Introduction: Are you suffering persecution and affliction now? Just wait for your INHERITANCE! We are reminded once again in this devotion of our present day hardships. 1Peter is a great study…the word “suffering” is used 16 times. If I were to outline (1Pet 1:2-9,13), it would include this:

1. Peter reminds those being persecuted and are suffering (plus us today) of their PAST blessings – inheritance – in Jesus Christ!

“2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.” (1Pet 1:2,3)

The word “foreknowledge” is πρόγνωσις, (prog’-no-sis), which means to know beforehand, previous determination.
Not only does our Heavenly Father know beforehand who will be saved and who will not, but He also gives man a free choice to accept or reject Jesus Christ as the Spirit of God convicts and converts.

“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1Pet 1:3)

The word “hath begotten” (v. 3) is ἀναγεννάω,(an-ag-en-nah’-o), which means beget again, beget into a new life.
In other words, because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and as we put our faith and trust in Jesus alone, God quickens and raises our dead spirit into New Life in Him! (see Eph 2:1-10)

2. Peter reminds those being persecuted and are suffering (and us today) of their PRESENT blessings – inheritance – because of Jesus Christ!

“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1Pet 1:5)

The words “who are kept” (v5) are φρουρέω: (froo-reh’-o), which means to guard, keep, as by a military guard. This is meant for right now in the present that we are “KEPT,” guarded…and getting ready for an inheritance.

“6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7That the trial of your faith..” (1Peter 1:6)

The words “season” of suffering – “trial of faith” (v6) is δοκιμάζω (dok-im-ad’-zo), which means put to the test, prove, examine; distinguish by testing, approve after testing…fit. This is a Testing to prove to see if one’s FAITH is genuine.

After proven, One’s FAITH… “might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1Pet 1:7)

The words “might be found” are εὑρίσκω,(hyoo-ris’-ko,), which mean find, learn, discover, especially after searching. Presently, the proven trials of our FAITH will be found when Jesus appears from heaven.

3. Peter reminds those being persecuted and are suffering (and us today) of their FUTURE blessings – inheritance – because of Jesus Christ!

“To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” (1Pet 1:4)

The word “inheritance” is κληρονομία,(klay-ron-om-ee’-ah), which means an inheritance, an heritage.

Some define this word as the “regularly the gift of God to His chosen people, in the Old Testament: the Promised Land, in NT a possession viewed in one sense as present, in another as future; a share, participation.”

Did you notice this included both Israel and the Church?

Lastly, please look at (1Pet 1:5,7,13) which all make a reference to Jesus return. Jesus will be “revealed”- “appearing” – His “Revelation.” The word is ἀποκάλυψις, (ap-ok-al’-oop-sis), which means an unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation. Later, as an older man, Peter, in his second epistle, writes more details concerning this great promise of Christ Jesus return for His saints and His second coming.

Also, it would be consistent with other Scripture to integrate the event which follows the RAPTURE, namely, the JUDGMENT SEAT of Christ (2Cor 5:10).

In addition, it would not contradict other Scripture that describes the Second Coming of Jesus when He will establish His millennial reign and we shall experience His sovereignty as we take part in this special prophetic event!

Introduction: Jesus WON the Victory! Rather than being defeated, He CONQUERED death, hell, sin and the grave!! Paul was a recipient of that Victory and wrote about it.

1. Victory in Jesus over death!

“57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Cor 15:57)

In this great chapter (1Cor 15), the apostle Paul reveals: the INSURMOUNTABLE Evidences of the Resurrection; the UNDENIABLE Evidences of the Resurrection; the IRREFUTABLE Occurrences of the Resurrection, and finally the INDISPUTABLE Assurances of the Resurrection. Death has lost her sting. Therefore, we are to be steadfast unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord!

2. Victory in Jesus in Life!

“14Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 15For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life.” (2Cor 2:14,15,16)

The sweet fragrance and aroma that is in Jesus Christ permeates the believer as we linger in His presence. Once that infusion takes place, the believer releases a soothing smell of life to other believers, but to the unbelievers a fragrance of death.

3. Victory in Jesus over sin!

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” (Titus 2:11-14)

If all God wanted was to save us from the PENALTY of sin, then why didn’t He just take us all to heaven?

According to the Bible, our Lord’s will and purpose is to deliver His people from not only the PENALTY of sin but the POWER of sin as well. In so doing, He is GLORIFIED.

Conclusion: In the light of what has been said, Press on soldiers.

“Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Introduction: Habakkuk needed a word from the Lord. Why? Because he lived in a troubled land…at a troubled time. Have you ever needed a Word from the Lord? Do we live in a troubled time?

1. Where did Habakkuk go to get a word from the Lord?

“I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.” (Hab 2:1-4)

Where can we go to get a Word from the Lord?

2. What did the Lord say?

“2And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 3For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (Hab 2:2-3)

Lesson learned:

• Watch expectantly
• Write obediently 
• Wait patiently 

3. How can we have PEACE and PURPOSE in a troubled time? 

“….for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.” (Hab 1:5)

Vision is what “Could be” and what “Should be.”

King Solomon wrote:

“8Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Prov 29:18)

Conclusion: Habakkuk concludes revival is the answer.

“O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.” (Hab 3:2)

Will we conclude:

Introduction: Are you ready to share Jesus? Are you prepared to defend your faith in the gospel of Christ? Paul said,

“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.” (Rom 1:16)

1. What does it mean to be ashamed? (Rom 1:16)

The word “ashamed” is ἐπαισχύνομαι: (ep-ahee-skhoo’-nom-ahee)I am ashamed, am ashamed of. By definition, ashamed means reluctant to do something due to fear or embarrassment. 

Are we ashamed or embarrassed that we will not say the right thing? Is that keeping us from witnessing? Are we reluctant to share Jesus because of fear of rejection? 

2. Why should we not be ashamed?

Jesus said:

“32Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt 10:32,33)

Is our lifestyle questionable to the person we are witnessing to? Should we be concerned about our lifestyle? Does our lifestyle add credibility to our witness?

3. How can we prepare to stand before Jesus unashamed?

“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;” (2Tim 1:8)

In some circles, people are hostile toward the gospel. Are you prepared for ridicule? How should we respond to rejection?

“10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matt 5:10-12)

Expect persecution. It is going to happen. Jesus was persecuted. If we follow His will and His Word, we too will be ridiculed.

Conclusion: Are you tempted to laugh at dirty jokes? Do you speak up in a spirit of love? Will you recommit to sharing Jesus? Will you confess where you have been ashamed? Will you thank our Lord for His Amazing GRACE and unconditional LOVE?

Keep SHARING JESUS! He does not have plan B.

Introduction: Fall is a beautiful time of the year. God’s handiwork can be witnessed all around us. Colors of red, yellow, orange, and gold decorate the woods. Cool, crisp temperatures along with the breathtaking sunrise and sunset remind us of an intelligent Designer, namely Jesus Christ.

1. Jesus is the Creator! 

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

Emphasizing the deity of Christ, Paul writes that Jesus who is co-equal with the Father created the heavens and the earth. Moses wrote. “1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Gen 1:1) Time, space, and matter were instantaneously spoken into existence. Debunking the BIG BANG Theory, God spoke and it was!

The writer of the book of Hebrews explains the following about creation:

“3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” (Heb 11:3)

God took nothing and made something out of nothing in 6 literal 24 hour days. (Gen 1:1)

The Hebrew word for “created” is : בָּרָא (baw-raw’), which means to shape, create.

Contrary to the evolutionist, it did not take God billions of years to create the heavens and the earth, nor did He use radiation or mutation to accomplish the task. Subsequently, man did not come from apes! It is true, however, that some men act like apes!!

By the way, some atheists and agnostics reject the (biblical) creation model because they claim it is religious. Well, if the truth be known, evolution leads to humanism, which is a religion in itself. Bottom line: Man wants to be his own god.

“20For 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:” (Rom 1:20)

“5Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” (Rom 1:25)

However, according to Luke’s account in the book of Acts, all men will answer to Jesus Christ. 

“4God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.” (Acts 17: 24-26)

“31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31)

Every man will be judged by Jesus who was raised from the dead and ascended on high.

2. Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer!

“17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Col 1:17)

The reason scientists are baffled today with unexplainable evidences is because God’s creative laws are no longer present. Rather, His preservation laws are holding creation together. The complexity of the human body along with the magnitude of the universe including the sun, moon and stars is beyond man’s limited comprehension. Especially, how Jesus is holding it all together!

3. David declares the GLORY of God’s 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)

From the sunrise to the sunset, and throughout the night until day break, the glory of our great God is on display for all to see.

4. Peter writes about God’s new Creation!

“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…Looking 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 3:10-14)

Our Divine Architect, Jesus Christ has plans on the drawing board for a New CREATION in the future! Can’t hardly wait.

Conclusion: While we do not worship God’s creation, we do appreciate and stand in awe of who He is and what He has done. Above His creation is His great Salvation in and through the sacrificial death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Plus, do not forget, Jesus will come again some day. But until then, let’s worship and praise our Lord because of His creation and great salvation. 

Introduction: How are your relationships with your loved ones? Could they use a little improvement? The Song of Solomon is a LOVE story between a Shulamite bride and a king named Solomon. This is the literal interpretation of the text. However, the allegorical method of interpretation shows Jesus Christ, the bridegroom, in a loving relationship with His bride the Church.

Note first. It is extremely important as a teacher of the Word of God to know and explain the literal interpretation (Solomon & his bride) first. Then, one can consider the allegorical approach next. This is permitted because the New Testament verifies this information between Jesus and His bride the Church (Eph 5:25). Check out some interesting insights into this Loving Relationship.

Obviously, this limited space only allows a certain amount of coverage on the subject. Please read and study the whole book.

1. Unconditional Love!

“6Set 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.” (Song of Sol. 8:6,7)

Love cannot be bought! Nor can Love be drowned!! Love is powerful. Please distinguish between LOVE & LUST.

2. Overcoming being bitten with bitterness!

“I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. 6Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother’s children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.” (Song of Sol 1:5-7)

Evidently this bride worked out in the sun and had very tanned skin. Because of her responsibilities she was not able to take care of her own wants or needs; i.e. manicure/pedicure, etc. And yet, she was not bitten with bitterness. Rather, she faithfully and patiently waited until her lover appeared.

3. Our true LOVER of our Soul, Jesus Christ!

“1I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. 2As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters…. he brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.” (Song of Sol 2:1,2)

Conclusion: The Song of Solomon is a marriage manual. Both Single and married adults would be wise to study this book. Why? Because the devil has taken a God-given desire (sexual relations) and perverted it. Therefore, as a CHRISTian we need a proper perspective on God’s will for marriage and other relationships. 

Hope this brief study motivates you to both investigate this book and appropriate its principles into your relationships. 

1. Pray for them first and foremost!

“6At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (2 Tim 4:16-18)

2. Deal with the Anger!

“26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27Neither give place to the devil.” (Eph 4:26)

Be quick to ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart for any “seed” of “bitterness” that may spring up.

“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)

3. Put them in the hands of the Lord!

“19Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (1Tim 1:19,20)

4. Fight to keep a good conscience and a peaceful heart!

“14Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.” (2Tim 4:14,15)

A clear conscience is worth more than a MILLION dollars! Do you have a clear conscience?

1. The Antichrist will take a STEP of MILITARY POWER!

“6And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. 37Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces:” (Dan 11:36-38)

Reports are coming out of China that they have the capability to produce over a million man army. It appears that this massive build up of soldiers from the East will be lured by demonic forces to cross the Euphrates River. Along with other armies of the world, they will meet in the valley of Jezreel to attempt to stop Jesus Christ from conquering the world and implementing His Government. While this futile attempt will fail miserably, the King of Kings, Jesus Christ will inaugurate His governmental rule on earth, otherwise known as the Millennial KINGDOM. Isaiah prophesied this, “The Government of this world shall be upon his shoulders” (Isaiah 9:6).

John writes how Jesus will defeat the ANTICHRIST and his armies.

“And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” (Rev 19:15)

2. The Antichrist will take a STEP of POLITICAL POWER!

“He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.” (Dan 11:41; Rev 13; Dan 7:24)

“And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.”

There are nations and governments in our world today that seemed to be influenced by deceiving and manipulating evil spirits. Greed, Power, Lust, and Control is the driving force of governmental leaders. Meanwhile, Zechariah the prophet describes how Jerusalem would be the center of conflict.

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.” (Zech 12:2)

3. The Antichrist will take a STEP of ECONOMICAL POWER!

“42He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.” (Daniel 11:41-42;, 43; Revelation 18)

After confirming a covenant – a false peace plan- with the Jewish People, which starts the time clock ticking for the seven years of duration of the tribulation (Dan 9:27), the ANTICHRIST will seek to CONTROL the world as described with the four horse riders of the apocalypse. WAR, DEATH, and the MARK of the BEAST will characterize the tribulation. Subsequently, Jesus will rain down terrible judgments upon the earth in the form of seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven vials. According to Rev chapter 6, 1/4th of the population will die, and according to Rev 9, 1/3 of the population will die. That is over 1/2 of all the people on earth will die. Does this sound far fetched? Not hardly, when one calculates the number of deaths that have recently spread across the world due to Covid 19 and other deadly causes. The ANTICHRIST will seek to CONTROL by setting up a ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT.

4. The Antichrist will take a STEP of ECCLESIASTICAL POWER!

“44But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.” (Dan 11:44; Rev 13:11-18)

Next, the ANTICHRIST will have a religious following by partnering with the FALSE PROPHET. Together they will form A ONE WORLD RELIGION- apostate church- which will merge with the GOVERNMENT. Describing what is known as “MYSTERY BABYLON,” depicting a whore riding on the back of a beast, the ANTICHRIST will use the false religion for his sordid gain. Ultimately, he will turn and devour the false religion. According to John’s epistle, anyone who denies that Jesus Christ was God, or that He died for our sins, or denies that He was resurrected from the dead, or denies that He will come again has the spirit of the ANTICHRIST.

5. The Antichrist will take a STEP of FINAL POWER!

“And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” (Dan 11:45: Rev 19:16-18)

The ANTICHRIST will meet his final demise. No one can help him. Jesus Christ who created the heavens and the earth, and created all the angels, both elect and evil (Col 1:16), will war against the ANTICHRIST and the FALSE PROPHET.
This event will happen at the SECOND COMING of CHRIST, which follows the seven years of tribulation. Keep in mind, prior to the tribulation, Jesus will return for His Church in the RAPTURE as noted by Jesus, Paul, James, Jude and John. It is referred to as the “snatching away”. Immediately, the dead ( bodies) shall be raised from their state and believers will be joined together with them in the clouds to meet Jesus in the air. What a promise! What a glorious homecoming reunion!! Are you ready? That is the CHRISTian’s BLESSED HOPE!

1. Peter began to walk on the Water!

“And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink.” (Matt 14:28-30)

Peter and the other disciples climbed into a boat, in obedience to our Lord’s instructions, in order to cross over to the other shore. Meanwhile, Jesus prays. Wouldn’t you know it, like life, a terrible storm blows up.

2. Peter took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink!

“0But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” (Matt 14:30)

3. Peter cries out for help because he was sinking and Jesus heard his cry and lifted him up from sinking!

“he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” (Matt 14:30-33)

Conclusion: Has our Lord called you to follow Him and yet you feel yourself sinking? Sinking in despair. Sinking in hopelessness. Sinking in sin. Sinking in anger. Sinking in worldliness. Sinking in your relationships. Why not call upon Jesus right now? Like Peter, sometimes we sink. In 1982, this writer was sinking into the lake of Fire, but one heart cry to Jesus for mercy and pardon activated the GRACE and LOVE of God through Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose again, and has promised to come again some day. Now safe and secure in Jesus.

Love y’all,

Introduction: Our Lord has been GOOD to us! As you have probably heard hundreds of times…”Jesus has been BETTER to me than I DESERVE”! his writer can say AMEN!! How should we receive the BLESSINGS from our GREAT and MIGHTY God? And how can we be a Blessing?

1. Receive the BLESSINGS With THANKSGIVING!

“He 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 14:6-9)

Instead of COMPLAINING of what we do not have….we ought to be PRAISING our Lord for what we do have.

* Health
* Forgiveness
* Peace
* Joy
* Family
* Resources

Are you GRATEFUL for all our Lord Jesus has done? Why not stop right now and THANK Him?

2. Receive the BLESSINGS With WORSHIP!

“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 9And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev 4:8-11)

Angels are to worship Jesus!

“6And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.”(Heb 1:6)

But today, in many places, man is WORSHIPPED instead of Jesus Christ!

“Wherefore 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.” (Rom 1:25)

Do you take time to WORSHIP every day? How about on Sundays? Do make it a priority to gather for corporate WORSHIP? Remember what the writer of the book of Hebrews wrote:

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb 10:23-25)

Did you notice the last phrase of that verse? “…but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

That means we need to encourage one another because the coming of JESUS is drawing near!