Introduction: Are you distracted easily? Due to information overload, we can get distracted. Also having the wrong priorities in our schedule can create lack of spiritual focus. 

But what can we do to stay focused on God’s will?

1. Make good daily choices! (Prov 1:6,7)

“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Wise choices results in good decisions. Whereas, unwise, unthought through – knee jerk reactions – will usually not end well. Which are descriptive of you? Do you take time to think thru/pray thru decisions?

If not, why not start right now?

2. Don’t let others get you off track! (Prov 27:6,7)

“Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

Remember Judas kissed Jesus. However, there was malice in his heart. Unfortunately, we live in a world of manipulation; i.e. dog eat dog, cut throat, whatever it takes to get ahead, even if it means it’s immoral or dishonoring to Jesus.

WARNING: Don’t be like the Pharisees who were RELIGIOUS but deceived. 

3. Eliminate fleshly activities! (Prov 28:26)

“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.”

There’s nothing wrong with wholesome activities as a CHRISTian, but be aware of catering and feeding the FLESH. Why? Because we reap what we sow (Gal 6:7,8).

4. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit! (Prov 3:5,6)

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Paul describes a war going on inside of him between the “flesh and the Spirit.”

Daily decisions determine deliverances. What daily decisions do you need to make about your family? Testimony? etc. 

5. Recognize our enemies! (Prov 28:5)

“Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.”

The devil will use people. Clearly this is revealed in Scripture; i.e. Judas. Are you aware of Satan’s device? 

6. Protect your mind and heart with the Word of God! (Prov 4:23)

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

The word keep means guard. Do you guard your heart and mind?

7. Bring others around you that will pour into you! (Prov 27:9)

“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.”

Conclusion: These absolutes should be non-negotiable. Our Lord has made a way for His followers to stay strong in Him while staying connected to truth. So let’s follow Jesus as we obey His Word and yield to His Spirit.

Introduction: Here is the next Jewish Fall Feast after the Feast of Trumpets. This TIMEOUT is found in Leviticus 23 where the nation of Israel was instructed by the Lord to celebrate these seven Jewish feasts. This one we are studying is taking place today. But what is it? How does it relate to us as CHRISTians today?

1. Leviticus 16 – This special day of the year is called the “Day of Atonement.” Only the high priest could enter into the Holiest of Holies with the blood of a “slain goat.” He would sprinkle it upon the altar (mercy seat) to atone for the people’s sins once a year. But it must be repeated. Meanwhile, another goat – the scapegoat – would be led out into the wilderness after the priest would confess the sins of the people on his head. All of this illustrated the finished works of Jesus Christ.

2. Hebrews (Heb 10:11-14)

“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

Jesus Christ is our sacrificial goat! However, He paid for our sins – redemption – once and for all when He tasted death for every man by being crucified, buried, but risen again. Therefore, we have eternal life as well as abundant life through His redeeming blood.

Introduction: How do you pray? When do you pray? To whom do you pray for? The first recorded prayer is found in Gen 4:26.

“26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.”

Check out others who believed in the Power of Prayer.

1. Jonah prayed! (Jonah 2:1)

“Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly.”

Jonah learned a hard lesson: let’s just say, it sounds “fishy”!

2. The early Church prayed! (Acts 12:5)

“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.”

What a pattern to follow! Thank God for praying Churches!!

3. Daniel prayed! (Dan 6:10)

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

Daniel practiced a life long full of prayer, not just when he was in trouble like the lion’s den. Do you know anyone that only prays when in trouble?

4. Elijah prayed! (James 5:17,18)

“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”

I love this text. It encourages every believer to call upon the Lord. Will you?

5. David prayed! (Psa 51:1-13)

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions….”

This was David’s heart felt confession which resulted in his soul sin cleansing, and later to his life changing calling. Are you known as one who prays with confession?

6. The Tribulation Saints prayed! (Rev 8:3)

“And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.”

This is a beautiful picture of the prayers of the saints. Can you picture it?

7. Jesus Christ prayed! (John 17:1)

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:”

Please read the whole prayer. Take time. It will bless you to know our Great High Priest is interceding for believers.

Conclusion: Are you practicing the power of prayer? Remember, it must be according to the Will of God.

“14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” (1John 5:14,15).

Introduction: Are you HAPPY? Truthfully? Do only favorable circumstances make you HAPPY? When the Bible uses the word HAPPY it is not always talking about our emotional mood swings. Instead, much like joy, happiness in the Lord is not dependent upon everything going our way. And at the same time, this does not mean that we are always expressing a fake smile.

1. The Old Testament word for “Happiness” is ʾashrê means “well-being,” “flourishing,” and “happiness.” The same word is translated into English as “blessed.”

“1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” (Psa 1:1)

Being in a right relationship with Jesus Christ brings HAPPINESS! Having our sins forgiven by His previous blood brings a sense of peace of mind and purpose for living. Have you experienced this?

2. The New Testament word for “Blessed” is makarios is making an appeal to true happiness and flourishing because of obedience to our Lord and His Word.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the king
dom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matt 5:3-12)

These are called the beatitudes, which Jesus preached in His sermon on the mount. Needless to say, this is loaded with truth. Reread each one and see if it applies to you.

Introduction: TIME OUT! That is what our Lord told Israel in the book of Leviticus. He instructed His people to take (7) time outs through the Jewish Calendar. The first of the Fall Feasts is called “Trumpets.” The shofar would be blown to announce the new year.

“Speak to the people of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets, a holy convocation.” (Leviticus 23:24)

This devotion will take a look from both a PRACTICAL and PROPHETICAL PERSPECTIVE.

1. PROPHETICAL! (Matt 24:29-31)

“29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

Obviously, technically speaking the proper interpretation is meant to be for the Jewish people (Jesus spoke these words prior to the day of Pentecost). Therefore, we can conclude that He will gather Israelites during the tribulation (v 29), and many will put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Messiah. While today their hearts are dull and their eyes are blinded, at that event, they will see and believe! Can you tell it is getting closer?

2. PRACTICAL! (Eph 5:16)

“16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

As believers in Jesus Christ, we must take TIME OUTS! Due to the busyness of life and the challenges of Spirit-filled living, it is vitally important to take daily “Time outs” of prayer and communion with our God. That is where guidance, confidence, and acceptance is established. Are you taking “Time outs”?

Introduction: I love what Joseph said to his brothers. “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

Have you ever thought that? Said that? Granted, it is seeing the BIG PICTURE! Our God is bigger than any storm, any demon, any trouble or any giant!

1. Joseph was betrayed! (Gen 37-39)

“And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. 20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. 21 And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. 22 And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. 23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; 24 And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.”

Jealousy ate his brothers up! No wonder it is called cruel as the grave (Song of Sol 8:6). Don’t let it get the best of you!

2. Joseph was backstabbed! (Gen 39:10-20)

“And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. 11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out…. And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.”

Although Joseph was falsely accused, he didn’t get bitter but better. Are you feeling bitter because of some situation or person?

3. Joseph was blessed! (Gen 41:36-43)

“Joseph Given Charge of Egypt. 37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.
38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? 39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: 40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. 41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. 42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; 43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.”

Joseph was blessed because he did not get bitten with bitterness. He passed the test! We all go thru tests of faith in Jesus.
Are you being tested right now? Trust Jesus thru it!

Conclusion: The next time you are done wrong in life remember Joseph’s statement.

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Gen 50:20).

Introduction: Back on the subject of SEALING. More to squeeze out. Think with me. Have you ever had a sealed jar (canned) or a ziplock bag that seals?

Several thoughts come to mind.

When a jar of honey is once opened, then due to the thickness, it can run down the outside of the jar. And if the lid is not “sealed” tightly, then ants will slip through the cracks. Has that ever happened to you?

The jar must be sealed.

1. Sealing means nothing can get on the inside! (Eph 1:13-14)

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

Since every believer is “sealed” that means things on the outside should not be able to get on the inside. The only exception is if the seal is unlocked or broken, which biblically speaking cannot happen.

However, in practical Christian living, there is a possibility that we allow “things” to get in from the outside, unless we put a seal around our mind, our will, and our emotions.

2. Unsealing means what is on the inside can get to the outside. (Eph 4:30)

“And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”

On the “day of redemption” the Holy Spirit is going to depart from the body and get a head start to heaven. 

Plus, as believers share Jesus Christ with others, the Holy Spirit oozes out. Then others “taste and see that the Lord is good”!

Conclusion: Are you keeping the Seal tight, over your mouth? Thoughts? Decisions?

Then again, are you allowing the Holy Spirit to be released through your life so that others can see and believe?

If so, that is the “SEAL DEAL”!

1. Sealing means we are saved! (Eph 1:13)

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.”

Notice the words: “gospel,” “salvation,” “believed.” The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1Cor 15:3,4). Salvation includes the deliverance from the “penalty,” “power,” and one day the “presence” of sin. At the moment of salvation – through believing – repenting and receiving Jesus Christ, a person is sealed.

2. Sealing means we are secure! (Eph 1:14)

“Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

Notice the words “earnest” and “inheritance.” The word “earnest” is ἀρραβών, which means (earnest-money). In other words, this is a large part of the payment. It is given in advance, which assured it as a security that the whole amount will be paid later.

Do you get the picture? Jesus Christ gives us His down payment, which is the Holy Spirit. The whole amount will be given at the moment when we receive our glorified bodies.

3. Sealing means assured! (Eph 1:14)

“Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

Look at the word “inheritance.” It is κληρονομία, (klay-ron-om-ee’-ah), which means an heritage. It is a gift from God. It can mean a possession. It has both a present tense application but also a futuristic implication. Furthermore, it has to do with a share, or a participation. The writer to the book of Hebrews references that fact they we are partners in the ministry (Heb 3:14), “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.”

Introduction: Would you agree that these are the “Days of Elijah”? Robin Mark wrote the lyrics to this song, “The Days of Elijah” in 1994. It was at the end of a disastrous year and he found himself feeling hopeless and helpless. Is God really in control? Out of his despair came this powerful song. Are you feeling discouraged?

Listen to the lyrics of this great song: 

1. The First stanza:

“These are the days of Elijah,
Declaring the word of the Lord:
And these are the days of Your servant Moses,
Righteousness being restored.
And though these are days of great trial,
Of famine and darkness and sword,
Still, we are the voice in the desert crying
‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord’”

Several thoughts come to mind:

• Moses stood for RIGHTEOUSNESS! It was being restored during a time of Israel’s affliction because of the Egyptian bondage. Our Lord heard their cry, felt their pain, and promised them deliverance! Do you feel like you are in bondage? Will you cry out to Jesus?
• Theses are certainly “days of great trial”. But the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ thru the anointing of His Holy Spirit is available for every blood bought – blood washed CHRISTian. Trust Him! Draw near to Him!! 

2. The Second Stanza:

“These are the days of Ezekiel,
The dry bones becoming as flesh.
And these are the days of Your servant David,
Rebuilding a temple of praise.
These are the days of the harvest,
The fields are as white in Your world!
And we are the laborers in Your vineyard,
Declaring the word of the Lord!”

Ezekiel was told to preach to the dry bones – Ezekiel 37- (technically speaking this was to the house of Israel – Ezek 37:11- not the Church), although this writer must admit that many in the Church have a great need to “Come Alive”!

Unfortunately, many Churches are dead. Our Lord announced this sad indictment on the Church of Sardis (Rev 3). However, there were some in the Church who were “alive” in CHRIST and yet in a dead Church. Are you alive in Christ?

But the real meaning of the text in Ezekiel has to do with the restoration of Israel, which has been partially fulfilled (May 1948), but will eventually be completely fulfilled. When? The answer is during the millennium reign of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will rule and reign on His throne in Jerusalem on the Temple Mount in His temple (Messiah’s temple -Ezek 40-48). At that time, many Jews will look upon Him and be saved (Zech 12:10; Rom 11:25,26).

3. The Chorus:

“Behold, He comes riding on the clouds

 Shining like the sun at the trumpet call

 Lift your voice, the year of jubilee

Do you remember the two witnesses in Revelation 11? One is believed to be Elijah who did not die but was translated in a chariot of fire into the heavens. 

The prophet Malachi wrote that Elijah would come again (Mal 4:5), which was partially fulfilled with John the Baptist but will be fully fulfilled when Elijah returns. Perhaps that could be soon after the rapture of the Church. 

Conclusion: What a great song with a great message! “The fields are white unto harvest”!! We are the laborers in His vineyard.”

“Behold He Comes”!!! Get ready. Go “Prepare the way of the Lord” because we are living in the days of Elijah.

Introduction: The lyrics to the song of “Days of Elijah” go… “And these are the days of Your servant Moses, righteousness being restored.”

The question begs: Where is RIGHTEOUSNESS being restored? 
Who is restoring RIGHTEOUSNESS?
Will you restore RIGHTEOUSNESS?
Will your family restore RIGHTEOUSNESS?

In the days of Moses, the Egyptians dominated the culture. That means they controlled the Israelites by and large. But God had a plan for His people.

1. Israel In Egypt (Exo 1:8-11)

“8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. 9 And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: 10 Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. 11 Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens.”

2. God heard His people’s cry! (Exo 2:23-25)

“23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.”