Introduction: Do you need a word from the Lord? How can we get that Word? Obviously, today our Lord speaks thru His Word. However, there are false voices to discern.

Todays devotion explores that dilemma.

“Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day” (1 Kings 22:5).

1. False Prophets speaking lies! (1Kings 22:6)

“Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.”

These were “Yes men.” And they were wrong. But the leader, King Ahab wanted his ears tickled instead of straight forward unadulterated TRUTH! Honestly, do you want the truth even if it hurts?

Usually we do not!

Why? Because it cramps our style; i.e. it cuts to the heart.

2. True Prophets speaking Truth! (1Kings 22:7-8)

“And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him? 8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.”

People are living in a realm of delusion…..tell lies, want lies….believe lies.

Jesus Christ said it would be that way just before His return.

How soon do you think it will be ?

3. Expect Persecution when speaking Truth! (1Kings 22:27-28)

“And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace. 28 And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.”

Micaiah was right! The false prophets were wrong. 

Conclusion: Can you tell the difference between the truth and lies? The Word of God is our lie detector!

1. Dispensation (Eph 1:10)

“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”

The word “dispensation” is οἰκονομία, (oy-kon-om-ee’-ah), which means management of household affairs, stewardship, administration. Broken down, it means house (oikos) law (nomos). A simple definition of the word could be – how God runs things. In other words, throughout the Bible there are different individuals at different timeframes that God gave different revelations. For instance, before the written law, God gave Noah instructions to build an ark during his day. Moses was given the law for his day. Daniel wrote concerning the Jewish people. Then comes the record in the New Testament of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God deals with people today based on their relationship to Jesus Christ. If you fast forward to the book of Revelation, the 1,000 year reign of our Lord is yet to come in the future.
At that time, when Jesus inaugurates His Kingdom while sovereignly ruling over the earth, He will establish His covenants with Israel. Meanwhile, the Church will have some administrative position during His millennial reign.

2. Dispensation (Eph 3:2)

“2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.”

Paul was explaining that in their dispensation of grace that God had decreed that the Gentiles should be added to the Church. Jews would be included as well. But His plan for the Jews before the resurrection of Jesus Christ would be promised in Covenants which will be fulfilled completely during the tribulation and millennium. He explained that in the Old Testament the church was a mystery, but finally in the New Testament it became a reality.

Introduction: Elijah finished faithful! Think about it. He did not face death. Instead, he was raptured to heaven. Not only did he finish faithful but he also left a lasting legacy. Elisha was his beneficiary. I love this biblical account that gives principles of how to “maximize the ministry.”

1. Elisha was found faithful to stick with Elijah! (2Kings 2:2)

“And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.”

Being loyal is a key ingredient to getting blessed. An independent spirit is the opposite of a dependent servant. Elisha could be trusted.

2. Elisha learned to trust the God of the Bible! (2Kings 2:3)

“And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.”

The sooner we learn that God is in charge the better off we will be. Our faith must rely upon Him.

3. Elisha had Big expectations and aspirations! (2Kings 2:9,10)

“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. 10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.”

The stage was set. The plan was in place. In order for the “double portion” to be imparted to Elisha as he requested, he must be with Elijah and witness his departure.

4. Elisha was with Elijah until the end as he was translated to heaven! (2Kings 2:11-13)

“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. 13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan.”

Seeing things “through” and being patient until the blessing comes is very rewarding.

Introduction: Would you agree that these are the “Days of Elijah”!

‘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!’

And don’t you love the chorus?

“Behold He comes, riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun, at the trumpet call!
Lift your voice, it’s the year of jubilee
And out of Zion’s hill salvation comes!”

These words will be fulfilled when Jesus Christ comes again (see not only 1Thess 4:13-18 in the rapture, but also in His second coming in the clouds with power and great glory! Luke 21:27,28; Rev 19:11-16)

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 is the house of Israel – not the Church), although this writer must admit that the Church has 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 “live” CHRISTians in a dead Church.

But the real meaning of the text has to do with the restoration of Israel, which has been partially fulfilled but will eventually be completely fulfilled. When? The answer is during the millennium reign of 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).

You have got to admit:

“There is no God like Jehovah!
There is no God like Jehovah!!”

Introduction: How do we connect with people? Do you feel connected? Here are ways we can connect in this brief devotion:

1. Caring (Phil 2:4)

“4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

2. Sharing (1John 3:17)

“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”

3. Bearing! (Gal 6:2)

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

2. Jesus our Healer! (1Pet 2:21-24)

Jesus heals our mind, our will and our emotions. He also heals our bodies.

Introduction: What does it mean to be “chosen”? This devotion will explore the biblical treasures of being “chosen.” There are three main thoughts:

Paul’s letter to the Church of Ephesus identifies these jewels.

1. Picked Out by Jesus! (Eph 1:4)

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”

The word “chosen” is ἐκλέγομαι, which means to select, to pick out for myself, to choose, to elect, select. You get the picture:

Our Lord has picked us out before the foundation of the world. His purpose is to make us (in Christ) more like Him.

2. Predicted For Jesus! (Eph 1:5)

“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.”

The word “predestined” is προορίζω: It means to foreordain, or to predetermine, to mark out beforehand. Do you get it? Our great God has marked us out beforehand, even before the world was formed. After all, He is a God of for knowledge. That means we ought to trust Him!

3. Pardoned By Jesus! (Eph 1:6-7)

“To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”

If you were to sign a check in your checkbook, it would probably be limited as dependent upon how much is in your account. With our Lord’s account, it is limitless! He has no restrictions. His heavenly bank account is inexhaustible. Therefore, we are rich in Jesus Christ! “According to the RICHES Of HIS GRACE”!

Conclusion: These nuggets of gold are worth more than money! If implemented by the Holy Spirit, this is guaranteed to bring New Life. That is what “Chosen” is all about!

Introduction: Did you know it’s our Lord’s desire to make His children more like Him. He accomplishes this thru a daily process. Technically speaking, it is called Sanctification. 

Please notice the totality of the transformation.

(1Thess 5.22)

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1. Sanctify!

The word “sanctify” is ἁγιάζω (hag-ee-ad’-zo), which means to make holy, treat as holy, set apart as holy, sanctify, hallow, purify.

By definition, the word purify means to clean or to make pure. Are we clean?

2. Wholly!

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Completely – The word “completely” is ὁλοτελής, (hol-ot-el-ace’), which means perfect, complete, all. 

Isn’t it interesting that our Lord is out do a complete work? Paul reminds us that He that began a good work will finish it. 

3. Soul! 

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The word “soul” is ψυχή, : (psoo-khay’), which means the vital breath, breath of life, the human soul, the soul as the seat of affections and will, the self, a human person, an individual.

To say we are being set apart in our spirit but our soul is not is a contradiction. Our Lord wants all of us!

4. Body

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Even our bodies are to be set apart. That includes a variety of disciplines. Are you disciplined?

5. Spirit

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Conclusion: There we have complete sanctification. One day we will not need to be sanctified because we will be glorified. Looking forward to that day.

Introduction: Make this your goal today.

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

Wow! What a lifelong goal!! While others are getting spiritually lazy and more complacent, what about purposing in your heart today to FINISH FAITHFUL! 

But how? And what does that entail? 

1. Die to Self! (Acts 20:24)

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself,”

Remember Jesus said he that loves his life shall lose it…

2. God given goals! (Acts 20:24)

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy,”

Not only does Paul want to finish his race but he also wants to finish it well – with JOY!

How about you?

3. Called by Jesus! (Acts 20:24)

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

This ministry is received from Jesus Christ. It is His ministry!

Conclusion: Finally, the finish line reveals it is all of His GRACE…..from root to fruit.

What do you mean by that? The apostle Paul wanted the believers in Ephesus to know and understand what they had in a relationship with Jesus Christ. He piles one benefit upon another one as he describes this New Life in Christ.

Keep in mind, those in Ephesus were opposing the great temple of Dianna and the popularity of that pagan idolatry.

Heavenly Benefits! (Eph 1:3)

“3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ”

The words “hath blessed” means already – past tense instead of future. 

What are spiritual blessings? Why not count them?

• How do you calculate the VALUE of the PEACE of God?(John 14:1-27; Phil 4:6,7; Col 3:15; Rom 5:1; Col 1:20)

• How can we measure a CLEAR CONSCIOUS? ( 1Tim 2:19)

“Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put a way concerning faith have made shipwreck:”

A good conscience is worth more than stocks and bonds!

• What does ASSURANCE of heaven mean to a Christian? (1John 5:11-13)

• How much would a soul PAY for FORGIVENESS of SIN? (1Pet 1:18,19)

• Can rubies or diamonds purchase being RECONCILED to our Creator God? (Col 1:20,21)

• What about the capacity to be FREE from Being Bitten with BITTERNESS? (Eph 4:31,32)

• How much does it mean to be able to give away the GREATEST GIFT of all – ETERNAL LIFE? (2Cor 9:15)

Eternal life means forever. That is a long time!

Conclusion: Now after listing just some of the benefits of being a CHRISTIAN, would you not agree that we as believers in Jesus Christ are wealthy?

Praise the Lord!