Through the Storm
Introduction: Have you ever been in a storm? Are you in one right now? You will make it through the storm if Jesus is in your boat! What do you do when you are in a storm?
1. Turbulence with Jesus! (Matt 8:23,24)
“23And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep!”
At times, when we follow Jesus, we may encounter a tempest – storm.
2. Talk to Jesus! (Matt 8:25)
“And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.”
When we have a need, Jesus is there for us, even in a storm. It helps tremendously to tell Jesus! Will you talk to Him now?
3. Triumph in Jesus! (Matt 8:26)
“And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”
Faith or fear, which one? Jesus responds to faith! Will you have faith in Him today?
Conclusion: The reason we should turn, talk, trust and triumph in Jesus is because He is in control!
“But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” (Matt 8:27)
Real Freedom
Introduction: Free from sleep -(death)… free from suffering -(pain)… free from sickness… free from sorrow… that’s FREEDOM!
John writes,
1. Are you hindered by death (sleep)? (1Thess 4:13-14)
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”
The word “sleep” is κοιμάομαι: (koy-mah’-o), sleep, fall asleep, die. In heaven, there will not be any more death. Death has lost her sting!
Praise the Lord Jesus who has defeated death!!
2. Are you hampered by suffering (pain)? (Rev 21:4)
“4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
All of our “aches and pains” will be gone. No more headaches, backaches, or toothaches in heaven. Speaking of freedom?!
3. Are you healed from sorrow? (Rev 21:4)
“4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Sorrow will be gone. Sorrow over sin, sorrow over missed opportunities, sorrow over children, grandchildren, etc.
Paul along with John remains us that there is hope in Jesus! Every believer has hope in Jesus. Have you lost hope?
Conclusion: No more sin! No more sickness! No more sorrow! But plenty of happiness, healthiness, and wholeness… wow!
That’s Freedom!!
God’s Prescription for America
Introduction: Is there hope for America? Where? How? John describes the only way those who live in America can find hope. Here is a prescription for a sin sick nation.
1. By Walking in the Light of Jesus Christ! (Rev 21:24)
“24And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.”
Did you notice only those that are saved will be in the New Jerusalem? Will you be there?
2. By Worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ! (Rev 21:24-26)
“And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.”
The Lord Jesus gets the glory! He deserves all the glory!! One day in glory He will receive all the glory.
3. By Winning People to Jesus Christ! (Rev 21:27)
“And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
People need the Lord. Are you concerned for people? Does it bother you that people without a personal relationship with Jesus are doomed to the like of fire? Will you reach out to someone today?
Liberty and Justice
Introduction: Moses writes,
“And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.” (Lev 25:10)
1. Liberty for Israel! (Lev 25:10)
The word “liberty” in this passage is דְּרוֹר, (der-ore’), which means a flowing, free run, liberty.
Since the Lord set the nation of Israel free from the bondage in Egypt, He required them to let the captives go free. Are you willing to let those who have hurt you go free? Our Lord is the judge.
2. Liberty for the Church! (Gal 5:1)
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
The word “liberty” is ἐλευθερία, (el-yoo-ther-ee’-ah), which means liberty, freedom, a state of freedom from slavery.
This passage refers to the law; i.e. trying to be justified or sanctified by the legalistic measures of keeping the law (Israel had around 613 of them!!). Instead, by grace thru faith, we are pronounced righteous and proven innocent. Are you a legalistic person? By the way, this does not mean we have a license to sin because we are under grace. (See Titus 2:11-14)
3. Jesus Christ has set us Free! (Luke 4:18, 19)
“18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”
When Jesus Christ sets you free you are free indeed!
Conclusion: Freedom and liberty is found in a personal relationship with Jesus.
* Sins consequence- (Rom 6:23)
* Sins control – (Rom 6:1,2)
* Sins continuation (Rev 21:4)
“32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
Holding Fast
Introduction: This is Jesus’ message to the Church of Thyatira. It is an overcoming message. Are you overcoming? Or are you being overcome? There is no doubt we face a daily battle to overcome evil. The forces of darkness are constantly attempting to trip every believer, to cause us to yield to temptation, to sin against God, to shame the Lord, to backslide, to become lukewarm or complacent. Can you feel the pull? However, in the midst of the pull, Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Ghost is pouring in fresh oil in our lamps. Because He overcame the world, the flesh, and the devil, we too can overcome! But how can we overcome?
The words “hold fast” are κρατέω: (krat-eh’-o), which means to be strong, rule, mighty, master,I obtain, take hold of.
I love that! Hold on!! Stay strong!!
2. By Faithful Obedience! (Rev 2:26)
“26And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end.”
Purpose in your heart to obey. It pays to obey.
3. By staying Focused! (Rev 2:26,27)
“to him will I give power over the nations: 27And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.”
If we can just remember the prize that waits for those who overcome. It will be worth it!
Wells of Salvation
Introduction: An artisian well bubbles and flows pure water…refreshing, gushing, invigorating! Jesus welcomes us to come and drink from the wells of His salvation! During the feasts of tabernacle, he said spoke these words. (John 7:37,38,39)
“37In 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. 38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”
Are you drinking from the fountain that shall never run dry? Heaven has an unlimited resource for all who trust in Jesus!
Take a drink of living water!!
1. Jesus invited a troubled woman at a well to drink some living water! (John 4:10)
“10Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. “
Jesus stands ready, willing, and able to give His living water.
2. Jesus said the living water from God’s well would satisfy the soul! (John 4:13,14)
“Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”
Living water from the well of God’s salvation brings forgiveness and grace!
Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!!
Conclusion: Even Isaiah makes reference to the living water.
“3Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” (Isaiah 12:3)
Drink this water my friend! The wells of God’s salvation will quench your thirst.
Still Under Construction
Introduction: Like building a house, our life is UNDER CONSTRUCTION! Our FATHER is the Divine architect.
Jesus Christ is the builder. The Holy Spirit provides the materials. Sometimes the house needs repairing. But since our Lord made us, and bought us, then He knows how to construct us. Be encouraged. We are not a finished product.
1. Under God’s Construction! (Psa 127:1)
“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”
In comparison to building a house, our life is being built. Every piece is precisely put together, from the frame (bone structure), to the circulatory system, to the wiring of the nervous system including the brain (computer). All of these working meticulously together.
2. Under God’s Protection! (Psa 127:2)
“…except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”
Security is BIG! Feeling insecure is terrible. But with the Lord as our Shepherd He knows our name, our frame, and our pain.
3. Under God’s Restoration! (Psa 127:3)
“2It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.”
The body needs rest! Our Lord restores us. Jesus gives us His rest. Do you need rest?
4. Under God’s Reproduction! (Psa 127:4-6)
“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.”
Being in the will of God brings security and identity.
Conclusion: Let’s face it. We are not complete this side of heaven. But one day, the Divine Architect will finish His intended design. But until then, we are a work in progress.
Truth
Introduction: What is truth? Truth is opposite of a lie. Can you tell the difference? Admittedly, sometimes it is difficult. Spurgeon, the great preacher once said that a lie will circulate around the world before the truth puts on her boots!
But is there a measurement to determine what is truth? The answer comes in the affirmative. This devotion will discuss the term and how it relates to us today.
1. Walking in Truth (2John 1:1-3)
“1The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; 2For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. 3Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.”
According to some interpreters of this text, this letter was written to a Church. Others claim it was a Christian lady and her literal children. Either way it does not negate the meaning of Truth.
Listen to these words:
“4I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.”
The word “truth” is ἀλήθεια, alétheia: (al-ay’-thi-a), which means but not merely “truth as spoken; truth of idea, reality, sincerity, truth in the moral sphere, divine truth revealed to man, straightforwardness.”
Do we walk in truth?
2. Recognizing Truth (John 8:32)
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Jesus was constantly refuting the Pharisees because they missed the TRUTH! It was right in front of them. We too can miss the truth because of deception. Our Lord warned His disciples that in the last days many would be mislead, even the elect.
3. Teaching Truth (John 8:31)
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.”
The truth liberates those who trust in Jesus. Jesus is the “Truth.” When we take Him at His Word then we are set free; i.e. forgiveness of sin, and a home in heaven.
The Favor of God
Introduction: How about the FAVOR of the Lord! You can’t beat it!! Someone has defined the “favor of God” as “demonstrated delight.” But how do you get His FAVOR?
Let’s consider some who experienced the FAVOR of our Lord.
1. Ruth (Ruth 2:12-13)
“12The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. 13Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.”
The word “favor” is חֵן (khane), which means favor, grace.
Boaz recognized how Ruth had been a blessing to her mother-in-law, Naomi, who happened to be kin to him.
After following Naomi, Ruth experienced the FAVOR of God through Boaz. Indeed, God honored her faith in Him by uniting she and Boaz as husband and wife.
In this case, the unseen hand of the Lord, orchestrated His providential will to extend grace to Ruth.
2. Solomon (Prov 3:4-6)
“4So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
The same Hebrew word for “favor” is חֵן (khane), is used which means favor, grace.
Solomon reminds us today that obedience is the key to the FAVOR of God. Is there any area that you need to obey the Lord?
3. Psalmnist (Psa 5:12)
“2For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”
Here the word the Holy Spirit used for “favor” is רָצוֹן,(raw-tsone’), which means goodwill, favor, acceptance.
This is another reminder that God blesses those who walk up rightly.
Conclusion: So what is our conclusion to the FAVOR of God. Through this brief study, the FAVOR of the Lord is derived through obedience, faith, and a godly lifestyle.
Do you want the FAVOR of the Lord?
You do. Otherwise, you would not be reading this.
Bless you.
Remote Viewing
Introduction: Can RV – remote viewing determine the future accurately? Humanity has always wanted to read into the unseeable future. Fortune tellers, psychics and those who use witchcraft, have all attempted to predict future events. But can they do it consistently? Is there a resource that can pinpoint precisely the future? Yes. The answer remains in the prophetic Word of God.
1. Jesus Christ, being God in the flesh, foretold His disciples events that would transpire in the future. Some have been fulfilled. Others are yet to be fulfilled. For example, in Matthew 24, Jesus saw into the prophetic future and revealed that Herod’s temple would be destroyed.
“And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. 2And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (Matt 24:1,2)
Historically, this happened around 70 A.D., approximately 40 years after the prediction.
2. In the context of future events; namely false Christ’s, pestilences, earthquakes, wars and rumors of wars, and the abomination of desolation, Jesus poured into His disciples concerning prophecy – or future events.
In fact, our Lord said this:
“But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.” (Mark 13:23)
Since Jesus knows the past, present and future, do you think we ought to read His Word more?
Conclusion: According to historians, former Presidents recommended the CIA join forces with Remote Viewing to uncover covert military operations against the U.S. This is not a new practice. Instead, for centuries, people have sought to tap into physical and spiritual realities. However, Daniel the prophet discovered the personal insight of future events through the power of prayer and from the revelation of Jesus Christ. We had better stick with God’s way of revealing the future lest we be deceived by demonic forces.
“RV is an experiential technique for altered-anomalous states (see Utts, 1995, 1996, 2018) that allows two types of anomalous cognitions to be subjected to empirical scrutiny (see also Schooler et al., 2018): (a) precognition (also called anticipation of unpredictable stimuli or anomalous anticipation of information, Mossbridge et al., 2012) can be defined as the process by which a person accesses information about the future (i.e., events that have not yet happened) without using sensory or otherwise rational channels recognized by conventional scientific theory (Bem, 2011); and (b) retro-cognition (also called anomalous information reception or clairvoyance) is defined as the process by which a person accesses content referring to the past (i.e., content that has already happened) without using the conventional channels of biology or logic per current scientific theory (Marwaha & May, 2016).”