THE LORD MOVES HEAVEN AND EARTH TO ACCOMPLISH HIS SAVING PURPOSES IN EVERY AGE

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW SETTING THE THEME

STORYLINE: (Galatians 4:4) says that “when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman . . .” And it was not just the perfect time; it was the perfect place. Jesus came from the line of David, and Bethlehem was David’s town. Jesus was Lord of all creation, but He signaled His servant role by entering the world in the humblest of circumstances in this little town (Micah 5:2). Jesus was born in the “house of bread” and would, Himself, become the “bread of life” (John 6:35). For all these and other reasons, God moved the leader of the Roman Empire to call a census sending Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. Indeed, the Lord moves heaven and earth to accomplish His saving purposes in every age.

Though a small, insignificant town by the world’s standards, Bethlehem was mighty in God’s plan, for it was there that Jesus was born, becoming God in the flesh. Bethlehem means “house of bread” in the Hebrew language, and it served as an important location at different points in the biblical story. Rachel, Jacob’s wife, died there (Genesis 35:19), and David, Israel’s most famous king, was born in this village. Most significantly, Jesus Christ Himself was born there since His parents, residents of Nazareth were required to travel to Bethlehem to register in a Roman census.

In the prologue (Matthew 1:1—2:23), Matthew shows that Jesus is the Messiah by linking Him with promises made to Abraham and David. The birth of Jesus highlights the fulfillment theme, portrays Jesus’ royalty, and underscores the significance of Jesus for the Gentiles. The first division (chs. 3—7) contains the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus describes how people should live under God’s reign.

Matthew 2:1 - The wise men or, more correctly, Magi were Eastern astrologers. Astrology was a sophisticated science in this era. Their visit serves to emphasize Jesus’ kingly identity (v. 11), affirm the Bethlehem origin of the Messiah (v. 6), and emphasize the Gentile faith and worship (v. 8) in contrast to Jewish hostility (v. 3).

Matthew 2:2 - Star in the East: As trained students of the stars, the wise men observed an unexplained phenomenon in the heavens, which was somehow interpreted by them as a sign of the birth of the King of the Jews. The reference in v. 1 to “Herod the king” (“Herod the Great”) would make their visit prior to 4 b.c., when he died and was succeeded by his son Archelaus (v. 22). Matthew consistently uses the verb worship to describe the attitude and posture of people before Jesus (vv. 8, 11; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33).

Matthew 2:5, 6 - The birth of Jesus fulfilled, Mic. 5:2 and 2 Sam. 5:2, which link the Ruler with David’s family (1:6).

Matthew 2:13–23 - The accounts of the flight into Egypt (vv. 13–15), the massacre of the innocents (vv.16–18), and the settlement in Nazareth (vv. 19–23) underscore the theme of fulfillment. See Is. 11:1; 49:6; Jer. 31:15; Hos. 11:1.

Matthew 2:15, 16 - Out of Egypt: Matthew intends that his readers see an implicit link with a new Son who emerges from Egypt (Hos. 11:1). Matthew reinterprets Son (Israel in Hos.) to mean Jesus, who comes out of Egypt with Joseph and Mary and settles in Nazareth. Herod’s attempt to destroy Jesus is analogous to Pharaoh’s attempt to kill Moses (Ex. 1:15—2:10).

Matthew 2:18 - The distress of the Hebrew mothers at the time of the Babylonian captivity (Jer. 31:15) received a deeper significance by the weeping mothers of Bethlehem.

Matthew 2:22 - Archelaus, King Herod the Great’s eldest son, ruled as governor of Judea and Samaria from 4 b.c. to a.d. 6, when he was deposed for misrule. Galilee was ruled by his half brother Herod Antipas and was considered a safer place to reside.

Matthew 2:23 - The term Nazarene may be a reference to the Hebrew term for “branch,” “sprout,” or “shoot” in Is. 11:1.

Matthew’s emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy (41 OT quotes) shows that Jesus’ life and ministry were part of the single plan of God throughout the history of Israel, and that His death and Resurrection were part of God’s divine plan from the beginning. The entire Gospel stresses that Jesus is Immanuel—God-With-Us.

Because God is with us in the Person of Jesus, Matthew’s Gospel calls for complete obedience in personal and corporate life.

The book also gives to the church a clarion call to mission, the proclamation of the good news to all peoples. Christian disciples must learn to live within the tension of two ages, the present age of fulfillment in the Person of Jesus (in His words and works through His church by the Spirit’s power) and the Age to Come, that is, the consummation of all things. In the interim, Christians are called to be humble, patient, genuine, faithful, watchful, and responsible—assured of the risen Jesus’ presence as they are expectant of His return when faith will give way to sight.

This Gospel presents Jesus as the fulfillment of all messianic hopes and expectations. Matthew carefully structures his narratives to reveal Jesus as fulfilling specific prophecies. Therefore, he saturates his Gospel with both quotations from and allusions to the Old Testament, introducing many of them with the formula “that it might be fulfilled.”

In the Gospel, Jesus often refers to Himself as the Son of Man, a veiled reference to His messiahship (see Dan. 7:13, 14). Not only did the term allow Jesus to avoid common misunderstandings stemming from more popular messianic titles, but it enabled Him to interpret both His redemptive mission (as in 17:12, 22; 20:28; 26:24) and His return in glory (as in 13:41; 16:27; 19:28; 24:30, 44; 26:64).

Matthew’s use of the title “Son of God” clearly underscores Jesus’ deity (see 1:23; 2:15; 3:17; 16:16). As the Son, Jesus has a direct and unmediated relationship with the Father (11:27).

Matthew presents Jesus as Lord and Teacher of the church, the new community, which is called to live out the new ethic of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus declares “the church” as His select instrument for fulfilling the purposes of God on Earth (16:18; 18:15–20). Matthew’s Gospel may have served as a teaching manual for the early church, including the amazing world-oriented Great Commission (28:12–20), with its guarantee of Jesus’ living presence.

The activity of the Holy Spirit is evident at every phase of the life and ministry of Jesus. It was by the power of the Spirit that Jesus was conceived in Mary’s womb (1:18, 20).

Before Jesus began His public ministry, He was filled with the Spirit of God (3:16), and followed the Spirit’s leading into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil as further preparation for His messianic role (4:1). The power of the Spirit enabled Jesus to heal (12:15–21) and to cast out demons (12:28).

Just as John immersed his followers in water, Jesus will immerse His followers in the Holy Spirit (3:11). In (7:21–23) we find a warning directed against false charismatics, those in the church who prophesy, cast out demons, and do wonders, but do not do the will of the Father. Presumably, the same Holy Spirit who inspires charismatic activities, must also empower the people of the church to do the will of God (7:21).

Jesus declared that His works were done in the power of the Holy Spirit, giving evidence that the kingdom of God had come and that the power of Satan was being overthrown. Therefore, to ascribe the power of the Spirit to the Devil was to commit an unpardonable sin (12:28–32).

In (12:28) the Holy Spirit is connected to Jesus’ exorcisms and the present reality of the kingdom of God, not solely by the fact of exorcism per se, for the Pharisees’ sons (disciples) also practice exorcism (12:27). Rather, the Holy Spirit is with the Messiah effecting a new event—“the kingdom of God has come upon you” (v. 28).

Finally, the Holy Spirit is found in the Great Commission (28:16–20). The disciples are commanded to go and make disciples of all nations, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (v. 19). That is, they are to baptize them “unto/with reference to” the name, or authority, of the triune God. In their obedience to this commission, Jesus’ disciples are assured of His ongoing presence with them. 

~Bits and pieces of NSFLB Study by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

THE SAVIOR OF THE WHOLE WORLD

Luke clearly states that his purpose in writing this Gospel is to present “an orderly account” (1:3) “of all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (Acts 1:1), so that Theophilus may have historical evidence of the teachings he had received (1:4). While the Gospel is specifically addressed to one individual, apparently a high official, its intent is to give all believers the assurance that Christianity is not one of many speculative systems searching for theological or ethical values, but that this movement is bound up with an event in history. Luke substantiates the certainty/accuracy of his work with four reasons:

1) His concern with early origins, with priority given to eyewitnesses (v. 2). 

2) His aim to be comprehensive, “all things”.

3) Chronological, “an orderly account”.

4) Accurate, “the certainty” (v. 4).

In achieving his purpose, Luke traces in his two volumes the Christian movement from its beginnings with Jesus of Nazareth to its development into a worldwide fellowship transcending the limits of Jewish nationality and embracing Jews and Gentiles impartially. Luke presents Jesus not as a mere Jewish Messiah, but as a world Savior.

A distinguishing feature of Luke’s Gospel is its emphasis on the universality of the Christian message. From Simeon’s song praising Jesus as “a light. . .to the Gentiles” (2:32) to the risen Lord’s commission to preach “to all nations” (24:47), Luke stresses the fact that Jesus is not merely the Jewish Deliverer, but the Savior of the entire world.

In order to support this theme, Luke omits much material that is strictly Jewish in character. For example, he does not include Jesus’ pronouncement of condemnation upon the scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 23), nor the discussion about Jewish tradition (Matt. 15:1–20; Mark 7:1–23). Luke also excludes the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount that deal directly with His relation to the Jewish Law (see Matt. 5:21–48; 6:1–8, 16–18). Luke also omits the instructions of Jesus to the Twelve to refrain from ministering to the Gentiles and Samaritans (Matt. 10:5).

On the other hand, Luke includes many features that demonstrate universality. He sets the birth of Jesus in a Roman context (2:1, 2; 3:1), showing that what he records has meaning for all people. While Matthew traces Jesus’ ancestry from Abraham, Luke follows it back to Adam, connecting the Lord to the entire human race.

However, Luke also emphasizes the Jewish roots of Jesus. Of all the Gospel writers, he alone records the circumcision and dedication of Jesus (2:21–24), as well as His temple visit as a Boy of twelve (2:41–52). Luke alone relates the birth and infancy of Jesus in the context of pious Jews such as Simeon, Anna, Zacharias, and Elizabeth, who were among the faithful remnant “waiting for the Consolation of Israel” (2:25). Throughout his Gospel, Luke makes it clear that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament expectations concerning salvation.

A key verse in Luke’s Gospel is 19:10, which states that Jesus “has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” In presenting Jesus as the Savior of all sorts of people, Luke includes material not found in the other Gospels, such as the account of the Pharisee and the sinful woman (7:36–50); the parables of the lost coin and the lost son (15:1–32); the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (18:9–14); the story of Zacchaeus (19:1–10); and the pardon of the thief on the cross (23:39–43).

Luke highlights Jesus’ warnings about the danger of riches and His sympathy for the poor (see 1:53; 4:18; 6:20, 21, 24, 25; 12:13–21; 14:13; 16:19–31; 19:1–10). Special attention is given to the issues of money and stewardship since slavery and economic disparity were widespread throughout the Roman world of the first century.

This Gospel has more references to prayer than do the other Gospels. Luke especially emphasizes the prayer life of Jesus, recording seven occasions on which Jesus prayed that are not found elsewhere (see 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18, 29; 11:1; 23:34, 46). Luke alone has the Lord’s lessons on prayer taught in the parables of the persistent friend (11:5–10), the persistent widow (18:1–8), and the Pharisee and the tax collector (18:9–14). In addition, the Gospel abounds in notes of praise and thanksgiving (see 1:28, 46–56, 68–79; 2:14, 20, 29–32; 5:25, 26; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15; 18:43).

In addition to presenting Jesus as the Savior of the world, Luke gives the following witness to Him:

1. Jesus is the Prophet: whose role becomes equated with Servant and Messiah (see 4:24; 7:16, 39; 9:19; 24:19).

2. Jesus is the Ideal Man: The perfect Savior of imperfect humankind. The title “Son of Man” is found twenty-six times in the Gospel. The term not only emphasizes the humanity of Christ in contrast to the expression “Son of God,” which stresses His deity, but it describes Jesus as the perfect, ideal Man, the true representative of the entire human race.

3. Jesus is Messiah: Not only does Luke affirm Jesus’ messianic identity, but he is careful to define the nature of His messiahship. Jesus is preeminently the Servant who steadfastly sets His face to go to Jerusalem to fulfill His role (9:31, 51). Jesus is the Son of David (20:41–44), the Son of Man (5:24), and the Suffering Servant (4:17–19) who was numbered with transgressors (22:37).

4. Jesus is the exalted Lord: Luke refers to Jesus as “Lord” eighteen times in his Gospel (fifty times in Acts). Even though the title takes on new significance after the Resurrection (see Acts 2:36), it denotes the divine Person of Jesus even during His earthly ministry.

5. Jesus is the friend of lowly outcasts: He is consistently gracious to society’s rejected ones—publicly acknowledged sinners, Samaritans, Gentiles, and the poor. His attitude toward women in a patriarchal age is likewise affirming and sensitive. Luke includes much material that underscores Jesus’ positive ministry of kindness and sympathy toward these groups.

There are seventeen explicit references to the Holy Spirit in Luke, stressing His activity both in the life of Jesus and in the continuing ministry of the church.

First, the Holy Spirit’s action is seen in the lives of various faithful people connected with the births of John the Baptist and Jesus (1:35, 41, 67; 2:25–27), as well as in the fact that John fulfilled his ministry under the anointing of the Holy Spirit (1:15). The same Spirit enabled Jesus to carry out His messianic role.

Second, the Holy Spirit enables Jesus to fulfill His ministry—the Spirit-anointed Messiah. In chapters 3 and 4, there are five explicit references to the Spirit, used with progressive force. 1) The Spirit comes upon Jesus in bodily form like a dove (3:22); 2) He leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted (4:1); 3) following His victory over temptation, Jesus returns to Galilee in the power of the same Spirit (4:14); 4) In the Nazareth synagogue Jesus reads the messianic passage, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me. . .” (4:18; Is. 61:1, 2) claiming their fulfillment in Him (4:21). Then, 5) evidence for His charismatic ministry abounds (4:31–44), and continues into the whole of His ministry of power and compassion.

Third, the Holy Spirit, through petitionary prayer, effects the messianic ministry. At critical junctures in that ministry, Jesus prays, before, during, or after the crucial event (3:21; 6:12; 9:18, 28; 10:21). The same Holy Spirit who was effective through Jesus’ prayers will empower the disciples’ prayers (18:1–8), and link the messianic ministry of Jesus to their mighty ministry through the church (see 24:48, 49).

Fourth, the Holy Spirit spreads joy, both to Jesus and the new community. Five Greek words denoting joy or exultation are used twice as often in Luke as they are in Matthew or Mark. At the time when the disciples return with joy from their mission (10:17), “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said. . .” (10:21). As the disciples are waiting for the promised Spirit (24:49), “they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God” (24:52, 53).

No one who reads this book should feel that he is beyond the reach of the gospel of salvation. Throughout the book, Luke presents Jesus as the Savior of the whole world. This is true from Simeon’s song about Jesus being “a light. . .to the Gentiles” (2:32) to the final instructions of the risen Lord to His disciples, in which He told them that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations” (24:47). Luke emphasizes the fact that the gospel is not only for Jews, but for all peoples—Greeks, Romans, Samaritans, and all others without regard to race or condition. It is not only for males, but also for females, including widows and prostitutes as well as the socially prominent. It is not only for freemen, but also for slaves and all others rejected by society—the lowly poor, the helplessly weak, the crucified thief, the outcast sinner, the despised tax collector. ~Thomas Nelson, Inc

A Prayer For Holiness Of Heart

Dear Heavenly Father, You are a holy God and I desire to be holy too. Set apart unto You, and living my life in a manner that is worthy of You and pleasing to You. 

Search my heart I pray, and if there is any cherished sin lurking within, I ask that You would search it out and destroy it, for I know that only the one that has clean hands and a pure heart may stand in Your presence. 

Purify my heart, cleanse my inner thoughts and examine the very motives behind my acts and attitudes, for I desire to live in holiness of heart. If there is anything that is displeasing to You in my life, I ask that in Your grace You would root it out, so that I may live in godly holiness all the days of my life, clothed in Christ’s righteousness, separated unto You and walking in godly love. This I ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

"This is Why Satan Hates You - The Fall of Satan Explained" | Encounter TV

In this eye-opening message, David Diga Hernandez uses the scripture to reveal when Satan fell, what caused him to rebel, and why he hates God's chosen.

 

1. David Diga Hernandez: References of the Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Hell. The enemy is fighting for Dominion people. Open there eyes. There's Translation happening, Transformation, and Reposition happening. `

Acts 26:18 -  "I’m sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I’m sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.’  ~MSG

Bible Study: Acts is a sequel to the life of Christ in the Gospels, and it records the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Rome. It is the initiation of Jesus’ Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18–20; Luke 24:46–49).

Ephesians 2:1-6 - He Tore Down the Wall - It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah. ~MSG

Bible Study: Ephesians unveils the “mystery” of the church as no other epistle. God’s “secret” intention is revealed: 1) to form a body to express Christ’s fullness on Earth (1:15–23); 2) to do this by uniting one people—both Jew and Gentile, among whom God Himself dwells (2:11—3:7); and 3) to equip, empower, and mature this people to the end that they extend Christ’s victory over evil (3:10–20; 6:12–20).

The throbbing message of Ephesians is “to the praise of His [God’s] glory” (1:6, 12, 14). The word “glory” occurs eight times and refers to the exceeding excellence of God’s love, His wisdom, and His power. The magnificent goal is in Jesus’ announced commitment to build a glorious, mature, and ministering church, “not having spot or wrinkle” (5:27).

Ephesians unfolds the process by which God is bringing the church to its destined purpose in Christ. Basic maturing steps are taken toward the church’s appointed engagement in battle with dark powers: 1) before the church is called to war, she is taught to walk; and 2) before being called to walk, the church is taught where she stands. ~New Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Colossians 1:13 - There is a kingdom of darkness and a kingdom of light. Heaven and Hell are Very real, very literal translated into the Kingdom of God. When you were in the world you belonged to the Kingdom of darkness and you were translated to the Kingdom of God.

Colossians 1:13-14: God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating. ~MSG 

Bible Study: Jesus Christ’s supremacy hinges upon His uniqueness as God’s eternal, beloved Son and Heir (1:13, 15). In Him dwells the totality of divine attributes, essence, and power (1:19; 2:9). He is the exact revelation and representation of the Father, and has priority in time and primacy in rank over all creation (1:15). His sufficiency depends upon His superiority. The conviction of Christ’s absolute sovereignty gave impulse to Paul’s missionary activity (1:27–29). ~New Spirit-Filled Life Bible

2. David Diga Hernandez: References to when this actually took place after the creation of the Earth where Angels were present and God said it was Good. Gen 1:31(Satan fell after the creation of man; Ezekiel 28:13, Satan is described in his glorified state.

A prophetic parallel to Babylon and Satan; Ezekiel 28:12-14; What was it that caused Satan to fall? Satan existed at this time. Gen. 1:26; Satan saw that God gave man dominion that was the fall of Satan, he was jealous and God banished him for his rebellion. 

Man was made in the image of God. Gen. 2:15-17; a merism: Adam and Eve knew what they were doing wrong, they already knew they were doing wrong, they knew they would get a vast amount of knowledge. Gen. 3:1-7; Satan contradicted the Word. Consequences of Adam and Eve were ashamed because they went from a glorified state to a shameful lowly state. Gen. 3:22-24;  When they ate of the tree of good and evil and knowledge, vast amounts of knowledge. Had they have eaten of the tree of life, they would have  sealed their fate, in their fallen state It was God's mercy. 

Bible Study: Luke 10:19 Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you. ~New Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Isaiah 14:12-21 Lucifer, son of the morning: These verses also have a double application. They are still part of the proverb against the king of Babylon. The language, however, shows that he is a type of Satan. Lucifer means “Light Bearer.” The basic sin was that of unchecked personal ambition, desiring to be equal to or above God. With reference to Satan, it is best not to press every detail but instead to grasp the symbolic intent. ~New Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Rev. 12:7-9  The Dragon Defeated

7 Then a terrible war broke out in heaven. Michael[f] and his angels fought against the great dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But the dragon did not have the power to win and they could not regain their place in heaven. 9 So the great dragon was thrown down once and for all. He was the serpent, the ancient snake called the devil,[g] and Satan,[h] who deceives the whole earth. He was cast down into the earth and his angels along with him. ~TPT

Footnotes:

[f] 12:7 The name Michael means “one who is like God.”

[g] 12:9 Or “lying slanderer.”

[h] 12:9 Or “Adversary.”

Rev. 12:7–12 The same spiritual conflict, contemporaneous with vv. 1–6, is now described in the heavenly realm, as John teaches that angelic beings are ever warring with demonic beings behind the scenes of life. Michael, in the tradition of Judaism, is one of seven archangels and the guardian champion of Israel (see Dan. 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9). The dragon and his angels were defeated by the total event of Jesus Christ (see Matt. 12:28; 28:18; Luke 10:17–19; John 12:31, 32; Col. 2:15). ~New Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Genesis 1:26 ~ICB  Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image and likeness. And let them rule over the...

Let Us: God was speaking, not only to what the NT reveals to be the rest of the Trinity, but to the entire host of heaven, the angels, as well. Our image likely refers to such qualities as reason, personality, and intellect, and to the capacity to relate, to hear, to see, and to speak. All of these are characteristics of God, which He chose to reproduce in mankind. Dominion over . . . the earth: God created man to be "His Kingdom Agent", to rule and subdue the rest of creation, including the aggressive satanic forces, which would soon infringe upon it. ~New Spirit-Filled Life Bible

~Bits a Pieces of Study and personal notes on Video "This is Why Satan Hates You" - The Fall of Satan Explained" | Encounter TV

DARK TRUTH ABOUT HALLOWEEN!!

Mommy, Why Don't We Celebrate Halloween?

Click here to view Book

Do you know the truth behind the dressing up and trick-or-treating that are important parts of this holiday? If not, you need to read this book with your child.

Halloween comes every year and so does the question: Mommy, Why Don't We Celebrate Halloween?

Most likely, your child has either asked you this, or will ask you in the future. This is why you should be ready to explain Halloween to a kid, sharing the dangers of Halloween and discussing Halloween as a pagan holiday.

This book will help your child have a Christian perspective on Halloween, making it clear why you don't celebrate the holiday. It reveals, in story form, the truth behind the activities that have become such an accepted part of Halloween traditions.

Children who read this book and talk about it with their parents will learn how the "fun" of Halloween harms them. They will also learn what to say to others who do not understand the true meaning of Halloween.

My Story Of Being an Ex-Witch - Jenny Weaver

THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST

John records a series of successive visions, not a series of consecutive events. The Revelation is a cosmic pageant—an elaborate, colorful series of tableaux, accompanied and interpreted by celestial speakers and singers. The spoken word is elevated prose, more poetic than our translations indicate. The music is similar to a cantata. Repeatedly, themes are introduced, later reintroduced, combined with other themes, and developed.

The entire message is “signified” (1:1). This is a key to the understanding of the visions, all of which contain figurative language pointing to the spiritual realities in and behind historical experience. Signs and symbols are essential because spiritual truth and unseen reality must always be communicated to human beings through their senses. Symbols point to what is ultimately indescribable. For example, the account of the demonic locusts from the Abyss (9:1–12) creates a vivid, horrifying impression, even though the minute details are not intended to be interpreted.

Under the inspiration of the Spirit and the Old Testament, John had no doubt been reflecting on the horrifying events occurring both in Rome and Jerusalem when he was given “the prophecy” of what was impending—the intensification of the spiritual warfare confronting the church (1:3) perpetrated by an anti-Christian state and numerous anti-Christian religions. The purpose of this message was to provide pastoral encouragement to persecuted Christians by comforting, challenging, and proclaiming the sure and certain Christian hope, together with the assurance that in Christ they were sharing in the sovereign God’s method of totally overcoming the forces of evil in all its manifestations. Revelation also gives a forecast of history, including its apocalyptic conclusion, while giving an evangelistic appeal to those who are presently living in the kingdom of darkness to enter the Kingdom of Light (22:17).

Nearly every title employed elsewhere in the New Testament to describe the divine-human nature and the redemptive work of Jesus is mentioned at least once in Revelation, which, together with numerous additional titles, provides us with our only multidimensional unveiling of the present position, continuing ministry, and ultimate victory of the exalted Christ.

Although Jesus’ earthly ministry is telescoped between His Incarnation and Ascension in 12:5, Revelation asserts that the Son of God, as the Lamb, has completely finished His redemptive work (1:5, 6). By His blood sinners have been forgiven, cleansed (5:6, 9; 7:14; 12:11), liberated (1:5), and made kings and priests (1:6; 5:10). All ensuing manifestations of His applied victory are based in His finished work on the Cross; hence, Satan has been defeated (12:7–12) and bound (20:1–3). Jesus, raised from the dead, is enthroned as absolute Sovereign over all creation (1:5; 2:27). He is “King of kings and Lord of lords” (17:14; 19:16), and is entitled to the same ascriptions of adoration as God the Creator (5:12–14).

The only One who is “worthy” to execute the eternal purpose of God is “the Lion of Judah,” who is not a political Messiah but a sacrificed Lamb (5:5, 6). “The Lamb” is His primary title, utilized twenty-eight times in Revelation. As the One who has conquered, He has the rightful authority and the power to control all the forces of evil and their consequences for His purposes of judgment and salvation (6:1—7:17). The Lamb is on the throne (4:1—5:14; 22:3).

The Lamb, as “One like the Son of Man,” is always in the midst of His people (1:9—3:22; 14:1), whose names are recorded in His Book of Life (3:5; 21:27). He knows them intimately, and with immeasurable holy love, He watches over, protects, disciplines, and challenges them. They share fully in His present and future victory (17:14; 19:11–16; 21:1—22:5), as well as in His present and future “marriage supper” (19:7–9; 21:2). He dwells in them (1:13), and they dwell in Him (21:22).

The Lamb is the God who is coming (1:7, 8; 11:17; 22:7, 20) to consummate His eternal plan, to complete the creation of the new community of His people in “a new heaven and a new earth” (21:1) and to restore the blessings of the Paradise of God (22:2–5). The Lamb is the goal of all history (22:13).

As “One like the Son of Man,” He also is the Lord of the final harvest (14:14–20). He pours out His wrath in judgment upon Satan (20:10), his allies (19:20; 20:14), and the spiritually “dead” (20:12, 15)—all those who have chosen to “dwell on the earth” (3:10).

The description of the Holy Spirit as “the seven Spirits of God” (1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6) is distinct in the New Testament. The number seven is a symbolic, qualitative number conveying the idea of completeness and, when related to God, the idea of perfection. The Holy Spirit is thus denoted in terms of the perfection of His dynamic, manifold activity. The “seven lamps of fire” (4:5) suggest His illuminating, purifying, and energizing ministries. That the seven Spirits are before the throne (1:4; 4:5) and simultaneously are the seven eyes of the Lamb (5:6) signifies the essential triunity of God who has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is a mutual indwelling of the Persons without dissolving the distinctions of essential being and function.

Each of the messages to the seven churches is from the exalted Lord, yet the individual members are urged to hear “what the Spirit says” (chs. 2; 3). The Spirit only says what the Lord Jesus says.

The Spirit is thus the Spirit of prophecy. Every genuine prophecy is inspired by the Holy Spirit and bears witness to Jesus (19:10). The prophetic visions are communicated to John only when he is “in the Spirit” (1:10; 4:2; 21:10). The content of these visions is nothing less than “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:1).

All genuine prophecy demands a response. “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ ” (22:17). Everyone either hears or refuses to hear this appeal. The Spirit is working continuously in and through the church to invite those who remain outside the City of God to enter. Only by the empowering of the Spirit is the bride enabled to witness and “patiently endure.” The Spirit thus penetrates the present experience of those who hear with foretastes of the kingdom’s future fulfillment.

The first “beast” or monster symbolizes the reality of anti-Christian government and political power (13:1–10, 13); and the second, anti-Christian religion, philosophy, and ideology (13:11–17). Together they produce the ultimately deceptive and seductive anti-Christian secular society, commerce, and culture, the harlot Babylon (chs. 17; 18), composed of those “who dwell on earth.” These thus bear the “mark” of the monster, and their names are not registered in “the Lamb’s Book of Life.” The Dragon continually delegates his restricted power and authority to the monsters and their followers in order to deceive and discourage anyone from God’s creative-redemptive purpose.

God has created the orders of community, that is, marriage and the family, economic activity, government and the state (see Rom. 13:1–7; 1 Tim. 2:1, 2). Satan, unable to create anything, tempts others to distort and misuse what God has created. Christians must discern whether a government is functioning under divine authority or as a divine authority. When the latter is the case, Christians must pray, courageously endure, and patiently accept the consequences of obeying the God whose image and seal they bear (see Mark 12:16, 17; Acts 4:19). They must do so in the confidence that after their victorious sufferings they will reign with Him.

Yet, those who follow the Lamb are involved in a continuing spiritual conflict, and Revelation thus provides deeper insight into the nature and tactics of the Enemy (Eph. 6:10–12). The Dragon, frustrated by his defeat at the Cross and the consequent restraints placed upon his activity, and desperate to thwart the purposes of God before his inevitable doom, develops a counterfeit trinity “to make war” on the saints (12:17). The first “beast” or monster symbolizes the reality of anti-Christian government and political power (13:1–10, 13); and the second, anti-Christian religion, philosophy, and ideology (13:11–17). Together they produce the ultimately deceptive and seductive anti-Christian secular society, commerce, and culture, the harlot Babylon (chs. 17; 18), composed of those “who dwell on earth.” These thus bear the “mark” of the monster, and their names are not registered in “the Lamb’s Book of Life.” The Dragon continually delegates his restricted power and authority to the monsters and their followers in order to deceive and discourage anyone from God’s creative-redemptive purpose.

Behind the appearances of the pomp and power of the world, there is the reality of the absolute sovereignty of the Lord God who is the Lamb, which ensures the ultimate doom of sin and evil. God is utilizing all the forces of evil, all the consequences of sin, even the suffering of His saints, to accomplish His own purposes. Believers undergoing persecution need to know that their sufferings are not meaningless, and ultimately they will be vindicated. The mainspring of Christian hope and courage is the certainty that the Enemy has been defeated and is doomed, and that followers of the Lamb are not fighting a losing cause. He has already overcome, and therefore they can and will be overcomers!

After a preface, Revelation begins (1:4–7) and ends (22:21) as a typical New Testament letter. Although containing seven letters to the seven churches, it is clear that every member is to “hear” the message to each of the churches (2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22), as well as the message of the entire book (1:3; 22:16), in order that they might obey it (1:3; 22:9). Within this letter is “the prophecy” (1:3; 10:11; 19:10; 22:6, 7, 10, 18, 19). According to Paul, “he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation [encouragement] and comfort to men” (1 Cor. 14:3). The prophet speaks God’s Word as a call to obedience in the present and immediate future situation in the light of the ultimate future. This prophecy was not to be sealed up (22:10) because it is relevant to Christians in every generation. ~New Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Holy Spirit | GOD Graciously Intervenes With Our Prayers & Praises to Him

A Prayer in Troubled Times 

Psalm 28

1 Lord, my Rock, I call out to you for help.

    Do not be deaf to me.

If you are silent,

    I will be like those in the grave.

2 Hear the sound of my prayer,

    when I cry out to you for help.

I raise my hands

    toward your Most Holy Place.

3 Don’t drag me away with the wicked,

    with those who do evil.

They say, “Peace” to their neighbors.

    But evil is in their hearts.

4 Pay them back for what they have done.

    They have done evil.

Pay them back for what they have done.

    Give them their reward.

5 They don’t understand what the Lord has done

    or what he has made.

So he will knock them down

    and not lift them up.

6 Praise the Lord.

    He heard my prayer for help.

7 The Lord is my strength and shield.

    I trust him, and he helps me.

I am very happy.

    And I praise him with my song.

8 The Lord is powerful.

    He gives power and victory to his chosen one.

9 Save your people.

    Bless those who are your own.

    Be their shepherd and carry them forever.

PS 28:1 Rock is a symbol of God, emphasizing His protecting and sheltering characteristics.

PS 28:1–5 David is asking to be distinguished from those who disregard God and practice evil.

PS 28:6–9 Blessed: The order of prayer and praise is the reverse of that found in the previous psalm; but either way, both should be considered necessary ingredients in talks with God.

PS 28:6 He has heard is probably a statement of faith, for praise often does have this element of faith in it (Mark 11:24).

PS 28:7 Song: Not just thoughts of thankfulness, but actually verbalizing praise is appropriate when God graciously intervenes in one’s life.

PS 28:8 What is experienced by David (vv. 6, 7) is equally available to all of God’s people.

The Book of Psalms, and the principles of worship they reflect, minister to the soul of man and to the heart of God because they are the product of the work of the Holy Spirit. David, the major contributor to the Book of Psalms, was anointed by the Holy Spirit (1 Sam. 16:13). Not only was this anointing for kingship, but it was for the office of a prophet (Acts 2:30); and the prophetic statements he recorded were by the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:44; Acts 1:16). In fact, the lyrics of his songs were composed by the inspiration of the Spirit (2 Sam. 23:1, 2), as were his plans for appointing chief musicians and choirs with their accompanying orchestras (1 Chr. 28:12, 13).

The first Christian churches comprised mainly Jewish people, so it was natural that they incorporate the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs into their worship (Col. 3:16). Throughout the centuries, in most of the major Christian denominations, hymnbooks composed mostly of psalms set to cultural music patterns have been used in congregational singing. In modern times, churches continue to draw from the Book of Psalms for songs of worship. The worship of the Christian church incorporates not only the lyrics and instruments of the Psalms, but involves clapping (47:1), lifting up hands (141:2), bowing (95:6), standing (134:1), shouting (47:1), and dancing (149:3).

Thus the Psalms are unique and vastly different from the works of secular composers. Both may reflect the depths of agony experienced by the tormented human spirit, with all its pathos, and express the rapturous joy of the freed soul, yet the Psalms move to a higher plane by the creative anointing of the Holy Spirit. 

Specific statements show that the Holy Spirit is at work in creating life (104:30); that He faithfully accompanies the believer (139:7); that He guides and instructs (143:10); that He sustains the penitent (51:11, 12); and that He interacts with the rebellious (106:33).~NSFB

Wrapping Around The Deity of Jesus Christ

 

John 1:1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word ([a]Christ), and the Word was with God, and [b]the Word was God Himself. 2 He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. (AMP)

[a] In John the Apostle’s vision (Rev 19), he sees Christ returning as Warrior-Messiah-King, and “...His name is called The Word of God...and LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev 19:13, 16).

[b] In this phrase, “God” appears first in the Greek word order, emphasizing the fact that “the Word” (Christ) was God—so “God Himself.”

Acts 17:28 For in Him we live and move and exist [that is, in Him we actually have our being], as even some of [a]your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’ (AMP)

[a] Paul was probably exposed to Greek literature when he studied with Gamaliel, and quoting or paraphrasing a line from one of their poets would have surprised and kept the attention of the audience. 

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the glory and majesty of God [clearly revealed] in the face of Christ.

Second Corinthians is a valuable guide in examining our own motives for serving the Lord, whether as lay people or as ordained pastors and evangelists. As an instrument of the Holy Spirit, this letter can refine our motives until we reflect the kind of selfless giving best exemplified in Christ, but also found in His servant Paul. The instructions concerning the collection for Jerusalem (chs. 8 and 9) emphasize generosity in the area of financial resources, just as Paul emphasized generosity in self-giving throughout the book.

Jesus Christ is the focus of our relationship with God. All God’s promises to us are Yes in Jesus, and we say “Amen” to God’s promises in Jesus (1:19, 20). Jesus is God’s Yes to us and our Yes to God. Only in Christ do we see the glory of God, and only in Him are we transformed by that glory (3:14, 18), for Christ is the very image of God (4:4–6). God came to us in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself (5:19). Thus, it is “in Christ” that we have become new creatures (5:17). This change was accomplished through the marvelous act of God’s grace in which Christ, “who knew no sin,” became “sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (5:21).

Jesus is also the focus of our service to God. We proclaim Jesus as Lord and ourselves as servants for His sake (4:5). We willingly share not only Christ’s life and glory but also His dying (4:10–12), His willingness to be weak so that others might experience the power of God (13:3, 4, 9), and His willingness to be impoverished so that others might be enriched (8:9). We experience His weakness but also His strength as we seek to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (10:5).

Again, Jesus is the focus of our present life in this world, where we simultaneously experience in our mortal bodies both “the dying of the Lord Jesus” and His life (4:10, 11).Finally, Jesus is the focus of our future life, for we will be raised up with Jesus (4:14), who is the “betrothed. . .husband” of the church (11:2) and the judge of all men (5:10).

The Holy Spirit is the power of the New Covenant (3:6), because He makes real to us the present and future provisions of our salvation in Christ. By the gift of “the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee,” we are assured that all God’s promises are Yes in Christ, and that we are anointed and “sealed” as belonging to Him (1:20–22). The present experience of the Spirit is specifically “a guarantee” of the glorified bodies we will one day receive (5:1–5).

We do not merely read about the will of God in the “letter” of Scripture, for “the letter [alone] kills.” The Spirit who gives life (3:6) changes our way of living by opening our eyes to the living reality of what we read. Thus, we progressively experience and embody the will of God, and we ourselves become epistles of Christ, “known and read by all men” (3:2).

When we submit ourselves to the work of the Spirit, we experience a miracle. We find that “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (3:17). There is liberty to behold the unveiled glory of the Lord and to be changed more and more into the likeness of what we behold. The Holy Spirit gives us freedom to see and freedom to be what God wants us to be (3:16–18).

The work of the Holy Spirit is evident in daily inward renewal (4:16), spiritual warfare (10:3–5), and the “signs and wonders and mighty deeds” of Paul’s ministry in Corinth (12:12). Paul ended his letter with a blessing, which included “the communion [fellowship] of the Holy Spirit” (13:14). This could indicate a sense of the Spirit’s presence or, more likely, an enjoyment of the fellowship the Spirit gives us with Christ and with all people who love Christ.

PRAYER: Heavenly, Loving Father, Thank You for sending Jesus, the Word, Who was with the Father before the world began. He came to earth willingly, in human flesh, so that a sinner such as I may be redeemed by His precious blood. The more I reflect on the truth of Your Word the more amazed I become at Your love for me. Thank You that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us so that by faith in Him we might be made the righteousness of God in Him to Whom be all praise and glory. 

Thank You, Father, for the Light You have given me, in the face of Jesus, my Saviour and Lord. It is only through His sufficient sacrifice that I have been so blessed, for without the shining Light of the Spirit of Christ within, I would continue to wallow in the darkness of the world. May the light of Your truth, love, and compassion, shine in me, and reflect from me the glories of Jesus, so that Your name may be glorified in all I say and do. I worship and praise Your holy name for Your wonderful plan of salvation. Praise Your name and praise Jesus, in Whose name I pray, AMEN.

THE FEAR OF THE LORD | THE MERCIES OF GOD

The Bible urges us to fear God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge …” (Proverbs 1:7). Having an appropriate reverence and holy respect for God is the beginning point for all true knowledge about spiritual realities. “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

What is the gift of fear of the Lord?

Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe): With the gift of fear of the Lord we are aware of the glory and majesty of God. ... He describes the gift as a "filial fear," like a child's fear of offending his father, rather than a "servile fear," that is, a fear of punishment.

Who is the man who fears the Lord?

Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.

The Scripture says the fear of God is the the beginning of wisdom, and wisdom is to depart from evil. That means we must avoid evil, or anything that lures us to do evil or wickedness. Stay completely away from sin as a child of God.

Proverbs 1:7 The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence];

But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline. (AMP)

The fear of the Lord: Expressed in many ways, this is the theme repeated throughout the book as the key, the means, the secret of obtaining genuine wisdom. It is not the terror of a tyrant, but the kind of awe and respect which will lead to obedience to Him who is the wisest of all. 

In Proverbs various kinds of fools are discussed including those who are closed-minded, over-confident, and reject instruction and correction—the unteachable; those who lack spiritual insight—the spiritually blind; and those who are flippant, hardened, and who deliberately choose to reject God and wisdom—the arrogant.

What does it mean to walk in the fear of the Lord?

He simply meant that Christians should never want to offend God with their lives. Working out our salvation with fear and trembling implies a heightened sense of reverence for God by living our lives in ways that testifies to the fact that we are saved. ... Proverbs 8:13: “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.”

Psalm 147:11 The Lord favors those who fear and worship Him [with awe-inspired reverence and obedience], Those who wait for His mercy and lovingkindness.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.” When we “fear” God, His divine and unfathomable wisdom becomes available to us.

Psalm 34:8-14 AMP | O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good; How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him.  O [reverently] fear the Lord, you His saints (believers, holy ones); For to those who fear Him there is no want.  The young lions lack [food] and grow hungry, But they who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing. Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you to fear the Lord [with awe-inspired reverence and worship Him with obedience].  Who is the man who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

The New Testament apostles frequently used references from the Book of Psalms as texts for teaching Christian doctrine. The forgiveness of sins by grace, the faithfulness of God, the sinfulness of all men (Jew and Gentile), the inclusion of Gentiles in the church, the existence of angels, and the appropriate conduct of saints, are all doctrines reinforced by quotations from the Psalms.

Lamentations 3:20–23  It is because of the Lord’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, Because His [tender] compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.

Jeremiah had almost given up hope (v. 20). Then he remembered something that restored his hope again (v. 21). This was the mercies of God (v. 22). Mercies (Hebrew hesed) can be translated “covenant love” or “steadfast love.” It is linked with compassion (Ps. 103:4), truth and faithfulness (Ex. 34:6), and goodness (Ps. 23:6). The ability to offer sacrifices was gone and everything seemed hopeless, but God’s hesed remained.

How do I start loving God? I find my love for God growing as I do the following: 

1. Think about Him. The more I think about Him, the more I fall in love with Him. 2. Tell Him I love Him. When I tell God I love him, I find the words are very true. 3. Spend time in His presence. 4. Choose to do everything out of love for Him.

Is the fear of the Lord a gift of the Holy Spirit?

Fear of the Lord is the last of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit enumerated in Isaiah 11:2-3.  We often think of hope and fear as mutually exclusive, but the fear of the Lord is the desire not to offend Him, and the certainty that He will give us the grace necessary to keep from doing so.

Prayer: Father, I think that the more we know you, the more we experience a wide range of emotions when we think about you and spend time with you. You are the sovereign God of the Universe, all-powerful in every way. You are the Creator and you have awesome power to destroy if you chose to do so! You know every little facet of my personality and character. You know my thoughts! You know every sin I have every committed and will commit in the future- Yet you love me! 

You are the ultimate Lover of my soul. No matter how many times I screw up, you don’t give up on me and put me on a shelf. You call me precious. You have taken your righteousness and put it in place of my unrighteousness, calling me righteous. Thanks to you, Jesus, on Judgement Day, I will be called blameless and will have the privilege of living forever with you!

And yet, I so easily forget to you include you in my daily life. That seems pretty bold and bull-headed considering all that you’ve done for me and all that you are. It’s downright foolish, actually. The author of the Universe wants to walk side-by-side with me daily, and I’m like, “Nah, I’m good. I got this.” God, save me from my own stupidity and pride! I need you. I need you today and every day.

Your power is awesome. Your knowledge is endless. I’m afraid to go through life without seeking you daily and without checking in with you as often as I can think to do so throughout the day (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). I respect you God, sure, and I know that I would never want to be your enemy. I’m not afraid of that though. I fear my own foolish pride that would make me try to go it on my own.

I don’t fear the world, Lord. Fear would love to overcome me and have me tied up in knots; useless. That’s not who I am! That’s not who you created me to be. In you, Jesus, my Lord, I am more than a conqueror. You’ve got this. The enemy would love for me to believe that I can’t do this and I’m doomed to fail. I will not buy into that half truth! I can’t do this, but in you, Jesus, I can do this and a whole lot more! I trust you, Lord. I fear you as the Lord of my life, and I know that you are on my side.

I thank you for showing me mercy in the name of Jesus. I come against any power that wants me to be an enemy of God in the name of Jesus. Lord, today, I receive grace to walk in Your fear, in the name of Jesus.

How Can Good Come from Something So Bad?

When we experience tragedy and loss, it seems impossible that anything good can come out of it. It may be hard to imagine ever feeling true happiness again. And even though God promises that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purposes" (Romans 8:28), in disastrous situations we may wonder how in the world God can actually do that for us. The truth is He can, no matter how bad our situation. How He does it, only He knows. But it doesn't happen automatically. There are conditions that have to be met.

Most importantly of all, we must love God. If we don't love God, or if we're mad at Him and have an angry, resentful, bitter, unforgiving, or hateful attitude, then this promise will not be fulfilled in our life. God knows what is in our hearts, so we can't hide it from Him. He works all things together for good to those who love Him, and He knows if we really love Him or not.

Loving God doesn't mean we just pray when we want something, as if God were a spiritual Santa Claus, a Sugar Daddy, or our fairy Godfather. Of course He wants us to ask for things in accordance with His will. In fact, He says we don't have certain blessings because we don't ask for them. But He wants us to love Him enough to not just tell Him what we want without asking what He wants. In other words, we can't just ignore His laws or reject His ways and then run to Him demanding that He protect us and give us everything we long for. The Bible does not say that all things work together for good to those who deny God's existence until disaster strikes and then run to Him and demand that He fix everything that's wrong. That is not loving God.

Loving God is a way of life that does not depend on circumstances. It depends on our knowledge of who God is. When we know who He is, we can't help but love Him. It means trusting Him with all our heart and walking with Him through each day, no matter how difficult it may be. It means always knowing that God is on our side, whether it feels like it at the moment or not. It means praying with the leading of the Holy Spirit and refusing to give in to fear and doubt.

PRAYER POWER 

Lord, I draw close to You and proclaim You to be Lord and King over all heaven and earth. I thank You that Your goodness, mercy, and righteousness endure forever (1 Chronicles 16:34). I praise You according to Your righteousness, and I sing praises to Your name, O Lord most high (Psalm 7:17). Your name is excellent over all the earth (Psalm 8:1). I praise You for Your mighty acts according to Your excellent greatness (Psalm 150:2). I worship You and I love You, Lord.

May my prayers be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice (Psalm 141:2). I give glory to Your name. To You, O Lord, I lift my soul, and the soul of my nation. Let us not be put to shame. Do not permit our enemies to triumph over us (Psalm 25:1-2).

Lord, as the body of Christ we are weary of watching the enemy, whom You defeated on the cross, run roughshod over people and destroy their lives. We are disgusted by our own compromised prayers. We confess that we haven't been willing to lay down enough of our lives to see them break through the darkness with power. Renew us and revive us, Lord. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Break down the strongholds in our lives that stand in opposition to You and Your ways. Help us to be doers of the Word and not just hearers only. Work a profound spiritual awakening in Your people all over this land.

Lord, you have said that You are "able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (Ephesians 3:20). I know that means You can do more than we ever dreamed. I invite You to do that in me, in Your people, and in our country. Ignite a fire in our hearts that illuminates for us the possibilities of what can happen when we pray. Move the hearts in this nation into alignment with Your will.

I ask for Your grace to be poured out upon our nation. Only You can bring good out of the evil and destruction that has been manifested here. Show me how I may be of service to You in that regard. Help me not to shrink back when you call me into the storm. Shine Your light into our darkness and evaporate it. Help those of us who believe to extend Your light to others. Thank You, Lord, that You have put gladness in our hearts once again (Psalm 4:7) and are even now making all things work together for good in our nation.

~Bits and Pieces of THE POWER OF A PRAYING NATION

Jesus Always Daily Devotions | A Hidden Treasure

“When you come looking for me, you’ll find me.  “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” -Jeremiah 29:13 | MSG

The Light of My Presence shines on every moment of your life - past, present, and future. I knew you before the creation of the world, and I have Loved you with a Love that lasts forever.  You are never alone, so look for Me in everything that happens in your day. Search for Me as you would search for a hidden treasure. Try to "see" Me no matter what's going on. Don't let hard times, busy times, or even happy times keep you from finding Me. 

Sometimes I let you know I'm with you in great and glorious ways that can't be missed.  Other times, I show Myself in simple, quiet ways that only you can see.   Ask Me to open your eyes and your heart to notice all the time and ways I speak to you.

As you go through this day, remind yourself to look for the Light of My Presence shining in your life. Don't think only about worldly worries or the things you need to do.  Instead, think about Me; watch for the ways I'm with you in every moment.  Search for me.  And when you search for me with all your heart you will find me! ~Bits and Pieces of JESUS ALWAYS DEVOTIONS~SARAH YOUNG

More Scripture:  Ephesians 1:4; Jeremiah 31:3; Psalm 89.15

Ephesians 1:3-6 MSG | The God of Glory | How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.

Jeremiah 31:3-6 MSG | This is the way God put it | “They found grace out in the desert, these people who survived the killing. Israel, out looking for a place to rest, met God out looking for them!”  God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will.  Expect love, love, and more love! And so now I’ll start over with you and build you up again, dear virgin Israel.  You’ll resume your singing,  grabbing tambourines and joining the dance.  You’ll go back to your old work of planting vineyards on the Samaritan hillsides, And sit back and enjoy the fruit—oh, how you’ll enjoy those harvests!  The time’s coming when watchmen will call out from the hilltops of Ephraim: ‘On your feet! Let’s go to Zion, go to meet our God!’”

Psalm 89:15-18 MSG | God! Let the cosmos praise your wonderful ways, the choir of holy angels sing anthems to your faithful ways!  Search high and low, scan skies and land, you’ll find nothing and no one quite like God. The holy angels are in awe before him; he looms immense and august over everyone around him.  God-of-the-Angel-Armies, who is like you, powerful and faithful from every angle?  You put the arrogant ocean in its place and calm its waves when they turn unruly. You gave that old hag Egypt the back of your hand, you brushed off your enemies with a flick of your wrist. You own the cosmos—you made everything in it, everything from atom to archangel. You positioned the North and South Poles; the mountains Tabor and Hermon sing duets to you. With your well-muscled arm and your grip of steel—nobody messes with you! The Right and Justice are the roots of your rule; Love and Truth are its fruits. Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know  who you are, what you do—they can’t keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us—you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air! All we are and have we owe to God, Holy God of Israel, our King!

PRAYER: Father God, sometimes I get lost and lose sight of you. I can fall into routines where I lose track of what’s important. Help me to not be lost. I want to seek You and your glory with all my heart. Give me an eternal perspective and stay committed to serving You. Bless me with an undivided heart, one that seeks you as the first and ordering priority of my life. Forgive me, Father, for letting other things distract my focus from you and interfere with my service to your Kingdom. Fill me with a holy passion for Kingdom matters above all other concerns and interests. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.