Daily Devotional

Lord, there are so many people that I know that do not have eternal security with You. People that You have placed around me, that without You they will spend eternity with no hope separated. When I think of what awaits them, I am moved to tears.

 

Son, those who listen to My message and believe in Me will have eternal life with Me. They will never be condemned for their sins. The time is coming when everyone who has ever lived will hear My voice. Those who have accepted who I AM will get to experience eternal life with Me in My kingdom, and those who reject this truth will spend eternity in judgment.

 

People need to understand that My Word points to Me! People today are so concerned about perishable things, and do not have the energy to seek eternal life with Me. Human effort of trying to be good accomplishes nothing. With this type of thinking there will be trouble, anguish and dark despair wherever they look.

 

How quickly some of My children have turned away from the way I commanded them to live. They have made gold their god. No wonder people around them have a hard time believing I AM the Lord.

 

What people need to see are My children with integrity; people who are joyful; people who do not compromise with evil because they consistently study My Word; people that do not give up because they have hidden My Word in their hearts and reflect My ways; people who meditate on what I have done for them. When My Word is their source of truth and hope they will be encouraged, no matter what happens. It will keep them from lying to themselves on how good they are. They will know where happiness is found. They will love My Word greater than they love money and the things that money buys!

 

Son, just tell them what I say, “I AM the One they should fear. Preserve the power of My Word; wait for Me and put your hope in Me. Ask Me for guidance by looking in My Book for your instructions, teachings and encouragement. Otherwise, you will be people who are completely in the dark – afraid and lost.”

 

Lord, turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through Your Word. You have the words that give eternal life with You. 

Daily Devotional

Son, I AM the One who made heaven and earth, and I say, “I will not let My children stumble. I watch over them day and night; for I neither sleep nor slumber. I stand right beside My children as their protective shade. I watch over them as they come and go, both now and forever. On that wonderful day of My return I will give My children perfect rest.”

 

Son, My children must walk in the light of My Word, so the darkness will not overtake them. Those who walk in the darkness of this world cannot see where they are going. People must put their trust in Me while there is still time; then they will become children of My perfect Light. Remember, if you love the darkness of this world – you will not see My Light.

 

The time for judging this world has come, and I will punish the world for its evil rebellion and for their wicked sins. I will crush the arrogance of the proud and humble the pride of the mighty. It will all happen as I have planned. My hand of judgment is raised upon all the nations, and who can change My plans? When My hand is raised, who can stop Me? Remember, anyone who rejects Me will be judged by My truth and justice on the Day of Judgment!

 

Lord, help me to stand up for Your truth, and not be one that refuses because of fear. Help me not to live for human praise, but to live for Your praise. You are my God, my only hope.

 

Relationships – Chapter 19

Escapism – Part 2

 

Ephesians 4:15-16 “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

 

In dealing with escapism a question does come to mind: Why do we try to avoid anything unpleasant, like a broken relationship rather than dealing with it in a real biblical way?

 

There are probably many reasons for this. One reason might be that we do not want to suffer dealing with the unpleasantness. However, there are a few other reasons that I would like to highlight.

 

One reason we try to escape is ‘guilt.’ At the core of most problems are feelings of guilt because of unrepented sin. Like Paul Tournier said: “All are weak because all are afraid, they are all afraid of being trampled underfoot. They are all afraid of their inner weaknesses being found out. They all have secret faults. They all have a bad conscience on account of certain acts which they would like to keep covered up. They are afraid of other men, of God, of life and death. What distinguishes men from one another is not their inner nature, but the way in which they react to this common distress.”

 

We begin to set up emotional barriers against facing facts and facing people and then become restless in looking for ways to escape. The truth of our guilt needs expression and this is where fellowship in depth comes in. We often find ourselves running from the cure.

 

Another reason that we try to escape is the fear of rejection. Again Paul Tournier helps us to understand this fear. “All men are afraid and all long to be assured. The university degrees they take, the successes, the esteem they seek and cultivate by means of honorable behavior, the courage they show, the nerve with which they defend their views, their tenacity in demonstrating that they are always right, the respect they claim from those weaker than themselves, the witticisms they come out with – all of this is armor to cover up their weaknesses.” Dr. Meader says: “The only things that hinder people from talking openly is the fear of being condemned.”

 

In all of this we are afraid of what people might think or see in us. What this does is it leads us to pretend. We pretend all is well, or we pretend that no problem exists or worse of all we pretend to be somebody else.

 

Thirdly, there is a fear to face reality. In previouschapters I had mentioned that man’s basic needs are to love, to be loved and a feeling of selfworth. If these needs are not being met then we will do some strange things. We see this with teen-agers around their peers doing some real weird stuff.

 

This is a real danger that we are faced with today. Many people cannot take the truth, to see things as they really are, not what they think it should be or what they would like it to be, but what it really is. There is a real fear of havingto face reality.

 

One of our daily prayers should be asking the Lord to lead us into spiritual reality. To be a real person is what is needed. To be real to what is around us, our circumstances, the people we have daily contact with, and ourselves to be real with God.

 

Might God lead us all in daily reality.

Relationships – Chapter 18

Escapism – Part 1 – Watch out for Escapism

 

Ephesians 4:15-16 “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

 

We have been looking at “fellowship in depth” andwe saw how important this is for meaningful relationships with one another. However fellowship in depth for most people is a scary thing and one where we are tempted to try to escape. When it comes to building and having meaningful relationships we need to be very much alert about this danger of escapism.

 

What do I mean by “escapism?” This is where we try to avoid anything unpleasant that the Lord brings into our path for our own spiritual development; to bring us into a deeper relationship with one another andwith God.

 

Most of us live in a society or culture where we can escape whenever we run across something unpleasant. We can go to another church or fellowship group, or changeour location or job. Somehow we think that by leaving the unpleasantness we will be better off. But then we find similar things happening again and we realize that we still have got the same old problem. After a while we may even begin to realize that it is not somebody else, or something else that needs to be changed, but it’s me. Escaping only delays the process of God working in our lives to bring us to the place where He wants us.

 

Remember when I was talking about conflicts and how to work them out that I said there are four different ways that people try to use. One of those ways was to think or believe that there were no conflicts. What most people do is run from them, by having an unwillingness to face the conflicts. To face them takes admitting and then confrontation. Most people do not want to do this. We run away and in so doing we delay and postpone what the Lord wants to do in our lives.

 

However, God will not let us get away from it. It will take time, but He will workout the same circumstances as before and we will not grow spiritually until we learn the lesson that He wants to teach us through this experience (whatever that experience might be). It is why some people are 30, 40 or even 50 years old ‘in the Lord’ but spiritually they are still babies. They didn’t mature using escapism; making their own way of escaping what they don’t want to face and deal with.

 

When I was the director of O.M.’s ship M/V DOULOS I would often get young people in my office wanting to change departments. When they would come with their requests they made it sound very spiritual. For example, they had been praying and they felt that this was something that the Lord would have them do. However, upon closer scrutiny invariably I would find that there was a broken relationship and rather than face it and work it out, theywere trying to run from it, to escape dealing with it personally.

 

In these kinds of circumstances, when it seems that things are against us, we think that the person or the situation is the problem. No, the situation or the people that God surrounds us with are not the problem; they just highlight or expose the problem within us.

 

We will be spending the next chapters looking into why and how escapism takes place. May the Lord bless and keep us true from within.

Daily Devotional

Son, the time of greatest persecution is about to begin; the day of My judgment is ready; the time that has been prophesied about when the power of darkness fully reigns. But, this is your moment, so don’t worry, but stand firm and you will win souls for Me. Don’t let your mind be dulled by the worries of this life, and don’t let your heart grow cold, that this day should catch you unaware and surprised. Keep alert at all times, and pray! If you do, I will open the windows of opportunity for you. I will pour out a blessing so great that you won’t have enough room to take it in!

 

People of the world will see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve Me and those who do not. How joyful are those who know Me intimately and delight in obeying My Word to them. Even their children will be successful, and they will not fear bad news. They confidently trust Me to care for them. They are fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. They share freely and give generously to those in need. They will have influence and honor. The wicked will see this and be infuriated, and will grind their teeth in anger.

 

Son, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you. Pay close attention to him, and obey his instructions. Do not rebel against him, for he is My representative, and he will not forgive your rebellion. But if you are careful to obey him, following all My instructions, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will oppose those who oppose you. You must serve only Me, and If you do, I will bless you with food and water, and I will protect you from illness and give you long full lives.

 

What I have asked you to do will turn the hearts of fathers back to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. So do not be swayed to twist justice by the crowds that do so. Give Me your very best in every way, and do everything I ask of you, and I will spare you as a father spares his obedient child.

 

Lord, everything You do reveals Your glory and majesty. Your righteousness never fails, and Your word is trustworthy. You paid a full ransom for me and my family. Our foundation is to trust and obey You, and to grow in Your wisdom. Thank You Lord, I will praise You forever!

 

Daily Devotional

Son, I am the Great King, and My Name is the only name to be feared among My children! For they must become My holy people. They must listen to Me and make up their minds to honor My Name and My Word. They must pass on the truth of My words that they have received from Me to their own children. They must not lie or cheat, for I want them to walk with Me. They must live good and righteous lives, and turn away from sin. How I wish that all of My children would understand the way to peace. But, for some of them it is too late, and the way is hidden from their eyes because they did not recognize the truth!

 

The words of a pastor should preserve knowledge of Me. My children should go to them for instruction. But some pastors have left My path, and their instructions have caused many to stumble into sin. These pastors pretend to be holy, but they are fearful men. Because of this, they will be severely punished. So My children beware of these pastors who teach in their own way that My truth is not for today. 

 

Because of these false pastors, My children do not fear My Name, and people of the world show contempt for My Name! My children dishonor Me by their actions, and say, “It’s too hard to serve the LORD.” 

 

They cry out to Me asking, “Why don’t You accept my worship?” I’ll tell you why! Because you do not stand up for the truth about life and what a family truly is. You have allowed others to define a marriage, and destroy a family unit. Didn’t I make you one with your wife; the head of the family? And didn’t I say that every wife is her husband’s helpmate?  I want godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to marriage and protect the family unit by obeying Me and then standing up to those who want to destroy it.

 

America has been shattered by the choices it makes with regards to what a family is. They can try to redefine it, but I the Lord, say, “They may try, but I will never allow this. Their country will be known as ‘The Land of Wickedness,’ and their people will be called ‘The People with Whom the LORD is Forever Angry. I will bring a terrible curse against you. I will curse even the blessings you receive. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you have not taken My warning to heart. You have wearied Me with your words by saying that all who do evil are good in MY sight, and I am pleased with them. You have wearied Me by asking, ‘Where is the God of justice?’ I have not left! They have left Me!”

Daily Devotional

Son, since I have redeemed you, you must speak out! Tell others what I tell you say and watch for the day of My return.

 

My children must be prepared for My arrival. They must be separated from the things of this world. They must not be afraid of what they see or hear from those who are doomed! When My children know My word, they will see these things and be glad. Those who are wise will take all this to heart, will understand My faithful love. With My help My children will do mighty things! When My children cry out to Me day and night, I will not put them off.

 

Today some of My children feel lost, but if they cry out to Me I will rescue and lead them in the way to go; I will not abandon them.  When My children rebel against My word, they will walk around in darkness and misery; imprisoned by their sin of disobedience. It is sad when they do not grasp the significance of My Word and the power of My Spirit. They have failed to understand what I am talking about that can be understood by even a child.

 

One of the keys to a powerful witness for Me is when a person wrongs you; and when he asks you forgive them. What stops you from forgiving? It is because you see yourself as self righteous and think, “I am not a sinner like this person. I don’t cheat, I don’t commit adultery. I pray and fast. I give a tenth of my income to the local church.” Remember, those who exalt themselves are the ones who cannot forgive others, and they will certainly be humbled!

 

In the coming days My children will go through the fire, but this will make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on Me, and I will answer them. I will say, “These are My children, my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth!”

 

Lord, thank You for Your great love and for the wonderful things You have done for me.

Daily Devotional

Lord, when Your children were leaving Egypt – why did you tell your children to plunder the Egyptians by taking their gold and silver into the desert with them?

 

Son, I was testing their character to see what they would do when things become difficult.  When My children are faithful in little things I give them, then I will give them greater things. But if they are dishonest with little things, then I cannot trust them with greater responsibilities.

 

I gave them wealth in order to benefit others in need. Today when I given My children silver and gold, look how quickly they forget Me! They do not wait for My counsel! They do not believe My promise that I will care for them. Instead, they mingle with the world and accept their evil customs and idols of silver of gold. They even approve the shedding the innocent blood of the unborn. 

 

Therefore, they will be handed over to those who refuse to acknowledge Me, and be ruled by those who hate Me. They will complain and shout to Me, “Are You here with us?” My answer will be, “No, I gave you what you asked for,  and that is to be ruled by riches.”

 

Son, there is joy in My presence when a sinner finally comes to his senses and repents. When they search for Me they will find My strength in life.  When they live by continually seeking Me and remembering My wonders, they can stand on this promise, “I keep every one of My promises.”

DAily Devotional

Son, My children in America have become slaves to political correctness, and to the lies of the media. So what will it take to free My children? Their own thinking! Some of My children when faced with a choice to stand for truth and bear the consequences, will change their minds and keep quiet. While others who do stand up for the truth will suffer the consequence as well; their life becoming more difficult. They will be asked and accused, “Why are you doing this. Look at what you have done to us? Why are you making us choose? Leave us alone, and let us be. We do not want to draw attention to ourselves, we want a quiet life.”

 

These children of Mine who say this have made their hearts as hard as stone. They never read My Word, or accept any messages from My faithful servants.  Since they refuse to listen, I will not listen when they call to Me in the days ahead. This type of thinking is why the land of America has become hostile and hopeless. They have allowed this land of My promise to become a desert of evil.

 

To those faithful children of Mine I say, “Don’t fight against each other. Stop telling lies that you swear are the truth, for I hate all this.  Don’t be afraid, but stand up for My Word and watch what I will do! Remember My promise of agreement, and do not allow My family to be splintered by feuding over things that will not last. Seek My Kingdom above all else, and I will give you everything you need. Be ready as though you were waiting for Me to return today. Remember that a servant who knows what I want but who isn’t prepared, will be greatly disappointed on My return. What I give you – I will expect a return; the more you receive – the greater the return should be. What I have entrusted to you I expect that you be faithful.”

 

People of the world have the wrong idea of who I am. They think I came to bring peace to the earth. No, I came to set this world on fire, and to divide people against each other! And then to show a distinction between them; those who hate Me and those who love Me.

 

So My faithful children, be strong and finish the task I have given you! Live a blameless life and a life of integrity, and of love in your homes. Refuse to look at anything that is vile, vulgar, and do not deal with anyone who deals crookedly; have nothing to do with them. Stay away from anything that is perverse and evil. Remember that I am looking for faithful people to be My companions; those who are above reproach.

 

You leaders of My children, be very careful that you are not one of those people who hide the key to knowledge by not telling My children the truth, but be faithful and tell everyone everything I say to you.

Daily Devotional

Son, this is how it is with your nation. Everything is defiled by their sin of unbelief when they say, “Who is the LORD? Why should we listen to Him?” Therefore, people are not satisfied. They work hard and have little left. Their wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! They have become completely discouraged because they refuse to do what I tell them. They refuse to turn to Me and enter My place of rest for them.

 

Some of My own children won’t listen to Me anymore, so how can I expect the leaders of your nation to listen? My children must began to listen and obey what I have told them in My Word. Each day they must proclaim the good news of salvation. Tell everyone about the amazing things I have done, and that I do for them each day. Tell everyone who will listen, “I am coming to judge the world with justice, and the nations with My truth, and to give Me the honor and glory I deserve!”

 

I’m looking at their lives for true repentance of their sins and how faithfully they have turned to Me. Don’t just say to each other that we have repented and are saved. Words mean nothing unless your life reflects what you have said. When My children have been touched by Me, they will search for Me and quickly find Me.

 

Lord You made me, and You are My God. Thank You that You reached out to touch me.  My heart will not become hard towards You. For I am truly thankful for all You’ve done for me and my family.