Category: Thoughts and Meditations

What About Tomorrow?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for Today, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Sometimes things happen in life that we have absolutely no control over, leaving us feeling helpless and overwhelmed by our circumstances. For instance, what happens when you are stricken with cancer, a disease that not only affects your physical health but also challenges your emotional and mental well-being? In such desperate situations, can you write a letter of complaint to express your frustrations and seek assistance? If so, who would you send it to—your healthcare provider, a hospital administrator, or perhaps a cancer support organization? Additionally, what do you do when you face family issues that seem insurmountable, leaving you at a loss for solutions? These conflicts can be deeply distressing, but where do you go to file a grievance?

There is a place that you can go that will produce answers to every issue in life. You don’t have to leave home. You don’t need an Internet connection. You don’t even need anyone else to go with you. In fact, you can go to this place at any time, in your bed or in your den; on your knees or sitting in your chair. There aren’t even any formal requirements! The only requirement is that you are a born-again, blood-bought child of God and you are coming to Him with a humble heart.

Isaiah 55:8-9  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  (9)  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow – by Ira F. Stanphill

1 I don’t know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
I don’t borrow from its sunshine,
For its skies may turn to gray.
I don’t worry o’er the future,
For I know what Jesus said,
And today I’ll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.

Refrain:
Many things about tomorrow,
I don’t seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow,
And I know who holds my hand.

2 Every step is getting brighter,
As the golden stairs I climb;
Every burden’s getting lighter;
Every cloud is silver lined.
There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eye,
At the ending of the rainbow,
Where the mountains touch the sky. [Refrain]

3 I don’t know about tomorrow,
It may bring me poverty;
But the one who feeds the sparrow,
Is the one who stands by me.
And the path that be my portion,
May be through the flame or flood,
But His presence goes before me,
And I’m covered with His blood. [Refrain]

Habakkuk 3:18-19  Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  (19)  The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Worrying is natural, but our Heavenly Father is a perfect Father. He invites us to share our troubles with Him. He knows what will happen tomorrow and can provide the strength needed for each day!

Here are a few more verses to encourage your heart:

Deuteronomy 31:8  And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Psalm 73:26  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Psalm 23:1  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Philippians 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

If you do not have God’s peace in your heart, you can get it, no matter how troubled your life may seem. This peace is not simply the absence of turmoil; rather, it is a profound sense of calm and assurance that goes beyond all understanding. To receive this gift, you must be born again, accepting the love and grace that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is through salvation in Jesus Christ that you are transformed and enabled to experience a relationship with God. Please follow this link so you, too, can find peace in the midst of trouble.

Why Not Now?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for Today, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

No one knows what tomorrow will bring. It’s a mystery to everyone. No clairvoyant can tell you what tomorrow has in store with 100% accuracy. Only God knows! The wonderful thing about that is that He has a purpose for each and every human being on this earth.

Ecclesiastes 3:1  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

There is nothing that catches God by surprise. Neither your heartache, your pain, or your financial dilemma, is unknown to Him. In fact, He understands your struggles more than anyone else ever could. He is right there each and every second of the day, offering His presence as a source of strength and comfort. (Hebrews 13:5b) There is immense comfort in knowing that the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us! His unwavering presence assures us that we are never alone in our trials; instead, we are surrounded in His love and grace, guiding us through even the darkest valleys; He is elevating our spirits in times of despair.

Today’s hymn was introduced to me years ago. It provides such encouragement knowing that God will perfect what He has begun in my heart.

Philippians 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

I hope today’s devotional will encourage your heart in the midst of your storm.

In His Time – by Linda Diane Ball

In his time, in his time
He makes all things beautiful
In his time

Lord please show me everyday
As you’re teaching me your way
That you do just what you say
In your time

In your time, in your time
You make all things beautiful
In your time

Lord my life to you I bring
May each song I have to sing
Be to you a lovely thing
In your time

Lord please show me everyday
As you teaching me your way
That you do just what you say
In your time

In your time (in your time), in your time (in your time lord)
You make all things beautiful
In your time (in your time)

Lord my life to you I bring
May each song I have to sing
Be to you a lovely thing
In your time

Be to you a lovely thing
In your time

Be encouraged! Whatever is going on in your life, you can be sure that the Lord is there working out the details, even though it doesn’t feel like it.

Galatians 6:9  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

If you do not have the peace that comes when one is born again, and you would like to learn how to be saved, please follow this link.

Is This My Time?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for Today, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)

This verse is powerful! Let’s take a look at the Book of Esther. You will see how God used Esther to protect His people from complete annihilation. Because of her beauty, Esther (a Jew) happened to be chosen to be Queen to King Ahasuerus, a decision that would have profound implications for the Jewish people. God’s sovereignty is seen throughout the entire book, as each event unfolds with divine purpose. Esther’s uncle Mordecai discovers a malicious plot against the Jews by the wicked Haman, a high-ranking official who harbored a deep hatred for Esther’s people. Mordecai urgently tells Esther’s chamberlains to let Esther know all about this insidious plot and advises that she courageously informs the king about this dreadful plan to annihilate the Jews. Although Esther was the queen, her position came with grave restrictions; she could not simply approach the king with her plea for her people without risking everything. This just was not done in the royal court, as the laws were strict and unforgiving. She had to wait until the king summoned her, a process fraught with uncertainty and fear. If she went to see him without his summoning her, she could be put to death. Mordecai stressed to her that even she would not escape Haman’s plot since she was Jewish, emphasizing the need for her bravery and the urgency of the situation they faced. Such a weighty responsibility rested on Esther’s shoulders, and it was through her courage and faith that she would ultimately play a mighty role in the deliverance of her people.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

So what does Esther do? In a moment of grave urgency, she asks Hatach, her trusted chamberlain, to take a message to Uncle Mordecai. She instructs him to tell all the Jews in the kingdom to engage in a solemn fast for her, asking them to pray for her strength and guidance during this perilous time. The weight of her decision weighs on her heart, as she prepares to approach the king uninvited, a bold move filled with danger. Despite the risks involved, she resolutely declares, “If I perish, I perish,” demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her people and her willingness to sacrifice everything for their deliverance.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16b)

We discover that because of his deep-seated hatred, Haman meticulously devises a plot to hang Mordecai, a man he cannot stand due to his refusal to bow before him. In his unrelenting pursuit of vengeance, he has the gallows constructed, tall and imposing, as a symbol of his power and intimidation, and his malevolent plan moves forward with alarming speed. Little does he know that Queen Esther has been secretly devising her own strategy; she has prepared a lavish banquet for both the king and Haman, an event designed to reveal the truth hidden in shadows. At this extravagant banquet, under the guise of celebration, Esther bravely exposes Haman’s wicked plot to King Ahasuerus. In a dramatic turn of events, Haman’s fate takes a swift and ironic twist as he is hanged on the very same gallows that he had built for Mordecai. This whole account, filled with intrigue and divine justice, is what the Jewish Feast of Purim is all about, honoring the deliverance of the Jewish people from a grave threat.

The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. (Psalm 37:12-15)

You may wonder why I give you Esther’s account; it is to point out that each of us has appointed times to be used of God. In whatever situation or trial, God can use you, often in ways you may not expect or realize until much later. I’m sure Esther was petrified to go in to see the king, feeling the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. She knew what the consequences of these actions would be, not just for herself, but for her people, the Jews, who were facing Haman’s anger. Her first thought is to pray and fast, not just for herself, but to request Mordecai and the rest of the Jews to do the same, recognizing the power of collective prayer. She understood the importance of seeking divine intervention and unity in times of crisis. Esther also knew that turning to God in the midst of her trial would bring answers and solutions, providing her with strength and courage to face the uncertain future ahead. Her faith became a beacon of hope, reminding us all that in our darkest moments, we can still find light through our commitment to prayer and trust in God’s plan.

What are you going through, Reader? Life can present us with challenges that seem insurmountable, leading us to doubt our worth and capabilities. However, God can use you in spite of your trials. Even in your darkest moments, when the weight of the world feels heavy, He can shine a light through your struggles. You may not think so, but He can turn your pain into purpose and your sorrow into strength. It’s in these moments of uncertainty that we must remember to lean on faith, trusting that there’s a greater plan in motion. Do you trust Him to do so? When we surrender our worries and open our hearts to His plan for us, we can find strength to move forward.

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

To the reader who does not have the peace of the Lord in his heart, this devotional may seem pointless. It may not touch your heart, but it should. If you are not born-again, you won’t understand the things of God and how they connect to your life. It’s important to settle this matter now, before you die or before the Rapture occurs, because time is short. Otherwise, you risk spending eternity in the lake of fire, apart from God’s love and grace. This is a warning and also an invitation to find true peace and joy through a relationship with Christ. Take the step to salvation and read how to be saved here, where you will find guidance that can change your life and give you hope and purpose.

There’s A Storm Coming!

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for Today, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Storms come and go; some leaving a path of destruction while others provide some much-needed rain. What about the storms of life? Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world where sin’s effects are everywhere. No one is exempt from trials and storms, I’m afraid. For me, the storms that involve family are the hardest to deal with. They cut to the heart, and produce many tears. It makes me think of:

Psalm 56:8  Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

That word “tellest” speaks volumes to me. The Hebrew word is:

סָפַר
sâphar
saw-far’
A primitive root; properly to score with a mark as a tally or record, that is, (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively to recount, that is, celebrate: – commune, (ac-) count, declare, number, + penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer.

The Lord is not deaf, Reader! He hears every cry for help, every plea; yes, He hears even the slightest whisper of despair. Every single tear is recorded and kept in a bottle and recorded in His book! That literally means your tears will not go unnoticed!

Psalm 34:17  The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

The Father will deliver me out of all my troubles. He may not deliver me out of my trouble at that very moment. There may be a lesson in its midst that I need to learn. There may need to be time for all parties involved to learn as well. We cannot control the timing, but we can control how we deal with the storm.

Lam 3:25-26  The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.  (26)  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Wait on God to work out the details in your storm. Give Him time and don’t try to jump the gun. Hope and quietly wait for the Lord to bring your storm to an end. I hope today’s hymn is a blessing to you!

Till the Storm Passes By – By Mosie Lister

​In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,
While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place.
‘Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Refrain:
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Many times Satan whispered, “There is no need to try,
For there’s no end of sorrow, there’s no hope by and by”
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I’ll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies.

When the long night has ended and the storms come no more,
Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore;
In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I
Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.

The Lord refines His children. He shapes and molds them by using these storms. It’s very much like going to the gym. You don’t see immediate results but as time goes on, you can see those results. Our spiritual lives need exercise: a storm comes into your life; you immediately turn to the Lord for help; you read your Bible and wait for answers; repeat until the storm passes by.

If you are not a born-again child of God, you cannot go through these storms expecting peace. You will be surrounded by turmoil and anxiety. However, it is not what God wants for you. He wants you to come to Him with all your cares.

Mat 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

If you wish to be born again, click on this link and it will guide you through the Scriptures to show you how.

Are You Near Me, Lord?

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Have you ever had a day where you simply do not feel God’s presence? Is there no one around you who seems to care what you are going through? As well, you may have someone who loves you deeply and cares for you. But yet, you still feel very alone in your trial. I’ve been there many times in the many years of my salvation. With each and every time, God either sent His messengers to teach / preach to me, or that day’s Scripture reading spoke deeply to my heart! I may have felt alone, but the Lord never left my side.

Mat 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Psa 4:8  I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Dwelling in safety and peace is such a beautiful picture. It’s what I picture in Psalm 23 when the Shepherd provides His sheep with green pastures and water. God’s provisions are so undeserved but yet so welcomed! The word “safety” spoke to my heart because many of our trials bring anxiety and worry. The Hebrew word, according to Strong’s, brings so much more meaning:

beṭach
beh’-takh
From H982; properly a place of refuge; abstractly safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust);

Today’s hymn is one I have sung many times but its meaning is ever more precious to me! I hope it blesses you as well!

Nearer, Still Nearer – by Lelia Naylor Morris

1 Nearer, still nearer— close to Thy heart,
draw me, my Savior, so precious Thou art;
fold me, O fold me close to Thy breast;
shelter me safe in that Haven of Rest,
shelter me safe in that Haven of Rest.

2 Nearer, still nearer— nothing I bring,
naught as an off’ring to Jesus, my King–
only my sinful, now contrite heart;
grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart,
grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.

3 Nearer, still nearer— Lord, to be Thine,
sin with its follies I gladly resign–
all of its pleasures, pomp and its pride;
give me but Jesus, my Lord crucified,
give me but Jesus, my Lord crucified.

4 Nearer, still nearer— while life shall last,
till safe in glory my anchor is cast;
through endless ages, ever to be
nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee,
nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee.

The second verse indicates an acceptance of Jesus Christ in order for God to draw near to you.

Jas 4:8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

If God cannot be found in your life, take care of it now! Don’t delay because you do not know when you will take your last breath! Please, follow this link and it will walk you through how to be saved!

Casting Your Burdens

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Psalm 55:22  Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

1 Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

God is not some angry “god” who sits on high just waiting on whom He can proclaim judgment. Yes, judgment is part of who God is because He is righteous. But the Bible lets us know that God cares for us so much! He cares what we are going through, and wants to help us go through the difficulties of life.

The word “moved” in Psalm 55:22 stood out to me. I wanted to explore that a little further so I could fully grasp its meaning. The Hebrew word for moved is:

מוֹט
môṭ
mote’
A primitive root; to waver; by implication to slip, shake, fall: – be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, X exceedingly, fall (-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready shake, slide, slip.

The highlighted synonyms spoke to me. We can’t always be Super Christian with Bible in hand. After one is born again, one can be assured that there will be trials to deal with. But with the trial, God promises to provide peace and comfort. Just because we tell Him all of our problems and sorrows does not mean that God thinks less of us. We aren’t removed from His family because of our frailties. Christian, do not feel guilty for doubting or feeling spiritually faint. It is at this time that you will feel God getting closer to you. What we do see in today’s definition of “move” is that God will not allow His child to be so cast down that the child will cease to love God altogether. This happens to those who profess salvation but never actually became born again. But to the child of God, He has given this promise!

John 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Psalm 121:2-3  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.  (3)  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

The same God who helped David, helps us! So don’t hesitate to cast your burdens on the Lord because He promises to help us to keep going! He gives us the strength and peaceful joy as a result of trusting Him!

Are you overcome by the burden you are carrying? Only God’s Word can heal that. You tell God your problems and He responds to you as you read His Word. Trust in Him while you wait!

Matthew 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

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Has God Departed?

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Judges 16:20  And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.

If you are a born-again Christian, you know when you are not walking with the Lord because the fellowship with Him is not the same; it’s not as sweet. But with Samson, it was a different story … he didn’t even know that God’s power had left him! His life of compromise led to this big failure. It started in Judges 14. Let’s look at the compromises he made:

  • He lusted after a woman in Judges 14:1-2
  • Did not honor his mother and his father’s wishes in Judges 14:3
  • Disobeyed that Law in Judges 14:5 (he went into the vineyards); killed a lion, touching a carcass in Judges 14:8
  • Justified his sin by sharing it with his parents Judges 14:9

Here a little, there a little … he allowed compromise into his life to the point where he was oblivious to the impact. Oh how very sad! But before we get too judgmental, aren’t we the same? This type of compromise is what gets a Christian man’s eyes to wander, then end up in divorce. Bonhoeffer once said, “Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.”

Praise the Lord that once a person is born again, the Holy Spirit comes to live within that person. He never leaves us nor will He ever forsake us. That’s a promise! Even if the relationship between parent and child goes through moments of hindered fellowship, we know that the child will always be their child. That child will always have his parents’ DNA within him. He cannot deny it. The same goes with our relationship with God. We may be disobedient, but we never lose God’s DNA in our lives! 💙💙💙 He never leaves us, nor will He ever forsake us.

Heb 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

We must be willing, however, to follow Him without compromise, as did Samson. Samson started and ended strong, but the compromises in the middle speak with more volume. After all, when you remember Samson’s account, what do you remember? I remember how Delilah caused his strength to cease by cutting off his hair.

Today’s hymn describes the sweet relationship between Father and every born-again believer. The words are sweet as honey!

Christ Liveth in Me – Daniel W. Whittle

Once far from God and dead in sin,
  No light my heart could see;
But in God’s Word the light I found,
  Now Christ liveth in me.

Christ liveth in me,
Christ liveth in me;
Oh! what a salvation this,
  That Christ liveth in me.

2 As rays of light from yonder sun,
  The flow’rs of earth set free,
So life and light and love come forth
  From Christ living in me.

3 As lives the flow’r within the seed,
  As in the cone the tree,
So, praise the Christ of truth and grace,
  His Spirit dwelleth in me.

4 With longing all my heart is filled,
  That like Him I may be,
As on the wondrous thought I dwell
  That Christ liveth in me.

Christ lives within every born again believer. You receive His Spirit within you and thus having a new life! Salvation is a choice. Exactly what have you got to lose if you choose salvation? You will go to Heaven at the Rapture or at your death if you are saved. If you believe the lie that God would not send anyone to Hell, then you will go there. God is a righteous Judge and He will send you there, but only because it was your choice. If you want to choose salvation, please follow the link to walk you through the Scriptures on how to be saved.

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Is It Worth It?

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Each and everyone of us has been tempted to say “Is this worth it?” I sure did before I was born again. However, since I have been saved from all my sins by the blood of Jesus Christ, I have said it less and less. I have reason to because the signs of the end times and the soon coming of Jesus Christ to rapture His Bride is what led me to Him!

The born-again believer is a member of the Church, the soon-to-be Bride of Christ. We must learn to look at our negative circumstances in life as being opportunities to glorify Christ. We can glorify Him in our sorrows and even our physical pain. How others view us during these trying times should minister to them. By this, I mean that they are observing how you handle yourself as a Christian. If they see you wallowing in defeat, they won’t want to have what you have. However, if you are cheerful despite the circumstances, they will want to know why.

I love this featured hymn! It is one of my favorites and helps me to focus that one day, it will be worth it all!

It Will Be Worth It All – by Esther Kerr Rusthoi

Sometimes the day seems long,
Our trials hard to bear.
We´re tempted to complain,
to murmur and despair.
But Christ will soon appear
to catch his bride away!
All tears forever over
in God’s eternal day!

CHORUS:
It will be worth it all
when we see Jesus!
Life’s trials will seem so small
when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face,
all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race
till we see Christ.

At times the sky seems dark,
with not a ray of light;
We’re tossed and driven on,
no human help in sight.
But there is One in heaven,
Who knows our deepest care;
Let Jesus solve your problems,
just go to him in prayer.

Life’s day will soon be o’re,
all storms forever past;
We’ll cross the great divide
to Glory, safe at last!
We’ll share the joys of heaven:
a harp, a home, a crown;
The tempter will be banished,
We’ll lay our burdens down.

When you are in despair, may I encourage you to remember that the Lord is coming, no matter how slow His coming seems to you. Don’t give in to the scoffers who think He won’t come for a long time.

2 Peter 3:3-5a  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,  (4)  And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.  (5)  For this they willingly are ignorant…

Continue to “grow yourself” and think of the good things in your life in spite of your trials. This is what Paul encourages us to do in Philippians 4:8-9.

Philippians 4:8-9  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  (9)  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and THE GOD OF PEACE SHALL BE WITH YOU.

This is what is known to be “in Christ” for the born-again believer. But to those who doubt and are not born again, salvation is a choice. Exactly what have you got to lose if you choose salvation? You will go to Heaven at the Rapture or at your death if you are saved. If you believe the lie that God would not send anyone to Hell, then you will go there. God is a righteous Judge and He will send you there, but only because it was your choice. If you want to choose salvation, please follow the link to walk you through the Scriptures on how to be saved.

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First and Last

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Rev 21:10-14  And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,  (11)  Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;  (12)  And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:  (13)  On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.  (14)  And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The rise in anti-Semitism is heartbreaking to me. There are many Christians who believe that the Church has replaced Israel but that is the furthest thing from the truth!

Here are some fun facts:

  • The word Israel is mentioned 2,576 times in the whole Bible
  • It is mentioned 2,501 times in the Old Testament
    • The first time it is mentioned is in Genesis 32:28
    • It is mentioned 411 times in the Major Prophets
    • It is mentioned 105 times in the Minor Prophets
    • It is mentioned 43 times in Genesis
    • It is mentioned 169 times in Exodus
    • It is mentioned 65 times in Leviticus
    • It is mentioned 236 times in Numbers
    • and, It is mentioned 72 times in Deuteronomy
  • It is mentioned 75 times in the New Testament
  • The last time it is mentioned is in Revelation 21:12

If the Church was to replace Israel, there would be no need to include Israel in the end times. However, we find that in Revelation 7:4, the Lord seals 144,000 Jews (12,000 from each of the 12 Tribes). Their main job is to spread the Gospel of Yeshua, Jesus Christ.

Notice how New Jerusalem is made in Revelation 21:10-14.

  • First it is called holy Jerusalem.
  • It has twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
  • Its foundation: the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The Church did not replace Israel nor did Israel replace the Church. They are one, brought together by Jesus Christ!

Gal 3:28-29  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.  (29)  And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

To be “in Christ” is to be born again, receiving His Spirit within you and thus having a new life! Salvation is a choice. Exactly what have you got to lose if you choose salvation? You will go to Heaven at the Rapture or at your death if you are saved. If you believe the lie that God would not send anyone to Hell, then you will go there. God is a righteous Judge and He will send you there, but only because it was your choice. If you want to choose salvation, please follow the link to walk you through the Scriptures on how to be saved.

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When is Bragging Good?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Isa 25:1  O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

There are so many braggers today. You can see via the selfies, the social media posts, etc. Everywhere we turn, there is someone who is boasting about an accomplishment. What does God say about it?

Jer 9:23-24  Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:  (24)  But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

Satan was the ultimate boaster – he couldn’t contain himself from bragging due to his pride!

Isa 14:12-15  How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!  (13)  For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:  (14)  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.  (15)  Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Is it ever OK to brag or boast? Today’s verse is only one of many that encourage us to brag on the Lord!

Exo 15:2  The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

Psa 99:5  Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.

Psa 107:32  Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

Do you have a roof over your head? Do you have food on the table? Do you have clothes to wear? Be thankful! Be content with what you have. Brag on the Lord who takes care of all of our needs!

Mat 6:25-26  Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?  (26)  Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Boast about things relating to God to those around you! Brag on Him and how He provided salvation for us while we were yet sinners!!! Praise be to God in the Highest for having a plan so we can spend eternity with Him. Salvation is a choice. Exactly what have you got to lose if you choose salvation? You will go to Heaven at the Rapture or at your death if you are saved. If you believe the lie that God would not send anyone to Hell, then you will go there. God is a righteous Judge and He will send you there, but only because it was your choice. If you want to choose salvation, please follow the link to walk you through the Scriptures on how to be saved.

©All content on this site is protected under copyright. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is strictly prohibited.