Introduction: Do you like Love Stories? Here is a passage of Scripture that is an intimate “Love” relationship between Solomon and his Shunamite bride. There are several different approaches to interpreting this book called the Song of Solomon. Some interpret it as meaning Jesus Christ and His relationship to the Church, which has some merit. Others understand it as God the Father’s relationship between He and His wife, namely Israel. This also has validity. Still others interpret Song of Solomon from the literal perspective as to mean this is Solomon and his bride. So we have the allegorical method, the historical method, and the literal method of understanding this book. The best interpretation is technical, which is the literal, although we can certainly draw parallels from other Scriptures.

Here is the The Bride’s response: “16Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.” (Song of Sol 2:1f)

“3As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. 4He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. 5Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love. 6His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.”

“My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.” (Song of Sol 2:16)

Solomon uses flattering words as he seduces his bride to be, while she is captured and bitten with the LOVE BUG! Yet as you know, love is deeper than an emotion!

“7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8Charity never faileth.” (1Cor 13:7,8)

That is our Lord’s definition of love.

2. Next the Wedding! (Song of Sol 3:9-11)

“9King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. 10He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem. 11Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.”

Imagine the pomp and pageantry of the wedding of the King. By the way, he was one of the richest men in the world. However, here is a side note looking back in retrospect. His many wives and concubines helped turn his heart away from God. Consequently, his kingdom was divided after his death in 931 BC.

3. Finally, after the wedding! (Song of Sol 4-8:6,7)

“Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. 7Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.”

After the fantasy and ecstasy comes the REALITY!

Introduction: It is already here! The Spirit of the Antichrist was prevalent during John’s time as well as our day. How can one tell when the Spirit of the Antichrist is present?

1. When Jesus Christ is denied! (1John 2:18)

“18Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.”

(1John 4:1-3)

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”

In concluding, not only do we see the Spirit of Antichrist more and more but we should be able to detect this movement and refute its claims.

2. When the Bible is defied! (Gen 3:1-15)

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”

This is Satan’s chief tool. Beware. Watch out. Be on guard.

3. When Satan is desired! (Rev 13:1-18)

“……And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?”

This world political, religious and economic leader will rule the world.

But his demise is inevitable. Jesus will throw him into the lake of fire.

Introduction: Does man have a leg to stand on? Is God fair? Why would the Lord condemn anyone? Check out how Paul meticulously declares man to be guilty without any defense.

1.Revelation (Rom 1:18)

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.”

The word “hold” is κατέχω, (kat-ekh’-o). By definition it means to hold fast, bind, arrest, to take possession of, lay hold of, to hold back, detain, restrain, to hold a ship, keep its head.

Basically, it means to hold down or suppress.

In other words, when a person hears the Word of God being proclaimed through reading or teaching or preaching and one “turns a deaf ear” or denies its TRUTH, he or she is in danger of the next downfall after CREATION which is DECEPTION. It is an irreversible slippery slope that leads to destruction.

2.Creation (Rom 1:20)

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”

Did you see the words “without excuse”? That means with defense. There is no excuse. CREATION is an undeniable witness.  

3.Deception (Rom 1:21)

“21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”

Denying or suppressing the TRUTH of the WORD of God leads to delusional thinking….then delusional acting. Now we can see why a man or a woman does abominable things; i.e. bestiality, etc.

Perverted living is the result.

4.Rationalization (Rom 1:22-33)

“24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.”

Because of man’s disobedience through deception and delusion, and perversion, Paul reveals the Lord “TURNING” them OVER to a “reprobate” mind.

The word “reprobate” is παραδίδωμι (par-ad-id’-o-mee). It means to hand over, to give or deliver over, to betray….It can also mean to abandon.

This is sad indeed. But there is hope, but only through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: It is not that man doesn’t believe in God, instead he rejects the TRUTH of God. Here we have description of a downward spiral of our culture. And yet, our Lord has empowered His followers to stand up, speak up, and get ready to go up!

Keep looking up!!

Introduction: There’s no doubt we are experiencing INFLATION…highest it’s been in decades ( 7.8%). But what is really troubling is that far too many CHRISTians are facing SPIRITUAL INFLATION! But why? And how can we go from INFLATION to FORMATION?

1. The Causes! (Rom 1:6-11)

“6Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:”

There’s is a lack of PURPOSE! How about you? Do you know God’s PURPOSE for your life?

Notice the word “CALLED.” (Rom 1:6)

“7To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Next, look at the word FAITH. (Rom 1:8)

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.”

Is there a lack of FAITH?

Finally consider the element of PRAYER. (Rom 1:9)

“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;”

PRAYER Works if you Work it!

Now what are the CURES?

2. The Cures! (Rom 1:14-16)

“I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Bottom line:

SERVING Jesus! SHARING Jesus! These are God’s cure for SPIRITUAL inflation.

Conclusion: Is SPIRITUAL INFLATION more important to the Lord than Economical Inflation? Probably so. Let’s make the adjustments necessary to turn things around by serving and sharing Jesus. 

Introduction: I love Romans chapter 12. Why? Because it describes in a nutshell the process God uses to make His children useful. Please notice the steps. While studying the process ask yourself, “Where am I?”

1. Transformation (Rom 12:1,2)

“1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

First – Presentation
Second – Confirmation
Third – Alteration

Do you agree that we have to have a “change of heart” first? Do you? Is your mind being renewed?

2. Assimilation (Rom 12:4-8)

“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”

Rather than sitting, soaking, and souring, God’s will is for His children to SERVE Him with the spiritual gifts that have been imparted to each believer. Do you know your spiritual gift(s)? Are you SERVING with a good attitude?

3. Dedication (Rom 12:9-13)

“9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality….”

After saving us by His marvelous grace and calling us through His spiritual gifts, we are to exercise those gifts for His glory.

Introduction: Did you know Jesus Christ fulfills this role as PROPHET, PRIEST, and KING? King David verifies this truth in Psalm 110. The writer to the book of Hebrews, many believe Paul, while under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, declares the same in Hebrews 9:24-28.

1. Jesus As PRIEST! (Heb 9:24)

“4For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;”

As you recall, the high priest was the only one who could enter into the holiest of holies on the special day designated as “The Day of ATONEMENT”! While in that sacred place, he would sprinkle the blood of a goat for the purpose of the forgiveness of the people’s sins. However, this was repeated year after year and only “covered” their sins unlike when Jesus Christ poured His life giving blood which would be “once and for all” a sacrifice for man’s sins forever! Do you see the difference? Now, Jesus sits at the right hand of the FATHER making intercession for the saints. (see Rom 8:34, Heb 1:3; Heb 8:1; Heb 10:12; Heb 12:2)

“We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heaven.”

2. Jesus as PROPHET! (Heb 9:26)

“For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”

Did you notice the phrase, “hath he appeared”? This means Jesus’s role on earth was a prophetic role. He foretold events that would happen. Interestingly enough, how many have been fulfilled. Others will be fulfilled in His timing.

3. Jesus as KING! (Heb 9:28)

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”

Jesus will return as the “King of Kings”!

Introduction: Choices. We have daily choices. Is it going to be dominating by the flesh today….me myself & I? Or is it going to be under the control of the Holy Spirit?

This passage of Scripture lays out the “tug of war.” Which will you choose today? Anger vs Forgiveness. Pride vs humility. Jealously vs unselfishness, etc.

1. Walking in the Spirit (Gal 5:16)

“16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

The word “walk” is περιπατέw: (per-ee-pat-eh’-o), which means conduct my life, to live. This speaks of lifestyle. To walk in the Spirit means to live by the Spirit. Are you living by the Spirit? What changes need to take place in order for you to walk in the Spirit?

2. Walking in the flesh (Gal 5:17-21)

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Sounds like a modern day description. Doesn’t it? As an unconverted man, this is the lifestyle when it comes to the heart. Are there too many flesh patterns in your life?

Conclusion: It appears that even after receiving Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we have daily choices. Feed the flesh or surrender to the Spirit. 

However, make no mistake about it, “IT PAYS to WALK in the SPIRIT”! So let’s walk in the Spirit…

Introduction: Favor with the Lord is fabulous! Do you want to find FAVOR with Jesus? But you ask how? This devotion will describe how Ruth found FAVOR with the Lord.

Ruth found FAVOR!

Here is the outline of Ruth by chapters:

1. A Famine (Ruth 1:1)

“Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land.”

A family of four left Bethlehem because of a famine and landed in Moab, which is modern day Jordan. It just so happens the daddy and both sons died after marrying two Moabite women, one of which was Ruth. Naomi, the grieving mother and wife of the two deceased decided to go back to Bethlehem because the famine was over. Ruth had a choice to either stay in Moab with her friends and family or go back with her mother in law. Evidently, Ruth saw the living God working through her mother in law, and therefore went with her. 

“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” (Ruth 1:16-17)

Do you have that kind of commitment to follow Jesus?

2. A Field (Ruth 2:1-2)

“1And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. 2And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.”

After deciding to follow the God of the Bible, Ruth started trusting Him to lead her where it just so happened that she ended up on the fields of Boaz. 

Are you trusting the Lord to follow Him?

3. FAVOR (Ruth 2:12-13;3:9-12)

“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.”

Ruth found FAVOR! God honored her life. 

“9And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman. 10And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. 11And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.”

Ruth’s FAITH was rewarded! Can you see the FAVOR of God rewarding obedience?

4. A Family (Ruth 4:13,14)

“13So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. 14And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.”

God’s plan for Ruth began to unfold. She would be in the lineage of King David and eventually Jesus Christ. Can you see God’s will unfold in your life?

Conclusion: A careful study of the book of Ruth reveals that her personal decisions to follow the God of the Bible led to her bountiful blessings!

She indeed found FAVOR with God.

We can too!!

Introduction: What season are you in right now in your life? WINTER? SPRING? SUMMER? FALL? We all go through different seasons in our life. Each one sent by the Lord has its useful purpose.

“And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:” (Gen 1:14)

1. A wise man named Solomon wrote these words: (Eccl 3:1)

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

Take a minute to look at your life. Do inventory. Then try to plan accordingly as the Lord wills. What has He planned for you? Our dilemma is to learn to cooperate with the Holy Spirit so that we will not miss God’s plans for us.

2. The apostle Paul wrote these words concerning WINTER time. (2Tim 4:21)

“21Do thy diligence to come before winter.”

Of course, while he was awaiting his execution, he reached out to his son in the Lord Timothy. By the way, it is during WINTER time that the dead limbs, bugs and things die off. So it could be that our Lord is planning on bringing some NEW FRUIT in your life!

Conclusion: Every Season has its divine purpose, even WINTER Time. So if our Lord is promoting you to do something right now. Be sure to follow through before SPRING time.

Introduction: The harvest is ready. But there are not enough laborers. What is our MISSION? What is our CALLING? What is our PASSION?

Matthew’s gospel identifies these answers.

1. What is our CALLING? (Matt 9:35)

“35And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom..”

Teaching and Preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ is the Church’s CALLING. How are we doing? How are you doing?

2. What is our MISSION? (Matt 9:35,36)

“…..and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”

SERVING our Lord by reaching out to people is our CALLING and MISSION.

Remember. Jesus only healed people for the purpose of them believing that He was God in the flesh, and in believing, they would have eternal life. Are you faithful to SERVE our Lord by SERVING others?

3. What is our PASSION? (Matt 9:37,38)

“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

Prayer is the catalyst that gets the Holy Spirit actively involved. Are you PRAYING?

Conclusion: The game plan has been developed. May we as followers of Jesus Christ fulfill our CALLING, our MISSION, with PASSION!