Introduction: Any Jewish person would immediately recognize the practical application to the words of Jesus Christ. In John 14, Jesus spoke of His Father’s house. Technically speaking, this is a picture of the rapture of the Church. As we walk through the steps of both a Jewish wedding and the rapture of the Church, please notice the parallels.

1. The Covenant between the bridegroom and the bride in regards to the Father’s house!

“1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:1,2)

Jesus Christ being the groom has made a covenant relationship with His bride the Church. He has promised to come back again for His bride.

2. The Bridegroom’s Return for His bride!

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3)

He could come back any moment. Therefore, the bride (the Church) needs to be ready. Are you ready?

3. The Consummation and preparation for the Wedding supper!

“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (Rev 19:7-9)

After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom celebrate and consummate their marriage in the marriage chamber. Next is the marriage supper.

Introduction: What will we do in heaven? Who will need healing in heaven? Why does John write about the “leaves of the tree of life will be for healing”? After preaching 2 funeral – Homegoing services on Saturday and Sunday, I’ve been thinking about heaven. Last night a call came in about another 43-year-old man that passed away. As a matter of fact, we just talked a few days ago. Here is a brief discussion about the “healing” in heaven.

“2In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Rev 22:2)

1. The RIVER of WATER of LIFE!

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.”(Rev 22:1)

Many believe this to be a literal river. However, it is important to distinguish this river from the river during the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. That is, when Christ comes in His second coming and His feet land on the mount of Olives only to have it split into. Afterwards, a river will flow from the Temple Mount into both the Mediterranean and Dead Sea (see Zech 14:4-8).

2. The TREE of LIFE!

“In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Rev 22:2)

The word “healing” is θεραπεία, (ther-ap-i’-ah), which means attention, medical service, care, attention, especially medical attention (treatment); healing: but it also means those who render service. So instead of needing physical or mental healing in the New Jerusalem, this word also seems to indicate a need for serving in the New Jerusalem. Revelation 22:3-4 also seems to confirm our Lord’s purpose is for serving Him.

” 3And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.”

4. The WATER of LIFE!

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev 22:16)

Jesus Christ is the water of Life!

Introduction: I love reading about the heroes of the faith. Why? Because it always encourages me to have faith in the Lord, no matter what. If you are like me we take so much for granite; i.e. the blessings of God, even Him at times. When we find ourselves lacking in our trust in Jesus our Lord, it is time to turn around. Do you need a turnaround today? Listen to the words of the writer of Hebrews.

“1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2For by it the elders obtained a good report.” (Heb 11:1)

1. Abel had faith in God!

“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” (Heb 11:4)

2. Enoch had faith in God!

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” (Heb 11:5)

3. Noah had faith in God!

“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” (Heb 11:7)

4. Abraham had faith in God!

“8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Heb 11:8-10)

5. Sarah had faith in God!

“11Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.” (Heb 11:11)

According to the Word of God, these all died in faith.

“13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Heb 11:13)

Conclusion: Remember. Without faith it is impossible to please God.

Introduction: Dealing and resolving disagreements is inevitable. Parenting, marriages, and even friendships have conflict. How should we resolve our disagreements?

Today’s devotion offers a few suggestions. This is certainly not exhaustive due to space. Yet, hopefully it will help some who read it.

1. We must understand that we see things differently at times!

“1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.” (Rom 14:1-8)

The Church of Rome was comprised of both Jews and Gentiles, which included different backgrounds, convictions, and goals. Therefore, conflict was bound to happen.  And so it is with relationships today. 

2. We must not be quick to judge or criticize each other!

“10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Rom 14:10-12)

When our idea or way is not accepted, then it is easy to become critical and judgmental.

3. We can become a stumbling block and not realize it!

“13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” (Rom 14:13)

Our attitude and actions – reaction can present a stumbling block to others. In turn, others trip and fall instead of being lifted up. 

4. We need to give others room to grow!

“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” (Rom 14:1-3)

Everyone is not at the same level in their walk with Jesus. Be sensitive to that. Be patient with them. Let the Holy Spirit work in them. Help facilitate the growth process. God will be glorified.

Conclusion: While this is in a Church setting, these principles can be personalized in friendships and marriage, as well as parenting.

Think about where you have conflict. How should it be resolved? Look back over these points and pray about where you are and what our Lord would have you to do.

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.” (Prov. 11:14)

Introduction: Do you ever seek wise counsel? This Scripture reminds us those who are wise do follow through on making decisions. Where do you need to seek counsel? If it pertains to spiritual matters, it is always good to make sure the counselor is someone who is practicing what they preach. Otherwise, we may make some major mistakes.

1. Relational Counsel!

“29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 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.” (Eph 4:29-32)

Responding to people either honors our Lord or dishonors Him. Learning to “LET GO” of hurts and hard feelings is vital in walking with Jesus. Saying the right words is important.

“21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Prov 18:21)

Guard your tongue (see James 3).

2. Financial Counsel!

“2Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1Cor 4:2)

Using wisdom in making wise financial choices will result in a real peace of mind. Truthfully, all of us have probably made some unwise decisions in our lifetime. Therefore, we learn from our mistakes.
Someone has well stated, “what’s worse from learning from our mistakes, is not learning from our mistakes.” What do you think?

3. Spiritual Counsel!

“3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2Cor 10:3-5)

“4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matt 4:4)

We live in a spiritual world. If our spiritual eyes are opened, then we can see opposing forces fighting against the will of God, and the Word of God. Using discernment and walking wisely is a daily discipline. This comes by guarding our heart and mind.

Introduction: Do you ever feel stressed? What do you do? Pop a Tylenol? Drink Maalox? Cry? Yell? Run? What should we do? How can we find relief when we’re stressed? Read Scripture. Pray. Exchange. Trust. Let go! Hold on!!

1. Read Scripture!

“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.” (Rom 12:1,2)

“TRUTH TRANSFORMS”! The Word of God brings healing, help, and hope.

2. Exchange!

“31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isa 40:31)

When we exchange our strength for Jesus’ strength, it is a supernatural source that supersedes our stress.

3. Let go!

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” (Eph 4:26)

Let go of anger, bitterness, and all resentment.

“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.” (Heb 12:15)

Anger feeds negative energy, which pulls us down.

4. Hold on!!

“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” (2Cor 1:20, 21)

God’s promises are sure. We can depend on them. They stand. And we can stand in them. Do you know them? By reading His Word we get to know His promises for His people.

5. Talk to the Lord about our problems – stress!

“7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1Pet 5:7)

Learning to throw our anxiety on the shoulders of our great God will definitely bring relief. Why? He’s bigger, stronger, and wiser than all of us.

Introduction: Are you determined to finish FAITHFUL? How about the words that Jesus spoke…”well done”? Technically speaking, these words are during the time of Jesus’ second coming. More specifically, He was speaking primarily to a Jewish audience. Although this message was directed to both Jews and Gentiles.

1. How can those going through the tribulation finish FAITHFUL and hear the words, “Well Done”?

“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” (Matt 25: 34-36)

2. How are they going to Finish FAITHFUL and be commended?

“37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt 25:37-40)

3. How can we Finish FAITHFUL?

“58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1Cor 15:58)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:8-10)

Good works are a good sign that someone is already justified (saved). But remember. The biblical writer James explains “good works” are also a part of justification also.

“24Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:24-26)

Introduction: What does “Firstfruits” mean? Do you know where to find the biblical references on firstfruits? How does it pertain to the resurrection? This devotion will compile information which should both enlighten as well as encourage every believer as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1. First, let’s discuss the Old Testament origin of Firstfruits!

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 10Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: 11And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. 12And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the LORD. 13And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin. 14And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.” (Lev 23:9-14)

2. Second, let’s see how the Old Testament and the New Testament fit together when discussing the topic of Firstfruits!

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.” (1Cor 15:20-24)

The term “firstfruits” is ἀπαρχή,(ap-ar-khay’), which means the first-fruits, the earliest crop of the year, sacrifice, gift.
Paul writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is declaring that Jesus Christ not only arose from the dead, never to die again, but all those who would place their faith and trust in Him would do the same at His return. This includes the bodily resurrection of the saved at the rapture (1Thess 4:16, 17). This gives hope to a hopeless world. Jesus is our Hope.
Because of His resurrection, there is life beyond the grave.

Introduction: How can we appropriate or tap into the resurrection power of Jesus Christ?

*By abiding in the vine (John 15:1-7)

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

Abiding means submitting and obeying. The branch does not tell the vine what to do. Instead, it is the opposite.

*By being Spirit filled (Eph 5:18)

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

The only way to be Spirit-filled is to be emptied of self. 

*By walking in the Spirit (Gal 5:16-18)

“16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For 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.”

You noticed here is where the battle is fought and won. Flesh vs Spirit.

*By taking our place on the cross and yielding to the resurrection power (Rom 6:11)

“11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

This is done by faith. It is not by human might or power. Taking God at His Word.

*By putting off the old man but putting on the new man! (Eph 4:22-24)

“22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

Again, this is a daily decision. We cooperate with God the Holy Spirit in order for this to be accomplished. 

*By running the race of holiness! (1Cor 9:24-27)

“24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

Discipline is greatly needed! This consists of watching my mind, eyes, and heart.

Conclusion: That is a lot of reading. But remember faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God! This is how we tap into the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. 

Introduction: As Jesus Christ was suffering, bleeding, and literally dying on a cruel Roman cross for a crime He did not commit, but because of our sins, He uttered these words. Please take time to ponder them, process them, and appropriate them.

1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34

2. “Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise.” — Luke 23:43

3. “Woman, behold thy Son.” — John 19:26

4. “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” — Mark 15:34

5. “I thirst.” — John 19:28

6. “It is finished.” — John 19:30

7. “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” — Luke 23:46

Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of these last words of Jesus while nailed to the cross.

1. Words of Mediation!
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34

Imagine. Forgive them instead of kill them.

2. Words of Salvation!
“Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise.” — Luke 23:43

Notice the word today. Not in a million years.

3. Words of Delegation!
“Woman, behold thy Son.” — John 19:26

When suffering in agony and pain during life’s most difficult time, yet did you notice our Lord Jesus showed compassion and concern for His mother and disciple?

4. Words of Substitution!
“My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” — Mark 15:34

While having all the sins of the whole world being placed on Him, even though there was no sin in Him, Jesus Christ though He was God, experienced what hell would be like for all of us. This is hard to comprehend.

5. Words of Asphyxiation!
“I thirst.” — John 19:28

The physical torture of being nailed to a cross results in an inability to breath without experiencing excruciating pain. Lungs of the victim would fill up with fluid exerting pressure on the heart and body. But it appears ultimately, He died of a ruptured heart. Evidence of this was witnessed by those standing by including John who wrote after the spear was thrust into His side.

“34But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.”
(John 19:34)

6. Words of Submission!
“It is finished.” — John 19:30

All that man lost in the garden by falling into transgression was won back by Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.

7. Words of Completion!
“Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” — Luke 23:46

The Spirit leaves the body at death. That is why Paul said these words,

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (2Cor 5:8)