Let Liberty Decide

Let Liberty Decide
Darwin Hobbs
As believers, we all have to make a number of conscious decisions; decisions concerning our jobs, families, marriages, God, and concerning our life in general. And although the decisions we are faced with are often at times difficult for us to make, there is something we all can find joy in. Something very few of us believe we even have at our disposal: Liberty.
Believe it or not, we as believers have been granted liberty in the spirit of God to make choices that will effect change in not only our lives, but in the world we live in.
According to Webster's dictionary, the definition of liberty (or freedom) is the "right and power to act, believe, or express oneself in a manner of one's own choosing." Within this definition, we discover that we have rights, power, and yes, we have choices.
As Christians, all the power and rights we have ever needed were transferred to us over 2000 years ago at the cross. The redemption plan literally bought us back from the curse of the law of sin and death, meaning we now have kingdom citizen rights and power.
So what does this mean for you and me today?
This simply means that we have the ability to act, believe, and express ourselves in ways that bring Glory to the Father. However, although we are free and liberated by the blood of Christ, we still must make good choices. I Corinthians 10:23 states that "all things are lawful, but not all things are profitable (or expedient)."
While we reserve the right and power to make our own decisions, within this scripture lies an awesome opportunity to impact the earth with godly decisions. Throughout the course of today or throughout this week, I encourage you to try to become more aware and conscious about the type of decisions that face you.
I know it's tough, but I dare you to make decisions that don't include any self gain or self promotion for yourself this week. Instead, ask yourself...
What would it be like to consider another person over myself?
What would it be like to resist the temptation to gossip and backbite?
What would it be like to become a person of my word for just seven days straight?
It is time for us all to realize that we are not only free and liberated "by" the spirit and sacrifice of Christ, but we also now have the ability to experience liberty "in" Christ every day of our lives. It is time we all took a self-examination of our lives and discover whether we are making decisions that represent a heart that is truly free in Christ...
...or are we simply just making decisions?

MAKE US WORTHY

MAKE US WORTHY

2 Thessalonians 1:3-12
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=2+Thessalonians+1:3-12

Dear Father, almighty God,

Hasten your coming, that glorious time when even those who already
believe will marvel at your greatness. We have believed. We now
believe. We intend to keep on believing.

Mighty God, make all of us worthy of your call. Fulfill every good
resolve and work of faith by your power. Let the name of Jesus be
glorified in us, and us in him, according to that grace which comes
from you and the Lord Jesus.

In his name I pray. Amen.

Soul, Body and Spirit

Soul, Body and Spirit
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Dear Father, all worthy God,
Please give me the mind of Christ so that my body may be a temple of the spirit of holiness which is his.
May you yourself, O Father, make me holy through and through. May my whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless by your power at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I trust you to do this because you are the one who has called me, and you are faithful. Your word says that you will do it!
By the authority of Jesus and in his name I ask for this growth in grace. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE:

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Psalm 30:5, King James Version

Thoughts:

God is the God of all comfort (see 2 Cor. 1). Even when he deals harshly with our sin and rebellion, it is for our good. It will last only a short while and then it gives way to rejoicing. If you are in a time of discipline or facing the cruel consequences of sin, please don't give up. Morning will come, and on that dawn will come God's grace. It's more than worth the wait!


Prayer:

Father, please bless your children who are facing hardships and difficulty. Please help them endure through "the night" so that when your dawn comes, they can experience the great rejoicing that lies ahead. Please bless the following people, dear Lord, and help them find your joy .... In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Freedom In Christ

Freedom In ChristPastor Paula White There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. - Romans 8:1 People often mistakenly think that becoming a Christian and following the Word of God will create painful restrictions on their lives, and keep them from having the freedom to enjoy their life. But that could not be farther from the truth. In Romans 8:1, we find one of the most empowering and liberating gifts we are given when we accept Christ as our personal Savior. Ultimately, Romans 8:1 gives us a key to the answering the question, "How is it possible to live in our complex world - and experience true freedom?" Because another way to understand what true freedom through Christ means is to ask ourselves, "What things enslave me - keep me bound and imprisoned...and how can I be freed from them?" "Condemnation" holds the root word "damn," and comes from the French and Latin words meaning "with harm," "damage," "loss"; in certain usage it reflects, "doom to eternal perdition." It evokes a kind of labeling, imprisonment, and confining to a dreadful state - and it comes with a label, a definition of "bad" -- a speaking and pronouncement of wrong-doing.I believe this is exactly what happens when we allow ourselves to be "labeled" by others in the world - judged in "the flesh." We are "condemned" by the thoughts, ideas, prejudices, and wrong-thinking "stereotyping" of others. But when it comes to human behavior, and our definitions of whether human behavior is good or bad, there is only one irrefutable, totally reliable source for labels and definitions: the Word of God.Millions have been taught wrong labels and definitions for their lives by people who did not first consult God's Word. Parent or other influential people may have said to a child, "You are bad. You are stupid. You are unwanted." Or placed them in a situation of rejection or isolation.Romans 1:8 tells us that, as Christians, we are freed from that kind of negative attack because we have now chosen to walk, "not after the flesh," but "after the Spirit." We are re-born - and realize we are now free from the labels, untruths, value judgements, and toxic thoughts of those who live by the flesh. Because we are created in the likeness and image of God and His Spirit. We are free to walk in the only true set of labels and definitions of a child of God: because through Him we are intelligent, worthy, valueable; we are lovable, and have the ability to give and receive love; we are capable, redeemable...and free - through Christ Jesus.I say, "thank-you, Lord" - for that incredible freedom everyday, all day long. Thank-you Lord - for the freedom You have given us through Your Son, Our Lord, Jesus!

Verse:

Verse:
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15, King James Version Thoughts Jesus' coming to earth is not inconsistent with the God who reveals himself in the Old Testament. God is high and holy. God is righteous and majestic. However, God loves people, especially people who come to him knowing that they need his love and grace. To those who seek him with passion and reverence, God brings revival that touches the spirit and heart. Prayer Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for loving me and coming to save me in Jesus. Father, I do come humbly to you asking that you fill me with your Spirit in a more powerful way and revive my heart and stir my spirit to work for your glory in my life today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Presentations

Presentations 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Dear Father, all honor to you, I present my body to you, O Lord. Give it health, energy and stamina. Give it healing, as needed. I present my soul, my personality to you, my God. Impress on it the characteristics that honor you and are pleasing to other people, for their good. I present my spirit to you, dear God. May I be wholly joined to you, one spirit with the Lord. In Jesus' precious and glorious name. Amen

Freedom Isn't Free

Freedom Isn't FreeMilan Ford Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to hear Ravi Zacharias, a renown Christian apologist, speak at an event located right outside of Atlanta, Georgia. The purpose of the event was to discuss the power and influence today's media has on popular culture. During his 30-40 minute presentation, he made this one incredible statement; one that will remain with me for quite a while:"...without TRUTH, education is moved to the skeptical, spirituality is moved to the mystical, and art is moved to the sensual."Now more than ever before, we are living in an age where matters of faith and morality differ from person to person. What has long been considered true is now (in the eyes of many) debatable, while those things that we have always believed to be false or in contrast to our faith, are now being adopted and accepted as cultural norms.This reversal of truth unfortunately exists within today's Body of Christ as well.As a result of our individual and collective life pursuits (money, relationships, position, etc.), many of us at times have thrown aside the principles of our faith to pursue a sense of FREEDOM that is completely void of His truth. For some odd reason, we have bought into the lie that the freedoms we want to experience in Christ as believers, can come about without certain rules and boundaries.We have created a generation of believers who now have a longing for the mystical to occur in their life, rather than embracing the truths behind sowing and reaping. We want to gain, but refuse any pain associated with it. We want to earn, but refuse to learn what is necessary to do so.As believers, we really have this FREEDOM thing all messed up.Isn't it interesting that the very first time the word "free" is mentioned in the Bible, God follows it up with a boundary for that freedom to occur:Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. - Genesis 2:15-17.Here we see God from the very beginning, providing mankind with instructions on how he can flourish FREELY within the garden He provided, along with the BOUNDARIES he needed to observe in order to live and succeed. While the Bible is full of these kinds of examples, we can learn even more about how God wants us to properly balance our freedoms as believers by looking at His creation.Take a river for example.A river is a body of water that is in constant movement, capable of sustaining life because of a flow of fresh water. Isn't it ironic that free flowing rivers are typically surrounding by a variety of boundaries.Whether they consist of rocks or dry land, these boundaries help keep the water focused and flowing productively. However, whenever a river exists without any boundaries, it is no longer a river.It becomes a swamp.Today, if you are confused or at times find yourself upset with God because your life has begun to look like a swampland, rather than a river of living water, remember this one undeniable TRUTH:God will never answer prayers that would enable us to live more independently of Him.The freedom God provides us as believers to walk in is in fact not free at all. It requires boundaries. May we all commit to establishing some today.

Dare To Pray Boldly

Dare To Pray BoldlyDeshawn Snow Dare to prophesy every blessing and promise He has for you. Studying what God's word says is crucial to your vision. The Bible says in Psalm 1, "But His delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prosper." You must meditate and constantly think on who God says you are. Make it a mantra that you repeat over and over and over in your mind. Tell yourself:• "I can do all things through Christ."• "I am more than a conqueror." • "I am the head and not the tail." • "I will receive power and the anointing." • "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."When you start speaking these things, meditating on them and listening to who God says you are, you will begin to see your life change and your vision become a reality. When you do, get ready! One New Year's Day, God woke me up in the middle of the night with the incredible vision of a multi-product project. Now, just a few months later, I have a character developed, my first book done, and am in the process of getting my storyboards and voice over track so that I can pitch the concept to networks. You see, faith without works is dead.If you want to do something, start getting the training that you need. Surround yourself with pictures and other visual images so that you are reminded of your dream every day. Get in the right environment. Declare, "Father, thank you for giving me the creativity to do this thing. Thank you for bringing the right people in my life and let this touch people for your glory." Thank God in advance for what you believe He will do.It's been said that success is when preparation meets opportunity. When opportunity comes, you want to be prepared. Take Oprah Winfrey, for example. She had a vision that she pursued. She did not let the abuse she went through - or the environment she was raised in - keep her from her goal. I imagine she had a dream, deep within her heart, to make a better life for herself.Through her determination, she went from working part time at a local radio station to having her own nationally syndicated talk show, to becoming the head of a multi-media conglomerate. At the same time, she has donated and raised millions of dollars for charity.But what would have happened if Ms. Winfrey had gotten comfortable midway on her journey? What if she hadn't had a large vision and didn't see each opportunity as preparation for something greater?When asked what gave her the ability to accomplish it all, she answered that because of her tough childhood, and the pain she endured, she was made a very strong woman. Nothing today can shake her foundation.What is your foundation?No matter what has happened to you in life, God is your foundation. You are not your experiences in and of themselves. You are the product of them. God took you from one place and brought you to another. Remember where you come from, so that you are sure of where you're going.Oprah Winfrey says, "I don't think of myself as a poor deprived, ghetto girl who made good. I think of myself as someone who, from an early age, knew I was responsible for myself, and I had to make good." You can make good too. Just remember to:• Meditate on his promises.• Put some action behind your faith.• Be prepared for your opportunity.• Remember where you came from.

JOY, PRAYER, THE SPIRIT'S FIRE

JOY, PRAYER, THE SPIRIT'S FIRE 1 Thessalonians 5:16-23 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Thessalonians+5:16-23Dear Father, holy God,Help me always to be joyful and to pray continually, giving thanksto you in all circumstances, since this is your will for me inChrist Jesus.May I never put out the Spirit's fire in myself. May I never becontemptuous of the prophetic word and the interpretation of it.But let me test everything I hear. Help me hold on to what is good,and to avoid everything that is evil.May you yourself, Father, make every part of me holy.In the name of your Holy Son, Jesus, who gave us the Spirit, Ipray. Amen.

Freedom In Christ

Freedom In ChristPastor Olu Brown John 8:36 "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." In a society that values freedom, it is amazing to know how many of our fellow citizens live in bondage. I am not talking about the bondage most of you think about as it relates to jail cells, handcuffs and security personnel. I am referring to the lower security bondage that is uneasily detected but equally, if not more, confining than most traditional jail cells.My heart goes out to those who have suffered a misstep along the way and never fully recovered. Maybe it was growing up with an absent parent, poverty, divorce or the painful loss of a loved one. When the event happened it rocked their world and for some reason or another they never fully recovered. The event happened but they are still in bondage. Though they may not be in physical bondage, they find themselves in emotional, spiritual and/or mental bondage. I can recall so many days in my own personal life when I found myself deep within the emotional cells of fear and anxiety. I looked free, I talked free, shopped free and even pretended to worship free. Deep down I was still in solitary confinement. I unfairly convicted and sentenced myself to hard labor. It was only until I found the power of Christ and the hope of John 8:36 that I was reminded of the wonderful hope in Christ and being "free indeed!"This hope I now have in Christ is my fuel for life and the power to refuse the open invitation of my jail cell. Each new day, I am reminded of my freedom to live, love and hope through Christ.Today is your day and Christ has freed you. I know it is tempting to stay in your prison, but I dare you to receive your release agreement through the power of Christ and walk away a free person!

ESTEEM, PEACE, AND HELP

ESTEEM, PEACE, AND HELP 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Thessalonians+5:12-15Dear Father, patient one,Give us hearts that gladly show respect for those who labor amongus and who lead us and admonish us in the Lord. Fill us with greatesteem and deep love for them because of their work in the Lord.May we always be at peace among ourselves.Keep us from being idle or faint-hearted. May we admonish andencourage those who are. Help us help those who are weak and to bepatient with everyone.Let none of us repay evil for evil, but always seek to do good toone another and to everyone.In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it:that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I inthem. -- John 17:26 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=John+17:26&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: Jesus reveals God to us. One of the reasons he does this is sothat we can know who God is and what is important to him. Clearly,one of the most important things on Jesus' heart in this prayer isthat we share his love for us with each other. In this way, Jesuscomes to life in us.PRAYER: Almighty God and loving Father, please fill me with your lovefor my brothers and sisters in Christ. I want to honor you in theway I treat them and share the love of Christ in the way I interactwith them. Please bless me as I seek to be a more gracious child ofyour love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A Spiritual Dialect

A Spiritual DialectJothany Blackwood My grandmother had an expression that captured the myriad nuances of testimony and its power to transform. As we sat around her porch on humid, southern nights, she would open her stories of God's goodness with "honey, it's a story to tell!" As though there are some stories only to be read, others folded like worn quilts in the secret places of our hearts, or still others that dance unrestrained like leaves upon a sudden breeze. But what I sensed in her expression was the urgency of sharing our testimonies. That engaging in a communal dialogue about the Spirit connected us to an individual transformation and ultimately, a collective one as a body of believers. When we keep the power of God to ourselves, we miss the lesson that was meant not just for us, but for others. That our overcoming is a road map for how others can continue their destinies uninterrupted. Testimonies are simply our stories translated into a spiritual dialect, where our sundry experiences are shared in the same voice. The barriers that once separated us become less meaningful. Instead we are connected through the strength of learning that someone not only survived their circumstances, but came out of it unbroken. Where the story from the other side offers a reflection of who you can become, a compass for direction, a light in darkness and confusion, and manna for your soul. The Word teaches that we overcome through the testimonies of others, so embedded in that is an edict that we must give voice to our experiences. That the articulation of our journey with God carries power beyond our words, but that it morphs into an agent of change when shared. You are standing now because you heard of someone who did the same. You can shout now because you read of someone who shouted out of what you are going through. And so knowing that testimonies by their nature must be shared, we gathered around the porch on humid, southern nights to share how we made it over. And by the time the front porch crowd thinned and Big Mama shooed us all home...you knew that no one left that porch unchanged.

PREPAREDNESS

PREPAREDNESS 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Thessalonians+5:1-11Dear Father,Grant that we may live as sons of the light and daughters of theday. Grant that we may understand the prophecies of Jesus and hisservants regarding the day of the Lord.Help us to stay awake, to be sober, to be ready. Clothe us withthe breastplate of faith and love. Protect us with the helmet ofsalvation!We thank you, Father, that you have not destined us for wrath, butto obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for usso that whether we wake or sleep, we might live for him.Grant that we may encourage one another and build one another upthrough these words and through sharing our faith.In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some haveentertained angels unawares. -- Hebrews 13:2 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Hebrews+13:2&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: How warmly do you personally welcome visitors at your church orin your Bible study group? When was the last time you invitedsomeone new in your congregation over for dinner or included themin a gathering of your Christian friends? While some have the giftof hospitality, all of us need to be warm and open to folks wedon't know who join us for Christian worship and fellowship. Whynot make a commitment to meet and welcome one new person at churcheach week. In a cold impersonal world, we can make a hugedifference in the lives of those seeking the shelter and grace ofJesus and his people.PRAYER: Father, please help me, and please help my congregation, to bemore open and welcoming to people who are new and who are visiting.Please use us to share your grace and provide them a Christianhome. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Is Your Testimony A Secret?

Is Your Testimony A Secret?Tanya James As a pastor's kid, I naturally grew up in church and was taught at an early age Biblical principles. However, like many over time I strayed away from those morals and values and thought that I was in control of my own life. And being in control meant I thought I could pick and chose which principals I applied to my life and which ones I ignored. While trying to do things my way, I made some very bad decisions especially in the area of sexual immorality. I completely made my own rules in that area - yet I proclaimed to be a saved and sanctified Christian. You could find me serving in various ministries and I was in service every week both Sunday's and mid-week. Yes, I was living two completely different lives.Overall, I was able to keep my double life under wraps. Most people had no idea how caught up in sexual sins I was. So when the day came that I finally fully committed my life to Christ and decided that I was going to live a life of abstinence until marriage ...I was delighted that I had been successful in keeping my sexual sins private.And now, that I was going to follow God's word as it related to that area ... no one ever had to know about my past.Through prayer and truly seeking God, those sexual strong holds and addictions were broken in my life. It wasn't an easy journey by any means...BUT GOD.I definitely had a testimony but one NO ONE could dare know about ...so I thought."For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord." Isaiah 55:8God had a different plan. He gave me an assignment ... one that I ran from for YEARS! I was to pen a book about both my struggle and my testimony. A BOOK?? God, are you serious? Not only am I putting my business on the street but in PRINT for people to see and read for years to come. I was horrified until I realized sharing my testimony would not only help someone in the same struggle, but also could keep someone from making some of the same mistakes I made.You too have a testimony. It may not be in the same area as mine, but if God has healed you, delivered you, redeemed you, saved you...do not be afraid to share your story. If we remain afraid of what someone else may think of what we did, or where we once were...people around us will remain in their cycles of destruction.Be willing to show your scars, so someone else doesn't have to get those same scars. You may have done those things people will learn about; but you are no longer that person!"Therefore, of anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." II Corinthians 5:17

CAUGHT UP AND COMFORTED

CAUGHT UP AND COMFORTED 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Thessalonians+4:16-18Dear Father, who lifts our spirits,According to your teaching, we look for the Lord himself todescend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel'scall, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.We firmly believe that the dead in Christ will rise first, then wewho are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with themin the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we, they and us,will be with the Lord and with you forever.Guide us to comfort and console one another with these words.Help us remember that our faith is the victory that overcomes thefailure, sin, sickness, and death of this world!In the name of our conquering and returning Savior. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be withme where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast givenme: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. -- John 17:24 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=John+17:24&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: Wow, what an unbelievable collection of high powered phrases oftruth and promise! We are a gift from the Father to Jesus. Jesuswants us to be with him in the glorious presence of God. Jesuswants us to see his glory and experience it. Jesus has been lovedby the Father from before the Creation. Think about these truths.Ask God for understanding so you can see how powerfully thesereveal our importance to him. Dream of the day you will share inGod's glory as one of his children! (cf. 1 Jn. 3:1-3) Now, let's golive based on the view God has of us.PRAYER: Almighty God and Abba Father, forgive me for the mundane andearthbound view that I have of myself and your other children.Through your Spirit, stir in me a more profound appreciation ofJesus' disciples and how much each of us means to you. Pleaseempower me to be more patient, tolerant, forgiving, and respectfulof my Christian brothers' and sisters' imperfections as Iacknowledge my own imperfections and as I long for the day that weare united in perfection before your holy throne of grace. InJesus' name I pray. Amen.

Battle Scars That Do Not Disappear

Battle Scars That Do Not DisappearCory Bradley Sometimes (if I can just be honest), many of us desire a gospel that is way too pretty. It seems like no one today really wants the battle scars and wounds that often come along with having victory in Christ. Many of us desire to go through life unscathed and untouched; void of any evidence that we have been in the fight. In my journey with weight management, I endured arguably the toughestseason of my life; when I was really heavy there was so much shame because everybody could see the pain, the anxiety, the fear, and the loneliness I felt because it showed up around my waistline.As a child, I was often alienated and picked on. Many of my peers called me sissy and gay because my mannerisms reflected the world I understood which was richly influenced by nurturing women. And since I didn't have a man in my life I could respect and wanted to model, I emulated the women in my life and patterned my life after feminine expressions. (Sidenote - Please know that every young man raised by single mothers doesn't have the same experience. Single mothers, we are proud of you! Love you mommy!)This devotional is especially for those readers out there who believe that their testimony is not as pretty, neat, or tidy as those others tend to brag about. I used to struggle and feel ostracized with that same feeling. Until I read about someone who once shared my story.In Genesis 32:22-32v, you will find the story of Jacob and the struggle he has one night with God. A struggle and a wrestling match that ultimately left him with a testimony.I define testimony as an indelible impression and proof that God has COME to you and God is NEAR you. A testimony is evidence that God Almighty has had His hand in and on your life, and what a heavy hand our God has!! When presses down upon our lives, God's hand tends to break up those things we have relied upon for so long.That's what happened to Jacob. God touched Jacob and his human frailty and weakness was exposed. And when that experience passed, Jacob was left with a clear reminder that he had been with God.A limp.{Come on God, a limp that everybody can see? Aren't you Jehovah Rophe, my healer? You're supposed to make the symptoms disappear, not create new ones!!}I can just imagine poor old Jacob after returning from that encounter with God. The taunts. The stares. The endless barrage of questions like, "What's wrong with Him? Why does he "walk" like that? You know Jacob, you can go to the doctor and get that fixed?"Perhaps today you may be struggling with the fact you're not like everyone else, or that everywhere you go and walk, you feel the effects of a constant struggle with God.You're slower than everyone else.It takes more effort for you to progress on your journey.If so, understand that your limp serves as crucial evidence that God is near.Like Jacob, you share a special experience with God that can always serve as a reference point of when He met you, blessed you and confirmed your identity. If you are in a struggle today, your weakness is evidence that God has come to you and He has touched you. Do not allow others' perception of you make you feel unworthy.We serve a Savior that had to endure a few struggles of His own. The nails in His hands and wounds in His side are evidence that He also experienced pain just as we do.But despite His scars, He overcome death, hell, and the grave.To all those struggling as they read this devotional today, know that as long as you stay in the struggle, so will God. Embrace your testimony now.

COMING REUNION

COMING REUNION 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Thessalonians+4:13-15Dear Father, comforter of the bereaved,On the death of our dear loved ones in Christ, may we comfort oneanother with thoughts of a glorious reunion.Help us not grieve as those who have no hope. Since we believethat Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, you willbring with you at your coming those who have fallen asleep.We place our trust in you for ourselves, too, for we who arealive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precedethose who have fallen asleep, but will share in their rapturousblessing.In the name of our conquering and returning Savior. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one;and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast lovedthem, as thou hast loved me. -- John 17:23 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=John+17:23&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: How will the world come to know that God sent his Son? Throughour unity. How will the world know that God truly loves us as hischildren? When we live together in unity. What is that unity?That's harder to define. The basis of unity comes from our love forJesus, our love for each other, and our devotion to his will. Thesethings lead to a life of character so consistent with the will ofGod that he can be seen living in us! Yet for this kind of unity tobe seen by the world, it has to be visible in the way we work witheach other in the cause of the Gospel, the way we handle ourdifferences, the way as a group that we consistently treat peopleof the world, and the way we come together in areas that clearlymatter to God. May it only be so!PRAYER: Father, please help us, your children, come together in waysthat honor you, reveal your character, and lead others to call onJesus as Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

One day, when a seamstress was se=ing while sitting close to a river, her thimble fell into the river.

One day, when a seamstress was se=ing while sitting close to a river, her thimble fell into the river.When she cried out, the Lord appear=d and asked, 'My dear child, why are you crying?'The seamstress replied that her thimble had fallen into the water and that she needed it to help her husband in making a living for their family..The Lord dipped His hand into the water and pulled up a golden thimble set with sapphires.'Is this your thimble?' the Lord askedThe seamstress replied, 'No.'The Lord again dipped into the river. He held out a golden thimble studded with rubies.'Is this your thimble?' the Lord askedAgain, the seamstress replied, 'No.The Lord reached down again and came up with a leather thimble...'Is this your thimble ?' the Lord asked.The seamstress replied, 'Yes.'The Lord was pleased with the woman's honesty and gave her all three thimbles to keep, and the seamstress went home happy.Some years later, the seamstress was walking with her husband along the riverbank, and her husband fell into the river and disappeared under the water.When she cried out, the Lord again appeared and asked her, 'Why are you crying?''Oh Lord, my husband has fallen into the river!The Lord went down=into the water and came up with George Clooney. 'Is this your husband?' the Lord asked?'Yes,' cried the seamstress.The Lord was furious. 'You lied! That is an untruth!'The seamstress replied, 'Oh, forgive=me, my Lord. It is a misunderstanding. You see, if I had said 'no' to George Clooney, you would have come up with Brad Pitt.Then if I said 'no' to him, you would have come up with my husband. Had I then said 'yes,' you would have given me all three. Lord, I'm not in the best of health and would not be able=to take care of all three husbands, so THAT'S why I said 'yes' to George Clooney. And so the Lord let her keep him.The moral of this story is:Whenever a woman lies, it's for a good and honorable reason, and in the best interest of others. That's our story, and we're sticking to it.Signed,All Us Women

GOD'S WILL: PERFECT LOVE

GOD'S WILL: PERFECT LOVE 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Thessalonians+4:9-12Dear Father, perfecter of our love,Don't ever let us disregard you or your Holy Spirit, which yougive us. Give us perfect love for our brothers and sisters inChrist. Let this teaching of yours fill our minds. Let this loveamong us grow more and more, every day and in every way.May we aspire to live quietly, to mind our own affairs, and towork with our hands or our minds, so that we may be dependent on noone and command the respect of those outside your family. May thatrespect lead them to listen, to heed, and also to become yourchildren.In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.

GOD'S WILL: PERFECT LOVE

GOD'S WILL: PERFECT LOVE 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Thessalonians+4:9-12Dear Father, perfecter of our love,Don't ever let us disregard you or your Holy Spirit, which yougive us. Give us perfect love for our brothers and sisters inChrist. Let this teaching of yours fill our minds. Let this loveamong us grow more and more, every day and in every way.May we aspire to live quietly, to mind our own affairs, and towork with our hands or our minds, so that we may be dependent on noone and command the respect of those outside your family. May thatrespect lead them to listen, to heed, and also to become yourchildren.In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.

Your Testimony Has Power

Your Testimony Has PowerElder Marquis Boone "And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all that I ever did." So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word." John 4:39-41 (NKJV) Recently I was sitting and having a conversation with one of my spiritual sons, Curtis Smith, and we began to talk about how long ago the church loved to share their testimony. Also how in many churches they had a section in the service just for that and it was called testimony service. Now testimony service has been cut out of many of our churches and many people are afraid of telling their testimony.A testimony is nothing more than an open acknowledgment or public profession of one's experience. It is a look back at where you came from and where you are now. I want you to understand that the bible says that "they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" Revelation 12:11 (NKJV). This shows you that a testimony has power. In John 4:39-41, a Samaritan woman experiences the love and mercy of Christ. After this experience, she begins telling many people of her testimony about Christ, and because of this she drew more and more people closer to Christ. Your testimony has the same affect. It can draw both saved and unsaved to a deeper and new relationship in Christ. No matter if your testimony is full of good or full of things that you are ashamed of, it still has power.Your testimony is simply what the Lord has done for you. You still being alive is enough of a testimony to tell someone else. Times are hard and many people need a light. Many people feel like the issues that they are facing are killing them, but your testimony can change their state from hopeless to hopeful. Like my grandmother use to say, "There is power in your testimony."Don't allow people stop you from sharing the goodness of Christ in your life. So many of you may be asking, well what's your testimony? Well I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and at the age of twelve I almost died because my appendix erupted and left me in the hospital for over two months. During that time my eyes were opened and I realized that death has no age and tomorrow is not promised to anyone.After that time in my life I gave my life to Christ and began to run after Him with all my heart. I was licensed as a minister at the age of fourteen; and completed high school in two and a half years graduating at the age of sixteen. God elevated me to Youth Pastor, and at the age of nineteen I graduated from college with a BA. There is power in your testimony.

Your Testimony Has Power

Your Testimony Has PowerElder Marquis Boone "And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all that I ever did." So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word." John 4:39-41 (NKJV) Recently I was sitting and having a conversation with one of my spiritual sons, Curtis Smith, and we began to talk about how long ago the church loved to share their testimony. Also how in many churches they had a section in the service just for that and it was called testimony service. Now testimony service has been cut out of many of our churches and many people are afraid of telling their testimony.A testimony is nothing more than an open acknowledgment or public profession of one's experience. It is a look back at where you came from and where you are now. I want you to understand that the bible says that "they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" Revelation 12:11 (NKJV). This shows you that a testimony has power. In John 4:39-41, a Samaritan woman experiences the love and mercy of Christ. After this experience, she begins telling many people of her testimony about Christ, and because of this she drew more and more people closer to Christ. Your testimony has the same affect. It can draw both saved and unsaved to a deeper and new relationship in Christ. No matter if your testimony is full of good or full of things that you are ashamed of, it still has power.Your testimony is simply what the Lord has done for you. You still being alive is enough of a testimony to tell someone else. Times are hard and many people need a light. Many people feel like the issues that they are facing are killing them, but your testimony can change their state from hopeless to hopeful. Like my grandmother use to say, "There is power in your testimony."Don't allow people stop you from sharing the goodness of Christ in your life. So many of you may be asking, well what's your testimony? Well I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and at the age of twelve I almost died because my appendix erupted and left me in the hospital for over two months. During that time my eyes were opened and I realized that death has no age and tomorrow is not promised to anyone.After that time in my life I gave my life to Christ and began to run after Him with all my heart. I was licensed as a minister at the age of fourteen; and completed high school in two and a half years graduating at the age of sixteen. God elevated me to Youth Pastor, and at the age of nineteen I graduated from college with a BA. There is power in your testimony.

GOD'S WILL: SANCTIFICATION

GOD'S WILL: SANCTIFICATION 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Thessalonians+4:1-7Dear Father, sanctifier of families,Help us to learn how we ought to live and how we ought to pleaseyou. Help us give greater attention and effort to this. Your willfor us is our sanctification, so enable us to abstain from allimmorality.Many people around us glorify and romanticize lust. Help us toreject this way of looking at things. Guide believers intomarriages of holiness and honor, giving themselves to each other inspiritual union with Christ along with the joining of personalitiesand bodies.Help our marriages to be established as the gathering of two inyour name. Help our families to be your church in miniature. Helpevery follower of yours respect the marriage relationship of othersand defraud no one in this matter.You have not called us to uncleanness, but holiness. Thank you,Father, for this high calling. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceivingyour own selves. -- James 1:22 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=James+1:22&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: "The proof of the pudding is in the eating." The proof ofbiblical wisdom and understanding is in the living. To simply knowthe truth doesn't mean a whole lot if we don't do anything withthat knowledge; to live the truth is everything. (cf. Matthew 7)PRAYER: O LORD God, empower me with your Spirit as I seek to not only"practice what I preach," but also show my obedience to your willand live consistently with your character in my daily life. I prayin the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

Be the Jesus They See

Be the Jesus They SeePastor Andre Butler
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. --1 John 2:6
In the verse above, the word "walk" in the Greek means to live. And if you are in Christ, God has an expectation that you will live a certain way. And realize that He is not expecting you to live a certain way just on Sundays or when things are going bad and you need Him to show up in your life. He is talking about how you live, period. God has an expectation for your lifestyle.
So those who are in Jesus, as far as God is concerned, should live their lives like Jesus did. There was a certain way Jesus operated when He was on the planet, and God is saying if you are saying you are in Jesus then ultimately you should be like Him. Most people believe that it is not really possible to live like Jesus did. I mean after all, He was Jesus. He was the son of God. Well, what are you? The Bible says you are a child of God, an heir of God, and a joint heir with Jesus Christ. You are just as much a son of God as Jesus was and is.
I want you to understand that the world needs you to be like Jesus. The world needs to see Jesus coming around the corner, Jesus working in the cubicle working next to them, Jesus in the grocery store, Jesus praying for their kids, and Jesus being in their neighborhood. The world is looking for Superman. They are looking for Jesus, and they should see Him in you. It should be that when people look at your life they get a picture of Jesus' life. If they are seeing you, they are seeing Him, because you are just like Him.
So how do you do this? Well, all the commands that God gave us in His Word can be summed up in the Law of Love. Romans, Chapter 13 teaches us that love is the fulfilling of the law. So if you really want to know what do to be like Jesus, the answer is to walk in love. And realize that being like Jesus is fulfilling the commandment of love, because He walked in love.
Jesus gave you a model so you can imitate it. So you also should be a model and one whose conduct is worthy of imitation. That sounds like Jesus to me. Many times people do not just learn because you said something to them; they learn because they saw you do it. There is power in an example, and there is no greater example than Jesus.
So you be the Jesus they see.

Care for Absent Loved Ones

Care for Absent Loved Ones 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 Dear Father, our partner in caring, How hard it is to be far away from those we want to encourage to walk in your ways. We leave them in your hands, Lord, and ask you to send your angels to guard their ways. Keep those that we love from the power of the tempter. Grant us good news from them. We long to hear that they are learning more and more of your will and growing in your grace. Let us know that they are standing firm in truth. What thanksgiving we send before your throne, what joy we feel for them before you, our God. What a torrent of prayer we pour out before you that whatever is lacking in their faith may be supplied! Make us the agents who will supply their spiritual needs. Let there be many times for us and our loved ones to be together for times of refreshment in your word and in prayer. In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.

VERSE

VERSE

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:21, King James Version Thought We want it all now! We don't want to have to wait for anything. But God has a principle that is absolutely vital: we will be entrusted with much only after we have been faithful with a little. So let's not discount those moral choices about "small and inconsequential matters." How we handle these reveals who we are and helps determine what we become. Prayer Holy and Righteous Father, please give me wisdom to discern the way of faithfulness and righteousness in all my dealings. I want to be faithful in the small things that matter to the Kingdom and to my holiness so that I can be entrusted also with those larger things that matter. Please purify my heart and use my gifts and actions to bring you glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

GOD'S WORD

GOD'S WORD 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Thessalonians+2:13-20Dear Father, real source of the Bible,Thank you for the word proclaimed in the New Testament. Help usaccept it for what it really is, not mere words written by men, butthe word of God, your will revealed to us and made alive in ourlives.May Jewish members of your church bear a great witness to Jesus astheir rightful Messiah. May non-Jewish members follow their exampleand be willing to suffer with them for the salvation of mankind,Jew and non-Jew.Father, be with those young disciples who have come to you throughour efforts, even our own children. They will be our hope and joyand crown of boasting when Jesus returns, for we shall be togetherwith them and with him. They will be our glory and our joy.In the name of Jesus we ask. Amen.

The Epistles

The EpistlesI Thessalonians 4-5
Monday: Leviticus 25-27Tuesday: I Chronicles 1-4Wednesday: Psalms 93-95
1 Thessalonians 4
1
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
2
For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5
Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6
That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8
He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
9
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
10
And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
11
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
12
That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
13
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 5
1
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3
For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7
For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10
Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16
Rejoice evermore.
17
Pray without ceasing.
18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19
Quench not the Spirit.
20
Despise not prophesyings.
21
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
25
Brethren, pray for us.
26
Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
27
I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
28
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shallbelieve on me through their word; That they all may be one; asthou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be onein us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. -- John 17:20-21 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=John+17:20-21&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: Few things are more precious than knowing that Jesus, on thenight he was betrayed, thought to pray for us! So often, we readthe words of John 17 and study them as a prayer for his apostles inthe upper room. But if we look closely at this passage, we also seethat Jesus prays for us, those who believe on him because of theapostles' testimony. He wants us to be one! He wants us to livewith the same unity, purpose, and character of God that he did. Ifwe do not, then how will the people of the world know that God senthis Son? How will they know what to believe? How will they findJesus as their Savior?PRAYER: Father, forgive us and change us and help us see what is mostimportant in our lives as your disciples. Break down the barriersthat divide us into different religious groups and help us findunity around the things, and the One, that matter most. In Jesus'name I pray. Amen.

God Will Use Your Test To Create Your Testimony!

God Will Use Your Test To Create Your Testimony!Pastor Paula White God's purposes cannot miscarry. God will never fail; He will never falter. And He will be revealed through a remnant that will rise up - that is, in fact, already rising up - to reveal His image, His glory, and His will on earth. But that remnant will go through things. That remnant will be tested. That remnant will experience loss, trial, shake-up, chaos, and confusion...as God brings changes to our world. That remnant will have a testimony of God's power of transformation, salvation, and redemption.If you are being tested today...it's because God will be using your testimony tomorrow!We are in a very strategic, critical time in the body of Christ. Anyone and everyone with any spiritual discernment at all can see that we are in transition - that it's not like it used to be. We've are in a different place.God is raising up a remnant out of the crevices, the darkness. If you are being tested...going through changes...experiencing a shake-up...and through it all, you are still hungrily seeking what it is He has to say - following His Word... and standing (-- or kneeling -- or laid out on the floor in prayer!) in the face of every attack of the enemy of your soul...then you are part of that remnant.And right now He is positioning you for destiny...because He is about to have His grandest display of glory on the earth - and you are it! He has chosen you! And your test will become part of the testimony He will use so that others might see His glory... His faithfulness...His sovereignty...His grace - in your life.God is taking us through a process where those who will rise up to the test will be purified and perfected...they will have persevered - and come forth very powerful.God is raising up a people - His People - and they will represent His company. It is a heavenly summons...this is not the beckon or the call of a man. This is a moment in God that He chose, He observed, and He reserved. He placed and He planted you in the earth, and heaven has now summoned you: it is an upward drawing by the Holy Spirit to the top of Mount Zion. Zion is a place...and Zion is a people! And the people of Zion will remain steadfast to share the glory of God and His will -- through their wisdom... ...their love...their forgiveness ...their testimony.So, as part of His remnant of Zion, begin today, to accept your test as part of walking in the destiny He has summoned you for. And no matter what these days, times or seasons look like, continue to stand firm on His Word and His promise...and you will see God use your test to create your testimony...to bring forth His purposes and His will in your life and on our earth!

Tell Them

Tell ThemBishop Donald Hilliard
"I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ." 1 CORINTHIANS 9:22 TLB
Josh McDowell writes "An executive 'head hunter' who goes out and hires corporate executives for other firms once told me, 'When I get an executive I'm trying to hire for someone else, I like to disarm him. I offer him a drink, take my coat off, then my vest, undo my tie, throw up my feet and talk about baseball, football, family, whatever, until he's all relaxed. Then when I think I've got him relaxed I lean over, look him square in the eye and say - what's the purpose in your life?' It's amazing how top executives fall apart on that question.' Well, I was interviewing this fellow the other day, had him all disarmed with my feet up on my desk talking about football. Then I leaned over and said - what's the purpose in your life, Bob? Without blinking an eye he said 'To go to heaven and take as many people with me as I can.' For the first time in my career I was speechless."
There are basically five reasons why we don't share our faith more often, and not one of them will hold up when we stand before Christ:
(1) We think it's the preacher's job. (2) We aren't sure of our salvation. (3) We fear being rejected. (4) We've never taken responsibility for learning how. (5) Our love for Christ has grown cold.
But not Paul: he said, "Whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him."
Can you say that?

HOLY AND BLAMELESS

HOLY AND BLAMELESS 1 Thessalonians 2:5-12 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Thessalonians+2:5-12Dear Father,Keep all your preachers from using words of flattery, any cloak ofgreed, or from seeking glory for themselves, even though they havecertain rights of support in the gospel. Let them reach out topeople with care and gentleness, like a nurse caring for infants.Help them to be willing to share not only the gospel but their veryselves.May your witnesses exhibit holy, blameless, and righteousbehavior, showing the care of a father, even as you do, as theyexhort and encourage and charge people to lead lives worthy of you,the great wonderful and loving God who calls men into his ownkingdom and glory.In the holy name of Jesus. Amen.

HOLY AND BLAMELESS

HOLY AND BLAMELESS 1 Thessalonians 2:5-12 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Thessalonians+2:5-12Dear Father,Keep all your preachers from using words of flattery, any cloak ofgreed, or from seeking glory for themselves, even though they havecertain rights of support in the gospel. Let them reach out topeople with care and gentleness, like a nurse caring for infants.Help them to be willing to share not only the gospel but their veryselves.May your witnesses exhibit holy, blameless, and righteousbehavior, showing the care of a father, even as you do, as theyexhort and encourage and charge people to lead lives worthy of you,the great wonderful and loving God who calls men into his ownkingdom and glory.In the holy name of Jesus. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and hethat formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, Ihave called thee by thy name; thou art mine." -- Isaiah 43:1 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Isaiah+43:1&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: We belong to the LORD, God of all creation and God of Abraham,Isaac, and Jacob (cf. 1 Pet. 2:9-10). We are recipients of God'sgrace and are blessed by his love for Israel's fathers. We do nothave to fear because God is in control of our future, just as heworked through the history of his chosen people to send theMessiah. He will accompany us through the difficult trials we willface. He will make sure our redemption is realized. Why? Because webelong to him. We are his. He knows us. He formed us. God's peopleare his possession forever. We are children of the Almighty God!PRAYER: Almighty and Sovereign LORD -- God of our fathers Abraham,Isaac, and Jacob -- I praise you for your faithfulness to yourpromises. I thank you for your redemptive work through manygenerations. I deeply appreciate you sending your Son and ourMessiah to redeem us. I praise you for inspiring the Scriptures toteach me your truth. Please know my deep gratitude for the blessingof belonging to you and knowing that I can trust my future withyou. Please bless your people with an awesome sense of your abidingpresence and use us to bring you glory. In Jesus' name I pray.Amen.

AVOIDING ERROR

AVOIDING ERROR 1 Thessalonians 2:1-4 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Thessalonians+2:1-4Dear Father,I pray that every ministry being done in your name in our timewill be done in unselfish love for you and for people. Pleasedefeat those that serve to bring honor to themselves instead ofyou.May people leading these ministries avoid everything that springsfrom error or uncleanness. Let there be no deceit in any appeal.Let those whom you have entrusted with the gospel live and speaknot to please others but to please you.In the holy name of Jesus. Amen.

Free to Love Like Jesus

Free to Love Like JesusAlan Riley In the day in which we live, it takes a lot to shock us. We see so much sorrow, death and destruction each night on the news that after a while we become desensitized to it. Something I saw around this time last year shocked, sickened and saddened me.I'll never forget it. Maybe you remember seeing it too.A 49 year old woman named Esmin Green was admitted to the emergency room of King's County Hospital Center in New York for psychiatric evaluation, and she was left in the waiting room for over 24 hours. At 5:32 am, the security camera shows her collapsing on the floor. For the next 30 minutes, Ms. Green lay on the floor convulsing, moving and at one point appearing to try to get up. Hospital workers and employees came in, looked at the woman and then left. One even appeared to be looking at the television while completely ignoring the stricken woman. She stopped moving at 6:07 am.One hour and three minutes after she collapsed, a hospital worker came into the room and nudged Ms. Green with her foot. When she got no response, the worker waited a few minutes more and then summonded help. But it was too late. Esmin Green was dead.How could someone collapse in a hospital's waiting room and lay there for an hour until she died? How could hospital workers and perhaps other people waiting for treatment in the waiting room ignore someone who was obviously in need of help? How could people be so uncaring and heartless toward another human being?We later heard that six workers at King's County had been fired for their failure to help Ms. Green and for their attempts to cover it up. Obviously, they should have been. But as I thought about this story, I can't help but think that to one extent or another, you and I are in some ways as guilty of neglect as those hospital workers.Now to be sure, if someone collapsed in the hall outside my office or in the parking deck as I was walking to my car, I would no doubt act decisively to assist them and to summon help. I am sure you would do the same. But how many times recently have I crossed paths with someone who was in great need spiritually or emotionally and I ignored them just as those hospital workers ignored Esmin Green?Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan to expose the racism and elitism of the Pharisees. He also wanted to point out their lack of compassion for those in need. You remember the story... a man is attacked, beat up, and left for dead. Several religious leaders pass by the injured man before a Samaritan - a group of people hated by the Jews - stopped to help. In those moments when we are being really honest with ourselves and with God, we know in our hearts that left to our own devices we tend to be like the Pharisees. It is when we are being like Jesus that we reach out in love and compassion to help and to share the gospel with all we come in contact with. Our culture teaches us to withdraw from and distrust those who we don't know and those who are not like us. Jesus has set us free to love like He loves.And He reminds us that when we touch the least of these we are touching Him. When we refuse them, we are refusing Him. Lord, make me sensitive to the needs, the cares, the concerns, the hurts, and the spiritual condition of those that I come in contact with today!

Free to Love Like Jesus

Free to Love Like JesusAlan Riley In the day in which we live, it takes a lot to shock us. We see so much sorrow, death and destruction each night on the news that after a while we become desensitized to it. Something I saw around this time last year shocked, sickened and saddened me.I'll never forget it. Maybe you remember seeing it too.A 49 year old woman named Esmin Green was admitted to the emergency room of King's County Hospital Center in New York for psychiatric evaluation, and she was left in the waiting room for over 24 hours. At 5:32 am, the security camera shows her collapsing on the floor. For the next 30 minutes, Ms. Green lay on the floor convulsing, moving and at one point appearing to try to get up. Hospital workers and employees came in, looked at the woman and then left. One even appeared to be looking at the television while completely ignoring the stricken woman. She stopped moving at 6:07 am.One hour and three minutes after she collapsed, a hospital worker came into the room and nudged Ms. Green with her foot. When she got no response, the worker waited a few minutes more and then summonded help. But it was too late. Esmin Green was dead.How could someone collapse in a hospital's waiting room and lay there for an hour until she died? How could hospital workers and perhaps other people waiting for treatment in the waiting room ignore someone who was obviously in need of help? How could people be so uncaring and heartless toward another human being?We later heard that six workers at King's County had been fired for their failure to help Ms. Green and for their attempts to cover it up. Obviously, they should have been. But as I thought about this story, I can't help but think that to one extent or another, you and I are in some ways as guilty of neglect as those hospital workers.Now to be sure, if someone collapsed in the hall outside my office or in the parking deck as I was walking to my car, I would no doubt act decisively to assist them and to summon help. I am sure you would do the same. But how many times recently have I crossed paths with someone who was in great need spiritually or emotionally and I ignored them just as those hospital workers ignored Esmin Green?Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan to expose the racism and elitism of the Pharisees. He also wanted to point out their lack of compassion for those in need. You remember the story... a man is attacked, beat up, and left for dead. Several religious leaders pass by the injured man before a Samaritan - a group of people hated by the Jews - stopped to help. In those moments when we are being really honest with ourselves and with God, we know in our hearts that left to our own devices we tend to be like the Pharisees. It is when we are being like Jesus that we reach out in love and compassion to help and to share the gospel with all we come in contact with. Our culture teaches us to withdraw from and distrust those who we don't know and those who are not like us. Jesus has set us free to love like He loves.And He reminds us that when we touch the least of these we are touching Him. When we refuse them, we are refusing Him. Lord, make me sensitive to the needs, the cares, the concerns, the hurts, and the spiritual condition of those that I come in contact with today!

VERSE:

VERSE: As thou [God] hast sent me into the world, even so have I alsosent them into the world. -- John 17:18 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=John+17:18&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: We are not here by accident! God has a purpose and plan for us.Jesus has sent us into the world to touch it with his redemptivelove and make a positive impact on it for him.PRAYER: O LORD God Almighty, please give me wisdom and courage to seeyour will for my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

SAVED TO SERVE

SAVED TO SERVE 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Thessalonians+1:9-10Dear Father,May our faith serve to call them to wait for your Son fromheaven, whom you raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us fromthe wrath that will ultimately come upon an unrepentant world.Thank you for a love that reaches down and takes from within theworld of sinners a people for yourself. Thank you for redeeming us,those sinners, for making us holy through your power, and forsaving us for your eternal kingdom.My God, you are so great, so awesome, so good! I love you, God.In the name of Jesus I pray and give thanks to you. Amen.

The Books of Poetry

The Books of PoetryProverbs 14-15
Friday: Ezekiel 43-48Saturday: John 1-2Sunday: I Thessalonians 4-5
Proverbs 14
1
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
2
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
3
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
4
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
5
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
6
A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
7
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
8
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
9
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
10
The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
11
The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
12
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
13
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
14
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
15
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
17
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
18
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20
The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
21
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
23
In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
24
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
25
A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
26
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
27
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
28
In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
29
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
30
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
31
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
32
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
33
Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
34
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
35
The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
Proverbs 15
1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
3
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5
A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
6
In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
11
Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
12
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
13
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
15
All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
16
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
17
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
20
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
22
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
23
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24
The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
25
The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
26
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
28
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29
The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30
The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
31
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
33
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Share Your Faith - Somebody Needs It!

Share Your Faith - Somebody Needs It!Bishop E. Earl Jenkins "Then I will teach transgressors your ways." Psalm 51:13 (NIV) Roger Simms was hitchhiking home when he was picked up by Mr. Hanover. As they drove towards Chicago, Roger felt God urging him to share his faith. When he overcame his fear and asked the man if he would like to receive Christ, Mr. Hanover stopped, bowed his head on the steering wheel, began to cry, and accepted Christ. "This is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me," he said. Shortly afterwards he dropped Roger at his house and went on to Chicago, which was about an hour down the road. Years later, while preparing for a business trip to Chicago, Roger came across the gold-embossed business card Mr. Hanover had given him years earlier. When he arrived in Chicago he decided to look up Hanover Enterprises and found it located in a skyscraper downtown. When he asked the receptionist if he could see Mr. Hanover, she said, "No, but his wife is here." "You knew my husband?" the woman in her 50's asked. Roger explained that her husband had given him a ride and how he'd led him to Christ. "When was that?" she asked. "May 7th, five years ago, the day I was discharged from the army." She began to sob. After several minutes she regained control and said, "I prayed for my husband's salvation for years, believing God would save him. But right after he let you out of his car, on May 7th, he was killed in a head-on collision. I thought God had not answered my prayer, and I stopped living for Him five years ago." That day she recommitted her life to Christ. Share your faith - somebody needs it!

VERSE:

VERSE: Say not thou, I will recompense; but wait on the LORD, and heshall save thee. -- Proverbs 20:22 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Proverbs+20:22&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: Vengeance is an awful and painful way to respond to those who wefeel have wronged us. The LORD is our assurance of just rewards.Leave it to him. Escalating vindictiveness only leads to brokenpeople and to broken lives. Worse yet, it leads to brokencharacter.PRAYER: Through your Spirit, Abba Father, please empower me to bepatient for you to right injustices committed against me. Pleasehelp me to be more concerned about the salvation of those who mayhave wronged me than I am about getting even. Please give me moreof a heart like your Son, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, butthat thou shouldest keep them from the evil one. -- John 17:15 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=John+17:15&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: Jesus, in showing his love and care for his disciples in prayerbefore God, is our great example that we should, we must, and wecan pray for God's spiritual protection for those we love.PRAYER: Loving and Tender Shepherd, the great Guardian of the Flock,please be glorified in my life. Please physically and spirituallyprotect the following people for whom I have deep concerns: ...(List the names of folks for whom you want to pray.) In the name ofJesus. Amen.

Sharing Your Faith

Sharing Your FaithShaun King "How much does a so-called Christian have to hate you if they really believe in Jesus, Heaven, and Hell and never tell you about it?" While those words may sound like they came from your local evangelist or pastor, they didn't. Not even close. Instead, they came from the mouth of one of the most famous non-believing atheists in the world, Penn Jillette, widely known as the bigger half of the performance group Penn & Teller.When I heard Penn make this statement it was like a kick in the gut. Let me tell you why. Penn made this statement after finishing a show. A very warm, sincere man waited patiently to meet with Penn and gave Penn a small Bible and told him very kindly how much he believed and valued the words inside of that book. Now, before you get too happy I want to tell you ahead of time that Penn still says he could care less about the Bible, but he was moved by earnest honesty and beliefs of a simple man that wanted to share his faith in God with someone that he admired. Not cliché, not judgmental, not snobbish, the man very plainly and simply shared his faith and it broke through Penn's very cynical exterior walls.When reflecting back on this encounter later that evening, Penn said that he wasn't even slightly irritated when the man shared his faith. Indeed, he said what troubled and irritated him even more than someone sharing a deeply held faith in God, was a man or woman that claimed to have a deep faith about a risen Savior, or an everlasting afterlife of Heaven or Hell, but thought so little about people that they never told them about it!Ouch! Strong words? Yes.But Penn is right.Either we don't really believe in an awesome Savior that chose the nails and the cross for us or we must hate people so much that we know this Savior for ourselves, but don't want anyone else to know Him.Who are you telling about Jesus? Better yet - who are you not telling about Him that really needs to hear His story and yours? Are you sure you believe in Jesus and in Heaven? If so, why not tell everyone you know about this amazing news we call the Gospel?One thing that I have learned over the past few weeks with the deaths of Michael Jackson, Steve McNair, Farrah Fawcett, Billy Mays, and others is that tomorrow just isn't promised and that we should never assume that we have another hour or another day or another random time to tell someone about our faith journey. Maybe they'll reject the Gospel and reject you and move on, but maybe, just maybe they won't. Maybe God will use you as a springboard into the heart of that person or that family that you need to talk with. Just understand this - our faith is not a private faith. It's not a secret, keep-it-to-yourself type of faith.It's a tell-the-whole-world-because-you-contain-yourself type of faith and people need to hear from you.Today, I dare you to start sharing your faith today and see what happens!

LIVING AS A NEW CREATION

LIVING AS A NEW CREATION Galatians 6:12-18 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Galatians+6:12-18Dear Father, creator of new creations,Far be it from me to glory except in the cross of Jesus Christ, bywhich the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. Forneither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision, but a newcreation!Let your peace and mercy rain down upon all of us who walk by thisrule, upon the Israel of God, called both from Jews and fromnon-Jewish people.Thank you, Father, for calling me to be part of your holy nation.Let us take no thought for any identifying marks on our bodies,except the evidences of our suffering for the sake of Jesus.Help us never to glory in the flesh, or to give ourselves to becounted for someone else's glorying, except for this.In the name of Jesus I ask for his grace to be with our Spirits inthis and in all our petitions. Amen.

VERSE:

VERSE: "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the workwhich thou gavest me to do." -- John 17:4 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=John+17:4&translation=kjvTHOUGHT: One of the most amazing things that Jesus ever said, he said tohis Father in heaven: "I have completed the work you gave me to do.." In fact, when he breathed his last, he said, "It is finished."Let's live with the glory of God our highest priority! This is ourpurpose as God's children (cf. Eph. 1:6, 12, 14; 1 Pet. 2:9-10).The more we live by Kingdom priority (Matt. 6:33), the more we canrest assured that we can finish our lives with a line similar toJesus'!PRAYER: Be glorified in me, dear LORD! Use me to bring others to knowyou and your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Books of the Law

The Books of the LawLeviticus 22-24
Tuesday: II Kings 21-25Wednesday: Psalms 90-92Thursday: Proverbs 14-15
Leviticus 22
1
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2
Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow unto me: I am the LORD.
3
Say unto them, Whosoever he be of all your seed among your generations, that goeth unto the holy things, which the children of Israel hallow unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence: I am the LORD.
4
What man soever of the seed of Aaron is a leper, or hath a running issue; he shall not eat of the holy things, until he be clean. And whoso toucheth any thing that is unclean by the dead, or a man whose seed goeth from him;
5
Or whosoever toucheth any creeping thing, whereby he may be made unclean, or a man of whom he may take uncleanness, whatsoever uncleanness he hath;
6
The soul which hath touched any such shall be unclean until even, and shall not eat of the holy things, unless he wash his flesh with water.
7
And when the sun is down, he shall be clean, and shall afterward eat of the holy things; because it is his food.
8
That which dieth of itself, or is torn with beasts, he shall not eat to defile himself therewith; I am the LORD.
9
They shall therefore keep mine ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them.
10
There shall no stranger eat of the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing.
11
But if the priest buy any soul with his money, he shall eat of it, and he that is born in his house: they shall eat of his meat.
12
If the priest's daughter also be married unto a stranger, she may not eat of an offering of the holy things.
13
But if the priest's daughter be a widow, or divorced, and have no child, and is returned unto her father's house, as in her youth, she shall eat of her father's meat: but there shall be no stranger eat thereof.
14
And if a man eat of the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall put the fifth part thereof unto it, and shall give it unto the priest with the holy thing.
15
And they shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer unto the LORD;
16
Or suffer them to bear the iniquity of trespass, when they eat their holy things: for I the LORD do sanctify them.
17
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
18
Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, Whatsoever he be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the LORD for a burnt offering;
19
Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.
20
But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.
21
And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.
22
Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto the LORD, nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar unto the LORD.
23
Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.
24
Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make any offering thereof in your land.
25
Neither from a stranger's hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption is in them, and blemishes be in them: they shall not be accepted for you.
26
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
27
When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is brought forth, then it shall be seven days under the dam; and from the eighth day and thenceforth it shall be accepted for an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
28
And whether it be cow, or ewe, ye shall not kill it and her young both in one day.
29
And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer it at your own will.
30
On the same day it shall be eaten up; ye shall leave none of it until the morrow: I am the LORD.
31
Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I am the LORD.
32
Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow you,
33
That brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 23
1
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.
3
Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.
4
These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.
5
In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD's passover.
6
And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.
7
In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
8
But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
9
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
10
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:
11
And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.
12
And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the LORD.
13
And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin.
14
And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
15
And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete:
16
Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.
17
Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals; they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.
18
And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD.
19
Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings.
20
And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits for a wave offering before the LORD, with the two lambs: they shall be holy to the LORD for the priest.
21
And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.
22
And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God.
23
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
24
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
25
Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
26
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
27
Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
28
And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.
29
For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.
30
And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.
31
Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
32
It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.
33
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
34
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD.
35
On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
36
Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.
37
These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day:
38
Beside the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the LORD.
39
Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.
40
And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.
41
And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.
42
Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths:
43
That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
44
And Moses declared unto the children of Israel the feasts of the LORD.
Leviticus 24
1
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2
Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.
3
Without the vail of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening unto the morning before the LORD continually: it shall be a statute for ever in your generations.
4
He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the LORD continually.
5
And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.
6
And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD.
7
And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
8
Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.
9
And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it is most holy unto him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute.
10
And the son of an Israelitish woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel: and this son of the Israelitish woman and a man of Israel strove together in the camp;
11
And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the Lord, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:)
12
And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them.
13
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
14
Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.
15
And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin.
16
And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death.
17
And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.
18
And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast.
19
And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him;
20
Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.
21
And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.
22
Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.
23
And Moses spake to the children of Israel, that they should bring forth him that had cursed out of the camp, and stone him with stones. And the children of Israel did as the LORD commanded Moses.