Introduction: Seeing, hearing, and experiencing the glory of God is breathtaking. We read of personal testimonies in the Scriptures of those who encountered God’s glory.

1. Moses did! (Exo 3:2-6)

“And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. 4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. 5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. 6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.”

Imagine a burning bush that is not consumed. Moses was never the same after that experience. He became one of the greatest leaders of Israel.

2. Paul did! (2Cor 12:1-3)

“1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I can not tell: God knoweth; How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.”

It seems only fitting that Paul was caught up to the third heaven, especially since he denied the Lord Jesus for years. He became one of the greatest missionaries that ever lived, if not the greatest.

3. Ezekiel did! (Ezekiel 1:28)

“As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.”

4. John did! (Revelation 1:17,18)

“17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

After attempts to martyr John failed, he ended up on the isle of Patmos where he encountered Jesus Christ.
Recognizing who He was, John fell as a dead man at His feet. Then he was ready to write concerning the things which will come hereafter.

1. Psalm 29:10 

“10 The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.”

Isn’t it comforting to know that the God we serve is in control?

2. Matt 24:37

“37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

Jesus Christ made reference in this END TIME Olivet discourse to the flood during Noah’s day. He likened the surprise to be similar to when He returns in His second coming. Does it seem like we are living in the days of Noah?

3. Nahum 1:7,8

“The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. 8 But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.”

After God sent the great revival in Nineveh during the days of Jonah, the city became very wicked. Nahum’s message is judgment. It was inevitable. However, like today, there is a way to escape this by running into the arms of Jesus! Will you do that today?

4. Gen 6:17

“17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. 18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee.”

Because of man’s wickedness, God sent a universal flood to destroy those on earth except Noah and his family. Next, our Lord made a covenant with him not to destroy the world again with a flood; however, the judgment of fire would be used.

Peter writes,
“And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly…” (2 Pet 2:5)

“10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the wo
rks that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Pet 3:10)

How close are we to this happening? Speaking of Global warming!!

Introduction: I love what John was inspired to write to the seven Churches in the book of Revelation. This brief, but challenging message sandwiched in between some condemnation to the church of Thyatira is applicable for us today.

Notice:

1. What we as believers already POSSESS! (Rev 2:25)

“But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.”

Look at the words ” HAVE ALREADY”! That speaks of PAST TENSE. In other words what we already POSSESS- i.e. the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, etc. Use them. 

2. How we  need to PERSEVERE! (Rev 2:25)

“But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.”

Look at the words “HOLD FAST.” That speaks of PRESENT TENSE. This means Hold on- PERSEVERE. Stay strong!

3. How we need to PREPARE! (Rev 2:25)

“But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.”

Look at the words “till I come”! That speaks of FUTURE tense! Jesus is coming!!

Conclusion: Jesus Christ was instructing His Church to stay strong in these days. Why? Because He will return.

Let’s get ready.

Introduction: How is our faith in Jesus being refined? Can you tell? Check out the following progression. 

1. Faith Defined! (Heb 11:1)

“Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith is based on believing God’s Word. Simply put, it is taking our Lord at His Word. There is saving faith, living faith, and dying faith. Do we really exercise trust in the Lord? Even through the fires of affliction, is our dependence upon Him?

2. Faith Refined! (1Pet 1:6,7)

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

In order for our Faith in Jesus to grow, it must be refined on a continuous basis….from glory to glory. Is your faith in Jesus being tested right now? What should you do? 

Answer: Let the Master Potter….mold and make you after His will. 

In the crucible, our faith is being purified. That is what Peter is teaching. So now, is your faith being purified?

3. Faith Designed! (Rom 4:19-21)

“And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”

In God’s economy, the element of faith is the key that unlocks heaven’s blessings. Will you unlock the door?

Conclusion: While this is simple, yet it is profound – Faith is the victory – from root to fruit. So is your faith in Jesus growing or shrinking through the fires? It is meant to be enlarged.

Once we step back and see the big picture, then we can cooperate as our faith is being refined through the furnace of affliction. 

Introduction: Where is our mission field? It is wherever we are located. That means Walmart, the gas station, the neighborhood, or our home.

Don’t forget, we are witnesses.

1. A Christian Witness is someone who testifies to what Jesus Christ has done! (2Cor 5:20)

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

The word “ambassador” is πρεσβεύω which means a representative. That is a great responsibility to represent Jesus Christ! How are you doing?

2. A Christian Witness is someone who demonstrates a Changed life! (2Cor 5:17)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Jesus makes the difference. Can others see Jesus in you?

3. A Christian Witness is someone who is motivated by the love of Christ! (2Cor 5:14,15)

“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead.”

2Co 5:15 – “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto them selves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”

What a motivation? The love of Christ!

Conclusion: Are you a witness? What kind? We represent the One & Only Jesus Christ! Therefore, we are on missions.

Introduction: Did we choose Jesus or did Jesus choose us? The latter is ultimately true. What does that mean? How should we respond?

1. We should respond with a good attitude! (John 15:16)

“You’ve not Chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”

What a statement! Jesus reminds His disciples as well as those who are followers today that He chose us, not the opposite. Now granted, by His grace we receive Him (John 1:12). But ultimately, He sought us out, saved us by His previous redeeming blood, and has promised to return for us some day. 

This should cause us to watch and wait for His coming. Are you?

2. We should respond with gratitude! (Luke 17:15 -19)

“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. 19And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”

As gratitude was found in this one and only leper, may it be said of those of us who name the name of Jesus that we are thankful!

3. We should respond in flying higher in Altitude! (1Cor 1:26-31)

“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.”

Are you glorying in the flesh or in the Lord?

Conclusion: Bottom line: We are debtors as Paul wrote….to live for the glory of our Lord since He chose us and purchased our redemption.

CHOSEN and KEPT by JESUS!

Introduction: Do you ever feel stressed? Have you ever been abandoned by a friend or family? What should you do? Take note how our Lord handled stress. Even though He was fully God, He was fully man at the same time. But His plate was full! People were clinging to Him desperately needing healing and help. He faced challenges on every hand but He OVERCAME them!

The Disciples left Him at the most crucial moment of His life! (Mark 14:43-50)

“43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. 45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. 46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him. And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me? 49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled. 50 And they all forsook him, and fled.”

Have you ever been betrayed? Abandoned? Did you feel helpless?

Conclusion: Jesus gives us His life through His Spirit to be able to OVERCOME. When we feel stressed and lonely, He’s with us. We are never alone. 

Introduction: Your attitude will either “Make you” or “Break you”! It is true. Our ATTITUDE controls our ALTITUDE! How is your ATTITUDE these days? 

This writer needs an ATTITUDE adjustment daily! 

This devotion is not built upon pop psychology, or just mere positive thinking; instead, it is TRUTH that TRANSFORMS.

Paul’s Holy Spirit inspired prescription for a GOOD ATTITUDE! (Phil 4:8)

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Keep in mind, Paul was a man who constantly faced adversity. Remember his testimony.

“Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches” (2 Cor 11:23-28).

Can anybody relate? Doubtful. Jesus Christ could. But do you recall what our Lord had told Ananias about Paul. 

“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16).

Conclusion: Developing a good attitude of gratitude is made in the crucibles of life; i.e. suffering hardships. 

But it is in the oven of affliction that God refines His servants. The dross is removed. Grace is put in place. And character is formed. Consequently, our ATTITUDE changes our perspective about life.

Are you going through something right now? Could it be that the Spirit of God is up to changing some things, like our ATTITUDE?

Then, bring it on.

Introduction: Do the tongue and temper go hand in hand? Yes. How do we know? The book of James along with Solomon’s writings in Proverbs tells us. 

1. Two ears and one tongue! (James 1:19)

“19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift  to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

A Christian lady once asked me this question: “Preacher, why do you think God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth?” She continued, “To do TWICE as much LISTENING than TALKING”!

Needless to say, we had a big laugh!!

Secondly, she asked, “Preacher, have you ever seen cow manure?” To which I replied, of course. Then she said, “If you leave it alone, it will dry out fast, but if you stir it up, it will STINK more”!

I got it!! Do you get it?

The word “wrath” is ὀργή, (or-gay’), which is defined by impulse, anger, passion; punishment, vengeance. In other words, our Lord is instructing His children through the pen of James to not “fly off the handle”! Instead, let the fruit of the Spirit – self control – kick in!

Nine times out of ten, if that is practiced, it will end well, or at least better. 

2. Slow down to anger! (Prov 16:32)

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”

The nature of anger speeds us up; i.e. jump to conclusions. But rather than that, we should allow the Holy Spirit to work in our thoughts and reactions. It always ends better when we give room to the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion: There we have it…..the tongue and the temper. One can control the other if gone unchecked. As we’ve seen, it is best to let the Holy Spirit take control.

Introduction: How can we be angry and not sin? Inspired by the Holy Spirit, in one of his letters to a Church, Paul reminds us today as well as then that letting anger linger is not good. In fact, it can lead to giving place to the devil. But wait a minute. Someone asked the question, wasn’t Jesus angry? True. However, Jesus never sinned. If He had committed even one sin then He could not have died for our sins. 

So how do we explain this subject about sin?

1. Unchecked Anger is BAD! (Eph 4:26,27)

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.”

Unchecked anger means it has gone unchecked….unresolved. Is your anger unchecked?

2. Checked Out Anger is O.K! (Eph 4:31,32)

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Checked Out anger means it’s been checked out! Thrown out! Dealt with! Nipped in bud!

Has your anger been Checked Out?

Conclusion: Why not have a “Check Up” today? See if your anger is Unchecked or Checked Out?