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Showing posts from April, 2022

Daily Devotion (Video): Morning Light - How to Avoid Losing Heart

Sermon (Video): Servant of All - Mark 9:33-37

Daily Devotion: Ezra 3:12-13

Ezra 3:12-13   "But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: (13) So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off." Recently, we saw the priests dressed in their very best - in the garments that had been designed and ordained by God for them to wear. They were rejoicing in the goodness of God. "God is good", they said. "His mercy endures forever," they said. They worshipped. They praised. They were filled with joy. The entire temple had not been rebuilt. Only the foundation had been laid. But they were glad in the Lord. They had been in captivity for 70 years. They were home! If the song had been written at that time, we could have h

Daily Devotion (Video): We All Need Forgiveness - Luke 23:24

Daily Devotion: Ezra 3:10-11

Ezra 3:10-11    "And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.  (11)  And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid." We live in a time of instant gratification. Pop a frozen meal in the microwave and you are soon filling the belly.  Pop a coffee pod in the Keurig and a hot cup of coffee is being enjoyed in just a few seconds. I'm not complaining in writing those sentences, for I enjoy the conveniences we have been given, but we lose something in the process as we enjoy quick fulfillment. The people have arrived in Jerusalem.  I wonder how they felt as the

Daily Devotion (Video): Morning Light - God Is Always With Us

Daily Devotion: Ezra 3:1&6

Ezra 3:1   "And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem." Ezra 3:6   "From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid." The people did something very important before making the first step of laying the foundation for the temple to be rebuilt. They took time to reinstate true worship unto the Lord. Notice the order in which they proceeded before doing anything towards the actual physical temple. Vs 2. They "builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon" Vs 3  "they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD" Vs 4  "They kept also the feast of tabernacles" Vs 5   "And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consec

Daily Devotion (Video): He Is Risen

Daily Devotion: Ezra 2:1

Ezra 2:1    "Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city" The 60 verses that follow verse 1 name the families of the children of Israel who were freed from captivity to return back to their homeland to rebuild the temple of the Most High God. A total of 42,360 people were freed to go back to the appointed work. There is only one way this possibility became a reality: The Lord God Almighty moved in a mighty way in the heart of Cyrus and all the people. Make no mistake about this: Our God is able!  Do not ever let go of this mighty truth: Our God is able!  Do not lose heart: Our God is able! (Ezra 2:63)    "And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim." Why was it

Daily Devotion (Video): Morning Light - Don't Let Bad Company Influence Us

Daily Devotion: Ezra 1:3-5

Ezra 1:3-5    "Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God), which is in Jerusalem.  (4)  And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.  (5)  Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem." King Cyrus was giving words of encouragement to all who had a desire to return to Jerusalem for the purpose of rebuilding the temple unto the Lord.  We can hear these words from Cyrus, "God be with you. Go to Jerusalem."  I submit that only the power of the Almighty could stir the king to release thousands of captive slave

Daily Devotion (Video): Morning Light - Let's Be Steadfast

Daily Devotion: Ezra 1:2

Ezra 1:2     "Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah." I read verse 2 and am amazed at the manner in which Cyrus is speaking to the people of Israel. This is Cyrus who was king of the "greatest" kingdom on earth at that time and he is speaking in such a humble manner to the captive people of Israel.  Notice such a difference between Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus. As Nebuchadnezzar was walking through his kingdom one day, he spoke these words:  "Is not this great Babylon, that I HAVE BUILT for the house of the kingdom by the might of MY POWER, and for the honour of MY MAJESTY?" (Daniel 4:30)  He was cast out and driven into the field to eat grass with the animals.  What is the difference between Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus?  Notice the words of Cyrus, "The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth.&quo

Sermon (Video): Take Up Your Cross - Mark 8:34-38

Daily Devotion: Ezra 1:1-2

Ezra 1:1-2    "Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,  (2)  Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah." God does all things well in His time.  We may question, we may doubt, we may be tempted to take matters into our own hands and attempt to apply our own answers or remedies.  Life is filled with questions. There are certain principles of truth that we find ourselves holding tightly.  When we feel alone, we hold to that precious word from our Lord, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  When we feel like we are in the depth of despair and uncertainty in life, we hold to that wonderful word, "My grace

Daily Devotion (Video): Morning Light - The Clothes Jesus Wears

Daily Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 5:24-25

1 Thessalonians 5:24-25    "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.  (25)  Brethren, pray for us." Today, we will finish the book of 1 Thessalonians. I want us to think about the faithfulness of God.  Have you ever felt that God was leading you to do something, but did not feel that you were able to accomplish it?  Today's passage of Scripture reminds us of a wonderful truth concerning our Lord.  He has already given us the ability to do that which He places on our hearts to do. God is faithful.  He always equips us when He sends us out. How does He equip? First, He promises to be with us. We are equipped with His presence. He has provided the complete armour of God for our protection. He has given us the Word of God as our sword to fight the good fight of faith against the adversary.  Then He seals us with His promise of grace and mercy to which He is always faithful. We are in the week leading to Easter, so let us look at Jesus as the ultimate example

Daily Devotion (Video): Morning Light - Diligence and Faith in the Easter Discovery

Sermon (Video): Truly This Was the Son of God - Mark 15:37-39

Daily Devotion (Video): Morning Light - Sometimes We Just Have To Wait

Daily Devotion: Matthew 26:30-35

Matthew 26:30-35    "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.  (31)  Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.  (32)  But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.  (33)  Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.  (34)  Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.  (35)  Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples." Have you ever had good intentions, but failed to follow through with them? I think we all can identify with that situation.  "I really meant to ______, but I just couldn't get things going." - or "I really meant to ________ but something came up at the last

Daily Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 5:22-23 (2)

1 Thessalonians 5:22-23    "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." How can we abstain from all appearances of evil?  Paul gave us some good instructions in Ephesians 5:17-20,  "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.  (18)  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;  (19)  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  (20)  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." How can we be filled with the Spirit whereby we are able to use discernment in our lives?  These two questions are the reason I included verses 19 and 20 from the Ephesian quote.   Paul answers those questions for us.  In order to avoid one

Daily Devotion (Video): Why Did Jesus Die on the Cross - 1 Corinthians 1:17-18

Daily Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 5:22-23

1 Thessalonians 5:22-23    "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." I do not even pretend that these instructions are easy to do.  It requires the child of God to be aware of situations and circumstances that are surrounding him/her. Peter stated our approach to life should be done in this manner: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8)   What did he mean when he told us to be sober?  It seems to me that we are to always be alert concerning the things happening around us and beware of where our own thoughts are taking us.  Paul stated in another place, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;  (19)  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, si

Daily Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

1 Thessalonians 5:19-21    "Quench not the Spirit.  (20)  Despise not prophesyings. (21) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." Throughout time, there have been those who proclaim themselves to be prophets.  Sometimes, they claim to be able to read your palms or look into a crystal ball. Sometimes it comes in the form of a "harmless" game such as the Ouija Board or Magic 8 Ball.  Sometimes they even say they come in the name of the Lord.  False prophecies, and prophets, are not of God. Some people still want to place confidence in their horoscope reading for the day.  In fact the Word of God warns us against placing any dependency upon magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers. Even if someone says they really place no dependence upon those things, there is an influence that is exerted on the mind. Satan is wily in the way he approaches anyone. He makes it look innocent or even helpful to our situation. He says, "Here, try this. It just mig

Daioly Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18    "Rejoice evermore.  (17)  Pray without ceasing.  (18)  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Although they could be taken individually, I am combining these three verses. I believe there is a direct connection between rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks.  All these come from a heart that is filled with the understanding of God's grace and mercy upon our lives.  The world can give things that make us happy - for a while.  Think back on Christmas wish lists from our childhood.  I can remember things that I received as a boy that, for the moment, made my life complete. Or so I thought. I can remember the thrill of opening packages, the excitement and laughter of that moment. And in a sense, I can still find joy in those memories. It makes me smile as I think back on family times. Then as parents, we can think back on those same type situations and remember the happiness that was on the faces of

Sermon (Video): Beware the Lukewarm Church - Revelation 3:14-22

Daily Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-16

1 Thessalonians 5:12-16    "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." As we are coming to the conclusion of this book, Paul is taking these last pages to exhort the people to continue in their walk of faith. He commended them in the first chapter of their "work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." (Chapter 1:3)  He also exhorted them "to possess (their) vessel(s) in sanctification and honour." (Chapter 4:4)  Now he is leaving them with some very specifi

Daily Devotion (Video): The Christians Relationship with Civil Authorities - Romans 13

Daily Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

1 Thessalonians 5:8-11    "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." Paul is addressing two events in chapters four and five: Living and Dying. There had been a question about death and what happened after death. This was a common concern of people in that day and still is today.  His first letter to the Corinthians dealt with this question in great detail (chapter 15).  There were those who tried to convince people that death was the absolute end of all life. Paul is inspired of the Lord to address that and gave us great detail as to what happens when life leaves this body.  That is a comforting thought.  So he is ca

Daily Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18    "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." There is an old Gospel song that states, "This world is not my home, I'm just'a passing through..."  Throughout Scripture, we are ref

Sermon (Video): Liar, Lunatic, or Lord - Mark 8:27-30

Daily Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18    "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." I admit to you I have been wondering for the past 24 hours why these passages are inserted just now.  Paul has been speaking to them of their faith, th

Daily Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 4:9

1 Thessalonians 4:9    "But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another .... (verse 12)  That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing." The verses between verses 9 and 12 speak of specific things we, as children of God, should be careful to maintain in our lives. I use these two verses this morning to remind myself that the ultimate purpose of my life (and your's) is to be a proper representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, Saviour, Lord, and yes, Friend. Paul used the word, "ambassador in 2 Corinthians 5:20, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."  To the Thessalonians, he uses different wording to write of the same matter.   It is very easy to get caught up with the matters of the world especially as they are happening in o

Daily Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 4:1&3

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." 1 Thessalonians 4:3    "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification..." I combine these two verses because they are a continuation of a thought.  Our one goal and aim in life should be "to please God."  We have been called from death to life and from darkness to light for one purpose and that is to honor our Heavenly Father and the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We can be assured that as we think about the goal of pleasing God, He has the utmost good in mind for each of His children.  If you remember our devotions through the book of Deuteronomy, God often said the keeping of His law was that it might be well with us.  We now are under His grace and our goal should still be to honor Him so that it might be well with us. How do we honor God?