Introduction: How do Israel’s festivals “Passover”, unleavened bread, and firstfruits relate to the Christian life? This devotion will discuss what is going on in Israel this week, namely Passover. What is the origin? What is its meaning? How can we identify with this annual event in Israel?

1. Passover’s origin? (Lev 23:1-2) – “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.”

TIME OUT! That is what these Festivals are all about. Israel was to take a TIMEOUT. It does us all good to STOP and take a TIMEOUT. Remember this was God’s plan for Israel.

Do you need to take a TIMEOUT?

2. PASSOVER’S Meaning? (Lev 23:3) – “On the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S passover.”

When we take Communion or the Lord’s Supper, we are looking “back” at Israel’s deliverance from Egypt with the Passover lamb. At the same time, we are looking “in” at our relationship with Jesus Christ being a part of His body, the Church. 

3. How do we identify with the PASSOVER? (Matt 26:29) – “But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

The best is yet to come! 

Are you looking forward to celebrating the marriage of the Lamb and then the marriage supper of the Lamb?

Conclusion: How do you like this TIMEOUT? PASSOVER. Take a TIMEOUT today and thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for what He has done, what He is doing and what He will do.

Remember: Where there are trials, there are blessings! (James 1:2,3)

Introduction: Have you ever seen a scare crow? What did you think? Did it scare you? Actually it is a fake version of a human being. The purpose of a scarecrow is to scare animals off one’s garden or crops.

Does it work? Do the animals get used to it? Usually if it is left out long enough, some of the smarter animals or (dumber), according to which way you look at it, will figure it out.

Jeremiah writes concerning this matter: “They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go” (Jer 10:5).

One other translation puts it this way: “They are like scarecrows in a cucumber field; They cannot speak; They have to be carried, Because they cannot walk! Do not be afraid of them, For they can do no harm or evil, Nor can they do any good.”

The Hebrew word is תֹּמֶר: (to’-mer), which means palm tree, or a post. He is talking about idols the heathen build (ex. totem poles). Of course, today we have more sophisticated idols. But in the end they cannot help us!

Jesus Christ should not be substituted for idols of this world. 

Do you have any idols?

Conclusion: Just like a scarecrow is fake and cannot talk, CHRISTians can build their idols (scarecrows), which are not real (fantasy world). Ultimately, they will fail, but Jesus will never fail!

Introduction: How can we Rock our World? Have you ever set up any “Ebenezer’s”? You ask, “What is that”? In the book of 1 Samuel, God had His people to establish some Ebenezers.

It was during a time when Israel was at war with the Philistines. In fact, the enemies of Israel had not only defeated them but also took their Ark of the Covenant. However, bad things happened to them. Boils began to spread across their camps until finally after seven months they got two momma cows to take the Ark away on a cart back to Israel.Next, twenty years passed by and once again they attacked Israel. So what is an Ebenezer? It is a commemorative stone: אֶבֶן הָעֵזֶר, (eh’-ben haw-e’-zer). By definition, it is a stone of the help.

How can we Rock our World?

1. By Resisting the devil’s DECEIVERS! (1Sam 7:1-4) – “And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”

Time to clean house! Here was a call for a spiritual awakening. And the people obeyed. Do you think our nation needs an awakening?

Will you pray?

2. By Remembering the Lord’s Ebenezers! (1Sam 7:5-12) – “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.”

Have you set up some spiritual stones where the Lord has helped you?

3. By Reaching out to UNBELIEVERS & BELIEVERS! (1Sam 7:12) – “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.”

Conclusion: The way to Rock your world is to set up some stones. Go back and reread this devotion and passage to get the gist of what our Lord is saying.

Introduction: When purchasing land one of the first things that needs to be done is finding and establishing the boundaries. Boundaries are important.

In fact, throughout our Christian life, we need to keep boundary lines.

“Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour’s landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it” (Deut 19:14).

1. Personal spiritual landmarks! (Prov 4:23) – “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

Explain: Setting boundaries on and around our heart & mind means allowing certain things in, but blocking destructive things out. How are you doing? Remember, the Spirit of God is our guider – referee. When He blows the whistle a foul has been committed. 

How are you doing?

2. Personal financial landmarks (1Tim 6:6-10) – “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Getting in debt over our head because of covetousness, should be a boundary line. Being a good steward with those things our Lord entrusts us with should be a boundary line. How is your checkbook? Do you have boundaries? Should you establish some today?

3. Personal vocational landmarks! (Col 3:22-24) – “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

Knowing while we work our jobs, ultimately we are accountable to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, since our testimony is at stake (boundaries), we should do the best we can for the glory of our Lord and as a witness to our coworkers. 

Conclusion: These are just a few boundaries that we need to set. Truthfully, as we grow in the Lord some our our boundaries change – for the better – enhancing our first priority which is to “Know Jesus and let Him be known. Check over the list and see what needs to be adjusted.

Then follow thru on what our Lord reveals.

Introduction: There’s nothing like a drink of cool water on a hot day! This is especially true when we drink from LIVING WATER!! May we suggest to you that we drink this refreshing water daily. 

Here are some encouraging Scriptures that point out this truth.

1. Drinking Joyful Water! (Isa 12:3) – “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”

This well is deep and satisfying! Can I get a witness?

2. Drinking Living Water! (John 7:37,38) – “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

Notice Jesus said “rivers”. He did not say trickles, creeks, or drops! Please also pay attention to the fact that this water is LIVING; in other words, it keeps us alive because it has LIFE – GIVING POWER!

Conclusion: Here. Take a drink. Watch the RIVERS flow!

Introduction: Do certain people “REFRESH” you? Philemon was one who was a REFRESHER instead of a DEPRESSER. 

How did he REFRESH the saints?

1. He was Vision – Minded for the SAINTS! (Philemon 1:7) – “…the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.”

2. He was a JOY – GIVER! (Philemon 1:7) – “For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.”

3. He was an ENCOURAGER! (Philemon 1:7) – “For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.”

The word “consolation” is παράκλησις,(par-ak’-lay-sis), which means a calling to one’s aid, encouragement, or a comfort. 

Are you an encourager?

Conclusion: Will you be a REFRESHER? The saints in the world need it!

Introduction: Don’t let anyone steal your crown! By the way, be diligently praying and serving that you may receive a crown. John writes to encourage the believers in Philadelphia to hold on to their crown.

1. Why? Because some will try to take your Crown! (Rev 3:11) – “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

We were made to be OVERCOMERS! Did you notice that all of the Churches (7) listed in Rev 2 -3 are encouraged to OVERCOME! Do you know how? The answer is because Jesus is an OVERCOMER (John 16:33; 1John 5:4,5). 

Conclusion: Our Lord reminds us and these Churches that the New Jerusalem is our final destination. Therefore, Hold On!

Hold On to your Crown – Rewards!!

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

1. The words “till we all come” is καταντάω: (kat-an-tah’-o), which means to come down to, to reach. It can mean to arrive at, reach (my destination). 

This next part has significant meaning because of the context in which it is used… “come down (descend) by inheritance to an heir.” This is spoken to the Church of Ephesus and us today. Are you rejoicing over your inheritance?

2. The word “unity” is ἑνότης, (hen-ot-ace’). It means to adjure in oneness. There is a difference in Unity & Union.

If you tie two tomcats tails together and throw them over a clothes line, you’ve got UNION. But you sure don’t have UNITY!

3. The word “perfect” is τέλειος, (tel’-i-os). By definition, it means having reached its end, or complete in all its parts. It has to do with being full grown, or of full age. In this context, it is used especially of the completeness of Christian character. Disagreements, misunderstandings, and offenses must be forgiven.

Are you full grown? Do you desire to preserve the unity of the Church?

Introduction: Do you know your spiritual gift(s)?

When Jesus died and arose, He then ascended into heaven for the purpose of sending His Spirit to empower every believer. This passage reveals this truth. Why not stop and thank God for not only His gift of salvation, but also for His gifts for service!

1. When gifts are given – Resurrection Power with Gifts! (Eph 4:8) – “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.”

Although we have some talents that have been developed thru the years, a spiritual gift is different than a human talent. It is an ability whose power source comes from the Holy Spirit. Other gifts are mentioned in Romans chapter twelve. Do you know your gifts? 

2. What gifts were given! (Eph 4:11) – “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.”

Here is what this Pastor refers to as “Ministry Driven Gifts”! The “Motivational Gifts” are listed elsewhere. Did you acknowledge that our Great and Mighty God set it up this way? Why? Because He deserves the glory!

3. Why gifts were given! (Eph 4:12) – “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

The word “perfecting” is καταρτισμός, (kat-ar-tis-mos’). By definition, it means a preparing, or an equipping. It can mean a bringing to a condition of fitness. Praise the Lord! He is bringing us into a condition of usefulness. In other words, He is making us more useable to serve Him. 

Conclusion: Are you exercising the gift that was given unto you? Just like a muscle, if it is neglected, then it becomes useless. If we don’t use it, we lose it! So use it!!