no place on earth will do.
First of all, my foot will not be moved. I stand in the strength of the Sovereign God of heaven and earth. The One who sent Jesus, the second Person of the Godhead to die for our sins.
He doesn't slumber so He is ever aware of what I am going through. He is the keeper of Israel so He is my keeper too.
If we trust in Him, we will be preserved from evil. What will touch us when God is on our side? My fear is whether I am on His side. To be otherwise would be a fearful thing indeed. He will preserve me in all my movements when I walk in His ways.

Return To The Lord! - Hosea 14:1-9

Hosea's final challenge is to turn to the Lord from the empty life of immorality, impudence and idolatry.

Turning means:
1. New worship
2. New ways
3. New wisdom

Turning brings:
1. Revival - "I will heal"
2. Reception - "I will love"
3. Refreshment - "I will be as the dew"

Walk with the Lord and return to the Lord!!!

Flee Idolatry! - Hosea 10:9-15

In chapter ten, Hosea describes the emptiness of an idolatrous life!

1. Emptiness of an immoral life. chap. 1-4
2. Emptiness of an impudent life. chap. 5-9
3. Emptiness of an idolatrous life. chap. 10
a. reality - most of us have idols
b. ruin - idols bring folly, frustration and fear
c. remedy - idols are removed when we
1. submit - break up stubborn, rebellious places in our life
2. sow - practice obedience to God's Word
3. seek - delight in God and His ways

I must take time to identify "idols" in my life. (basketball, reputation, pleasure)
I must remove them by putting them in their proper place and returning God to His proper place in my life!

Walk with the Lord and flee idolatry!!!

Hosea 4:16-5:10

In these verses God is scolding the people for backsliding. In this case it was not just an individual but it was the nation. However a nation is made up of individuals. All must do their part if the nation is to be preserved.
God has a word for the priests of Israel too. Usually the spiritual leaders have a great responsibility when the nation goes bad.
There is the thought of the sounding of the trumpet. In those days the trumpet meant warning that an enemy was coming in. It seems that this was missing. It meant sin was coming in like a flood. Where are the trumpet blowers in our nations? Who is listening?
Then there were the so called Princes. This could represent the political leaders of the day. Where are they and what do they represent? We are all together in this. You and I must carry out our load.

Choose The Right Friends! - Romans 16:17-27

In this passage we learn important ways to choose right friends.

1. Friends who believe and live the Gospel of God. v.17
2. Friends who live by the grace of God. v.20,24
3. Friends who live for the glory of God. v. 27

Evaluation - Do I have the right friends? Am I the right kind of friend to others?

Godly friendships take some discernment and development on my part. Be thankful for godly friends. Be the right kind of friend to others.

Walk with the Lord and choose right friends!!!

Have A Clear Purpose! - Romans 15:1-13

Paul continues his theme of unity among Jewish and Gentile believers. This passage emphasizes unity through clarity of purpose.

1. Toward Believers - Edification - building up others
2. Toward God - Exaltation - bringing God glory
3. Toward Unbelievers - Evangelism - sharing the Gospel

Every believer seeking to follow these clear purposes brings unity to the body of Christ. All of my attitudes, actions and words toward others should follow these purposes.

Walk with the Lord and have a clear purpose!!!

Romans 14:1-12

In almost every church there may be some who almost feel sinful to do anything of a questionable nature. Then there are others to whom these same actions do not seem sinful. While on one hand those who are careful at what they do, are not to judge those of a more liberal nature in what they are at liberty to do. God has called us to peace.

There is a phrase in verse 7 that says that none of us lives to himself nor do we die to ourselves. We live unto the Lord and we die unto the Lord. Paul wrote this in order to help those who have a difference in what they might feel at liberty to do.

The last verse of this section says that everyone of us shall give an account of himself to God. If I live in a stricter path, I am not responsible to give an account for my more liberal brother. I will however give an account of how I act in judgment toward him.

Live In Diversity And Unity! - Romans 12:9-21

There is diversity but unity in the body of Christ. Specific and general principles are given for recognizing and appreciating the various gifts, yet living and functioning with oneness.

1. Humility - v.3,16 - gifts are by grace
2. Honesty - v.4,17 - no respect of persons
3. Harmony - v.5,18 - members work together to complement not contradict

Remember that my gifts are from God not my own. Thank someone in another gift area today.

Walk with the Lord and live in diversity and unity!!!

Be An Effective Tool! - Romans 11:13-24

God chose to use Israel as an instrument to accomplish His purpose in the world. Israel rebelled and God has set them aside temporarily. God's new instrument is the Church. The Church should not take for granted the opportunity to be used of God.

1. Gas - The power of the Holy Spirit
2. Oil - The sensitivity of prayer
3. Sharp - Fellowship with God's people

Seek to be a usable tool in the hand of God for His purpose.

Walk with the Lord and be an effective tool!!!

Romans 10:14-21

Two of the former verses first tell us the Lord is rich to all who call upon Him, and whoever calls on Him will be saved. Now in order to be saved they have to hear. In order to hear someone has to preach. We like to think of preaching as one standing in a pulpit at some church. Although that is right that should not let the rest of the Christians off the hook. In order for the Church to succeed we all have to do our part. Just a few people officially called Pastors can't do it all. I like the term "beautiful feet" of those who proclaim the gospel of peace. I want those beautiful feet. When I get to Heaven I will look around to see who is there that I may have spoken with to accept Christ. Faith comes by hearing and it is the word of God that they hear. I want to preach nothing else. Peter said "being born again" by the word of God which lives and abides forever. I have two favorite initials, K.P. Keep praying and keep preaching. Someone will hear.

Embrace God's Mercy! - Romans 9:17-33

Paul discusses God's justice and mercy. Mercy is God not giving me what I deserve. I deserve immediate and severe judgment for my sin.

1. Mercy Revealed - God is a merciful God, all are shown His mercy
2. Mercy Refused - Men refuse God's mercy and go on in their pride
3. Mercy Received - Mercy received in humility brings grace

Every moment of life is a token of God's mercy. I can refuse or receive it. God is just to not extend it. If God extends mercy I must receive while I can or become hardened.

Walk with the Lord and embrace God's mercy!!!

Enjoy Freedom In The Spirit! - Romans 8:12-25

Where the Spirit of God is there is liberty! (2 Corinthians 3:17).

1. Freedom from judgment - no condemnation! - v.1-4
2. Freedom from defeat - no obligation! - v.5-17
3. Freedom from discouragement - no frustration! - v.18-30
4. Freedom from fear - no separation! - v.31-39

I am free to live victoriously by yielding to the Holy Spirit who dwells in me. I am free to escape frustration by embracing the hope and the help of the Holy Spirit as God uses suffering for good now and turns it to glory when Christ returns!

Walk with the Lord and enjoy freedom in the Spirit!!!

Romans 7:4-25

In the verses we are considering today Paul is bringing out the conflict of the two natures of a person who believes in Jesus. We call those two natures flesh and spirit. The spiritual part of us is energized by the Holy Spirit. The other part (the flesh) can be tempted to sin. Someone said once it is like two dogs fighting each other. Which one wins? The one I feed. Until we find Christ and accept Him we have only the sin nature. There is no turmoil, but we only want to satisfy ourselves and our old sinful nature. Then Christ comes in and we are born again. The Holy Spirit comes to live within us. Then the war starts. Part (the flesh) wants to satisfy our former sinful way. The other part which Paul calls the mind wants to go the way of God. No wonder Paul says, " O wretched man that I am." The only victory is to surrender to the ways of God in Christ.

Yield To God! - Romans 6:13-23

When we yield to God, He produces certain results in our lives.

1. Fullness - "as those that are alive from the dead"
2. Freedom - "free"
3. Fruit - "fruit"

Through the sanctification process of "know", "reckon" and "yield" God produces these results in my life. Take care of my responsibility and God will always be faithful with His.

Walk with the Lord and yield to God!!!

Complete Forgiveness! - Romans 5:1-11

Through the work of Jesus Christ complete justification is available to all.

1. Full Forgiveness - "being justified"
2. Free Forgiveness - "by faith"
3. Final Forgiveness - "through our Lord Jesus Christ"

My salvation is complete in Christ!
1. Rest - enjoy the peace of God
2. Rejoice - give thanks and praise to God
3. Repeat - tell others the good news

Walk with the Lord and know the peace of complete forgiveness!!!

Romans 4:1-12

There verses are Paul's declaration about faith apart from works. He speaks about Abraham, the true father of all who are faithful. Abraham believed God and it was counted for righteousness.
If we think we need to work for salvation we owe a debt that cannot be paid if it were for a lifetime of work. We have a direct quote from David, the psalmist (Psalm 32), "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered." This means that our sin is not put on our own books if we belong to Christ.
Abraham is the spiritual father of all who have faith in Christ whether Jew or Gentile. According to this, I am considering Abraham my father too. Though half German, and half other nationalities, it was the greater Son of Abraham and David; Jesus Christ who set me free. As they say in the program Unshackled, "If the Son shall set you free, you shall be free indeed!"

Use The Law Properly! - Romans 3:9-20

This passage gives us a correct understanding of the law. Though the law was advantageous in knowing about God and His ways, it did not make a person "better" than someone without the law.

1. Conclusion - all are guilty
2. Collapse- does not justify
3. Creation - brings a knowledge of sin

The law is important and can be beneficial but must be used properly.

Walk with the Lord and use the law properly!!!

Exercise Your Conscience! - Romans 2:1-16

This passage deals with the conscience.

1. Identify your conscience
2. Purify your conscience
3. Fortify your conscience

The conscience can be ignored, seared or corrupted in a negative way. Instead, I must exercise my conscience to discern good and evil. I must also keep a clear conscience to avoid deception and experience God's freedom and joy.

Walk with the Lord and exercise your conscience!!!

Romans 1:8-17

First of all the Christians at Rome, the seat of the empire, had a faith that was spoken of throughout the world. I want that kind of faith though I don't have any world prominence. Their faith was real and obvious as mine ought to be. Paul had never been to Rome but he wanted to come there to impact a spiritual gift to establish them in a mutual faith. Paul was the kind of a person that wanted to aid in their spiritual growth. We must remember that the New Testament was not yet fully written and put together as we have it today. Then we have these wonderful word, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ." Why don't we talk about it before unbelievers? Why are Christians so silent? It is the power of God unto salvation. Why not talk about it? Why not let people know where we stand? In this gospel the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. This means a growing faith. It was this next phrase that set Martin Luther off to start the reformation. The just shall live by faith. That is where I live. Do you live there, too?

Love God's Word! - Psalm 119:169-176

As this psalm concludes the writer shares 3 things that a love for God's Word will bring in my life.

1. Deliverance from God
2. Delight in God
3. Dependence on God

The Word of God is truth! The Word of God is tried! The Word of God is treasure!

Walk with the Lord and love God's Word!!!

Psalm 119:129-136

Here the palmist begins with the fact that the Lord's testimonies are wonderful. There is nothing in this world to compare to the word of God. Light is given to the soul when God's word is taken in and by the word of God understanding is given. It is almost to this man a comparison of a cold drink to a thirsty soul. The next verse is one that is not particularly about the word. It is about loving God's name. We need to walk close, almost step by step, mingling our hearts with the heart of God. The word can order our steps if we allow it. Then iniquity will not have dominion (power or contol) over us. The psalmist wants to be delivered from the oppression of man so he can keep the precepts of God. He wants God to teach him His statutes. In the New Testament we have the indwelling and inworking Holy Spirit as our divine teacher. In the last verse of this section, how do we feel when fellow humans do not want to keep God's word? Do we feel like weeping or is it passed by without a thought? This is an excellent barometer of our condiiton of the soul.

Plead For Guidance! - Psalm 119:33-40

In this section, the psalmist makes several pleas for God's guidance.

1. Teach Me -
2. Train Me -
3. Turn Me -

I need God to teach me so that my understanding goes beyond just factual knowledge. I need God to train me or discipline me in the way of His Word. I need God to turn me from evil to the path of righteousness.

Walk with the Lord and plead for God's guidance!!!

Psalm 119:17-24

This is the first writing I have done of the 119th Psalm and I must say that every verse in this section is about the Word of God. It reminds me of Hebrews 4:12 where it is stated, "For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword.."
The first desire of this man was to be able to keep God's Word. He also wanted a vision to be able to behold wondrous things from God's law. He then wanted God to somehow make His commandments plain to him. Sometimes they could almost seem hidden and we have to find the truth of them. There are those who err from God's commands who this man calls proud.
The next verse speaks of the man keeping God's testimonies. Next is meditation on God's Word. We can't get it all at once. We must ponder it and bring its truth into our very being. This is what meditation really is.
The last part here is the man's delight in the Word and if we are in it enough it becomes our counselor. You notice that the Word of God is used in many ways. We can use it that way too.

Keep God's Word! - Psalm 119:1-8

This Psalm challenges us with the right approach to God's Word.

1. Respect God's Word
2. Learn God's Word
3. Walk in God's Word
4. Keep God's Word

By respecting, learning and walking in God's Word, I keep or continually observe God's Word.

Walk with the Lord and keep God's Word !!!

Psalm 115:1-18

I wonder what the psalmist meant when he wrote "not unto us, but unto thy name give glory." There was a time when Israel was an exalted nation during the time of David and Solomon. There was a time when the USA was also exalted when God was worshipped in truth. Now one could almost say,"Where is now their God?" Israel in those days worshipped their idols of silver and gold. The psalmist is sarcastic about them having all the characteristics of humans, but there is nothing there. There is nothing there at all. People who have idols have them because it makes them comfortable. It is easy to sin when you have an idol because there is no reprimand when sinning. Verses 9 & 10 speak of trusting in the Lord because He is their help and their shield. We have a living God who is in total control. We have a God who owns the heaven of the heavens. The earth was given to the children of men. We better be careful what we do in it and how we act in it. The last verse states this "We will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. We must be in frame of mind and the condition of heart to praise Him.

Rejoice In The Lord! - Isaiah 66:10-24

God reminds Israel of all that they should rejoice over through their covenant relationship with Him.

1. Pardon
2. Peace
3. Protection
4. Provision
5. Prosperity
6. Presence
7. Purpose

Walk with the Lord and rejoice in Him!!!

Experience The Glory Of The Kingdom! - Isaiah 60:19-61:3

God gives more of the details of His glory and the glory of His kingdom.

1. Greater than other gods.
2. Greater in human experience.
3. Greater in scope and capacity.

Those who receive God's Son, Jesus Christ will experience the ultimate glory of God and His kingdom.

Walk with the Lord and experience the glory of His kingdom!!!

Isaiah 59:1-2, 12-21

First of all we can never say that God is shorthanded. As we look out over the world today it may look that way. And can God hear? He who made the ear, can He not hear? People are separated from God because of sins. A repentant spirit and faith in Jesus Christ can bring us near. There is a clause stating that "truth is fallen in the street and equity cannot enter." What was true of Israel of that day can be said of the United States today. The arm of the LORD in verses 1 & 16 is a typical name for the Lord Jesus Christ. We have already seen that same term in chapter 33:1-2. There we see Him dying for the sins of the people. It was true of Him that He put on righteousness as a breastplate and a helmet of salvation. The last part which is garments of vengeance and zeal as a cloak will come at His second coming. The part in verse 20 about the redeemer coming to Zion is more true of Christ's second coming. He did come to be the sacrifice for sins the first time. At this stated time the Jews will look on Him who they pierced and mourn that they were so long in disbelief. This Jesus who will be their Savior then can be your Savior now. Accept Him today in true repentance.

Receive The Blessings Of Righteousness! - Isaiah 57:15-21

God declares the blessings of righteousness for all who are willing to come to Him in obedience and faith.

1. Proclamation
2. Pardon
3. Peace

I must recognize God for who He is and humble myself to receive His pardon and peace!

Walk with the Lord and receive the blessings of righteousness!!!

See The Suffering Savior! - Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Isaiah prophesied of a suffering Savior.

1. The Savior's Timing
2. The Savior's Torture
3. The Savior's Triumph

This prophecy was fulfilled exactly as Isaiah foretold. Jesus Christ took all the suffering for sin that I deserved. God's wrath was fully satisfied by the payment of Jesus Christ.

The suffering servant became my Savior by taking my sin upon himself!

Walk with the Lord and see the suffering Savior!!!

Isiah 51:1-16

In verse 3 the prophet is speaking of comfort for Israel and the desert blossoming like the garden of the Lord. All of this is in the future. Israel was made a desert because of their disobedience. It was a land flowing with milk and honey when they came into the land many years before.All of these verses speak of comfort after complete desolation.
In verse 9 we have the term "arm of the Lord". This is non other than a term meaning the Lord Jesus Christ as we find more plainly in Chapter 53. In verse 11 we find the return of the redeemed to Zion. This will not happen until Christ comes to rule which will happen according to Revelation 19. In verse 15 God speaks of Himself as the One who divided the sea. He will do all of this and much more in the future.Now this is the One I worship today. This is the same one who came into this world as a man in the person of Jesus to pay for Israel's sins, as well as yours and mine too. If you will let Him be your Savior, accept Him today.

Isaiah 49:1-13

God has chosen Israel as a nation to glorify Himself in and through them. His intent is for His light to shine to the ends of the earth through His people.

As a Gentile, I praise God that salvation has come to me, to my wife, and so far two of my children. As a child of God (and the seed of Abraham by faith), I must make it my ambition to glorify God by doing my part in seeing His salvation spread to the ends of the earth.

Sharing the Gospel with others is a way that we can glorify God!

God's Glory Is At Stake! - Isaiah 48:1-11

In this passage God reviews His choosing and calling of the nation of Israel.

1. The Process
2. The Promise
3. The Purpose

It's all about God's glory! He will be glorified in mercy and blessing or in justice and judgment! Give Him glory in the process!

Walk with the Lord, His glory is at stake!!!

Worship The True God! - Isaiah 44:6-8, 21-24

God has revealed Himself as the one, true God! In this passage He reminds Israel who He is and the folly of looking to false gods.

1. Alive - The true God sees, hears, knows, loves, responds, etc.
2. Active - Creator, Redeemer
3. Alert - Knows needs
4. Above - Creator not created
5. Alone - Set apart from all other

Worship and serve the one true God!

Walk with the Lord and worship the true God!!!

Isaiah 43:14-25 "For My Name's Sake"

Two key verses today:

vs. 21 "This people have I formed for Myself; they shall shew forth My praise."

vs. 25 "I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."

We were created for Him! Make it your ambition today to declare His glory!

Get With The Program! - Isaiah 42:1-9

God reaffirms His desire and eternal plan.

1. God's Person - Christ - servant
2. God's Program - compassion - redemption
3. God's Passion - concern - glory

God's passion is to be glorified in the person and work of His Son and through the program of redemption of lost sinners.

Walk with the Lord and get with the program!!!

Isaiah 40:21-31

There is a song, "How big is God! Big enough to fill the mighty universe, yet small enough to live within my heart." These verses speak of the greatness of God. We have such terms as men in the eyes of God as grasshoppers. Stretching the heavens as a curtain, bringing princes to nothing. Then we are told to lift up our eyes on high to observe the vast universe. All the word of His hand. Now we have a direct word for Israel. Notice the name Jacob is used. It was Jacob who wanted everything he could get, even cheating to get an advantage. He later said, "All these things are against me." Now the nation was tempted to say God had forgotten them. He is the Creator of the very ends of the earth. He does not faint, nor is weary. There is no searching of His understanding. In short, He has it all together. He gives power to the faint. He gives strength when we have no might. The best of the earth (youth and young men) will eventually fail, but those who wait on the Lord will mount up with wings (glide) as eagles. You will see them rising up and then just gliding along. This means running and not being weary and not fainting when exerting ourselves overly as we walk. These things cannot be explained in mere physical terms, but spiritual.

Stay Encouraged! - Isaiah 35:1-10

God gave encouragement to His people through the prophet.

1. For Despair
2. For Doubt
3. For Defeat

God's promises bring encouragement to the longing heart as we wait for His return.

Walk with the Lord and stay encouraged!!!

Avoid The Judgment Of God! - Isaiah 30:8-18

This passage speaks of the judgment of God.

1. Deserved - Israel had rebelled so have we all
2. Declared - God had pronounced that judgment would come
3. Described - God gave the details of judgment
4. Designed - God carried out specific plans for specific people

The judgment of God is not haphazard but designed to accomplish His purpose for our good and His glory!

Walk with the Lord and avoid judgment!!!

Know His Peace! - Isaiah 26:1-9,19-21

God shares the secrets of experiencing His peace through Isaiah.

1. Habitual thinking
2. Hopeful trusting
3. Helpful telling

As we think about God's person, trust in God's promises and speak of God's plans He will fill our hearts with His peace.

Walk with the Lord and know His peace!!!

Stay Submissive! - Isaiah 13:9-20

Isaiah 13 and 14 describe the downfall and destruction of Babylon.

1. Rebellion
2. Religion
3. Retribution

Rebellion from the true God and His ways leads to religion (man going his own way and being his own god). Religion leads to retribution because the true God always judges idolatry and false worship.

I must submit to God and resist the devil and his temptation to rebel!

Walk with the Lord and stay in submission!!!

Isaiah 11:1-12

There is an interesting meaning in that first verse. I cut down as ash tree when the storm damaged it. For the first so many years it produced stems out of that root or stump. That is the very thing spoken of about Christ here. He is that rod or branch coming out of its cut down stump of David.Notice how all these qualities rest upon Him by the Spirit of God. One of the chief qualities of Christ both past and future is that He will have perfect judgment, and not after the human seeing of the eye or the hearing of the ear. With only these we can not only be partial, but very wrong in our judgment. These kinds of mistakes were not made by Christ in the past, and will not be made by Him in the future.In that day even the animal kingdom will be different and completely at peace and will be harmless even to a child.He is again mentioned as a root of Jesse which will bring peace on earth and a regathering from the nations into the land of Israel. All of this I see in our Lord Jesus Christ which I have the privilege of worshiping right now. Israel's glorious time is coming. We can have Him right now. Are you making the most of your relationship right now?

Walk In The Light! -Isaiah 8:19-9:7

God charged that the people had removed themselves from the light and had sought other sources for truth that were darkness.

1. Light removed
2. Light revealed
3. Light restored

Jesus Christ is the light of the world! Walk in Him!

Walk with the Lord and walk in the Light!!!

Isaiah 8:5-18 - A Stone of Stumbling, A God to be Feared

There are two sets of opposites for us to find in today's passage.

1.) God is with us.
In verses 6-8, Judah is told of the Assyrians coming to "stretch out his wings" and fill the land.
These verses end with "O Emmanuel" God is with us. Remember the promise made of the virgin bearing a son and calling him Emmanuel? Jesus was not going to be born in the proud nation of Israel. He was to be born into a land controlled by another gentile nation.
In verses 9-10, the nations are warned that attacking God's people would bring about God's consequences...for "God is with us" (Emmanuel) How little they had to offer their Messiah when He came...and yet how blessed they are to have a God who has chosen them as His people.

2.) Fearing God rather than men.
Isaiah prophesies in verses 14-15 concerning the stumbling stone and rock of offense. The Jewish people held to their traditions in such a way that Jesus' appearance to them was not received as it should have been. Jews still today are stumbling over the Rock of offense. But not Isaiah, he chose the fear of the Lord, regardless of man's threats.

Let's be like Isaiah and fear the LORD. What His Word says is ALWAYS the standard. We should not stand on our opinions, our feelings, or the words and intimidations of others. Fear the Lord your God.

Be Prepared To Serve! - Isaiah 6:1-13

Isaiah was prepared for service by seeing three things.

1. Vision of Sovereign. v.1
2. Vision of Self. v.5
3. Vision of Service. v.8

I need to see God in the beauty of His holiness. I need to see myself in the uselessness of my sinfulness. I need to see the need in the priority of God's faithfulness.

Walk with the Lord and be prepared to serve!!!

Isiah 4:2-6

The thing that needs to be seen in the book of Isaiah is that great care needs to be taken as to just when these prophecies speak of. Notice it says "in that day." He is speaking of a certain time. We cannot say that this is our time of the so called church age which is not specifically spoken about in the Old Testament. So it must be prophetically beyond us.
The branch of the Lord of course is the Lord Jesus which we could call a shoot coming off the cut down stump of David. Christ is glorious and His fruit excellent and comely because they will be redeemed of Israel when Christ comes in His splendor at His second advent.
The remaining Israelites will then be called Holy, for He will have washed away the filth of the nation. Some of the signs of God's presence of that day will be the same as the road through the wilderness the cloud by day and fire by night.
Even though we as the Gentile church cannot find our place in these verses we can rejoice in the future glory of Israel. The Bible does say that we will reign with Christ if we put our trust in the finished work of Christ now.

Share In The Ministry! - Philippians 4:14-23

Paul expressed gratitude to the church for helping him in the ministry and encouraged them that God would supply all their need.

1. Fellowship - This church shared in the ministry by giving.
2. Fruit - This church shared in the reward of souls saved.
3. Faith - This church shared in the promise that God would supply all their need.

Those who share in the ministry share in the reward. Those who share in the sacrifice share in the supply. Share in the ministry by giving to others today!

Walk with the Lord and share in the ministry today!!!

Follow The High Calling Of God! - Philippians 3:15-21

Paul challenged all believers to follow his example of passionately following Christ.

1. Same mind - valuing Christ
2. Same walk - following Christ
3. Same look - waiting for Christ

Follow the example of others who followed Christ - set an example for others to follow Christ!

Walk with the Lord and follow the high calling of God!!!

Philippians 3:1-6

In all these verses Paul is urging the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord and stop putting our confidence in earthly principles as to who I am naturally. I may be smart enough to be a PHD or I may just be dumb. It is not who I am or what I am. It is who Christ is and what He has done for us. When I compare what great lengths He has gone through for me, what kind of pedigree could I possibly boast of. Paul could boast of his credentials if he were still in the religion of the Old Testament, but now that Christ came on the scene all that has changed. After Christ came to pay for our sins we are all one and there is no room for boasting as to who we are. The real challenge comes when Paul explains we are all one, and no one is better than the other. There are degrees of education, but that has nothing to do with who we are in Christ. So I am to humbly go on with what God has given me, preach Christ when and where I can. My chief aim is not to present myself but Christ.

Building Others Faith! - Pilippians 2:17-23

Paul shared the elements necessary for building u the faith of others.

1. Sacrifice - willing to be purified by the pouring out process
2. Service - practicing meeting needs of others
3. Surrender - yielding personal rights to God

How will my life build up the faith of those around me?

Walk with the Lord and build up others faith!!!

Strive For The Gospel! - Philippians 1:22-30

Paul was consumed with Christ and the Gospel. Paul desired the church to have this same burden. "Striving together for the faith of the gospel", we must:

1. Demonstrate the Gospel
2. Declare the Gospel
3. Defend the Gospel

Walk with the Lord and strive for the Gospel!!!

Philippians 1:8-14

Pardon me if I may back up to a verse that is not in our section for today and that is verse 6. "He that begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus". If the work of God is real in us there is eternal existence for you as a child of God. Now as to today's verses we have some interesting terms. First of all Paul longed for these Christians from his prison in Rome. We could go back to Acts 16 and see the beginning of this group of believers and see why he would long for them. We now see terms like abounding in love and in knowledge and judgement very useful in a godly life. Next approving things that are excellent, sincerity and not offensive in our life with others. It is easy to have a critical spirit toward our fellow Christians. Paul is not bemoaning the fact that he is a prisoner in Rome. He said it was for the furtherance of the Gospel. It seems how he handled himself in this way made others bold to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. A lesson to me is to uses adverse circumstances in a way that others would be emboldened to live and speak for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let The River Flow! - Ezekiel 47:1-12

During the millennial reign of Christ a river of water that will bring life to that which was previously dead will flow out from the temple. This is symbolic of the Holy Spirit flowing out of me as a believer! Today God dwells in me in the person of the Holy Spirit and through me He shares the message of eternal life. I need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit and the new life He has given me.

Walk with the Lord and let the river flow!!!

Sow To The Spirit! - Ezekiel 39:1-16

God is sovereign! 1. In His Position 2. In His Power 3. In His Purpose God cannot and will not be mocked. Whatever a man or a nation sows they will reap. The nations used to discipline Israel thought they were in control and that they would never be held accountable for their actions. The law of sowing and reaping is true in my life. Sow to the Spirit today! Walk with the Lord and sow to the Spirit!!!

Ezekiel 38:1-12

As I write this I don't intend to identify all the nationalities mentioned in these verses. Whoever reads this can do your own research on that. However, I sincerely believe the present unrest will eventually have something to do with the prophesy of Ezekiel here. What seems to be today is a peaceful nation Israel surrounded by a sea of people in complete unrest, many of them as haters of Israel. In these verses we notice three directions, the north, the east and the south. There are other factors if we read the rest of the chapter along with chapter 39.
I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and lead you out. By this phrase you will notice who is in control. God who inspired Ezekiel to write this is always in control, and will remain so. I almost feel like Paul Harvey with the rest of the story. Who will win? Israel in the providence of God.
Now what attitude should we have? We need to fall in line, because God will have His way. We must trust Christ who will eventually be given complete control. I must let Him have complete control of my life. You must too.

Hear The Testimony Of Dry Bones! - Ezekiel 37:1-14

God gives the future prospects of Israel using an illustration of dry bones. 1. Bones gathered 2. Bones covered 3. Bones resurrected Israel would be gathered as a people through a series of events. They would then be covered with flesh and finally be raised after receiving the breath of life. No matter how bleak the situation God is able and faithful to keep His Word! All of God's promises are perfect, powerful and precious. Trust and obey! Walk with the Lord and hear the testimony of dry bones!!!

Ezekial 36:16-38 - Be Ashamed and Confounded

God tells Ezekiel that the judgment Israel has received was a result of their disobedience to Him. As a result of the actions of the Israelites, God's name was profaned in the world. God deserves to be glorified. He MUST be glorified. So, God was going to restore Israel to its land and bless them again. Not because they deserved it. Not because He owed it to them. He planned to restore Israel so that the nations would know that He is the LORD! God knew what the Israelites would do...we humans are so prone to think that when any good comes into our lives, it is because God has finally seen our plight and rewarded us accordingly (as if He had been sleeping or missing the mark!). This is wrong thinking. God tells the Israelites to be ashamed and confounded. The people were to be confounded about the idea that God would bless them so greatly as wicked as they had been. How could a just God give so much good to those who have been so wicked?!? He shows grace to the wicked FOR HIS GLORY! By the way...we are all wicked...none of us deserve all the good things that we have. How could a just God give me, a wicked sinner, all the blessings I have, even life eternal?!? To God be the GLORY, great things He has done!

Ezekiel 34:1-16

These verses speak of two things. First of all God is saying something against the Shepherds of Israel. The analogy is that Israel was God's flock, and a certain amount of the elderly men were appointed shepherds of His flock. Here God accuses them of feeding themselves and letting the people go without proper care and food.
The later verses speak of the fact that because of the lack of care from the shepherds the sheep (Israel) was scattered and they would be brought back to their land, but God would bring severe judgment on those false shepherds.
Now lets transfer this truth to our present dispensation, to the people who are known as the pastors of God's flock today, mostly consisting of Gentiles not Israelites. By the way I consider myself as one of the pastors of the so called flock of God. We must judge ourselves and keep these things in mind, or else we will be severely judged. Am I making myself fat at the expense of true shepherding and the needs of the flock of God? If so I must take heed and change my ways. I call on all pastors to examine their ways and make the necessary corrections. If you are given any responsibility in the church, examine your motives and make necessary changes.

Keep The Right Focus! - Ezekiel 33:10-20

Ezekiel is reminded of God's true focus and where He wants us to focus. 1. God's Focus - No delight in judgment, wants all to obey and be blessed 2. God's Forgiveness - Grace and mercy toward anyone who will turn to obedience 3. God's Fitness - God is the perfect (equal) balance of mercy and justice Leave judgment to God. Focus on obedience in my walk and on obedience to my watchman responsibilities! Walk with the Lord and keep the right focus!!!

Trust God's Word! - Ezekiel 26:1-14

The specific judgments on Tyre have all been fulfilled and remain true to this day. Fulfilled prophecy shows God's: 1. Sovereignty 2. Holiness 3. Faithfulness The Word of God is accurate and true. The present promises and future prophecies will all be fulfilled in the same way. Walk with the Lord and trust God's Word!!!

Ezekiel 20:33-44

To me this is a prophesy about the nation Israel that goes far into the future just prior to what we call the second advent of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here the One who speaks through Ezekiel uses terms like His mighty hand and His outstretched arm and notice the phrase, "I will rule over you." God uses the phrase, "I will plead my case with you just as I pleaded my case with your fathers in the wilderness when they come out of Egypt." Can't you look back and see how God strove with them for the forty years? They were just a bunch of rebels. The people of Ezekiel's day were that too if we read the whole book. I see a turning point from verse 40-44. God's holy mount is the city of Jerusalem. It is there God will require your sacrifices and accept you as a sweet aroma. He says that He will gather them from all the countries where they were scattered. God says He will be hallowed in them before the Gentiles. To me this is the total fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. In verse 43 is a prediction of a national repentance when the Israelites are brought back to the land. They will remember their ways and loathe themselves. This may be connected with Zechariah 12:10 where Christ says, "They shall look on me whom they pierced and mourn." Verse 44 says, "Then you shall know that I am the LORD and I have dealt with you for my names sake." This reminds me of Psalm 23:3, "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake." Now I must ask myself and you must too. Are you walking in the path of righteousness for His names sake?

Avoid Generational Sin! - Ezekiel 20:1-16

In Ezekiel 20, God reviews the rebellious heritage of the current generation.

1. Identification - Each generation identifies with or is characterized by obedience or disobedience.
2. Influence - Each generation receives and gives influence.
3. Imitation - Each generation chooses whether or not to imitate the previous generation.

I am responsible for my choices and for my influence. I must do all I can to avoid wrong influence and to provide right influence to the next generation.

Walk with the Lord and avoid generational sin!!!

Be Faithful In Trouble! - Ezekiel 14:12-23

This passage lists three men who responded rightly to difficult situations.

1. Noah - faithful obedience
2. Daniel - faithful influence
3. Job - faithful perseverance

Proverbs says confidence in an unfaithful man is like a foot out of joint. I want to be a man that God can depend on in a time of trouble. We are certainly living in troubled times. I must faithfully obey God, faithfully be salt and light to those around me and faithfully persevere in trials.

Walk with the Lord and be faithful in trouble!!!

I AM: You Must Turn - Ezekiel 14:1-11

In today's passage the elders of Israel are rebuked and exhorted to leave the false idols in their hearts and to turn back to the Lord.  Why would the elders have to turn?  Remember in Chapter 8 when God was showing Ezekiel examples of the nation's (including the elders') idolatrous worship, the people's backs were turned to God as they bowed down.  They had literally turned their back on the presence of God.  Repentance means to turn.  When we repent, we turn away from our sin and move toward where God wants us to be...in fellowship with Him.  When we sin (even sins of the heart) our hearts are turn away from the Lord.  We must repent.

God gave the elders a strong ultimatum.  He told the elders that if they ever made a prophet prophecy in their "flavor" (against the truth and righteousness of God) He would strike them down.  He reminded them that Israel would be His people and He will be their God.  It wasn't a matter of IF God was going to do what He said.  It was a matter of whether the people were going to be on His side, with their backs turned to wickedness.

What have you chosen?

Ezekiel 13:1-9, 20-23

In the Old Testament and especially in the book of Ezekiel there are two kinds of prophets. They are the ones truly sent by God faithful to the word given to them by God, and those who just make up something and say that God sent them. It is these that Ezekiel tells us about in today's verses. They prophesy out of their own heart, but you couldn't call it a converted heart. They were there in the days of Jeremiah too. It seems they always say the opposite of what God is going to do. They talk about a way out of a calamity when there is no way out. Another phrase worth noting is that they follow their own spirit. All true prophets acknowledge that the movement of prophesy is from the Spirit of God, the same Spirit that is to move us if we are children of God. In those days prophets were what we might call forth tellers yet what they said was to square up with all the rest of what is said about the same subject. In our day since the whole word of God is now complete there is no such thing as someone who claims to be foretelling something God has not already said something about. When I want to judge what someone now says I ask myself one question. Is it true to what is said in the Bible? Since the Bible is complete there are no new things that come from God. My work if I were even to call myself a pastor or even a so called prophet is to take this book, what God has spoken, and properly interpret it and give the truth of it to the people of God.

Be Part Of God's Remnant! - Ezekiel 11:14-25

In this passage we see:

1. Restitution - God will always judge sin.
2. Remnant - God always has some who remain obedient.
3. Restoration - God will always in the end reward obedience.

Be one of the remnant! Remember God is faithful and will always judge sin and honor obedience!

Walk with the Lord and be part of God's remnant!!!

ICHABOD - Ezekial 10:1-5, 18-22

Yesterday, we read about the people of Jerusalem and how they had literally turned their back on God.  They had put an idol opposite of God's place in the temple.  They had bowed to the sun in the east with their back to the temple.  They had physically and spiritually turned their back on God.  Now, God has given his servant burning coals to scatter over the city and His glory has departed from the temple.  The next time God would make an appearance at the Temple was at the first coming of Christ.

These passages were very convicting to me.  It is so easy to get distracted by other things in the day...but so wrong.  In the mornings, do I get involved with other activities and even reading other material while God's Word is sitting on the table or desk to my back?  What priority have I been giving His Word?  I repented of my negligence and failure to make Him the priority.  I want to encourage you to do the same if you have been like me.

God's presence is in us!  Let's let His light shine so that we may see and better glorify Him and so that others might see and be saved!

Be A Good Watchman! - Ezekiel 3:8-23

This passage shows that I am responsible to warn the righteous and the wicked of the consequences of sin.

If I fail to give warning then I will be responsible to God just as they will be responsible for failing to do what is right.

A good watchman is:

1. Available - Servant to others
2. Alert - Sensitive to danger
3. Active - Skillfully prepared and busy

Warn someone today!

Walk with the Lord and be a good watchman!!!

Ezekiel 1:15-28

When I think about this first vision in the book of Ezekiel, I think of one word, awesome. These verses remind me that we have an awesome God, and those visions of the Cherubim (angelic beings)bring out some of His attributes. You will notice there is a Spirit that moves them, and that moves us, or at least, should move us as Christians as well. I want to ask myself, "Am I moved in that way by the Spirit, also? There is a second part of the vision. As Ezekiel looks up he sees a throne. It was a sapphire studded throne glorious in appearance. Now there is a man on this visionary throne. Could this be the one I know as my Jesus the Christ who I worship? I know this is visionary and as I suppose highly symbolic. He taught us to pray "thy kingdom come." Then last of all there is the rainbow. What brilliance to see the sun come out on a rainy day and see the rainbow. There are two other places where the rainbow is mentioned specifically. The first is after the flood in Noah's time. The last is over the throne of God in Heaven in Revelation 4. Could this be that very throne in this man's vision? If so I believe that the one on that throne is also my Jesus who Peter says in Matthew 16 is the Son of the living God. Ezekiel ends that it is the likeness of the glory of God. How do you react when you think about the glory of God?

Share The New Way! - Luke 24:41-53

The risen Christ gave His last marching orders to the disciples.

1. The new way prophesied - the prophets of the Old testament and Jesus had foretold His coming
2. The new way presented - Jesus had come and modeled their assignment

3. The new way powered - Now we are to go and share the message of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Message:
1. Death over life
2. Weakness over strength
3. Last over first

Walk with the Lord and share the new way!!!

Live In Resurrection Power! - Luke 24:1-12

The most important event in history is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1. Perplexity of the resurrection - The resurrection is in the realm of the supernatural so that men do not naturally believe it or understand it. Most try to disprove it.
2. Prophecy of the resurrection - Jesus Christ predicted with accuracy His resurrection from the dead. This makes the truth even more powerful and is the crowning proof that He is who He claims to be.
3. Proclamation of the resurrection - Once the followers of Jesus knew of the resurrection they began to share it with others and this became the theme of preaching.
4. Power of the resurrection - Peter wondered what this would mean. Because Christ lives, I live and have conquered sin and death and satan in Him!

Share the good news Christ is risen! Live in the power of His resurrection!

Walk with the Lord and live in resurrection power!!!

Luke 23:26-43

The first encounter in these verses is the man Simon who helped Jesus carry that heavy cross. I am familiar with a song we sang in a nursing home about 50 years ago. The lines are this, "Must Jesus bear the cross alone and all the world go free. No there's a cross for everyone, and there's a cross for me." Would you have liked to help Jesus carry that cross up that rugged hill Calvary?
Two of his sons Alexander and Rufus were probably known Christians later on. Then there was the wailing women and what Jesus said to them. These were Jewish ladies. Jesus knew what the Jewish people would go through about twenty years later. The Romans would come and ravage the city and it would prophetically happen on a future date as well as we find recorded in the book of Revelation. Then there is the mocking of the Roman soldiers and the Jews. However, the last of these is the thief who was crucified with Jesus. This is dear to my heart as this is one of five stories in the book of Luke about true repentance. I sometimes read these five stories to people I lead to Christ. As this man looked at Jesus dying on the cross God must have spoken to his heart. This is a story of true repentance. Here he is observing a dying man who he believes has a coming kingdom and after scolding the other jeering man turns to Jesus and says, "Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom." We who are Christians have prayed some kind of a similar prayer. Have you?

Don't Be A Man Pleaser! - Luke 23:1-12

Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin, Pilate and Herod. In each case He was falsely accused and mistreated.

1. Sanhedrin - accused of perverting the nation, stirring up insurrection, wanted Pilate to kill Jesus
2. Pilate - accused of wanting power, wanted Herod to sentence Jesus
3. Herod - accused Jesus of being uncooperative, mocked, beaten and sent back to Pilate

Everyone was willing to do whatever was necessary to gain favor in the eyes of man but not in the eyes of God. I must fear God above all others. Live to please the Lord regardless of the cost or consequences.

Walk with the Lord and don't be a man pleaser!!!

Living For The Kingdom! - Luke 22:21-38

Jesus continued to correct the people's understanding of the kingdom.

1. Point of Entry - Spiritual birth through faith in Christ's sacrifice not physical birth
2. Perspective - Servant hood and humility bring greatness not lording and pride
3. Period - Future not present

Live for God's kingdom not self!

Walk with the Lord and live for God's coming kingdom!!!

Luke 21:20-38

I don't see anything in the past or present that would even come close to what Jesus spoke in these verses. Not the destruction of A.D. 70 and I don't see this in the present situation in the Middle East. If you notice this is just prior to what we call the second coming of Jesus Christ who will take over this world and reign for 1000 years. This is not the Rapture as we Christians must go to Heaven to meet Christ before He comes back to reign. I am eagerly waiting for that day and seeking to get people saved in the meantime. I do believe today's verses go back to Ezekiel 38 & 39. This answers also to Revelation 6 just prior to chapter 19 when Jesus comes back to this world to rule as King. I am waiting for the Rapture which is the next thing on the schedule in the Bible. The question to whoever reads this is, "Are you ready? Is this your delight to see Jesus face to face?"