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.”

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.