Making A Difference Daily

Today’s Passage – Deuteronomy 12 – 14 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – 2 Corinthians 9 – 13; Proverbs 5; Psalms 21 – 25)

Read the “0305 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying, Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known; Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you; Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword. And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.” (Deuteronomy 13:12-16)

Good morning. Do you have any other gods in your life? Is there anything in your life that will take you away from the Living GOD, and His Word? Is it sports like Baseball, and Football, and others? Is it people? Is the spew of Whoopi Goldberg more important than the Holy Word of God Almighty? Hobbies? TV? Are you too tired, after watching your late night shows, to get up and read His Word? Do you have any other gods?

“And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:1-6)

All your “little g” gods are taken care of in the first two commandments. God does not like them: they are an abomination to Him. And they should be an abomination to you. LORD help us all to put You first.

Peace.

Today’s Passage – Numbers 11 – 13 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Acts 16 – 18; Proverbs 19; Psalms 96 – 100)

Read the “0219 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.” (Numbers 11:1)

Good morning. If it wasn’t for God’s grace, I would have been burnt up a long time ago. When the people complained, it displeased the LORD, and made Him angry. Know what? It still does.

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:22-26)

The LORD gave us everything we have. The good things come from God; bad things from the devil. Jesus said…

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Bad things are going to happen: in this world you will have tribulation, but…

“It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:22-26)

The Bible says that without faith, it is impossible to please God. When we complain, we are saying: “LORD, do you know what you’re doing?”

Of course He knows what He is doing. When we complain, we are not having (and not showing others) faith in the LORD.

“It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:22-26)

Me and Camille were talking about Melissa. Ten years and three days ago, the LORD saw fit to take her home. February 16, 2012, at 1:15 am early Thursday morning. We cried out to the LORD looking for an answer to the question: why? Because of our complaining to the LORD, we could not see that He answered our prayer: to heal Melissa. No more arthritis pain. No more pain from all the operations she had. And no more cancer.

But best of all, because she received Jesus as her Saviour, we will see her again in heaven. What a reunion that will be. Stop complaining about the life you were dealt because…

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:22-26)

Peace.

Today’s Passage – Leviticus 24 – 25 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – John 17 – 18; Proverbs 12; Psalms 61 – 65)

Read the “0212 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually. Without the vail of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening unto the morning before the LORD continually: it shall be a statute for ever in your generations. He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the LORD continually.” (Leviticus 24:1-4)

Good morning. Under all the badger skins, the inside of the tabernacle was dark: impossible for the priests to see. God provided light. The light came from lamps on a candlestick of gold. We can see from this passage three facts about the lamps.

1) The lamps used pure olive oil for fuel, so they would burn pure: a pure source of light.

2) The lamps burned continually, and God wanted and made them to do so.

3) The lamps were ordered by the High Priest: he would keep them from extinguishing, and made sure they were in the right position.

We are like the candlestick of the tabernacle.

1) We have a Pure Source of Light.

Jesus said…

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:4-5)

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

2) Jesus is to shine though us continually.

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

3) Our Lamps are ordered by our High Priest.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

We are here for God’s service: to do His will. We will be able to worship God better, and do everything better in Heaven… eccept one thing: tell others about Jesus.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

Go.

Peace.

Today’s Passage – Leviticus 8 – 10 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – John 3 – 4; Proverbs 5; Psalms 26 – 30)

Read the “0205 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread; And gather thou all the congregation together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Moses did as the LORD commanded him; and the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Moses said unto the congregation, This is the thing which the LORD commanded to be done.” (Leviticus 8:1-5)

Good morning. Today reading is from Leviticus chapters 8, 9, and 10. In Leviticus chapter 8, Moses did all the work of offering up the sacrifice for the concecration of Aaron and his sons. In chapter 9, once Aaron and his sons were concecrated, they did the work of offering up the sacrifice for the people. Those sacrifices were acceptable to the LORD.

“And he said unto Aaron, Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before the LORD. And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering; Also a bullock and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before the LORD; and a meat offering mingled with oil: for to day the LORD will appear unto you.” (Leviticus 9:2-4)

“And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings. And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.” (Leviticus 9:22-24)

For the sacrifice to be acceptable, everything had to be done God’s way, according to His instructions. In chapter 10, we see what happens when it is not. Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s sons, offer up strange fire.

“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.” (Leviticus 10:1-3)

And it has been this way since the beginning of sin…

“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” (Genesis 3:21)

…God took an innocent animal, killed it, and made coats from the skin to cover up their nakedness. This was the first sacrifice, and God did the work. Now Moses had Aaron for the hight priest, to offer sacrifices for the people. God gave Himself to be our High Priest, our Sacrifice, and our Saviour.

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:9-18)

Now, as Christians, we need to tell others about what Jesus did for us: about His Sacrifice for our sins…

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:45-49)

“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21)

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

This is our part in God’s perfect plan, but it must be the Gospel according to God’s Word…

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.” (1Corinthians 15:1-11)

That is God’s plan: nothing but the blood of Jesus. It’s not Jesus and Mary: it’s nothing but the blood. If you are Mormon then your Jesus is wrong. They believe His blood cannot cleanse all sin: there are sins that your own blood needs to be shed for. But it is nothing but the blood of Jesus that can save you: His sacrifice for your sins. There are many other religions that only consider Jesus as a Prophet and not the Saviour, or they don’t consider the Lord Jesus Christ at all. A false gospel will lead you nowhere except to Hell. For Heaven, it is Jesus only: nothing but the blood. Remember Naab and Abihu: strange fire, as well as a strange gospel will lead to death. It’s nothing but the blood.

Peace.

Today’s Passage – Exodus 28 – 29(Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Luke 13 – 14; Proverbs 29; Psalms 141 – 145)

Read the “0129 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the LORD their God.” (Exodus 29:45-46)

Good morning. Do you know? The LORD had a perfect way, a completed way of showing His love to Israel. In verse 28, God shows us how the LORD clothed Aaron and his sons. A beautiful gem-stone represented each one of the tribes of Israel. They were kept in a holder that held them close to Aaron’s heart.

At the close of chapter 29, God gives us three glimpses of who God is to Israel. In verse 29, God said of Israel that…

1) They shall know that I am the LORD their God.

They knew Him. They knew God. They watched as God sent His plagues on Egypt for them. The could see how the LORD their God preserved them in the midst of their afflictions. When we look, we can see that we can know the LORD also. Philippians chapter 3 tells us…

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” Philippians 3:8-11)

And in John chapter 10, Jesus tells us…

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” (John 10:14)

Not only would Israel know God, but…

2) They shall know that I freed them from bondage.

From a life of slavery, and impossible tasks, like making bricks without straw. God was there to help Israel perservere, all the way up to the time Pharaoh would kick them out of Egypt. The LORD even had Pharaoh and his army follow Israel down ito the Red Sea at the crossing. And God got His glory on Pharaoh as He said He would. I can almost picture Yul Brenner looking up as the wave was about to break over his head saying, “His God is God!”

He did the same for us as He did for Israel. He took us out of the bondage of sin.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12)

“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:18-19)

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:12)

Our sins are gone! No more sin, it was all paid for by the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. But the best was saved for last. And one of the best things that would happen between God and Israel is…

3) That they shall know Me that I may dwell among them.

Just think about walking with God as He walked with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Or as Abraham prepared a meal for the LORD in the cool shade of his tent. Or dinning on the beach with Him and His desciples.

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)

What a day, glorious day, that will be.

Peace.

Today’s Passage – Exodus 7 – 9 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click hereto view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Mark 15 – 16; Proverbs 22; Psalms 106 – 110)

Read the “0122 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth. And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?” (Exodus 9:13-17)

Good morning. As we look about this deteriorating world we live in, we can see a dwindling tolerance for Christianity. Can you think of one word to sum up the problem? How about religion? You can either work your way to God through religion, or have a relationship with God: know Him personally. Here is the problem: there can be only one right way: whose religion is right? Nobody’s…

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23)

Religion is not going to get you to Heaven. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Him. You need to have a relationship, not a religion.

As we see Pharaoh in this passage, he is raised up. God raised him up to demonstrate His great power. Pharaoh may have thought he was the man in charge, but he wasn’t. God has always ruled, and will always rule. Throughout all the plagues Pharaoh went to Moses to ask the Lord to remove them. The only one that would not be removed was the death of the firstborn. Pharaoh would finally let the children of Israel go. But Pharaoh chased after them in his chariots. And God got the glory for freeing His people from bondage in Egypt, as the waters of the Red Sea swept over Pharaoh’s chariots and army.

There is a right way and a wrong way to do things. Jesus said without me, ye can do nothing. God’s way is always the right way. When we do things in our own power, it will only lead to failure. If we have a relationship with the Lord, He will show us the right way to go, and the right thing to do.

Peace.

Today’s Passage – 1 John 3 – 3 John 1 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 121 – 125; Proverbs 25)

Read the “1225 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Merry Christmas and good morning. I hope you slept well. Did the kids bust in your room at 1:00 AM exclaiming that Santa came? But we’re not here to chat about Satan Claws. December 25th is the day we celebrate Emmanuel: Jesus coming in the flesh: God with us! And the reason for the season is told in 1John…

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (1John 4:9-11)

That’s right, beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. This is the Christmas story. The key bringing glad tidings, edifying the brethren, having peace on earth, and good will towards everybody is Jesus: our Emmanuel. Matthew 1:23 quotes Isaiah…

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)

Emmanuel means God with us. God is with us. He is right here, and everywhere. If we would only realize that God is always with us: He hears and sees what we do. Knowing and believing this may help us not to quench and grieve the Holy Spirit. Maybe then we will love others as ourselves. In the homeless ministry it seams that everyone accepts each other as they are. You may only be one step away from being out on the street.

“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” (James 2:1-9)

If Jesus came across someone who was hungry, He fed them. If they were sick, He healed them. If they were naked, He clothed them. Now we may not be able to heal the sick, but we can pray for them. If they are hungry, we can feed them. If the temperature drops, and we see someone shivering in the cold, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, we can give them clothes. If we can’t, we can help those who can. When you come out of a store, and you see a man from the Salvation Army ringing a bell, drop something in the bucket. You can also give an offering to support your church’s food bank, or homeless ministry. What? Don’t have one? You can start one. We carry bags of food with us to give to the homeless as we travel. Pick up a few extra items at the store, remember that any cans should have a ‘pop top’ so they can open them. We also put in tracts, and/or the Gospel of John and Romans. We were able to give five of these out on our way down to Texas. Each day before we start driving, we ask the Lord to open our eyes to any homeless on the way, and He does.

As we close out 2021, let’s strive to be more like Jesus in helping others. And then keep the momentum going in 2022.

Peace on earth, good will to all men!

Today’s Passage – Philemon – Hebrews 4 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 86 – 90; Proverbs 18)

Read the “1218 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Good morning. One more week till Christmas day, the day we celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

1) The Lord Jesus Christ is our great High Priest.

He is always there for us…

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.” (Hebrews 7:25-28)

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:31-39)

2) The Lord Jesus Christ was tempted like us, yet without sin.

“And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.” (Luke 4:1-13)

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but our Lord Jesus, our High Priest, was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

3) The Lord Jesus Christ is waiting for us at His throne.

Waiting for us to come to Him with our praises, and our needs. He is waiting to show us His mercy and grace…

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

Have you found and tasted of the Lord’s mercy and grace yet? If not, ask. Call on His name to save you…

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

Peace.

Today’s Passages – Ephesians 4 – 6 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 51 – 55; Proverbs 11)

Read the “1211 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Good morning. Are you ready to take on the world today? It’s a battle we face every day. Our war starts with the flesh. Our flesh is either too tired, or it’s too cold and wants to stay warm under the covers. Eventually your body does drag itself out of bed, takes a shower, gets dressed, and has breakfast. Now it’s ready to face the world, right? Wrong! Take a look at the passage in Ephesians 6 about putting on the whole armour of God. If I had a favorite punctuation mark it would the colon found at the end of verse 17…

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” (Ephesians 6:17)

This little colon is going add explanation to putting on God’s armour…

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:18-20)

We should always start the day with prayer. Would you go to work naked? Could you drive to the store without a car? How do you think you can face the world without prayer? You can’t, and neither can I. You need your prayer, all the saints need your prayer, and I need your prayer. Start your battle with the world today (and every day) in prayer.
Then pray for me. Pray for me what Paul requested…

“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:19-20)

This is how we all ought to speak. Speak boldly Will you join me? Please pray for me this morning while you are putting on the whole armor of God.

Peace.

Today’s Passages – 1 Corinthians 15 – 16 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 16 – 20; Proverbs 4)

Read the “1204 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Good morning. Another week has passed. Black Friday, Small Store Saturday, and Cyber Monday are all behind us. Only twenty more shopping days till Christmas. Did you get all your Christmas shopping done? Good! You had a victory. That’s what today’s blog is about: VICTORY! We already have the victory, but we don’t realize it. When we don’t realize it, we lose.

I was reminded of an Abbott and Costello skit. They go into an illegal gambling establishment to bet on the horses. This was where they may have gotten the idea for off-track betting. Just remember that legal gambling is just as bad as illegal gambling – only someone else gets to keep your money! Costello places the bet, and a voice comes over the radio…

“And they’re off…”

“The race is over…”

“You lose!”

That was a comedy, so you already knew that Costello was going to lose. Do you know you already have the victory: you are not a loser? 1Corinthians 15 tells us…

“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Corinthians 54-57)

We have the victory! It was given to us by God through our Lord Jesus Christ! Death has no more sting: death cannot hurt us. Death is swallowed up in victory!

How can we know this victory now?

Well, you could… die. And at the rapture of the church, when your corruptible has put on incorruption, and your mortal has put on immortality, your new spiritual body will be with Jesus. That’s victory!

Or (and I prefer this way better) by faith. 1John 5:4 says…

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1John 5:4)

Verse 58 of 1Corinthians 15 tells us the result of this victory through faith…

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1Corinthians 15:58)

We will be stedfast and immovable, standing firm in our faith. God said it; that settles it.

We will be unmoveable. Nothing, and nobody in this world, or any situation for that matter should shake and shatter our faith. We have the victory and greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.

And we will be always abounding in the work of the Lord. Soul winning, tithing (supporting our pastor, the church, and it’s ministries), and what ever the Lord has asked us as individuals to do (teach, edify, be a friend), are some of the works we should be abounding in.

And at the end of verse 58 there is victory: “…forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

That’s victory. Keep on going for the Lord.

Peace.