Introduction: Our God is a GREAT God! He is worthy of worship!! The favorite king of Israel, David, understood the might and power of our God. No doubt, he learned the importance of having a personal devotion with his Creator.In turn, he writes from the overflow of joy and blessings from knowing God. Stop and reflect on the reasons for having a “love” relationship with Jesus Christ.

1. Because Jesus Christ is the God of of our CREATION!

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.” (Psa 19:1,2)

How can every human being on the face of the earth – even in the remotest places in the jungles where there are no BIBLES – know there is a GOD? Because of our Lord’s CREATION, man is without excuse. He can look into the sky by day or night and see the sun, stars and moon and know that it had to get here somehow.

Paul writes in Rom 1:21,22 the following:

“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: 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.”

The alternative to God ‘s CREATION is EVOLUTION. The “monkey mythology” does not hold water when tested; i.e. transitional fossils, etc. Even from a scientific perspective, the overwhelming evidence points to a DESIGNER CREATOR; i.e. earth’s magnetic field, specimens from the moon, both the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Bottom line:
The heavens declare the glory of God!

2. Because Jesus Christ is the God of written REVELATION!

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” (Psa 19:7- 10)

Jeremiah says the Word of God is like a hammer that breaks! It’s like a fire shut up in our bones! Paul chimes in and says the Word of God is like a sharp two-edged sword. It is quick and powerful…meaning it is ALIVE! Therefore, we should LEARN it, LOVE it, and LIVE it!

3. Finally, Because Jesus Christ is the God who leads us to CHRISTian MEDITATION!

“14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psa 19:14)

Having clean hands and a pure heart is what our Lord desires of us. While the Word of God transforms our thinking, the Blood of Jesus cleanses our soul, and the Holy Spirit fills our lives.

Introduction: It’s one thing to REJOICE when things are going good, but it is quite another thing to PRAISE the Lord when things are not going good. The Psalmist sets the precedent in chapter 149. Listen to the words of verse five and six.

“5Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. 6Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand.” (Psa 149:5,6)

When we are “set aside” for a while, our Lord has a way of “renewing” our hearts, “refreshing” our souls, and “reviving” our spirits.

1. It can be a Time of EXAMINATION!

“67Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.” (Psa 119:67)

At times, we get to flying too high and forget our dependency should be upon our great God. Consequently, we are brought back to reality, to our total trust in our Lord and Savior.

2. It can be a Time of REJUVENATION!

“4Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psa 27:14)

Waiting takes WORK. But it produces great dividends.

3. It can be a time of TRANSFORMATION!

“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.” (2Cor 4:8-10)

With Jesus with us, who can be against us.

4. It can be a time of INTROSPECTION!

“For 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.” (2Cor 4:16-18)

Keep the BIG PICTURE in mind. That keeps us on track.

5. A time of CELEBRATION!

“18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Rom 8:18)

Compared to eternity, all of this life’s troubles pale in comparison to heaven.

Introduction: Do you need a good word? Do you need to speak a good word? Speaking of Blessing! Before his death, Moses wrote to all the children of Israel. Here is what he said to Asher and his descendants.

“….and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.”

Our Lord, through Moses, gives the tribe of Asher this great promise. Keep in mind they were on the brink of entering into the promised land of Canaan. The older crowd had passed away because of their unbelief. How many days do you have left? Why not number your days? The Psalmist said,

“12So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

2. A Great Promise for Strength!
“…so shall thy strength be” (Deut 33:25)

Isn’t that a great word? I love that! God was saying as long as they lived that He would give them strength. No doubt that brought security to their souls. Paul wrote something similar.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Phil 4:13)

Do you have security in Jesus? Remember. He has promised never to leave us or forsake us (Heb 13:5).

Introduction: Do you ever get tired? Are you feeling physically fatigued? How can God renew your strength? I love Isaiah 40:31. But first check out Isa 40:28.

1. God’s strength never wears out!

“28Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.” (Isa 40:28)

Praise the Lord! Our God is supernatural!! He has unlimited strength. Therefore, He doesn’t get tired.

2. God gives power to the weak!

“29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” (Isa 40:29)

The word “faint” is יָעֵף : (yaw-afe’), which means weary, faint. Do you ever feel weak? Faint?

3. God knows that even young men get tired!

“30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.” (Isa 40:30)

Man is finite. God is infinite.

4. God will RENEW your strength today!

“But 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)

Don’t forget the word WAIT is the key! By the way, the word WAIT is קָוָה: (kaw-vaw’), which means to wait for. The word “renew” is : חָלַף: (khaw-laf’), which means to pass on or away, pass through. Our Lord will pass on His strength!

Introduction: Are you growing in the Lord? If you were to measure your spiritual growth in the last year, weeks, month…  would it show growth? How much? In what area? So how can we grow spiritually? Peter writes,

“8But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2Pet 3:18)

The word “grow” is αὐξάνω, (owx-an’-o), which means to cause to increase, become greater, to grow. Consider the areas where we should be growing.

1. Grow biblically!

“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” (2Pet 3:15 -17)

2. Grow prophetically!

“3Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4And saying, Where is the promise of his coming?….

“10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2Pet 3:3,4,10-14)

Peter reminds us that Jesus will come again, and that He is in control of this earth.

3. Grow evangelistically!

“8But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2Pet 3:8, 9)

It is God’s will to save the lost. We have GREAT NEWS! The gospel is still the power of God unto salvation!!

4. Grow wisely!

“8But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2Pet 3:18)

Using wisdom that comes from above is essential these days. As a follower of Jesus Christ, our hope and wisdom is in Him.

Introduction: Staying spiritually connected is a challenge for most CHRISTians. Therefore, it is imperative to be disciplined in certain areas. This devotion will list a few of those important disciplines in order to stay connected with our Lord Jesus.

1. Guard your heart!

“23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Prov 4:23)

2. Feed your mind!

“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)

3. Worship with your heart!

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

4. Praise with your lips!

“15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Heb 13:15)

5. Listen with your ears!

“19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (James 1:19)

6. Make a Covenant with your eyes!

“I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” (Job 31:1)

7. Reach out with CHRISTian love!

“22And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 22,23)

8. Lift up your hands to heaven!

“8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (1Tim 2:8)

9. Seek the Lord!

“6Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (Isa 55:6,7)

10. Walk in holiness!

“14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” (Heb 12:14)

Introduction: There’s no place like HOME! HOME SWEET HOME!! This earth is not our home. We are pilgrims passing through a weary land. But one day in the near future we will be in our Heavenly Home! This is the message of the Bible.

1. Our Citizenship is in HEAVEN!

“20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” (Phil 3:20,21)

This is what every believer is looking forward to… being at Home with the Lord Jesus, the One that bought us with His redeeming blood.

2. To live is Christ and to die is GAIN!

“21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” (Phil 1:21-23)

We are here on earth for a purpose… to glorify Jesus Christ. Paul wanted to go to heaven but realized he was on a MISSION on earth. And until our God is finished with us, we are to fulfill our calling.

3. We are Going Home to a BETTER COUNTRY!

“But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (Heb 11:16)

Heaven is going to be Sweet!

4. Heaven is for REAL!

“1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband….. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 12And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (Rev 21:1f)

Oh the glories of heaven!

Conclusion: Are you looking for that city that is yet to come?

“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” (Heb 13:14)

Introduction: Let me remind you that Jesus is the one that “CHOOSES”! In fact, He CHOOSES us instead of us CHOOSING Him!! Isn’t that wonderful? Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, writes on this subject to the Church of Corinth. Check it out.

1. Jesus CHOOSES who He USES!

“26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” (1Cor 1:26)

Our Lord is reminding the believers in the Church of Corinth that Jesus is the one that CHOOSES His servants.
The same principle applies to us today.

2. The World REFUSES who JESUS CHOOSES!

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence.”(1Cor 1:27-29)

The world’s heroes are God’s zeros!

3. So instead of EXCUSES, and in-spite of ABUSES, PRAISE the LORD JESUS for His CHOICES and stand back and watch how He PRODUCES!

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (1Cor 1:30,31)

Blossom child of God!

Introduction: Have you ever needed a word from the Lord for a specific direction? Guidance? Relationship? To be honest, we have all needed a confirmation. The prophet Daniel was no exception. In Chapter Nine of the book of Daniel, God reveals over 500 years of prophecy to Daniel. Skip over a Chapter (10) to 11, and the Lord reveals Gentile domination of history over Israel, all the way until the Antichrist will be seen. So Daniel Chapter 10 is an interlude. What is Daniel doing? Why can’t he get an answer to his prayers? What provisions does the Lord make for His servant, Daniel?
Let’s see:

1. The Historical Time frame!

“In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.” (Dan 10:1)

Cyrus was king of Persia. Daniel is probably about 85 years old at the time. The Jews (50,000) had already returned to their homeland bested on their 70 years of captivity in Babylon, which fell to Persia.

2. The Spiritual Quest!

“2In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. 3I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. 4And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; 5Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins w(Dan 10:2f)ere girded with fine gold of Uphaz: 6His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. 7And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. 9Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.” (Dan 10:2f)

While fasting and praying, Daniel was greeted by a preincarnate or postincarnate Christ (see Rev 1).

3. The Diabolical resistance!

“2Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. 13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.” (Dan 10:12-14)

Satan empowers and controls governmental leaders. Yet, Jesus Christ is over all.

4. Spiritual reinforcements!

“18Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, 19And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. 20Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. 21But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.” (Dan 10:18-21)

Angels are at our Lord’s dispatch. Daniel is helped. Remember, Jesus Christ was strengthened by an angel in the garden of Gethsemane.

Introduction: It has been said, “A FAITH that FIZZLES at the FINISH was FAULTY at the FIRST”! This is the “acid test”!! How is your faith in Jesus? Today, we are looking at a man whose FAITH did not FIZZLE at the FINISH. By the way, one of the hallmarks of the Church is the PERSEVERANCE of the SAINTS. 

Listen to the words of Jesus, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” (John 8:31)

Speaking of continuing in His Word, have you heard about Stephen?

1. Stephen dared to be filled with Faith in Jesus!

“8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.” (Acts 6:8)

2. Stephen dared to defend his Faith in Jesus!

“9Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. 11Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. 12And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, 13And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: 14For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. 15And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” (Acts 6:9-15)

3. Stephen dared to die for his Faith in Jesus!

“51Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it……. 54When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:1-60)

Stephen was one of the first martyrs of the early Church. He was FAITHFUL! Saul never got over witnessing this dedicated servant dying for his FAITH in Jesus Christ. 

Conclusion: Someone has stated that a CHRISTian is like a tea bag. It is not any good until it gets thrown into HOT WATER! Stephen was thrown into HOT WATER! But he was congratulated by JESUS CHRIST in heaven!! Welcome home my child!!! Did you notice that our Lord and Savior STOOD up in heaven and welcomed his FAITHFUL servant named Stephen to his new heavenly home?

His FAITH did not FIZZLE at the FINISH!