All posts by broboinhawaii

Bible believing christian worshiping God in Hawaii and Pennsylvania
Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – The Seven Seals

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Read Revelation 6

In 2004, a devastating tsunami swept across the Indian Ocean at the speed of a jet airplane. A train in Sri Lanka was driven off the tracks. A boat off the shore of Thailand was thrown more than a mile inland. Triggered by a magnitude-9.1 earthquake, the tsunami killed nearly 250,000 people.

Natural disasters give us an idea of the catastrophic scenes recorded by John in his vision. In today’s chapter, the Tribulation begins as six of the seven seals are opened. The first four seals reveal the “four horsemen of the apocalypse”—conquest, war, famine or economic disaster, and Death (Zech. 6:1–7). First is a white horse with a rider who is given a bow for conquest (vv. 1–2). Next is a red horse with a rider who is given a sword to take peace from the earth (vv. 3–4). Next is a black horse with a rider who is given scales or balances, representing hunger and poverty (vv. 5–6). Finally, there is a pale horse whose rider is Death itself (vv. 7–8). The color “pale” is best thought of as the color of a corpse. Death is allowed to kill one-quarter of the world’s population.

When the fifth seal is opened, there is a pause in the action (vv.  9–11). Christian martyrs call for justice, lamenting, “How long?” They’re told to wait but assured that the time is drawing near. This scene no doubt provided encouragement to persecuted believers in John’s day and has done so throughout history.

Finally, the sixth seal is opened and, in the words of the Moody Bible Commentary, the world experiences “cosmic upheaval” (vv. 12–17). Though sinners recognize God’s wrath, they do not repent or seek His mercy, but instead foolishly try to hide or escape.

Go Deeper

Psalm 13 and others give us the words to call for God’s help and justice. How do we see these themes in our world today?

Pray with Us

How long, Lord, until You restore all things? Remind us through our reading today that although You will exercise Your wrath, You will also exercise mercy and deliver Your children from evil.

I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals.Revelation 6:1

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – God’s Loving Deeds

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Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story. Psalm 107:2

Today’s Scripture

Psalm 107:1-11, 41-43

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

They sit side by side on Ball Street in my city—the Grand Ideas Garden and the county jail. My friend Joann loved both places. She loved to sit in the garden, thinking about the goodness of God and her love for Him because of what He’d done in her life. She also loved to share with the women in the jail and tell her story of God redeeming her life after many bad choices and wandering far from Him. Often, she would tell me of her passion: her dream that all the women there would someday understand and experience the love of God for them personally.

The psalmist told his fellow Israelites to “tell their story” of how God redeemed them from their enemies (Psalm 107:2). They had “wandered in desert wastelands,” “they were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away” (vv. 4-5). At times they rebelled against God, and He disciplined them (vv. 10-12). Yet every time “they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, . . . he delivered them from their distress” (v. 6). They had much to give God thanks for and to talk about with others. As the Israelites learned, and we can learn also, He has a love that will never let us go.

We too can take opportunities to “ponder the loving deeds of the Lord” toward us (v. 43), give thanks to Him, and tell our own story of His rescue.

Reflect & Pray

What has God done for you to transform your life? Who can you share your story with?

You are so good, and what You’ve done for me is worth telling others about, dear God. Please give me the words and open my mouth to speak about You.

Look at what Scripture says about witnessing to others.

Today’s Insights

The book of Psalms is divided into five books or subsections. Psalm 107 is in Book 5 and celebrates Israel’s salvation history. Much of it is a reminder of the ways that God had delivered Israel time and again in her history. Some have speculated that this psalm may have been written after the Babylonian captivity upon Israel’s return to the land of promise they’d received so many years before. As such, it’s fitting to say, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things” (vv. 8-9). But gratitude isn’t reserved for Israel alone, for God has done loving deeds for all people. Today, as we reflect on His loving deeds to us, we can share our story with others.

 

http://www.odb.org

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Dying Thief

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by John D. Morris, Ph.D.

“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42–43)

One of the most remarkable scriptural passages is that of the “deathbed” conversion of the thief crucified with Jesus. Christ recognized his repentance, forgave his sin, and offered him eternal life as he died. As reflected in the hymn “There Is a Fountain,” salvation comes to sinners who repent, turn from their sin, and believe on Him, without any works involved or strings attached.

The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in his day;
And there may I, though vile as he,
Wash all my sins away.

The “fountain” of blood flowing from the cross produces great rejoicing in those who have acknowledged His lasting work. “With the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19), we can be forgiven and born into His family. We receive the ability for and privilege of living victorious, holy lives. “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

All have chosen sin; all deserve judgment. “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). But because of Him, we can be “justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (v. 24). “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (11:33). JDM

 

 

https://www.icr.org/articles/type/6

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Find Quiet Time

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The [reverent] fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even than much fine gold; they are sweeter also than honey and drippings from the honeycomb.

Psalm 19:9-10 (AMPC)

Sometimes I set aside the entire day just to be with God. I stop everything and seek Him. I know I am not going to hear from God if I don’t get quiet and purpose by that time set aside for Him.

It is so important to have some “down time” to be alone and just sit quietly. You may think you don’t have time, but if somebody was giving out thousand-dollar bills at the mall, you would find time to get there. Don’t use the time to try to figure out something; just be still and available to the Lord’s attention.

Prayer of the Day: God, help me slow down, quiet my heart, and make time for You. Teach me to be still, attentive, and open to hear Your voice, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Seeing More Clearly: Seeing God Clearly

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Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8

Recommended Reading: Revelation 22:1-5

Polishing the mirror on a giant telescope is a complex process. Removing imperfections from the surface is necessary to achieve a clear image. If one of these telescope mirrors was the size of the United States, the tallest “mountain” on the surface would be less than one inch tall.1 The more imperfections removed, the purer the reflection of the heavens will be.

There is also a connection between purity and “seeing” God. Since no one has “seen” God (John 1:18; 1 John 4:12), what did Jesus mean when He said that “the pure in heart . . . shall see God”? Ultimately, believers will see the Lord in His presence (Revelation 22:4), but for now Jesus’ words must be interpreted spiritually. The apostle John wrote that “he who does evil has not seen God” (3 John 11). Meaning the evildoer has not recognized God in His worthiness and righteousness. Just as the imperfections in a telescopic mirror can blur the vision of the heavens, so the imperfections of the heart can blur a true vision of God.

Purpose daily to live with “clean hands and a pure heart” in order to see God and enjoy His presence (Psalm 24:4).

The pure heart is God’s paradise where He delights to walk.
Thomas Watson

  1. SpaceRef, “World’s Most Advanced Mirror for Giant Telescope Completed,” Space News, October 24, 2012.

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – One in Christ

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There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Today’s Scripture

Ephesians 4:1-7

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In January 1967, the town of Winneconne discovered it had been mistakenly omitted from the official Wisconsin state road map, costing the town vital tourist revenue. So the town decided to secede from Wisconsin and become its own sovereign state on July 21 of that year. Some say the secession was a move to embarrass the state government, while others claim it was a tongue-in-cheek act of humor. In any case, months of negotiations resulted in state and town coming together again on July 22, 1967.

Most division isn’t as good-natured or as easily resolved. Division is such a threat that the book of Proverbs lists “the person who stirs up conflict” (6:19) as one of seven things “that are detestable to [God]” (v. 16).

Division may not only cause problems but misrepresents Jesus and His Father. The night before the cross, Christ prayed that His followers would be one in Him, “that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21).

Jesus made it clear that our unity as brothers and sisters in Christ (or lack of it) impacts the world’s belief in Him! Perhaps that’s why Paul told the Ephesians, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). May we allow the Spirit of Christ to make us one—that the world may be drawn to Him.

Reflect & Pray

What are some of the things that can divide you from other believers? How can those potential points of conflict be resolved, so that the body of Christ might know and display unity?

 

Dear Father, please give me a heart for my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Learn how you can cultivate unity within your church and community.

The book of Obadiah is the least read book of the Bible. Check out this offering from Reclaim Today to learn how to apply the teachings of Obadiah.

Today’s Insights

Disunity keeps the church weak and ineffective in its role of making disciples. In John 17, Jesus prayed for unity among believers in Him (vv. 20-23). He knew they’d need each other as they faced trials because of their faith. Paul also had much to say about the importance of unity. In Ephesians 4, he urged believers “to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (v. 1) and to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (v. 3). In Philippians, he called Euodia and Syntyche “to be of the same mind in the Lord” (4:2). Finally, in Colossians he urged his readers to “bear with each other and forgive one another” and “put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (3:13-14). When believers in Christ are unified in love for Him, they bring hope and light to a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16).

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – What to know about the church in Iran

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Where is Christianity in Iran’s history, and where could it be in its future?

The implications of the current Iranian conflict are far-reaching and go well beyond the geopolitical discussions you might hear discussed on social channels or cable news. While our media is focused on international trade outcomes, the White House’s foreign policy, and the prospects of stability for the region, an underrated impact is being felt by the Christian community in Iran. Though it may appear inconsequential on the surface, the Iranian church’s future is intertwined with the nation’s future and ultimately carries eternal significance.

Christianity is a persecuted minority today, but has a pivotal presence in Iran’s history, dating back to the Apostolic days of the church. Tradition holds that Thaddeus and Bartholomew visited modern-day Iran in the decades after the resurrection, even establishing a since-reconstructed monastery around 68 AD. Over the next two millennia, the church took a roller coaster ride. From the Muslim conquest, Ottoman rule, the modern missions movement, and the Iranian revolution to today, the church expanded and contracted, but always persisted.

While God has preserved a remnant of believers since the earliest days of the church, being a follower of Christ in Iran has not been an enviable position. Islam-sanctioned persecution has marked much of Persian history for believers. It is only by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit that anyone would leave behind the “comforts” of Islam for the dangers of Christianity.

Continue reading Denison Forum – What to know about the church in Iran →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Circumstantially Speaking

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 Then Gideon said to God, ‘If you are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as you promised, prove it to me in this way. I will put a wool fleece on the threshing floor tonight. If the fleece is wet with dew in the morning but the ground is dry, then I will know that you are going to help me rescue Israel as you promised.’ 

—Judges 6:36–37

Scripture:

Judges 6:36-37 

God is multilingual. He can speak to us in any number of ways. He speaks to us through His Word, certainly. He speaks to us through prayer. He speaks to us through our conscience. The Bible records several instances in which God spoke to people through dreams and visions.

But God also speaks through circumstances. Although I’m not one to base major life decisions on circumstances alone, there have been times when I’ve sensed that something was the will of God and then had my sense confirmed when things fell into place circumstantially. At other times, circumstances have made it obvious that God was saying no to a particular path or request.

A classic example of God’s speaking through circumstances can be found in His calling of Gideon to rescue the people of Israel. Gideon was an extremely humble man, almost to a fault. He didn’t see himself as a rescuer, and he had a hard time wrapping his head around the notion that God saw him in such a light.

So, he humbly put God to the test. “Then Gideon said to God, ‘If you are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as you promised, prove it to me in this way. I will put a wool fleece on the threshing floor tonight. If the fleece is wet with dew in the morning but the ground is dry, then I will know that you are going to help me rescue Israel as you promised’” (Judges 6:36–37 NLT).

God graciously did as Gideon asked. He intervened ever so slightly in the process of condensation to confirm Gideon’s calling. He spoke through circumstances.

In the story of Jonah, God spoke to His prophet through circumstances that involved, among other things, a storm at sea (see Jonah 1:4), a giant fish (see 1:17), a leafy plant (see 4:6), and a hungry worm (see 4:7).

God still speaks to us through circumstances today. Often, those circumstances involve other people. There have been times when I was listening to someone preach or talking with a friend and suddenly realized that what the person was saying addressed a situation that I was going through—even though the person was completely unaware of my circumstances. It made me realize that God Himself was speaking to me through those individuals.

Maybe God has spoken to you through a pastor or a Christian friend. Or perhaps He has been speaking to you through other circumstances. Listen carefully and remember that God will never contradict His Word.

Reflection Question: How might God be speaking to you through circumstances in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – There Is a Fountain

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by John D. Morris, Ph.D.

“And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” (Revelation 21:6)

Christian hymns were often written as deeply moving poems that were later added to music. We dare not exegete hymns to discover spiritual truth, but we can use them as spiritual aids to help focus our scriptural study. One such old-time poem is the favorite “There Is a Fountain” sung in churches today. Its five verses can inspire Christians. Verse one reads,

There is a fountain filled
with blood Drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains.

Before Jesus came, His unique birth was foretold by an angel and prophesied in Isaiah 7:14: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). He referred to Himself as “a well of water” (John 4:14) available to all.

The true understanding of the communion table, couched in the symbolic, precious words of Scripture (and our hymn), undergirds a lasting memorial to the work of Christ. “This cup is the new testament [i.e., covenant] in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance [i.e., a memorial] of me” (1 Corinthians 11:25).

The blood that was shed applies to believers, blessedly taking away our sin, for “the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). A blessed truth indeed! JDM

 

 

https://www.icr.org/articles/type/6

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Fear Not

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The Lord is my Light and my Salvation—whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Psalm 27:1–2 (AMPC)

Satan is a liar. He lies to people and places images on the picture screen of their minds that show defeat and embarrassment. For this reason, we need to know God’s promises (His Word) so we can cast down the lies of the enemy and refuse to listen to him.

Fear seems to be an epidemic in our society. Are you afraid of anything? Is it rejection, failure, the past, the future, loneliness, driving, aging, the dark, heights, life, or death? The list of fears that people experience can be endless. Satan never runs out of new fears to place in any individual’s life. At least not until she firmly makes her mind up that she will not live in fear.

You can trade in pain and paralysis for power and excitement. Don’t allow feelings of any kind to dominate you, but instead remember that God says, “Fear not.” We must be determined that we will obey Him in this area. Fear may present itself as a feeling, but if we refuse to bow down to it, that is all it is…a feeling!

Prayer of the Day: Lord, I make You my refuge and strength today, my present help in whatever trouble I will face. With You by my side, I will not fear, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Worship the Lamb

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Read Revelation 5

Scripture often pictures God as our Shepherd (Psalm 23), including Jesus as our Good Shepherd (John 10). John the Baptist also called Him “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). This is probably a reference to the Passover lamb, which foreshadowed Christ (1 Cor. 5:7; Isa. 53:7).

These images are the biblical background for the Lamb in Revelation 5. Now that God’s throne room has been described in Revelation 4, the drama of the end times is set to begin. What will happen is written in a scroll with seven seals… but who is worthy to open this scroll (vv. 1–4)? As the tension rises, John weeps because apparently no one can be found.

Then one of the elders tells him that the Lion of the tribe of Judah is worthy (vv. 5–7). This and the Root of David are Messianic titles. John turns and unexpectedly sees “a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne.” The seven horns symbolize strength, while the seven eyes symbolize knowledge and wisdom. He takes the scroll from the hand of God.

Three waves of praise follow. First, the four living creatures and the 24 elders play harps, holding golden bowls of incense that represent prayers, and sing of the Lamb’s worthiness, as He has accomplished God’s mission of redemption (vv. 8–10). Second, hosts of angels join in praising the Son’s worthiness to take the scroll and initiate God’s eschatological judgments (vv. 11–12). Third, “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them” join in a thunderous and triumphant doxology for both Father and Son, with the four living creatures saying “Amen” (vv. 13–14; Phil. 2:9–11).

Go Deeper

Scripture often connects creation and salvation, as happens in the songs of Revelation chapters 4 and 5. What are the theological links between these two doctrines? Why are they so important?

Pray with Us

Jesus, You are the Lion and the Lamb. Remind us of Your role in creating all things, and that salvation is through You alone! Thank You for providing us with hope for eternity.

Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain.Revelation 5:12

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – One Job

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NEW!Listen Now

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Acts 1:8

Recommended Reading: Revelation 13:1-10

A phrase is often heard in comedic movies and TV shows when someone fails to accomplish a given task: “You had one job!” In the right setting that expression makes us laugh. But it also suggests an important lesson: the importance of focus.

Jesus communicated to His apostles a similar message before He ascended to heaven: Your one job is to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). Yes, that job has many dimensions just as Jesus’ earthly ministry was multifaceted: teaching, preaching, caring for the needy, influencing society, and more. But the focus—the umbrella that covers all those exercises—is spreading the Gospel to all the world. Why? Because the whole world is under the influence of Satan (1 John 5:19) and because a day is coming when the Antichrist will seek to dominate the world (Revelation 13:3).

Be reminded today of your “one job” as a follower of Christ: to spread the Gospel to all the world.

Always and everywhere the servants of Christ are under order to evangelize.
J. I. Packer

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – God’s Goodness

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Be careful that you do not forget the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:12

Today’s Scripture

Deuteronomy 6:10-19

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Today’s Devotion

“Oh no!” That was my response upon opening a beehive and discovering the colony had suddenly died. It had been a thriving hive with lots of honey. I’d carefully maintained it throughout a mild winter and anticipated an early harvest. But a cold snap in the warm weather had led to collapse.

I checked with local experts. “Many beekeepers lost hives this time,” they reassured me. Mild winters present challenges for bees, even healthy hives. Bees fan their wings to maintain warmth in the hive in winter, but when the weather warms briefly, they exhaust themselves seeking even more food. If temperatures drop quickly, they don’t have strength to keep warm. Their “distraction” leads to destruction.

Even good things can become dangers when they turn us from what matters most. Moses cautioned God’s people about this after they left Egypt and before they entered the land God was about to give them—a land with “houses filled with all kinds of good things” that they “did not provide” (Deuteronomy 6:11). “When you eat and are satisfied,” Moses warned, “be careful that you do not forget the Lord” (vv. 11-12).

Remembering God in our blessings helps us because He is the source of “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17). When we humbly respond to His goodness by loving Him with heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5), we find in Him the best blessing of all.

Reflect & Pray

What are you grateful for? How do all good things ultimately come from God?

Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your goodness to me. Please help me to remember You today!

For further study, read The Goodness of Creation.

Today’s Insights

Our reading from Deuteronomy 6 takes us to a major moment in Israel’s story. The Israelites had left Egypt and had depended on God’s miraculous daily provision in the desert just to be alive (8:16). They were now on the threshold of entering a settled land with cities, homes, wells, and farms they had no part in building (6:11). In moving from slavery to satisfaction, they’d be tempted to forget the source of all this goodness. Jesus would identify Himself as this source one day when feeding multitudes, providing enough for everyone to eat and be satisfied and even to have leftovers (Matthew 14:18-21). As we reflect on God today—the source of all good things—we can respond with gratitude.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Kristi Noem is out as DHS Secretary

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Who is Markwayne Mullin, and will he be better?

President Trump announced yesterday afternoon that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem would be reassigned to a new security initiative called The Shield of the Americas. While the move is not technically considered a demotion, the president’s frustrations with Noem have been growing for some time, with Tuesday’s hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee serving as the final straw.

Many had called for Trump to fire Noem for months, with her handling of ICE activity in Minnesota a particularly potent example of the ways in which she seemed ill-equipped for the job. After the shootings of both Renee Good and especially Alex Pretti, Noem blatantly mischaracterized what occurred, which further exacerbated an already tense situation. President Trump eventually removed her from the state and sent border czar Tom Homan in to settle things down.

However, her handling of ICE was not the only reason many have been calling for someone else to take over.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Kristi Noem is out as DHS Secretary →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Do Not Be Afraid or Discouraged

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 Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, ‘A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.’ (This was another name for En-gedi.) Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the LORD for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the LORD’s help. 

—2 Chronicles 20:2–4

Scripture:

2 Chronicles 20:2–4 

Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, faced a desperate dilemma. His enemies greatly outnumbered him. To make matters worse, his enemies had joined forces with other enemies of Israel and were coming to destroy him. This was a worst-case scenario—a seemingly hopeless situation. There was no earthly way that Jehoshaphat could challenge this approaching army with the forces he had. He was far too outnumbered.

So, what did Jehoshaphat do? The Bible says that he “begged the LORD for guidance” (2 Chronicles 20:3 NLT). He prayed, “O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help” (verse 12 NLT).

The Lord told Jehoshaphat, “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. . . . Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!” (verses 15, 17 NLT).

Jehoshaphat and his army went out to meet their enemies, but they put their worship team out front. The Bible says that when they began to sing and praise the Lord, the enemy started fighting among themselves and destroyed each other.

There are more than a few takeaways from this story. One is that God stands ready to help His people survive and ultimately thrive in even the worst circumstances.

Maybe you’re facing what seems like an impossible situation right now. You may not be able to see a way out. But God can. Call on Him. Then stand still and see what He will do.

A second takeaway is that Jehoshaphat enjoyed an advantage that we don’t always have. He knew what was coming his way. And even though it appeared to be an absolute worst-case scenario, he knew how to pray.

We don’t always know what the future holds. We don’t know if something potentially devastating is heading our way. But God does. And He knows how to prepare us for it. That’s why it’s essential that we stay in constant contact with Him. That we yield ourselves to His will. That we follow His leading.

Psalm 145:18 says, “The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth” (NLT). Call on Him.

Reflection Question: What does seeking God’s strength and guidance look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Breaking Bread

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.” (Matthew 26:26)

This is the first of 12 specific references to the breaking of bread in the New Testament, each reminding the participants of Christ’s sacrificial death. Although Paul had not been present at the Last Supper, he had evidently received a special revelation concerning it. “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed [literally, ‘while he was being betrayed’] took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:23–24). Similarly, drinking of the cup recalled to them His shed blood. All of this helped them remember and appreciate the great reality of eternal life imparted to them through His death, for He had said, “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life” (John 6:54).

For a while after His resurrection and their empowering by the Holy Spirit, “they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house” (Acts 2:46), seem to have combined each day this remembrance of the Lord’s Supper with their own evening meals. Sometime later, it seems to have been “upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread” (Acts 20:7).

There is no specific instruction in Scripture as to how often this breaking of bread should be observed, but when it is observed, the implied actions of “discerning the Lord’s body,” giving thanks to Him for His sacrifice for us, and “[judging] ourselves” (1 Corinthians 11:29, 31) are far more vital than the physical act of eating the broken bread. HMM

 

 

https://www.icr.org/articles/type/6

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Learning to Absolutely Love Your Life

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The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

John 10:10 (AMP)

Did you know that God wants you to enjoy your life? Well, He does! In fact, part of God’s will is for you to enjoy every moment of it. This is something God’s Word tells us in many places.

King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said this: There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and assure himself that there is good in his labor. Even this, I have seen, is from the hand of God (Ecclesiastes 2:24 AMPC).

Solomon said to make sure we enjoy the good of our labor. That sounds like it is something we must do as an act of our will. This does not mean that all of life becomes a huge party or a vacation, but it does mean that through the power of God we can learn to enjoy the wonderful life Jesus came to give us.

Prayer of the Day: Father God, thank You for the life You’ve given me. Help me choose joy, appreciate the good in each day, and enjoy the abundant life Jesus came to give, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – The Penitent Thief 

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Play

Much has been said about the prayer of the penitent thief on the cross next to Jesus. But dare we forget the one who didn’t pray? He offered no request. He, too, could have requested mercy. He, too, could have asked Jesus to remember him in the new kingdom. But he didn’t. He offered no prayer of repentance. And Jesus didn’t demand one.

Jesus gave both criminals the same choice. One said, “Remember me.” The other said nothing. There are times when God sends thunder to stir us. There are times when God sends blessings to lure us. But then there are times when God sends nothing but silence as he honors us with the freedom to choose where we spend eternity.

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Holy, Holy, Holy

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Read Revelation 4

Church tradition for various reasons has assigned four symbols to the four Gospels: Matthew is a man. Mark is a lion. Luke is an ox or calf. John is an eagle. Historically, these pictures are found in illuminated manuscripts, paintings, and church architecture details. Together all four are called the “tetramorph.”

Do these symbols sound familiar? They’re based on the four living creatures found in Revelation (vv. 5–8). These are likely angels, since similar living creatures are described in Ezekiel 1 and 10, and these are cherubim. In some ways, the descriptions also resemble the seraphim in Isaiah 6:2–3. Like those, the four living creatures here sing “Holy, holy, holy!” to the Lord.

Revelation 4–5 introduce and set the tone for the rest of the book. In chapter 4, John sees a vision of God on His heavenly throne (vv. 1–3, 5–6). In the throne room of heaven, the consummation of history is about to begin! Words aren’t enough, and John uses images of radiance, color, and precious jewels to depict God’s glory, and images of thunder, smoke, and lightning to convey His power and awesomeness. Many of these are references to Old Testament passages in which God appears, such as Exodus 19 and Ezekiel 1.

Around the throne, also on golden thrones, are 24 elders (v. 4). These are likely human beings. They’re dressed in white, signifying purity and righteousness. Some believe that the number 24 indicates twelve from the tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. Just as the four living creatures praise the One on the throne, so do the 24 elders (vv. 9–11). They lay their crowns before Him, giving Him all the glory. Their praise focuses on His worthiness to be worshiped as the Creator, a theme found in the Psalms (see Psalm 19).

Go Deeper

Revelation 4, verses 8 and 11 have inspired worship music throughout church history. How many hymns and songs connected with these verses can you think of?

Pray with Us

Holy, Holy, Holy are You Lord! We are in awe of Your glorious presence that we will one day see face to face! Until then, give us hearts of adoration for You.

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory.Revelation 4:11

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Be Exuberant

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Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
1 Chronicles 16:29

Recommended Reading: 1 Chronicles 16:31-36

After David became king of Israel, he made Jerusalem the spiritual center of the nation. The ark of the covenant was in the house of Obed-Edom, outside of Jerusalem. With great joy, unending music, and colorful worship, the ark entered Jerusalem. David gave his musicians a song to sing—the one recorded in 1 Chronicles 16. It’s full of exuberance, with sentences like, “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; and let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns’” (verse 31).

The Lord does reign, and one day He will return, and His return will be far more praiseworthy than the moving of the ark. But we don’t have to wait until then to worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness. We can worship Him now. When we praise the Lord, it keeps us focused on eternal realities amid the chaos around us.

Why don’t you say among the nations (or the neighbors) today: “The Lord reigns!”

We are saved to worship God. All that Christ has done in the past and all that He is doing now leads to this one end. 
A. W. Tozer

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org