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!

Introduction: Are you “upset?” Do you have PEACE? God’s PEACE? Have you made PEACE with God thru our Lord Jesus Christ? Are you experiencing the “PEACE of God?” You may ask, “But how”? Isaiah the prophet spoke words to not only Israel but also to us today. Listen to these “SWEET WORDS”? Certainly, this is God’s PRESCRIPTION for PERFECT PEACE. Please follow the trail to PERFECT PEACE.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,”

1. Where is your “MIND SET?” (Isa 26:3)

“3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:”

The word “stayed” is סָמַךְ: (saw-mak’), which means to lean, lay, rest, support.

Are you “leaning” heavily on Jesus – and His Word – His promises? Are your feelings getting in the way?

2. How is your “HEART SET”? (Isa 26:3)

“because he trusteth in thee.”

When things get out of our control it really exposes where our trust is! Are things out of your control? How are you dealing with it?

3. Why are you not “UPSET”? (Isa 26:4)

“4Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.”

The word “Keep” (v.3) is : נָצַר: (naw-tsar’), which means to watch, guard, keep. The word “strength” is צוּר: (tsoor), interesting to note means rock, cliff.

Is Jesus Christ your ROCK? Is He your CLIFF?

Introduction: Did you know that Ezekiel was both a prophet and a priest? He lived and prophesied during a time when his nation was in captivity in Babylon. The year was 605 B.C.- 586 B.C. But his message was twofold. First, he proclaimed God’s judgment was inevitable against Babylon. Secondly, his message of hope and restoration was for Israel. Actually, while he was preaching, Israel was being chastised because of her disobedience. Much like in our day, it was during a national crisis that Ezekiel thundered forth God’s call for intercessors and mediators. However, it became abundantly clear that there was a major need for finding those who would “stand in the gap.” Ezekiel pleaded with Israel:

“30And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” (Ezekiel 22:30)

Do you know why? Here are at least 3 reasons for God’s call through Ezekiel.

1. Idolatry (Ezek 22:4)

“Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed; and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come even unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries.”

In the book of Revelation chapter 21, John foretold the reasons people would be sent to the lake of fire.

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Rev 21:8)

Obviously, this is bad news. But the good news is God provided a Sacrifice for our sins in Jesus Christ. He left heaven to live a life without sin and thus be able to lay down His life in order to pay for our sins (Rom 6:23).

2. Immorality (Ezek 22:7-12)

“In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the jfatherless and the widow. 8Thou hast despised mine holy things, and hast profaned my sabbaths. 9In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in thee they eat upon the mountains: in the midst of thee they commit lewdness. 10In thee have they discovered their fathers’ nakedness: in thee have they humbled her that was set apart for pollution. 11And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour’s wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father’s daughter. 12In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD.”

This sounds like a modern day description doesn’t it? Wickedness and evil seem to be triumphant these days. But a thorough study of Bible prophecy reveals the unholy trinity (Satan, Antichrist, and false prophet) will all be thrown into the lake of fire to be tormented. According to the book of Revelation, this will happen when Jesus Christ comes again.
And Satan’s final doom will take place at the end of Jesus Christ’s millennium reign. “Even so come.”

3. Ungodliness (Ezek 20:25-29)

“25There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. 26Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. 27Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. 28And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken. 29The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and
needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.”

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1:4)

1. What does “Common Salvation” mean?

The word “salvation” is σωτηρία: sótéria (so-tay-ree’-ah), which means welfare, prosperity, deliverance, preservation, safety. In other words, this is the biblical experience one has when trusting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

2. What does “earnestly contend” mean?

The Greek word is “ἐπαγωνίζομαι: (ep-ag-o-nid’-zom-ahee), which means I contend earnestly for.

In other words it means to fight for, strive for. But it does not mean argue. Is there more than ONE way to HEAVEN? NO!
When interpreting the Scriptures, is there a RIGHT way and a WRONG way? YES!

3. What does “The faith” mean?

“The Faith” means absolute trust in the God of the Bible. 4. What does it mean “once delivered unto the saints? The word “delivered” is παραδίδωμι: (par-ad-id’-o-mee), which means to hand over, pledge, hand down, deliver, commit, commend, betray, abandon. In this context, it means the saints of old were handed down and hand down this same faith in Jesus.

Introduction: Do you have faith? Faith in Jesus? Where are the works? Bible faith has proof. What is the evidence? Works. Mind you. It is not works apart from Jesus – the Holy Spirit – rather it is His Spirit producing “GOOD FRUIT.”

1. Jesus said,

“Ye have 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.” (John 15:16)

Isn’t this interesting? Jesus does not choose us to live a life apart from Him. Instead, He becomes our LIFE (Col 3:4). To prove we are His, His Spirit is actively involved bearing forth fruit.

Can you see the fruit?

2. Paul said,

“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)

This 1 fruit with 9 different flavors. This delicious fruit is contagious. Others see it and want the same in their life. Are you like a fruit stand?

People want to stop and investigate the fruit. Remember. Throw the rotten fruit away (the flesh), but put on and display the fruit of the Spirit. 

3. James said,

“4What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” (James 2:14-17)

Real faith works! 

These Scriptures call for an examination of our faith. Is there evidence? Where is the proof? In other words, our Lord is saying to us that if we are really His children, then He is going to bear forth fruit through us thus proving we are genuinely His.

Conclusion: What do you say? Where’s the fruit? It is in the Lord Jesus.

Put out the fruit!

Introduction: Do you have a daily reading (devotion) of God’s Word? Why not start today? But some ask, why study the Bible when everyone is extremely busy with so many things going on? Do you want to be wise? Do you want to live in God’s will? Do you want His blessings? In our devotion for today, here are some reasons for “Being a Student of the Bible.”

1. The Purpose! (2Tim 2:15)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The key word is “study.” Here is its meaning: σπουδάζω: (spoo-dad’-zo): to make haste, to give diligence, I hasten, am eager, am zealous.

Do you give diligence to the Word of God?

2. The Priority! (2Tim 2:15)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The key phrase for this point is “approved unto God.” The word “approved” is δόκιμος, (dok’-ee-mos), which means tested, approved acceptable, tried. This means a student if the Bible will have been tested and approved. Have you been tested? Questioned? Ready to give a defense?

3. The Principal! (2Tim 2:15)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The word “workman” means laborer; i.e. hard worker. It takes a great amount of discipline to study the Bible, not just on Sunday! Especially is this true for one to keep up the study for years and decades.

The words “rightly dividing is ὀρθοτομέω: (or-thot-om-eh’-o), which means cut straight to handle correctly, teach rightly.

Can you say you cut the line straight? None of us, no matter how long we’ve studied the Bible, will ever exhaust it’s insight.

Introduction: How big is your faith? Little faith? No faith? Much faith? Great faith? What level is your faith? Subpar? Exceeding and soaring? Do you agree. These days are requiring “Much Faith”! Let’s face it. Either we find ourselves worrying or trusting. Sometimes it is both! What is it you are worried about today? Is your mountain bigger than your faith? After all, what is faith? How can we get more faith? According to Paul who was led by the Spirit, faith comes by hearing the Word of God. (Rom 10:17)

1. More Faith! (Luke 17:5)

“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.”

When we ask for more “faith” expect more trials! As we endure and pass the “faith” test our trust and faith in Jesus grows. Where are you in your Faith? Level 1; 2, 3, or 4?

2. Little Faith! (Matt 6:30-32)

“O ye of little faith? 31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”

At times we have “faith failures”! Is your faith in Jesus increasing or decreasing?

3. Great Faith! (Matt 8:10)

“10When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”

Do you want to impress Jesus? Try exercising your faith in His Word.