Introduction: Get a check list: 

Do you have the PEACE of God in these troubling days? How about are you exercising PATIENCE? LOVE? JOY? GENTLENESS? SELF- CONTROL?

Where can we get all of these secret nuggets for living the CHRISTian life?

Let’s look at the Bible to discover where:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Gal 5:22-23)

1. LOVE (Gal 5:22)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

It is easy to LOVE those that love us. But to love those who do not love us takes GRACE! It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. 

2. JOY (Gal 5:22)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Joy is that deep abiding contentment no matter what. Another delicious fruit of the Holy Spirit!

3. PEACE (Gal 5:22)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

PEACE is valuable! Precious!! Necessary! Both Inward and Outward PEACE comes from the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember Jesus gave us His Holy Spirit.

4. PATIENCE (Gal 5:22)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

We live in a world of HURRY! WORRY!! IMPATIENCE manifests itself in relationships; driving; working; and in general. Most of us are IMPATIENT when put under the right circumstances.

Do you agree?

5. GENTLENESS (Gal 5:22)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

The opposite of harshness is GENTLENESS. Are you known as a gentle person?

6. SELF CONTROL (Gal 5:22)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Wow! Do you see a great need for SELF CONTROL? Probably must of us need this fruit flavor daily! It’s available through the Holy Spirit. 

Conclusion: Notice the next key verse that summarizes how to enjoy this luscious fruit for living.

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lust.” (Gal 5:24)

Don’t miss this part or you will miss it all!

Introduction: “Pray without ceasing.” (1Thess 5:17)

What does it mean to pray without ceasing? Are you in a spirit of prayer today? Have you spent time at our “Father’s throne of Grace”? This devotion is meant to motivate each of us to “Pray without Ceasing”!

1. First, we’ve got to set aside some time to PRAY! (1Thess 5:17)

“17Pray without ceasing.”

I’m afraid we do more talking about prayer than we do praying. What do you think? When we pray with the right motives it gives us a sense of peace and contentment. The opposite is true. When we don’t pray it creates anxiety and discontentment. 

2. Second, what does it mean “without ceasing”? (1Thess 5:17)

“17Pray without ceasing.”

The word “without ceasing” is ἀδιαλείπτως, (ad-ee-al-ipe’-toce), which means incessantly unceasingly, or without remission.

How can this be done? Not only does this need to be indelibly ingrained within our minds, but also on our hearts. So that we will make prayer a priority throughout the day.

Will you stop and do that right now? Don’t forget. The disciples asked Jesus to “teach them to pray”! (Luke 11:1)

“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

Conclusion: As we pray without ceasing, remember to give thanks, and rejoice!

1. Artificial Intelligence in our HOME! (Rev 13:14)

“And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.”

2. Artificial Intelligence in our HEART! (Rev 13:11)

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.”

3. Artificial Intelligence in our HEALTH! (Rev 13:12)

“And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.”

4. Artificial Intelligence not in HEAVEN! (Rev 13:8,16-18)

“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name…”

Introduction: Jesus calls us to go the “Extra Mile.” Going the “extra mile” is not easy, convenient, or usually fun. But when we go the “extra mile” with the right motives and for the glory of the Lord, it is always rewarded!

Are you willing to go the “extra mile”?

1. Going the “Extra Mile” when Jesus calls you! (Matt 5:41)

“And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”

There are times in our life that Jesus calls us to die to ourselves but live through the Spirit. It is those times when we really do not want to do something or be bothered with extra stuff. Often times, our plate is already loaded and to add more seems unimaginable, unfair, or unattainable. 

There is a mental battle. Then a spiritual battle. The flesh fights it and shrinks back. The Spirit steps up. 

Actually, it is a test of our faith in our God. Remember, without faith it is impossible to please Him (Heb 11:6). He wants to BLESS us. But honestly, we have a difficult time believing and trusting because of our self dependency. However, when we finally yield to His WILL regardless of the cost or time or inconvenience, then the PEACE of God rains down upon us. His Presence abides with us. And His Power enables us. 

Bottom line: The Christian life is one continuous life from above made possible by the dethronement of the self life! As we decrease, He increases. As we refuse to give into the flesh, the Spirit flows unhindered through our life. 

This brings GLORY to our Lord!

Conclusion: Now isn’t it worth it to go the “Extra Mile”?

Look at the results.

Where is our Lord asking you to go the “Extra Mile”…in obeying Him, in spending extra time in prayer, in reaching out to others when you don’t feel like it. Go ahead and make up your mind – you will Go the “EXTRA MILE”!

Introduction: I love 2 Corinthians 4:7-18. Reading it is like riding a roller coaster. Ups and downs, curves and bumps, are all along the way. But after experiencing its truth, it is refreshing. The thrill of the ride makes you want to ride it again. See if you agree after reading the text.

1. The Treasure! (2Cor 4:7)

“7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

The word “treasure” is θησαυρός. This is interesting because it is the Greek word from which we get our English word thesaurus (thay-sow-ros’).

The word means a store-house for precious things like a treasure, a store.

The word “earthen vessel” is ὀστράκινος, which means made of clay, or earthen.

Do you get the picture? It’s almost like having an expensive diamond ring in a dirty sock! We have the treasure of the Holy Spirit of God residing in this earthly suit – clay pot. That puts things in perspective!

2. The Trouble! (2Cor 4:8-10)

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”

The word “troubled” is θλίβω (thlee’-bo), which means to make narrow by pressure. It means to press upon, to press hard.

The word “distressed” is στενοχωρέω, which also means to be made narrow, to compress, to press upon, cramp, or restrain.

The word “perplexed” is ἀπορέω, which means to be at a loss, to be perplexed; mid or to be in doubt.

The word “despair” is ἐξαπορέομαι, which means to be utterly at a loss, or to be utterly without resource, in despair.

All of us feel the pressure. Right? But we are not going to be hemmed in! Because of the treasure, we have riches that supersede the troubles. Do you see that? Do you believe that?

3. The Triumph! (2Cor 4:16-18)

“6For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Everything does not necessarily appear as it really is. If we fail to look up to heaven, which is the believer’s final resting place, then we can lose perspective in this life. Our focus for the future determines our enjoyment in the present. Where is your focus?

Introduction: Do you feel bound down with a heavy spirit of oppression or depression? How can you get loose? Is it guilt from unconfessed sin? Is it because of a poor decision? Is it because of some attachment to satanic influences?

Is it because of mind-altering drugs? Is it because of past unresolved conflicts? Is it because of not being real or being deceived? Is it because of dishonesty?

1. Look at some of those recording in Scripture that have been set free by Jesus:

* Woman bound down by Satan (Luke 13)

* Gadarene demonic (Mark 5)

* Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9)

* Mary Magdalene (Luke 8)

* James & John sons of thunder (Mark 3)

* Paralytic (John 5)

* Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10)

* Nicodemus (John 3) 

2. Others were set free by the power of Jesus Christ working through His disciples:

* Cripple man (Acts 3)

* Elymas the sorcerer (Acts 13)

* Damsel with a demon (Acts 16)

Introduction: Did you know Jesus Christ was Bible Prophecy? Where do we find that in the Bible? Does that mean it should be important to us? Are you a student of End Time Events? 

Let’s look at this subject together.

1. Bible Prophecy = Jesus! (Rev 19:10)

“And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

What was John saying as he was inspired by the Holy Spirit?

The word for “prophecy” is προφητεία,(prof-ay-ti’-ah), which means prophecy, prophesying; the gift of communicating. In other words enforcing or conveying revealed truth. Since Jesus Christ was God this makes sense! Do you agree?

What about the claims of the Seven day Adventist? Is it authentic? Reliable? Valid? 

“The Seventh-day Adventists also believed that Ellen White had the gift of prophecy, and her lectures and writings shaped the later beliefs and practices of the church. Other Adventist bodies emerged in the 19th century.Mar 25, 2023” (https://www.britannica.com › Ellen)

Moses wrote that if a prophet predicted an event and it did not come true 100% of the time, they would be considered a FALSE PROPHET. Are their a lot of false Prophets today? According to records, Jehovah Witnesses predicted a time when Jesus would return 1933, 1974, etc needless to say it has not happened.

Do you remember 88 reasons why Jesus will return in 1988?

Do not let people try to persuade you that the Bible is not accurate. Here is how I know the Bible is the Word of God:

* It claims to be – (2Tim 3:16,17)

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

All means all! Every single part of the whole!!

* Jesus affirmed it – (Luke 24:44-46)

“44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.”

* Its message has changed my 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.”

* Prophetic accuracy – (2Pet 1:19-21)

“19We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

Conclusion: The case is made. Jesus is Bible Prophecy. So let’s read it, and heed it!

1. CHRISTian Accusation and Persecution! (1Tim 6:12,13)

“I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession…”

2. Satan’s Falsification and Deception! (1Tim 6:13,14)

“I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable..”

3. Churches Evacuation and Destination! (1Tim 6:14,15)

“….until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.”

Introduction: Are you a student of Bible Prophecy? End time? Eschatology? By the way, we are not talking about “Dooms day” teaching. Instead, bible prophecy brings HOPE to the hurting and HELP to the helpless! This devotion will examine five reasons for studying bible Prophecy.

1. Because Bible Prophecy is a FAITH BUILDER! (1John 3:1-3)

“1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

Did you notice that studying the coming of Jesus Christ produces holy living – pure and productivity – not lazy and lackadaisical? After all, if we believed that Jesus could return tonight, which He could, it should make us more serious about preparing for it the best we can. Do you agree?

2. Because Bible Prophecy is a Scriptural ENLIGHTENER! (Matt 24:3,4)

“3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4And Jesus answered and said unto them…”

The last week of our Lord was spent pouring into His disciples. This Olivet discourse (sermon) is all about what to expect during the end time – Bible prophecy. One third-1/3 of our bibles are filled with prophecy- events foretold – and events fulfilled. That is extremely important for the student of Scripture. Developing a biblical worldview is a must for every CHRISTian. How are you doing?

3. Because Bible Prophecy is a CHRISTian PREPARER! (2Cor 5:10)

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

Is there going to be some accountability at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the believer? Yes. Studying and teaching Bible Prophecy helps prepare believers as we plan for the future. Either we will be rewarded or suffer loss; i.e. not salvation but crowns to cast at the feet of Jesus. Think about it.

4. Because Bible Prophecy is a Current Event Explorer! (1Chron 12:32)

“And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.”

Reading and understanding current events in the light of Bible Prophecy lets followers of Jesus Christ know the times in which we are living and more importantly know what we ought to do. Therefore, we are not caught off guard when some major world event happens; i.e. when Russia invaded Ukraine.

Clarification is needed here. We do not look at the news and try to make it “FIT” the Bible. Instead, we read the Bible and then see what us going on in the news. There is a vast difference. Can you tell the times and the seasons in which we are living?

5. Because Bible Prophecy is a PRAYER DEVELOPER! (Luke 21:34-36)

“34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”

Jesus recommended watching and praying because end time events are going to intensify. Can you tell it is happening? Are you praying? How are you praying?

Introduction: Do you want to be Blessed? Start praying for Israel….the peace of Jerusalem…bless the seed of Abraham.

1. How to get Blessed! (Gen 12:1-3)

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

While we are not the physical seed of Abraham, we are the spiritual seed. Paul writes, (Gal 3:26-29)

“26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

The word “heir” is κληρονόμος, an heir, an inheritor. Remember. Abraham was justified by faith because he believed God. Again turn to the book of Romans.

(Rom 4:3) “3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

Today, we are justified by faith, and thru the blood of  Jesus Christ. (Rom 5:1, 9)

2. Why did God choose Israel?

God chose Israel/Abraham to bless the world. Why? Not because their sake, but instead for His name sake.

Read Ezekiel 36:22f

“Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. 23And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. 24For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. 28And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.”

The bottom line: God chooses who He uses. And He can refuse to use whom He chooses. 

Conclusion: We can stay BLESSED all year long by being a blessing to God’s chosen people. Let’s hope and pray America remembers this truth!