Introduction: How are these two interconnected? PEACE, and THANKSGIVING? Let’s examine this devotional thought.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Col. 3:15).

Did you notice that “PEACEFUL and THANKFUL” go together? Simply put:
We have PEACE when we are THANKFUL, and we are THANKFUL when we have PEACE!

1. PEACEFUL and THANKFUL! (Col 3:15)

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

When PEACE is “ruling” in our hearts then we are going to be THANKFUL! Is our Lord’s PEACE ruling and over ruling in your heart? Is it ever ruling?

Interesting that the word “rule” is βραβεύω,(brab-yoo’-o), which means to act as umpire. Wow! It also has the connotation to act as arbiter in the games, to arbitrate. The word arbitrate pictures an independent person that intervenes to reach a settlement. With that said, do you see it? While living in a world of chaos and confusion, God’s PEACE that passes understanding (Phil 4:6,7) guards (rules) both our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ. Choose this today.

2. THANKFUL and PEACEFUL! (Col 3:15)

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

The word “thankful” is εὐχάριστος, (yoo-khar’-is-tos), which simply means thankful, grateful.

Are you THANKFUL? The PEACE of God breeds THANKFULNESS. But at the same time, THANKSGIVING to God brings the PEACE of God.

Introduction: Are you GRATEFUL for our Lord’s PROVISIONS? Do you murmur and complain? Most of us do more than we should. Instead of being UNGRATEFUL for what we don’t have, we should be PRAISING our Lord for what we do have!

Why GIVE THANKS? Do you know why we should GIVE THANKS? The Psalmist experienced victory over an UNGRATEFUL spirit as he was inspired to write these words. Read his reasons for GIVING THANKS.

“O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 136:26)

1. He gave THANKS because the Lord supplied his daily food! (Psa 136:25)

“25Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

Poverty is real. Here in America we do not not see a lot of people who are without food. But while traveling on mission trips across the globe, it becomes evident poverty is real. 

So we ought to THANK our Lord for our daily bread!

2. He gave THANKS because the Lord delivered him from his enemies! (Psa 136:24)

“24And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for enemies.”

The word “redeemed” is  פָרַק: (paw-rak’), which to to tear apart or away. In other words, our Lord rescues us from those who are against us. 

3. He gave THANKS because the Lord remembered their condition! (Psa 136:23)

“23Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:”

The words “low estate” is שֶׁפֶל (shay’-fel), which means condition. In other words – God chose both Israel and us today (the Church does not replace Israel) not because of our greatness, but because of His choice for the down and out, the lowly. He did it all for His glory. 

4. He gave THANKS because the Lord GAVE land as an INHERITANCE! (Psa 136:21,22)

“And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever: 22Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

In the SOVEREIGNTY of God, He chose to GIVE His people a LAND INHERITANCE to possess. 

This was their real estate. In order to be a nation, a people must have land. To this day, this LAND COVENANT has not been fully fulfilled by Israel. However, during the Millennium reign of Jesus Christ, Israel will possess the totality of God’s promise to Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. 

5.  He gave THANKS because of the Lord’s marvelous CREATION! (Psa 136:4-9)

“4To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. 5To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. 6To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. 7To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: 8The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: 9The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.” 

What can you say about God’s handiwork? His CREATION is AMAZING. We stand in AWE of the complexity and enormity of this universe. 

And yet, Jesus knows our name, our frame, and our pain! Not only that but the fact that Jesus would die a sacrificial death in order to take away our sins as we trust Him, and prepare a place in heaven as He has promised to come again, that is a BLESSING indeed. 

Conclusion: Now do you agree with the Psalmist? We have far more to THANK our Lord and Savior for this thanksgiving than we have to complain about. 

So let’s do it!

Introduction: Daniel knew about changes. Being taken hundreds of miles from his home as a teenager, he experienced a different culture. But he did not compromise his convictions. In fact, he understood that the God of the Bible was in
CONTROL. This devotion will explore how we can trust the Lord in the midst of CHANGES in our life.

1. Daniel understood that it is God that allows different seasons by setting UP one leader and putting down another LEADER! (Dan 2:20,21)

“20Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
“21And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.”

After a prayer meeting, God revealed to Daniel incredible insight. In fact, he witnessed several kings and kingdoms that moved on the scene and then moved off the scene. Therefore, Daniel praised his God. Will you?

2. Daniel understood that it is God that allows different seasons for enlarging our INFLUENCE! (Dan 2:22)

“22He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.”

Light dispels the darkness. Jesus declared that He was the light of the world (John 8:12). But He also told His disciples that they were to be the light of the world (Matt 5:13-16). Are you lighting this dark world?

3. Daniel understood that it is God that allows different seasons! (Dan 2:23)

“23I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.”

A prayer of THANKSGIVING was offered to the Lord because He is in CONTROL of the seasons, the Kings, and our life as we yield to Him. Are you yielded to Him? His will for your life?

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.” (1Chron 16:34)

Introduction: Why give thanks? King David knew the purpose of God bestowing BLESSINGS upon His people was that in turn we would GIVE THANKS to Him as we worship.

“Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” (Rom 1:25)

Did you notice they worshipped the creature more than the Creator?

Is this happening today? Absolutely. Look at the “movie stars,” “sport stars,” and “music stars”….the rich and the famous are being worshipped today. This is a SAD travesty to say the least. Remember: Our great God will not share His glory with another. But one day every knee will bow!

David writes again……

“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.” (Psa 8:3 -6)

We are made in His image. However, we are not gods. Instead we are being conformed into His image until one day we shall see Him face to face.

2. For two, Jesus Christ created everything and will be worshipped in heaven one day!

“16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.” (Col 1:16)

Paul was speaking of the superiority and the sufficiency of Jesus Christ. John sees a heavenly vision that will be in the future.

” 9And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev 4:9-11)

I love it! Jesus is worshipped as He should be!!

Conclusion: David was BLESSED by His God – the God of the Bible. How? And what did he do?

“So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God. 2And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.” (1Chron 16:1-2)

ELECTION to the Ephesians! (Eph 1:3-6)

“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4According 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: 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”

1. See the word “CHOSEN.” (Eph 1:4)

The word “chosen” is ἐκλέγομαι,(ek-leg’-om-ahee), which means to pick out for myself, choose, elect, select.

Paul is writing under the inspiration to believers in Ephesus. This means that before the foundation of the creation of the world, we were CHOSEN by the Lord….not the “frozen chosen”!

2. See the word “PREDESTINED”. (Eph 1:5)

The Greek rendering of PREDESTINED is προορίζω: (pro-or-id’-zo), which means foreordain, or to predetermine, or to mark out beforehand.

Obviously this points out that our Lord is omniscience. He knows all beforehand.

3. See the word “ADOPTION”. (Eph 1:5)

The word is υἱοθεσία,(hwee-oth-es-ee’-ah), which means adoption, as a son into the divine family.

This of course means with full rights as a son.

4. See the word “ACCEPTED”. (Eph 1:6)

It is the word χαριτόω, (khar-ee-to’-o), which means to make graceful, endow with grace, show favor, bestow freely on.

Hallelujah! God the Father shows FAVOR on us because of the relationship we have with Jesus Christ.

1.Who are the “elect”? (2Pet 1:10)

“10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”

See the word “diligence”? The Greek word is σπουδάζω,(spoo-dad’-zo), which means hasten, eager, zealous.

See the word “calling”? It is the word κλῆσις,(klay’-sis), which means a calling, an invitation; when it is used in the NT, it always of a divine call.

See the word “election”? It is the word ἐκλογή,(ek-log-ay’), which means a (divine) choosing out, or a selecting, a choice (by God).

In this passage, Peter refers to CHRISTians as the “elect.” However, our Lord Jesus also refers to Israel as the elect.

“24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matt. 24:24)

In this passage, Jesus is talking to His disciples who were Jews.

2.Why are they the “elect”? (Rom 9:10)

“And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”

Because of God’s sovereign selection, Israel was chosen. In Jacob’s case, our omniscient Lord knew that Jacob would be broken and turn to Him. Whereas, Esau would live for his own self indulgence. Our Lord chooses but He gives us a free will to reject or accept Him (John 1:12).

Introduction: Are you mad? Why? Have you been… “Bitten with Bitterness”? Warning. Once bitten, it gets infected. But Jesus has a remedy. Will you climb the mountain of forgiveness? Yes. There might be some struggles along the way, but there is extraordinary “FREEDOM” at the top! Go ahead and climb. 

1. When we get BITTEN with BITTERNESS it affects others around us! (Heb 12:15)

“15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”

The words “looking diligently” is ἐπισκοπέω,(ep-ee-skop-eh’-o), which means exercise oversight, care for, visit. Simply put it means be careful. Watch out. Did you notice we could “fail the grace of God”? That means we have a choice- embrace or release the debt; i.e. the pain or hurt caused. Also please note that “many can be defiled.”

The word “defiled” is μιαίνω: (me-ah’-ee-no), which means to stain, to pollute, to defile, to corrupt. That means that many will be polluted!

This being BITTEN with BITTERNESS not only affects us but others around us as well. Have you been bitten?

2. When we climb the mountain of FORGIVENESS it allows us to live in FREEDOM! (Eph 4:26,27,31,32)

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27Neither give place to the devil…… 31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Forgiveness is a choice. It is not a “feeling.” I love this text. It is liberating and relieving. Try it you’ll like it!

Considering the alternative, it’s the best option!!

Conclusion: The bottom line:

Jesus has set us FREE from being BITTEN with BITTERNESS. When He gave Himself for our sins by being whipped, ridiculed, beaten and ultimately crucified on a cross, He forgave. That in turn allows His Spirit to enable us to RELEASE the offense of others. By the way, this includes FREEDOM to FORGIVE ourselves!

So are you going to be “”BITTEN with BITTERNESS”? Or are you going to be “FREE with FORGIVENESS”?

Introduction: Are you discipling anyone? That is our Lord’s will. But how do we disciple? By looking into the life of our Lord Jesus, we can find insights from the GREATEST LEADER that ever lived. This devotion will examine the process of choosing and empowering those around us. Please take note of the (5) steps Jesus took.

1. Jesus PRAYED before choosing them! (Luke 6:12)

“12And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples..”

Jesus prayed all NIGHT! This was in preparation for choosing His disciples. 
Hint: Pray over people before you work with them! Are you following this pattern? Why not start?

2. Jesus CALLED them out to follow Him!

“12And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples…. : and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; 14Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, 16And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.”

3. Jesus POURED into them! (Luke 6:20)

“20And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said….”

For three consistent years, the Master Teacher poured into the disciples. Are you investing into people? Paul writes to Timothy,

“2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2Tim 2:2)

Pouring into others takes a great amount of patience.

4. Jesus EVALUATED them! (Luke 9:40)

“And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not. 41And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you?”

Here the discouraged disciples were defeated. Why? Because they were powerless; and in all indication they were prayerless. Are you prayerless?

5. Jesus REWARDED them! (Matt 19:27-30)

“Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.”

I love this text. While technically speaking, it is written to Israel, and will be fulfilled in the future. Practically speaking, this a promise to us as well in that Jesus will keep His promise to Israel, which means He will also keep His promises to His Church today. That includes us!

Introduction: Where are some of the fallen angels? Will there be an INVASION? Apparently during the tribulation, the great abyss will be unlocked and release millions of hideous creatures. Thankfully, the true Church will be raptured up in heaven with her Bridegroom. Let’s discuss this futuristic event when there is an INVASION of false RELIGION.

1. How is the BOTTOMLESS PIT opened? (Rev 9:1,2)

“And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. 2And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.”

The Star has a key. Do you know by comparison that Jesus Christ has the keys to death and hell?

“18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Rev 1:18)

2. Who opens the BOTTOMLESS PIT? (Rev 9:1,2)

“And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.”

Who is this “star”? Some believe it is Satan. Others say the Antichrist. Still others declare it is an Angel. Let’s face it, Satan is the great deceiver, accuser, and liar. Yet, Jesus Christ is the TRUTH! The WAY! The LIFE!

3. What comes out of the BOTTOMLESS PIT? (Rev 9:3, 7-10)

“3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power….. 7And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. 8And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. 9And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. 10And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.”

Perhaps these are the fallen angels that procreated with the “daughters of men” during the days of Noah. Consequently, they were judged the Lord God and confined to hell, as both Peter and Jude writes (2Pet 2:4; Jude 4-7).

4. What will eventually happen to the creatures in the BOTTOMLESS PIT? (Rev 9:11)

“And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon….”

(Rev 19:20)
“…20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone…..”

At the present time, it appears Satan and his demons win. But the Word of God reveals he loses. JESUS WINS!

Introduction: Is the PEACE of God RULING in your heart today? The opposite of PEACE is worry and turmoil. Is worry ruling in your heart? You may ask the question. How can PEACE rule in my heart with so much trouble in the world? Health challenges? Family problems? Financial stresses? In the letter to the Colossians, Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write confirming the deity and superiority of Jesus Christ. Several key passages stand out enabling us to experience the PEACE of God. See if you “get it”!

“15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Col 3:15)

1. How can the PEACE of God rule in our hearts? (Col 1:12-14)

“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”

In Jesus Christ, we have redemption – deliverance. Did you notice we have been “delivered FROM the Kingdom of DARKNESS” and brought into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ? His redeeming blood has washed our sins away. Praise the Lord! Have you been delivered? If so, rejoice in the PEACE of God because of it.

2. How can the PEACE of God rule in our hearts? (Col 2:14,15)

“14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

Jesus not only “delivered” us from DARKNESS unto LIGHT but He also “defeated” principalities and powers of Satan’s DOMAIN. That brings PEACE to our minds!

3. How can the PEACE of God rule in our hearts? (Col 3:1-4)

“1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

Not only have we been delivered from DARKNESS but we have also been raised to NEW LIFE in Christ – seated with Him judicially and experiencing Him daily, until one day we will be with Him and worship Him eternally. Certainly that brings PEACE to our hearts!