By Whose Authority?

Daily Devotional

Elijah

Day 8/10 – The Discipline of the Father

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Faith  – Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)  “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6

“When you make Jesus the standard, the more you grow in Christ the more aware you are of your depravity.”    Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”)

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A history of these Daily Devotions along with other valuable Resources can be found at: lylebrennan.com. 

This daily devotion contains, sequentially: Memory Verse (#1 above),  Daily Quote (#2 above): and, below: Daily Devotion from “Thoughts From The Diary of A Desperate Man” by Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”), Scripture Reading  (read the entire Bible in 1 year), and Prayer Requests. 

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The Discipline of the Father

Day Two Hundred Twenty-two

“For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”  Hebrews 12:6

Quoting from Proverbs,289 the writer of Hebrews exhorts his readers to respond properly to God’s discipline.  Love and discipline go together; the only people God does not discipline are those He does not love.  Rather than discouraging you, His discipline ought to be of great encouragement.

But how do you know if His discipline is for wrong committed, or to push you towards excellence?  If the Holy Spirit convicts you of some specific sin in the midst of the chastisement, then you should probably assume a connection and obey the prompting of the Spirit.  Otherwise, you don’t need to know; it doesn’t make that much difference.   In either case, God’s objective when correcting you remains the same: to conform you to the image of His Son.290

For example, in athletics, the coach is hardest on those with the greatest potential.  Let’s say you and I are on a basketball team, and after scrimmage as we head for the showers, you say, “The coach was too hard on me.   I can’t seem to please him; he is constantly in my face.”  I answer, “I wish he were hard on me.  You are the star player and I sit out the game on the bench.”  Whether the Coach pushes you because of your doing something wrong, or to make you better makes no difference apart from the response He wants from you; in either case you benefit.

289  cf. Proverbs 3:11-12

290 Romans 8:29

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Psalm 79-80 Romans 11:1-18 (New King James Version)

Psalm 79-80

A Dirge and a Prayer for Israel, Destroyed by Enemies

A Psalm of Asaph.

79 

O God, the [a]nations have come into Your inheritance;

Your holy temple they have defiled;

They have laid Jerusalem [b]in heaps.

2 

The dead bodies of Your servants

They have given asfood for the birds of the heavens,

The flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth.

3 

Their blood they have shed like water all around Jerusalem,

And there wasno one to bury them.

4 

We have become a reproach to our neighbors,

A scorn and derision to those who are around us.

5 

How long, Lord?

Will You be angry forever?

Will Your jealousy burn like fire?

6 

Pour out Your wrath on the [c]nations that do not know You,

And on the kingdoms that do not call on Your name.

7 

For they have devoured Jacob,

And laid waste his dwelling place.

8 

Oh, do not remember [d]former iniquities against us!

Let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us,

For we have been brought very low.

9 

Help us, O God of our salvation,

For the glory of Your name;

And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins,

For Your name’s sake!

10 

Why should the [e]nations say,

“Where istheir God?”

Let there be known among the nations in our sight

The avenging of the blood of Your servants which has beenshed.

11 

Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You;

According to the greatness of Your [f]power

Preserve those who are appointed to die;

12 

And return to our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom

Their reproach with which they have reproached You, O Lord.

13 

So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture,

Will give You thanks forever;

We will show forth Your praise to all generations.

Prayer for Israel’s Restoration

To the Chief Musician. Set to [g]“The Lilies.” A [h]Testimony of Asaph. A Psalm.

80 

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,

You who lead Joseph like a flock;

You who dwell betweenthe cherubim, shine forth!

2 

Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh,

Stir up Your strength,

And come andsave us!

3 

Restore us, O God;

Cause Your face to shine,

And we shall be saved!

4 

O Lord God of hosts,

How long will You be angry

Against the prayer of Your people?

5 

You have fed them with the bread of tears,

And given them tears to drink in great measure.

6 

You have made us a strife to our neighbors,

And our enemies laugh among themselves.

7 

Restore us, O God of hosts;

Cause Your face to shine,

And we shall be saved!

8 

You have brought a vine out of Egypt;

You have cast out the [i]nations, and planted it.

9 

You prepared roomfor it,

And caused it to take deep root,

And it filled the land.

10 

The hills were covered with its shadow,

And the [j]mighty cedars with its boughs.

11 

She sent out her boughs to [k]the Sea,

And her branches to [l]the River.

12 

Why have You broken down her [m]hedges,

So that all who pass by the way pluck her fruit?

13 

The boar out of the woods uproots it,

And the wild beast of the field devours it.

14 

Return, we beseech You, O God of hosts;

Look down from heaven and see,

And visit this vine

15 

And the vineyard which Your right hand has planted,

And the branch thatYou made strong for Yourself.

16 

It isburned with fire, it iscut down;

They perish at the rebuke of Your countenance.

17 

Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand,

Upon the son of man whomYou made strong for Yourself.

18 

Then we will not turn back from You;

Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.

19 

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;

Cause Your face to shine,

And we shall be saved!

Footnotes:

  • Psalm 79:1 Gentiles
  • Psalm 79:1 in ruins
  • Psalm 79:6 Gentiles
  • Psalm 79:8 Or against us the iniquities of those who were before us
  • Psalm 79:10 Gentiles
  • Psalm 79:11 Lit. arm
  • Psalm 80:1 Heb. Shoshannim
  • Psalm 80:1 Heb. Eduth
  • Psalm 80:8 Gentiles
  • Psalm 80:10 Lit. cedars of God
  • Psalm 80:11 The Mediterranean
  • Psalm 80:11 The Euphrates
  • Psalm 80:12 wallsor fences

Romans 11:1-18

Israel’s Rejection Not Total

11 I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, ofthe tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, 3 “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? 4 But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it isno longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. [a]But if it isof works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

7 What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. 8 Just as it is written:

“God has given them a spirit of stupor,

Eyes that they should not see

And ears that they should not hear,

To this very day.”

9 And David says:

“Let their table become a snare and a trap,

A stumbling block and a recompense to them.

10 

Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see,

And bow down their back always.”

Israel’s Rejection Not Final

11 I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their [b]fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has cometo the Gentiles. 12 Now if their [c]fall isriches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!

13 For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who aremy flesh and save some of them. 15 For if their being cast away isthe reconciling of the world, what willtheir acceptance bebut life from the dead?

16 For if the firstfruit isholy, the lump isalso holy;and if the root isholy, so arethe branches. 17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and [d]fatness of the olive tree, 18 do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember thatyou do not support the root, but the root supportsyou.

Footnotes:

  • Romans 11:6 NU omits the rest of v. 6.
  • Romans 11:11 trespass
  • Romans 11:12 trespass
  • Romans 11:17 richness

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please Pray for the Second Saturdays Event scheduled for tonight, August 10, at 7pm (PST).  Pray God’s Spirit would move mightily in the men’s hearts and there would be both an inward and outward change in each man attending.  

Please Pray for Mark H. He has a blood clot in his leg and is suffering terrible pain.  Pray for God’s Healing and undeniable Touch on Mark’s life.  

UPDATE: You can’t make this stuff up… Sounds like a script for a movie…

As you may know, we have kept Sister Fabiola and her children in Mexico on our Prayer Request list for quite a while now. This Sister and her family, in a short time period, has been hit with a more tragedies(persecution) than most of us in an entire life time…  the murder of her husband, x-husband and one of her children. RECENTLY, her modest home (a shack by any American standard) was burnt to the ground. …Her neighbor’s house caught fire and due to the closeness of her home, it caught fire, too.  Brothers & Sisters, please Pray for God’s Holy touch on Fabiola and her family.  Although we, His Children, are closely monitoring what assistance the Family of God might be able to provide the family through our Brother Ron Brink, in Mexico… our Prayers are essential. Please don’t relent!

Please continue to Pray for Geo, a banker, who was deployed by the military to the Mideast. Pray God would keep him safe and that God would bring Geo closer to Him; and, that Geo would share God with all his company and those who come in contact with him. 

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UPDATE: I’ve been told by one Geo’s co-workers, Lorraine Flores, who says she considers Geo a son, that the day Geo was deployed to the Mideast, his girlfriend delivered his new baby. Please Pray Geo would Walk in God’s Light and be a Godly husband and father. And, please Pray for Geo’s family. (Also, please Pray for both Lorraine Flores and her biological son that was deployed the same day as Geo, but to Africa.)

Praise Report: Please continue to Pray for Brother David Porter’s friend’s son, Giovanni (18yrs old). He had checked out of inpatient behavioral health facility is doing much better. You will remember, he was sent to the facility and was on suicide watch. Please continue to Pray for God’s Strength, Healing, and Peace in Giovanni.

Please continue to Pray for Brother Mark Pedder, a missionary in the Philippines. Please Pray for Mark, Mark’s wife for strength in their trials, tribulations and persecution. 

Please Pray for Brother David Porter’s sponsoring “Refuge for Women” an upcoming “Refuge Uniting In Prayer” meeting scheduled for August 14th. Pray for the for those involved in assisting women, the women who are victims and those warring with the sex trafficking industry in Las Vegas. 

Please continue to Pray for Gemma that she be delivered from evil and receive Jesus as her Savior. 

Please continue to Pray for Brother Walt to be reconciled with his son and his son’s family. 

Please continue to Pray for Brother John LaPorte’s roommate, Brother Freddy, whose commitment to Christ caused his wife to separate from him for 6 years. The couple have 2 daughters. Both parents has stayed single all this time of separation… Within the recent past, it appears his wife, Arlene, has been Saved and the couple are beginning their reconciliation process. They are planning to reunite the family again under one roof in the next few months.  Please Pray for their total reconciliation with God at their helm. 

Please continue Pray for our President and ALL our government leaders of both parties. Pray they would submit their authority to His Authority and ask for His Wisdom in directing the affairs of our nation.  Please Pray that God would open their eyes and they would be obedient to His Will. 

Please continue to Pray for a group of well-known Southern Nevada commercial real estate brokers and associates recently in a one-car accident. The occupants had all been drinking alcohol.  One passenger died leaving 3 young daughters, one suffered serious head trauma, two had mild trauma, and the driver has been charged.  Please Pray for the driver and all those effected by this tragedy …that God would direct their eyes to Him, The King of Mercy, Grace and Salvation. 

Please  continue to Pray for Brother Frank Sun, a Taiwanese, that owns several businesses in China and Taiwan.  He recently preached the Gospel in his Taiwan company inviting his employees to accept salvation. He says that half of his Taiwan staff are now Christians. Please Pray Frank will continue to be bold in his sharing Christ in all his companies and that he will be faithful to disciple the new Believers.  

AND, let each of us use Frank’s example and share the Love and Salvation of Jesus to our coworkers, employees, family friends and acquaintances.  Brothers and Sisters, let’s take advantage of our God given opportunities, invest in the Eternal!

Please continue to Pray for Brother Walt and His Friday Bible Study.

Please continue to Pray for the Women’s Resources ministry in Las Vegas that they would lead women to the Lord and save babies. 

Please continue to Pray for Dave Ubank and his family. They are ministering and rescuing children and families in Syria directly affected by  Isis – Pray for their protection and their ministry.  For a short 2 minute video about Ubanks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_htIgIvgDM[/embedyt

Please continue to Pray for Jim Nelson and family ministering in China. 

Please continue to Pray for our Brothers’ and Sisters’ struggling with various addictions. Pray that God would reveal Himself to them that all things are possible through Him… He can Cure any addiction … He is our Great Creator, He is our Savior, He is our Healer …He is our All and All!  

Please continue to Pray for Alejandro Corral, his son Alejandro Jr., and his aunt Josefina. 

Please continue to Pray for Brother Steve Venable dealing with ALS. 

Please continue to Pray for our Persecuted Brothers and Sisters and their families that are suffering and giving their lives for our Faith. 

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Please stand with your Brothers and Sisters in Prayer and Support. (See: The Voice of the Martyrs: https://www.persecution.com)

Please continue to pray for Biblical “headship” in families.

Please continue to Pray for all our children. 

Please continue to Pray that there would be a resurgence of Biblical “Fear of the Lord” in the church and in each of us… “to fear the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.”

Please continue to Pray for our nation that God would open all our eyes to the sin that is drowning us. Abortion, sex outside of marriage, hatred & divisiveness, greed, pride, only to name a few.  Please Pray and Fast for our nation to turn from this evil that is enveloping us.   

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Please continue to Pray for Brother Ron Brink’s son who had 3+ military tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and who is now suffering brain damage and PTSD.  Pray for God’s Healing Power to fall upon Johnathon. (Ron is a 20 plus year missionary in Mexico with Touch Baja… for info on Touch Baja and how to touch the Mexican people for Christ, see http://www.touchbaja.com.)

Please continue to Pray for the Sharon India Foundation (“SIF”) to assisting the poor of India.  Through SIF: Widows have received medical treatment and been given quality sewing machines and training on how to use them to make a living. Orphans have been given free education in their neighborhood slum areas.  After natural disasters relief has been provided in the nature of medical, food items, blankets, clothing and building materials.  Bore wells have been successfully dug to provide fresh water to affected areas.  Water purification systems have also been given out on a limited basis. Special shoes have been purchased for lepers with ulcerated feet.  Thousands of books have been translated to assist in the ever growing discipleship outreach of E-Squared (Evangelism and Edification/Disciples).  Sharon India Foundation has no administrative costs and 100% of all donations go directly to the Indian pastors and their ministries. (Let’s reach India and beyond for Christ…see how you can help: https://sharonindia.org.)

Day 7/9 – Opportunity to Leave

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His Spirit  – 1 Corinthians 2:12 (ESV)  “Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.”  1 Corinthians 2:12

“Following Jesus has always been hard.  After delivering His discourse on the bread of life, “many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him.” Turning to the twelve disciples, Jesus said, ”Will ye also go away?” … John 6: 66-67    Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”)   

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A history of these Daily Devotions can be found at: lylebrennan.com. 

This daily devotion contains, sequentially: Memory Verse (#1 above),  Daily Quote (#2 above): and, below: Daily Devotion from “Thoughts From The Diary of A Desperate Man” by Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”), Scripture Reading  (read the entire Bible in 1 year), and Prayer Requests. 

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Opportunity to Leave

Day One Hundred Ninety

“Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” II Kings 2:5

Elisha tenaciously stayed with Elijah as he crossed Jordan in preparation for his ascension.  En route another prophet asked Elisha this question.  Appearing annoyed, Elisha says he is aware, and continues following Elijah.  Three times on their journey Elijah suggests that Elisha leave and three times Elisha declines. Jesus made a similar offer in John 6.

Today we say, “I don’t want to go with you unless you want me.”  We are so preoccupied with our self-esteem that we are willing to leave the blessing if we are not made to feel good about ourselves.   I first learned this when I began my college education.  It was obvious that the professors did not need me; I needed them.  They had what I wanted and I wasn’t going to leave until I got it.

When people come into your life you do not help them by making them feel as though they are doing you a favor by being with you.  They are with you because of what they can obtain, and you do them a disservice when you communicate otherwise.  If you follow close to God, it is what others can gain from you that attracts them to you.  You are the channel of blessing.

Stay close to your Lord, not because you sense He wants you, but because with Him you find the blessing.  And when you obtain the blessing, you are ready to give it to others that want it.

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Job 38-40 Acts 16:1-21 (New King James Version)

Job 38-40

The Lord Reveals His Omnipotence to Job

38 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:

2 

“Who isthis who darkens counsel

By words without knowledge?

3 

Now [a]prepare yourself like a man;

I will question you, and you shall answer Me.

4 

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?

Tell Me,if you have understanding.

5 

Who determined its measurements?

Surely you know!

Or who stretched the [b]line upon it?

6 

To what were its foundations fastened?

Or who laid its cornerstone,

7 

When the morning stars sang together,

And all the sons of God shouted for joy?

8 

“Or whoshut in the sea with doors,

When it burst forth andissued from the womb;

9 

When I made the clouds its garment,

And thick darkness its swaddling band;

10 

When I fixed My limit for it,

And set bars and doors;

11 

When I said,

‘This far you may come, but no farther,

And here your proud waves must stop!’

12 

“Have you commanded the morning since your days began,

Andcaused the dawn to know its place,

13 

That it might take hold of the ends of the earth,

And the wicked be shaken out of it?

14 

It takes on form like clay undera seal,

And stands out like a garment.

15 

From the wicked their light is withheld,

And the [c]upraised arm is broken.

16 

“Have you entered the springs of the sea?

Or have you walked in search of the depths?

17 

Have the gates of death been [d]revealed to you?

Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death?

18 

Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth?

Tell Me,if you know all this.

19 

“Where isthe way tothe dwelling of light?

And darkness, where isits place,

20 

That you may take it to its territory,

That you may know the paths toits home?

21 

Do you know it,because you were born then,

Or becausethe number of your days isgreat?

22 

“Have you entered the treasury of snow,

Or have you seen the treasury of hail,

23 

Which I have reserved for the time of trouble,

For the day of battle and war?

24 

By what way is light [e]diffused,

Orthe east wind scattered over the earth?

25 

“Who has divided a channel for the overflowing water,

Or a path for the thunderbolt,

26 

To cause it to rain on a land where there isno one,

A wilderness in which there isno man;

27 

To satisfy the desolate waste,

And cause to spring forth the growth of tender grass?

28 

Has the rain a father?

Or who has begotten the drops of dew?

29 

From whose womb comes the ice?

And the frost of heaven, who gives it birth?

30 

The waters harden like stone,

And the surface of the deep is frozen.[f]

31 

“Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades,[g]

Or loose the belt of Orion?

32 

Can you bring out [h]Mazzaroth in its season?

Or can you guide [i]the Great Bear with its cubs?

33 

Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?

Can you set their dominion over the earth?

34 

“Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,

That an abundance of water may cover you?

35 

Can you send out lightnings, that they may go,

And say to you, ‘Here we are!’?

36 

Who has put wisdom in [j]the mind?

Or who has given understanding to the heart?

37 

Who can number the clouds by wisdom?

Or who can pour out the bottles of heaven,

38 

When the dust hardens in clumps,

And the clods cling together?

39 

“Can you hunt the prey for the lion,

Or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,

40 

When they crouch in theirdens,

Orlurk in their lairs to lie in wait?

41 

Who provides food for the raven,

When its young ones cry to God,

And wander about for lack of food?

God Continues to Challenge Job

39 

“Do you know the time when the wild mountain goats bear young?

Orcan you mark when the deer gives birth?

2 

Can you number the months thatthey fulfill?

Or do you know the time when they bear young?

3 

They bow down,

They bring forth their young,

They deliver their [k]offspring.

4 

Their young ones are healthy,

They grow strong with grain;

They depart and do not return to them.

5 

“Who set the wild donkey free?

Who loosed the bonds of the [l]onager,

6 

Whose home I have made the wilderness,

And the [m]barren land his dwelling?

7 

He scorns the tumult of the city;

He does not heed the shouts of the driver.

8 

The range of the mountains ishis pasture,

And he searches after every green thing.

9 

“Will the wild ox be willing to serve you?

Will he bed by your manger?

10 

Can you bind the wild ox in the furrow with ropes?

Or will he plow the valleys behind you?

11 

Will you trust him because his strength isgreat?

Or will you leave your labor to him?

12 

Will you trust him to bring home your [n]grain,

And gather it to your threshing floor?

13 

“The wings of the ostrich wave proudly,

But are her wings and pinions like thekindly stork’s?

14 

For she leaves her eggs on the ground,

And warms them in the dust;

15 

She forgets that a foot may crush them,

Or that a wild beast may break them.

16 

She treats her young harshly, as though they werenot hers;

Her labor is in vain, without [o]concern,

17 

Because God deprived her of wisdom,

And did not endow her with understanding.

18 

When she lifts herself on high,

She scorns the horse and its rider.

19 

“Have you given the horse strength?

Have you clothed his neck with [p]thunder?

20 

Can you [q]frighten him like a locust?

His majestic snorting strikes terror.

21 

He paws in the valley, and rejoices in hisstrength;

He gallops into the clash of arms.

22 

He mocks at fear, and is not frightened;

Nor does he turn back from the sword.

23 

The quiver rattles against him,

The glittering spear and javelin.

24 

He devours the distance with fierceness and rage;

Nor does he come to a halt because the trumpet hassounded.

25 

At the blast ofthe trumpet he says, ‘Aha!’

He smells the battle from afar,

The thunder of captains and shouting.

26 

“Does the hawk fly by your wisdom,

Andspread its wings toward the south?

27 

Does the eagle mount up at your command,

And make its nest on high?

28 

On the rock it dwells and resides,

On the crag of the rock and the stronghold.

29 

From there it spies out the prey;

Its eyes observe from afar.

30 

Its young ones suck up blood;

And where the slain are,there it is.”

God’s Power and Wisdom

40 Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said:

2 

“Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him?

He who rebukes God, let him answer it.”

Job’s Response to God

3 Then Job answered the Lord and said:

4 

“Behold, I am vile;

What shall I answer You?

I lay my hand over my mouth.

5 

Once I have spoken, but I will not answer;

Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further.”

God’s Challenge to Job

6 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:

7 

“Now [r]prepare yourself like a man;

I will question you, and you shall answer Me:

8 

“Would you indeed [s]annul My judgment?

Would you condemn Me that you may be justified?

9 

Have you an arm like God?

Or can you thunder with a voice like His?

10 

Then adorn yourself withmajesty and splendor,

And array yourself with glory and beauty.

11 

Disperse the rage of your wrath;

Look on everyone who isproud, and humble him.

12 

Look on everyone who isproud, andbring him low;

Tread down the wicked in their place.

13 

Hide them in the dust together,

Bind their faces in hidden darkness.

14 

Then I will also confess to you

That your own right hand can save you.

15 

“Look now at the [t]behemoth, which I made alongwith you;

He eats grass like an ox.

16 

See now, his strength isin his hips,

And his power isin his stomach muscles.

17 

He moves his tail like a cedar;

The sinews of his thighs are tightly knit.

18 

His bones are likebeams of bronze,

His ribs like bars of iron.

19 

He isthe first of the ways of God;

Only He who made him can bring near His sword.

20 

Surely the mountains yield food for him,

And all the beasts of the field play there.

21 

He lies under the lotus trees,

In a covert of reeds and marsh.

22 

The lotus trees cover him withtheir shade;

The willows by the brook surround him.

23 

Indeed the river may rage,

Yethe is not disturbed;

He is confident, though the Jordan gushes into his mouth,

24 

Thoughhe takes it in his eyes,

Orone pierces hisnose with a snare.

Footnotes:

  • Job 38:3 Lit. gird up your loins like
  • Job 38:5 measuring line
  • Job 38:15 Lit. high
  • Job 38:17 Lit. opened
  • Job 38:24 Lit. divided
  • Job 38:30 Lit. imprisoned
  • Job 38:31 Or the Seven Stars
  • Job 38:32 Lit. Constellations
  • Job 38:32 Or Arcturus
  • Job 38:36 Lit. the inward parts
  • Job 39:3 Lit. pangs
  • Job 39:5 A species of wild donkey
  • Job 39:6 Lit. salt land
  • Job 39:12 Lit. seed
  • Job 39:16 Lit. fear
  • Job 39:19 Or a mane
  • Job 39:20 make him spring
  • Job 40:7 Lit. gird up your loins
  • Job 40:8 nullify
  • Job 40:15 A large animal, exact identity unknown

Acts 16:1-21

Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

16 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, theson of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father wasGreek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took himand circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

The Macedonian Call

6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in [a]Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the [b]Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Lydia Baptized at Philippi

11 Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next daycame to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is the [c]foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there.14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us.She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us,saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.

Paul and Silas Imprisoned

16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18 And this she did for many days.

But Paul, greatly [d]annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged theminto the marketplace to the authorities.

20 And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; 21 and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.”

Footnotes:

  • Acts 16:6 The Roman province of Asia
  • Acts 16:7 NU adds of Jesus
  • Acts 16:12 Lit. first
  • Acts 16:18 distressed

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please continue to Pray for Brother Tom Rolfstad who is having a surgical aortic heart valve replacement on July 8th. Pray that Tom and those who surround him would be drawn closer to the Lord. 

Please continue to Pray for Brother Mark P, a missionary in the Philippines. He said they have an issue with a senior leader who was living another life unknown to them, in deep sin. This leader was second under Mark over the entire ministry.  Mark asks for Prayer, specifically, in 2 areas:

  1 – That Marks keeps his own heart and hands Holy; and 

  2 – … that this individual needs to Repent. 

I would like to add to Mark’s Prayer Request… we need to Pray

for Mark, Mark’s wife, this individual and for all that are touched by him. … And Note: We can only look to One Perfect Example in our lives… Jesus. (People will let us down, but He will never let us down.) And, from God’s Word, we read and need to mediate on:

  Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

  Romans 3:10 – As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

  James 4:11-12 – Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of [his] brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.   …

  Ephesians 4:32 – And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

  Colossians 3:12-14 – Put on therefore, as the elect of God, Holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;   …

  James 1:19-20 – Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:   …

  Luke 6:31 – And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

  Romans 2:1-4 – Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.   …

  Ephesians 4:26 – Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

  Romans 2:6-8 – Who will render to every man according to his deeds: …

  Mark 11:25 – And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Please continue to Pray for Brother John LaPorte’s roommate, Brother Freddy, whose commitment to Christ caused his wife to separate from him for 6 years. The couple have 2 daughters and stayed single all this time. Within the recent past, it appears his wife, Arlene, has been Saved and the couple are beginning the reconciliation process. They are planning to reunite the family again under one roof in the next few months.  Please Pray for their total reconciliation with God at their helm. 

Please continue to Pray for Sister Sonia’s x-husband, Raymond, he has prostrate cancer. His prognosis seems positive, but please Pray for him. 

Sister Diane’s grandson, Logan, is scheduled for eye surgery 7/15/2019. Please continue to Pray for Logan and his surgeon. 

Please continue Pray for our President and ALL our government leaders of both parties. Pray they would submit their authority to His Authority and ask for His Wisdom in directing the affairs of our nation.  Please Pray that God would open their eyes and they would be obedient to His Will. 

Please continue to Pray for a group of well-known Southern Nevada commercial real estate brokers and associates recently in a one-car accident. The occupants had all been drinking alcohol.  One passenger died leaving 3 young daughters, one suffered serious head trauma, two had mild trauma, and the driver has been charged.  Please Pray for the driver and all those effected by this tragedy …that God would direct their eyes to Him, The King of Mercy, Grace and Salvation. 

Brother Rick Pavlat wife, Ollie, recently had a stroke. She is doing better but her left side has been affected. She is going to need rehabilitation and we would greatly appreciate Prayer. Additionally, as Rick and Ollie are semi-retired missionaries, they have no insurance and request your Prayers for cover the cost of care resulting from the stroke. 

Please  continue to Pray for Brother Frank Sun, a Taiwanese, that owns several businesses in China and Taiwan.  He recently preached the Gospel in his Taiwan company inviting his employees to accept salvation. He says that half of his Taiwan staff are now Christians. Please Pray Frank will continue to be bold in his sharing Christ in all his companies and that he will be faithful to disciple the new Believers. 

Please continue to Pray for Brother Walt and His Friday Bible Study.

Please continue to Pray for the Women’s Resources ministry in Las Vegas that they would lead women to the Lord and save babies. 

Please continue to Pray for Dave Ubank and his family. They are ministering and rescuing children and families in Syria directly affected by  Isis – Pray for their protection and their ministry.  For a short 2 minute video about Ubanks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_htIgIvgDM[/embedyt

Please continue to Pray for Jim Nelson and family ministering in China. 

Please continue to Pray for our Brothers’ and Sisters’ struggling with various addictions. Pray that God would reveal Himself to them that all things are possible through Him… He can Cure any addiction … He is our Great Creator, He is our Savior, He is our Healer …He is our All and All!  

Please continue to Pray for Sister Fabiola and her children in Mexico. And, please continue to Pray for her church caught up in the tragedies surrounding the murder of her husband, x-husband and one of her children.

Please continue to Pray for Alejandro Corral, his son Alejandro Jr., and his aunt Josefina. 

Please continue to Pray for Brother Steve Venable dealing with ALS. 

Please continue to Pray for our Persecuted Brothers and Sisters and their families that are suffering and giving their lives for our Faith.  10 WAYS TO PRAY FOR OUR PERSECUTED CHRISTIAN FAMILY.. Pray our brothers and sisters will:

1. Sense God’s presence (Heb. 13:5) 

2. Know we are praying for them (2 Tim. 1:3) 

3. Experience God’s comfort (2 Thess. 2:16–17) 

4. See God open doors to evangelism (Col. 4:3) 

5. Boldly share the gospel (Acts 4:29) 

6. Mature in their faith (Col. 1:28–29) 

7. Be granted wisdom in covert ministry work (Acts 9:23–25) 

8. Remain joyful amid suffering (Acts 5:41) 

9. Forgive and love their persecutors (Matt. 5:44) 

10. Be rooted in God’s Word (2 Tim. 3:16–17)

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Stand with your Brothers and Sisters in Prayer and Support. (See: The Voice of the Martyrs: https://www.persecution.com)

Please continue to pray for Biblical “headship” in families.

Please continue to Pray for all our children. 

Please continue to Pray that there would be a resurgence of Biblical “Fear of the Lord” in the church and in each of us… “to fear the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.”

Please continue to Pray for our nation that God would open all our eyes to the sin that is drowning us. Abortion, sex outside of marriage, hatred & divisiveness, greed, pride, only to name a few.  Please Pray and Fast for our nation to turn from this evil that is enveloping us.   

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Please continue to Pray for Brother Ron Brink’s son who had 3+ military tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and who is now suffering brain damage and PTSD.  Pray for God’s Healing Power to fall upon Johnathon. (Ron is a 20 plus year missionary in Mexico with Touch Baja… for info on Touch Baja and how to touch the Mexican people for Christ, see http://www.touchbaja.com.)

Please continue to Pray for the Sharon India Foundation (“SIF”) to assisting the poor of India.  Through SIF: Widows have received medical treatment and been given quality sewing machines and training on how to use them to make a living. Orphans have been given free education in their neighborhood slum areas.  After natural disasters relief has been provided in the nature of medical, food items, blankets, clothing and building materials.  Bore wells have been successfully dug to provide fresh water to affected areas.  Water purification systems have also been given out on a limited basis. Special shoes have been purchased for lepers with ulcerated feet.  Thousands of books have been translated to assist in the ever growing discipleship outreach of E-Squared (Evangelism and Edification/Disciples).  Sharon India Foundation has no administrative costs and 100% of all donations go directly to the Indian pastors and their ministries. (Let’s reach India and beyond for Christ…see how you can help: https://sharonindia.org.)

Day 7/7 – A Time to Disobey

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Assurance of Salvation  – John 5:24 (ESV)  “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”   John 5:24

“Heaven is not a reward, it is a gift.” Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”)  

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A history of these Daily Devotions can be found at: lylebrennan.com. 

This daily devotion contains, sequentially: Memory Verse (#1 above),  Daily Quote (#2 above): and, below: Daily Devotion from “Thoughts From The Diary of A Desperate Man” by Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”), Scripture Reading  (read the entire Bible in 1 year), and Prayer Requests. 

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A Time to Disobey

Day One Hundred Eighty-eight

“And Elijah said to Elisha, Tarry here, I pray you; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.’ But Elisha said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they went down to Bethel.”  II Kings 2:2

It was time for God to take Elijah and his servant Elisha somehow knew that it was imminent.  Three times Elijah told Elisha to remain behind while he went on, and three times Elisha disobeyed him.  This narrative affords two important lessons:

First, when working with others in the cause of Christ, you must be able to distinguish between when God is testing you vis-a-vis leading you in a different direction.  God tested Elisha by offering him opportunity to stay behind.  Elisha, understanding that it was not the leadership of God, but a test, refused to comply.  Because he refused, insisting on staying with Elijah, he received the blessing.  Ruth refused to obey the entreaty of Naomi to return to Moab, and as a result received the blessing of being in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.261

Second, note that Elisha did not ask for supernatural gifts or sensational power. He didn’t request the recognition of men, but instead coveted the God of Elijah. When asked what he wanted, Elisha said, “I pray you, let me inherit a double share of your spirit.”262

These two lessons are related.  You can see the heart of Elisha by the request he made.  The Psalmist prayed, “Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is nothing upon earth that I desire besides thee.”263   When you covet God you delight His heart.  Such an attitude helps when you must distinguish between God leading in a different direction and a test.

261  cf. Ruth 1:6-19

262  II Kings 2:9

263  Psalm 73:25

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Job 34-35 Acts 15:1-21 (New King James Version)

Job 34-35

Elihu Proclaims God’s Justice

34 Elihu further answered and said:

2 

“Hear my words, you wise men;

Give ear to me, you who have knowledge.

3 

For the ear tests words

As the palate tastes food.

4 

Let us choose justice for ourselves;

Let us know among ourselves what isgood.

5 

“For Job has said, ‘I am righteous,

But God has taken away my justice;

6 

Should I lie concerning my right?

My [a]wound isincurable, though I amwithout transgression.’

7 

What man islike Job,

Whodrinks [b]scorn like water,

8 

Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity,

And walks with wicked men?

9 

For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing

That he should delight in God.’

10 

“Therefore listen to me, you [c]men of understanding:

Far be it from God to dowickedness,

And fromthe Almighty to commitiniquity.

11 

For He repays man according tohis work,

And makes man to find a reward according to hisway.

12 

Surely God will never do wickedly,

Nor will the Almighty pervert justice.

13 

Who gave Him charge over the earth?

Or who appointed Him overthe whole world?

14 

If He should set His heart on it,

IfHe should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath,

15 

All flesh would perish together,

And man would return to dust.

16 

“If you haveunderstanding, hear this;

Listen to the sound of my words:

17 

Should one who hates justice govern?

Will you condemn Him who ismost just?

18 

Is it fittingto say to a king, ‘You areworthless,’

Andto nobles, ‘You arewicked’?

19 

Yet He is not partial to princes,

Nor does He regard the rich more than the poor;

For they areall the work of His hands.

20 

In a moment they die, in the middle of the night;

The people are shaken and pass away;

The mighty are taken away without a hand.

21 

“For His eyes areon the ways of man,

And He sees all his steps.

22 

There is no darkness nor shadow of death

Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

23 

For He need not further consider a man,

That he should go before God in judgment.

24 

He breaks in pieces mighty men without inquiry,

And sets others in their place.

25 

Therefore He knows their works;

He overthrows themin the night,

And they are crushed.

26 

He strikes them as wicked men

In the open sight of others,

27 

Because they turned back from Him,

And would not consider any of His ways,

28 

So that they caused the cry of the poor to come to Him;

For He hears the cry of the afflicted.

29 

When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble?

And when He hides Hisface, who then can see Him,

Whether it isagainst a nation or a man alone?—

30 

That the hypocrite should not reign,

Lest the people be ensnared.

31 

“For has anyonesaid to God,

‘I have borne chastening;

I will offend no more;

32 

Teach me whatI do not see;

If I have done iniquity, I will do no more’?

33 

Should He repay itaccording to your terms,

Justbecause you disavow it?

You must choose, and not I;

Therefore speak what you know.

34 

“Men of understanding say to me,

Wise men who listen to me:

35 

‘Job speaks without knowledge,

His words arewithout wisdom.’

36 

Oh, that Job were tried to the utmost,

Because hisanswers are likethose of wicked men!

37 

For he adds rebellion to his sin;

He claps his handsamong us,

And multiplies his words against God.”

Elihu Condemns Self-Righteousness

35 Moreover Elihu answered and said:

2 

“Do you think this is right?

Do you say,

‘My righteousness is more than God’s’?

3 

For you say,

‘What advantage will it be to You?

What profit shall I have, more than ifI had sinned?’

4 

“I will answer you,

And your companions with you.

5 

Look to the heavens and see;

And behold the clouds—

They are higher than you.

6 

If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him?

Or, ifyour transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to Him?

7 

If you are righteous, what do you give Him?

Or what does He receive from your hand?

8 

Your wickedness affects a man such as you,

And your righteousness a son of man.

9 

“Because of the multitude of oppressions they cry out;

They cry out for help because of the arm of the mighty.

10 

But no one says, ‘Where isGod my Maker,

Who gives songs in the night,

11 

Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth,

And makes us wiser than the birds of heaven?’

12 

There they cry out, but He does not answer,

Because of the pride of evil men.

13 

Surely God will not listen to empty talk,

Nor will the Almighty regard it.

14 

Although you say you do not see Him,

Yetjustice isbefore Him, and you must wait for Him.

15 

And now, because He has not punished in His anger,

Nor taken much notice of folly,

16 

Therefore Job opens his mouth in vain;

He multiplies words without knowledge.”

Footnotes:

  • Job 34:6 Lit. arrow
  • Job 34:7 derision
  • Job 34:10 men of heart

Acts 15:1-21

Conflict over Circumcision

15 And certain mencame down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.

3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. 4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. 5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command themto keep the law of Moses.”

The Jerusalem Council

6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. 7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up andsaid to them: “Men andbrethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, [a]acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He didto us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus [b]Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. 13 And after they had [c]become silent, James answered, saying, “Men andbrethren, listen to me: 14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:

16 

‘After this I will return

And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down;

I will rebuild its ruins,

And I will set it up;

17 

So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,

Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,

Says the [d]Lord who does all these things.’

18 [e]“Known to God from eternity are all His works. 19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from[f]sexual immorality, fromthings strangled, and fromblood. 21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

Footnotes:

  • Acts 15:8 bore witness to
  • Acts 15:11 NU, M omit Christ
  • Acts 15:13 stopped speaking
  • Acts 15:17 NU Lord, who makes these things
  • Acts 15:18 NU (continuing v. 17) known from eternity (of old).’
  • Acts 15:20 Or fornication

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please continue to Pray for Brother Tom Rolfstad who is having a surgical aortic heart valve replacement on July 8th. Pray that Tom and those who surround him would be drawn closer to the Lord. 

Please continue to Pray for Brother Mark P, a missionary in the Philippines. He said they have an issue with a senior leader who was living another life unknown to them, in deep sin. This leader was second under Mark over the entire ministry.  Mark asks for Prayer, specifically, in 2 areas:

  1 – That Marks keeps his own heart and hands Holy; and 

  2 – … that this individual needs to Repent. 

I would like to add to Mark’s Prayer Request… we need to Pray

for Mark, Mark’s wife, this individual and for all that are touched by him. … And Note: We can only look to One Perfect Example in our lives… Jesus. (People will let us down, but He will never let us down.) And, from God’s Word, we read and need to mediate on:

  Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

  Romans 3:10 – As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

  James 4:11-12 – Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of [his] brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.   …

  Ephesians 4:32 – And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

  Colossians 3:12-14 – Put on therefore, as the elect of God, Holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;   …

  James 1:19-20 – Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:   …

  Luke 6:31 – And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

  Romans 2:1-4 – Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.   …

  Ephesians 4:26 – Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

  Romans 2:6-8 – Who will render to every man according to his deeds: …

  Mark 11:25 – And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Please continue to Pray for Brother John LaPorte’s roommate, Brother Freddy, whose commitment to Christ caused his wife to separate from him for 6 years. The couple have 2 daughters and stayed single all this time. Within the recent past, it appears his wife, Arlene, has been Saved and the couple are beginning the reconciliation process. They are planning to reunite the family again under one roof in the next few months.  Please Pray for their total reconciliation with God at their helm. 

Please continue to Pray for Sister Sonia’s x-husband, Raymond, he has prostrate cancer. His prognosis seems positive, but please Pray for him. 

Sister Diane’s grandson, Logan, is scheduled for eye surgery 7/15/2019. Please continue to Pray for Logan and his surgeon. 

Please continue Pray for our President and ALL our government leaders of both parties. Pray they would submit their authority to His Authority and ask for His Wisdom in directing the affairs of our nation.  Please Pray that God would open their eyes and they would be obedient to His Will. 

Please continue to Pray for a group of well-known Southern Nevada commercial real estate brokers and associates recently in a one-car accident. The occupants had all been drinking alcohol.  One passenger died leaving 3 young daughters, one suffered serious head trauma, two had mild trauma, and the driver has been charged.  Please Pray for the driver and all those effected by this tragedy …that God would direct their eyes to Him, The King of Mercy, Grace and Salvation. 

Brother Rick Pavlat wife, Ollie, recently had a stroke. She is doing better but her left side has been affected. She is going to need rehabilitation and we would greatly appreciate Prayer. Additionally, as Rick and Ollie are semi-retired missionaries, they have no insurance and request your Prayers for cover the cost of care resulting from the stroke. 

Please  continue to Pray for Brother Frank Sun, a Taiwanese, that owns several businesses in China and Taiwan.  He recently preached the Gospel in his Taiwan company inviting his employees to accept salvation. He says that half of his Taiwan staff are now Christians. Please Pray Frank will continue to be bold in his sharing Christ in all his companies and that he will be faithful to disciple the new Believers. 

Please continue to Pray for Brother Walt and His Friday Bible Study.

Please continue to Pray for the Women’s Resources ministry in Las Vegas that they would lead women to the Lord and save babies. 

Please continue to Pray for Dave Ubank and his family. They are ministering and rescuing children and families in Syria directly affected by  Isis – Pray for their protection and their ministry.  For a short 2 minute video about Ubanks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_htIgIvgDM[/embedyt

Please continue to Pray for Jim Nelson and family ministering in China. 

Please continue to Pray for our Brothers’ and Sisters’ struggling with various addictions. Pray that God would reveal Himself to them that all things are possible through Him… He can Cure any addiction … He is our Great Creator, He is our Savior, He is our Healer …He is our All and All!  

Please continue to Pray for Sister Fabiola and her children in Mexico. And, please continue to Pray for her church caught up in the tragedies surrounding the murder of her husband, x-husband and one of her children.

Please continue to Pray for Alejandro Corral, his son Alejandro Jr., and his aunt Josefina. 

Please continue to Pray for Brother Steve Venable dealing with ALS. 

Please continue to Pray for our Persecuted Brothers and Sisters and their families that are suffering and giving their lives for our Faith.  10 WAYS TO PRAY FOR OUR PERSECUTED CHRISTIAN FAMILY.. Pray our brothers and sisters will:

1. Sense God’s presence (Heb. 13:5) 

2. Know we are praying for them (2 Tim. 1:3) 

3. Experience God’s comfort (2 Thess. 2:16–17) 

4. See God open doors to evangelism (Col. 4:3) 

5. Boldly share the gospel (Acts 4:29) 

6. Mature in their faith (Col. 1:28–29) 

7. Be granted wisdom in covert ministry work (Acts 9:23–25) 

8. Remain joyful amid suffering (Acts 5:41) 

9. Forgive and love their persecutors (Matt. 5:44) 

10. Be rooted in God’s Word (2 Tim. 3:16–17)

+++

Stand with your Brothers and Sisters in Prayer and Support. (See: The Voice of the Martyrs: https://www.persecution.com)

Please continue to pray for Biblical “headship” in families.

Please continue to Pray for all our children. 

Please continue to Pray that there would be a resurgence of Biblical “Fear of the Lord” in the church and in each of us… “to fear the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.”

Please continue to Pray for our nation that God would open all our eyes to the sin that is drowning us. Abortion, sex outside of marriage, hatred & divisiveness, greed, pride, only to name a few.  Please Pray and Fast for our nation to turn from this evil that is enveloping us.   

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Please continue to Pray for Brother Ron Brink’s son who had 3+ military tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and who is now suffering brain damage and PTSD.  Pray for God’s Healing Power to fall upon Johnathon. (Ron is a 20 plus year missionary in Mexico with Touch Baja… for info on Touch Baja and how to touch the Mexican people for Christ, see http://www.touchbaja.com.)

Please continue to Pray for the Sharon India Foundation (“SIF”) to assisting the poor of India.  Through SIF: Widows have received medical treatment and been given quality sewing machines and training on how to use them to make a living. Orphans have been given free education in their neighborhood slum areas.  After natural disasters relief has been provided in the nature of medical, food items, blankets, clothing and building materials.  Bore wells have been successfully dug to provide fresh water to affected areas.  Water purification systems have also been given out on a limited basis. Special shoes have been purchased for lepers with ulcerated feet.  Thousands of books have been translated to assist in the ever growing discipleship outreach of E-Squared (Evangelism and Edification/Disciples).  Sharon India Foundation has no administrative costs and 100% of all donations go directly to the Indian pastors and their ministries. (Let’s reach India and beyond for Christ…see how you can help: https://sharonindia.org.)

Day 6/9 – A Season of Miracles

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God’s Word is the Light in the world  – Psalms‬ ‭119:105‬ ‭NKJV‬‬. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”  Psalms‬ ‭119:105

“If God is able to make everything that happens to us work together for our good, then ultimately everything that happens to us is good. We must be careful to use the word ultimately. On the earthly plane things that happen to us may indeed be evil. …Yet God in His goodness transcends all these things and works them out to our good. For the Christian, ultimately, there are no tragedies.”  R C Sproul

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A history of these Daily Devotions can be found at: lylebrennan.com. 

This email contains, sequentially: Memory Verse (above), Daily Devotion from “Thoughts From The Diary of A Desperate Man” by Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”), Scripture Reading  (read the entire Bible in 1 year), and Prayer Requests. 

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A Season of Miracles

Day One Hundred Sixty

“The signs of a true apostle were performed among you in all patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.” 2 Corinthians 12:12

During the ministries of Elijah and Elisha the Hebrews witnessed a rash of miracles, possibly more than during any other period in the nation’s history.  The preponderance of these took place among the ten northern tribes of the divided kingdom.  Why God showered His people with this season of miracles is a matter of conjecture, but one thing we do know.  The Northern Kingdom of Israel had no good kings.  Although the leadership was bad, the people had no excuse in following the practices of pagan religions.  God manifested His power mightily in their midst for all to see.  The miracles, therefore, became for the people either an anchor in the midst of unbelief, or a testimony of God’s power that would later judge them.

Miracles generally appear at critical moments in the history of God’s people, such as the Exodus and the life of our Lord.  Paul notes that miracles accompanied the expansion of the early church, authenticating the message of the apostles. There is something appealing about the thought of being privy to God’s miracles. People travel great distances at great expense when they suspect that His miraculous works are evident.  There may be times when your heart longs for outward manifestations of His power.  Remember, if they are for you, you are asking Him to let you walk by sight rather than faith, and the degree that He shows Himself mighty on your behalf, you will be that much more accountable in the day of judgement.

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2 Chronicles 32-33 John 18:19-40 (New King James Version)

2 Chronicles 32-33

Sennacherib Boasts Against the Lord

32 After these deeds of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and entered Judah; he encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to win them over to himself. 2 And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come, and that his purpose was to make war against Jerusalem, 3 he consulted with his leaders and [a]commanders to stop the water from the springs which wereoutside the city; and they helped him. 4 Thus many people gathered together who stopped all the springs and the brook that ran through the land, saying, “Why should the [b]kings of Assyria come and find much water?” 5 And he strengthened himself, built up all the wall that was broken, raised itup to the towers, and builtanother wall outside; also he repaired [c]the Millo inthe City of David, and made [d]weapons and shields in abundance. 6 Then he set military captains over the people, gathered them together to him in the open square of the city gate, and gave them encouragement, saying, 7 “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that iswith him; for there aremore with us than with him. 8 With him isan arm of flesh; but with us isthe Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

9 After this Sennacherib king of Assyria sent his servants to Jerusalem (but he and all the forces with him laid siegeagainst Lachish), to Hezekiah king of Judah, and to all Judah who werein Jerusalem, saying, 10 “Thus says Sennacherib king of Assyria: ‘In what do you trust, that you remain under siege in Jerusalem? 11 Does not Hezekiah persuade you to give yourselves over to die by famine and by thirst, saying, “The Lord our God will deliver us from the hand of the king of Assyria”? 12 Has not the same Hezekiah taken away His high places and His altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, “You shall worship before one altar and burn incense on it”? 13 Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of otherlands? Were the gods of the nations of those lands in any way able to deliver their lands out of my hand? 14 Who was thereamong all the gods of those nations that my fathers utterly destroyed that could deliver his people from my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you from my hand? 15 Now therefore, do not let Hezekiah deceive you or persuade you like this, and do not believe him; for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people from my hand or the hand of my fathers. How much less will your God deliver you from my hand?’ ”

16 Furthermore, his servants spoke against the Lord God and against His servant Hezekiah.

17 He also wrote letters to revile the Lord God of Israel, and to speak against Him, saying, “As the gods of the nations of otherlands have not delivered their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah will not deliver His people from my hand.” 18 Then they called out with a loud voice in [e]Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who wereon the wall, to frighten them and trouble them, that they might take the city. 19 And they spoke against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth—the work of men’s hands.

Sennacherib’s Defeat and Death

20 Now because of this King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, prayed and cried out to heaven. 21 Then the Lord sent an angel who cut down every mighty man of valor, leader, and captain in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned shamefaced to his own land. And when he had gone into the temple of his god, some of his own offspring struck him down with the sword there.

22 Thus the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all others,and [f]guided them on every side. 23 And many brought gifts to the Lord at Jerusalem, and presents[g] to Hezekiah king of Judah, so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations thereafter.

Hezekiah Humbles Himself

24 In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death, and he prayed to the Lord; and He spoke to him and gave him a sign. 25 But Hezekiah did not repay according to the favor shownhim, for his heart was lifted up; therefore wrath was looming over him and over Judah and Jerusalem. 26 Then Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

Hezekiah’s Wealth and Honor

27 Hezekiah had very great riches and honor. And he made himself treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious stones, for spices, for shields, and for all kinds of desirable items; 28 storehouses for the harvest of grain, wine, and oil; and stalls for all kinds of livestock, and [h]folds for flocks. 29 Moreover he provided cities for himself, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance; for God had given him very much property. 30 This same Hezekiah also stopped the water outlet of Upper Gihon, and [i]brought the water by tunnel to the west side of the City of David. Hezekiah prospered in all his works.

31 However, regardingthe ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was donein the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that wasin his heart.

Death of Hezekiah

32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, indeed they arewritten in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, andin the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 33 So Hezekiah [j]rested with his fathers, and they buried him in the upper tombs of the sons of David; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him at his death. Then Manasseh his son reigned in his place.

Manasseh Reigns in Judah

33 Manasseh wastwelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. 2 But he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. 3 For he rebuilt the [k]high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down; he raised up altars for the Baals, and made wooden images; and he worshiped all [l]the host of heaven and served them. 4 He also built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, “In Jerusalem shall My name be forever.” 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. 6 Also he caused his sons to pass through the fire in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom; he practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger. 7 He even set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the [m]house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, “In this house and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put My name forever; 8 and I will not again remove the foot of Israel from the land which I have appointed for your fathers—only if they are careful to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.” 9 So Manasseh seduced Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel.

Manasseh Restored After Repentance

10 And the Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they would not [n]listen. 11 Therefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with [o]hooks, bound him with [p]bronze fetters,and carried him off to Babylon. 12 Now when he was in affliction, he implored the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, 13 and prayed to Him; and He received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord wasGod.

14 After this he built a wall outside the City of David on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, as far as the entrance of the Fish Gate; and itenclosed Ophel, and he raised it to a very great height. Then he put military captains in all the fortified cities of Judah. 15 He took away the foreign gods and the idol from the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the Lord and in Jerusalem; and he cast themout of the city. 16 He also repaired the altar of the Lord, sacrificed peace offerings and thank offerings on it, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel. 17 Nevertheless the people still sacrificed on the [q]high places, butonly to the Lord their God.

Death of Manasseh

18 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, his prayer to his God, and the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of the Lord God of Israel, indeed they are writtenin the [r]book of the kings of Israel. 19 Also his prayer and how Godreceived his entreaty, and all his sin and trespass, and the sites where he built [s]high places and set up wooden images and carved images, before he was humbled, indeed they arewritten among the sayings of [t]Hozai. 20 So Manasseh rested with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house. Then his son Amon reigned in his place.

Amon’s Reign and Death

21 Amon wastwenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. 22 But he did evil in the sight of the Lord, as his father Manasseh had done; for Amon sacrificed to all the carved images which his father Manasseh had made, and served them. 23 And he did not humble himself before the Lord, as his father Manasseh had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more.

24 Then his servants conspired against him, and killed him in his own house. 25 But the people of the land executed all those who had conspired against King Amon. Then the people of the land made his son Josiah king in his place.

Footnotes:

  • 2 Chronicles 32:3 Lit. mighty men
  • 2 Chronicles 32:4 So with MT, Vg.; Arab., LXX, Syr. king
  • 2 Chronicles 32:5 Lit. The Landfill
  • 2 Chronicles 32:5 javelins
  • 2 Chronicles 32:18 Lit. Judean
  • 2 Chronicles 32:22 LXX gave them rest;Vg. gave them treasures
  • 2 Chronicles 32:23 Lit. precious things
  • 2 Chronicles 32:28 So with LXX, Vg.; Arab., Syr. omit folds for flocks;MT flocks for sheepfolds
  • 2 Chronicles 32:30 Lit. brought it straight to(cf. 2 Kin. 20:20)
  • 2 Chronicles 32:33 Died and joined his ancestors
  • 2 Chronicles 33:3 Places for pagan worship
  • 2 Chronicles 33:3 The gods of the Assyrians
  • 2 Chronicles 33:7 Temple
  • 2 Chronicles 33:10 obey
  • 2 Chronicles 33:11 Nose hooks, 2 Kin. 19:28
  • 2 Chronicles 33:11 chains
  • 2 Chronicles 33:17 Places for pagan worship
  • 2 Chronicles 33:18 Lit. words
  • 2 Chronicles 33:19 Places for pagan worship
  • 2 Chronicles 33:19 LXX the seers

John 18:19-40

Jesus Questioned by the High Priest

19 The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.

20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where [a]the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. 21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.”

22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck[b] Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?”

23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”

24 Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Peter Denies Twice More

25 Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also oneof His disciples, are you?”

He denied itand said, “I am not!”

26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of himwhose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.

In Pilate’s Court

28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the [c]Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. 29 Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”

30 They answered and said to him, “If He were not [d]an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”

31 Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.”

Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” 32 that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.

33 Then Pilate entered the [e]Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”

35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”

36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”

37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”

Jesus answered, “You say rightlythat I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.

Taking the Place of Barabbas

39 “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

Footnotes:

  • John 18:20 NU all the Jews meet
  • John 18:22 Lit. gave Jesus a slap,
  • John 18:28 The governor’s headquarters
  • John 18:30 a criminal
  • John 18:33 The governor’s headquarters.

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please Pray for Sister Sonia’s x-husband, Raymond, he has prostrate cancer. His prognosis seems positive, but please Pray for him. 

Sister Diane’s grandson, Logan, needs eye surgery. Please Pray for Logan and his surgeon. 

Brother John LaPorte’s niece is having baby girl (Praise Report). Please Pray for the health of the mother and her baby girl. 

Please Pray for Brother David Frear’s mother-in-law and husband, Pete. Pete is older and his health is failing him. Also, please Pray for Juan’s recovery from 2 transplants and added health issues since the transplants. 

Please Pray for our President and all our government leaders. Pray they would submit their authority to His Authority and ask for His Wisdom in directing the affairs of our country.  Pray that God would open their eyes and they would be obedient to His Will. 

Please Pray for a group of well known Southern Nevada commercial real estate brokers and associates recently in an auto accident. There were 5 individuals in this one car accident.  It is our understanding, all had been drinking alcohol and the one driving was sited as driving under the influence of alcohol… one passenger was killed and one passenger is in a comma.  We understand the others had minor injuries, but for sure, we know all involved, along with their families, need Prayer. 

Brother Rick Pavlat wife, Ollie, recently had a stroke. She is doing better but her left side has been affected. She is going to need rehabilitation and we would greatly appreciate Prayer. Additionally, as Rick and Ollie are semi-retired missionaries, they have no insurance and request your Prayers for cover the cost of care resulting from the stroke. 

Please Pray for Brother Frank Sun, a Taiwanese, that owns several businesses in China and Taiwan.  He recently preached the Gospel in his Taiwan company inviting his employees to accept salvation. He says that half of his Taiwan staff are now Christian. Please Pray Frank will continue to be bold in his sharing Christ in all his companies and that he will be faithful to disciple the new Believers. 

Please continue to Pray for Brother Kevin Parkinson’s daughter, Amber Lee, who had been a meth addict for many years…She recently had a massive stroke and has came out of a comma.   Please Pray for Kevin and his family; and that Amber receives Jesus. 

Please continue to Pray for Brother K and his family. The enemy is working overtime on this Brother and his family.  He and his wife have children from two different marriages including their own. The children are manipulating each other and the parents; and, trying to put a wedge between the Brother and his wife. 

Please Pray for Sister Anna who is now home in El Salvador taking care of her mother.  

Please Pray for Brother Walt and His Friday Bible Study.

Please continue to Pray for the Women’s Resources ministry in Las Vegas that they would lead women to the Lord and save babies. 

Please continue to Pray for Simon, Sister Sonia’s friend, he needs heart and kidney transplant; and, above all needs to receive Jesus.  

Please continue to Pray for Dave Ubank and his family. They are ministering and rescuing children and families in Syria directly affected by  Isis – Pray for their protection and their ministry.  For a short 2 minute video about Ubanks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_htIgIvgDM[/embedyt

Please continue to Pray for Jim Nelson and family ministering in China. 

Please continue to Pray for Sister Diana who is witnessing to young persons with confused doctrine.  Pray God would speak through her and provide His Holy Clarity directly these young people. 

Please continue to Pray for our Brothers’ and Sisters’ struggling with various addictions. Pray that God would reveal Himself to them that all things are possible through Him… He can Cure any addiction … He is our Great Creator, He is our Savior, He is our Healer …He is our All and All!  

Please continue to Pray for the healing of baby Caden (Kevin Odor’s grandson) – born with Agenesis of the corpus callosum (rare neurological birth defect). 

Please continue to Pray for Sister Fabiola and her children in Mexico. And, please continue to Pray for her church caught up in the tragedies surrounding the murder of her husband, x-husband and one of her children.

Please continue to Pray for the Salvation of Hagen who is HIV positive and is deathly ill. 

We continue to ask for Prayers and Gods Grace and Mercy for Baby Grace and her parents, Lisa and Darren. 

Please continue to Pray for Alejandro Corral, his son Alejandro Jr., and his aunt Josefina. 

Please continue to Pray for Brother Steve Venable dealing with ALS. 

Please continue to Pray for our Persecuted Brothers and Sisters and their families that are suffering and giving their lives for our Faith.  10 WAYS TO PRAY FOR OUR PERSECUTED CHRISTIAN FAMILY.. Pray our brothers and sisters will:

1. Sense God’s presence (Heb. 13:5) 

2. Know we are praying for them (2 Tim. 1:3) 

3. Experience God’s comfort (2 Thess. 2:16–17) 

4. See God open doors to evangelism (Col. 4:3) 

5. Boldly share the gospel (Acts 4:29) 

6. Mature in their faith (Col. 1:28–29) 

7. Be granted wisdom in covert ministry work (Acts 9:23–25) 

8. Remain joyful amid suffering (Acts 5:41) 

9. Forgive and love their persecutors (Matt. 5:44) 

10. Be rooted in God’s Word (2 Tim. 3:16–17)

+++

Stand with your Brothers and Sisters in Prayer and Support. (See: The Voice of the Martyrs: https://www.persecution.com)

Please continue Pray for our President & government leaders that they will would seek God and Walk in His Ways.    

Please continue to pray for Biblical “headship” in families.

Please continue to Pray for all our children. 

Please continue to Pray that there would be a resurgence of Biblical “Fear of the Lord” in the church and in each of us… “to fear the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.”

Please continue to Pray for our nation that God would open all our eyes to the sin that is drowning us. Abortion, sex outside of marriage, hatred & divisiveness, greed, pride, only to name a few.  Please Pray and Fast for our nation to turn from this evil that is enveloping us.   

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Please continue to Pray for Brother Ron Brink’s son who had 3+ military tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and who is now suffering brain damage and PTSD.  Pray for God’s Healing Power to fall upon Johnathon. (Ron is a 20 plus year missionary in Mexico with Touch Baja… for info on Touch Baja and how to touch the Mexican people for Christ, see http://www.touchbaja.com.)

Please continue to Pray for the Sharon India Foundation (“SIF”) to assisting the poor of India.  Through SIF: Widows have received medical treatment and been given quality sewing machines and training on how to use them to make a living. Orphans have been given free education in their neighborhood slum areas.  After natural disasters relief has been provided in the nature of medical, food items, blankets, clothing and building materials.  Bore wells have been successfully dug to provide fresh water to affected areas.  Water purification systems have also been given out on a limited basis. Special shoes have been purchased for lepers with ulcerated feet.  Thousands of books have been translated to assist in the ever growing discipleship outreach of E-Squared (Evangelism and Edification/Disciples).  Sharon India Foundation has no administrative costs and 100% of all donations go directly to the Indian pastors and their ministries. (Let’s reach India and beyond for Christ…see how you can help: https://sharonindia.org.)

Day 5/5 – Let the Text Make Its Case

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Put Christ First  – Luke 9:23 (ESV)  “And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”  Luke 9:23

“If you wish to be godly, associate with godly people.  If you have a heart for evangelism, spend time with those doing it.  If you wish to think biblically, spend time with those who have the same desire.”  Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”)

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+++

A history of these Daily Devotions can be found at: lylebrennan.com. 

This email contains, sequentially: Memory Verse (above), Daily Devotion from “Thoughts From The Diary of A Desperate Man” by Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”), Scripture Reading  (read the entire Bible in 1 year), and Prayer Requests. 

+++

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Let the Text Make Its Case

Day One Hundred Twenty-five

“For we write you nothing but what you can read and understand; I hope you will understand fully.” 2 Corinthians 1:13

How do you refute the false accusations of those who say that your motives are impure?  There is so much dishonesty and manipulation in the world that you tend to look for hidden meanings and ulterior motives in what others say, and they do the same with you. People don’t know how to respond to those who show genuine interest and love.

Paul expressed frustration to the Corinthians because they doubted his sincerity and integrity.  In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul asserts that his conversation and behavior were no different from his correspondence. His only rebuttal is an appeal to his conscience, calling God as witness and judge.  They did not have to read between the lines to decipher his meaning; it lay on the surface and could be easily understood by a simple reading of the text.  For the Corinthian believers to try to read into what Paul wrote, more than the words themselves allowed, called into question his motives.

You must be careful that you do not emulate the Corinthians when reading the Bible.  You should read and study God’s Word like you read the morning newspaper.  The context gives you the meaning of the words.  Let the text make its case.  Don’t try and be cleaver by seeing any more or less in the passage than what the words warrant.

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1 Kings 19-20 Luke 23:1-25 (New King James Version)

1 Kings 19-20

Elijah Escapes from Jezebel

19 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me,and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” 3 And when he saw that,he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongsto Judah, and left his servant there.

4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a [a]broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I amno better than my fathers!”

5 Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an [b]angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise andeat.” 6 Then he looked, and there by his head wasa cake baked on [c]coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. 7 And the [d]angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise andeat, because the journey istoo great for you.” 8 So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.

9 And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the Lord cameto him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

10 So he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”

God’s Revelation to Elijah

11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, butthe Lord wasnot in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, butthe Lord wasnot in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, butthe Lord wasnot in the fire; and after the fire [e]a still small voice.

13 So it was, when Elijah heard it,that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice cameto him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

14 And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”

15 Then the Lord said to him: “Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael asking over Syria. 16 Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi asking over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint asprophet in your place. 17 It shall be thatwhoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. 18 Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

Elisha Follows Elijah

19 So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who wasplowing withtwelve yoke of oxenbefore him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and thenI will follow you.”

And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?”

21 So Elishaturned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them and boiled their flesh, using the oxen’s equipment, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant.

Ahab Defeats the Syrians

20 Now Ben-Hadad the king of Syria gathered all his forces together; thirty-two kings werewith him, with horses and chariots. And he went up and besieged Samaria, and made war against it. 2 Then he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel, and said to him, “Thus says Ben-Hadad: 3 ‘Your silver and your gold aremine; your loveliest wives and children are mine.’ ”

4 And the king of Israel answered and said, “My lord, O king, just as you say, I and all that I have areyours.”

5 Then the messengers came back and said, “Thus speaks Ben-Hadad, saying, ‘Indeed I have sent to you, saying, “You shall deliver to me your silver and your gold, your wives and your children”; 6 but I will send my servants to you tomorrow about this time, and they shall search your house and the houses of your servants. And it shall be, thatwhatever is [f]pleasant in your eyes, they will put itin their hands and take it.’ ”

7 So the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, “Notice, please, and see how this manseeks trouble, for he sent to me for my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold; and I did not deny him.”

8 And all the elders and all the people said to him, “Do not listen or consent.”

9 Therefore he said to the messengers of Ben-Hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you sent for to your servant the first time I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’ ”

And the messengers departed and brought back word to him.

10 Then Ben-Hadad sent to him and said, “The gods do so to me, and more also, if enough dust is left of Samaria for a handful for each of the people [g]who follow me.”

11 So the king of Israel answered and said, “Tell him,‘Let not the one who puts on his armorboast like the one who takes it off.’ ”

12 And it happened when Ben-Hadadheard this message, as he and the kings weredrinking at the [h]command post, that he said to his servants, “Get ready.” And they got ready to attack the city.

13 Suddenly a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel, saying, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand today, and you shall know that I amthe Lord.’ ”

14 So Ahab said, “By whom?”

And he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘By the young leaders of the provinces.’ ”

Then he said, “Who will set the battle in order?”

And he answered, “You.”

15 Then he mustered the young leaders of the provinces, and there were two hundred and thirty-two; and after them he mustered all the people, all the children of Israel—seven thousand.

16 So they went out at noon. Meanwhile Ben-Hadad and the thirty-two kings helping him were getting drunk at the command post. 17 The young leaders of the provinces went out first. And Ben-Hadad sent out a patrol,and they told him, saying, “Men are coming out of Samaria!” 18 So he said, “If they have come out for peace, take them alive; and if they have come out for war, take them alive.”

19 Then these young leaders of the provinces went out of the city with the army which followed them. 20 And each one killed his man; so the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them; and Ben-Hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with the cavalry. 21 Then the king of Israel went out and attacked the horses and chariots, and killed the Syrians with a great slaughter.

22 And the prophet came to the king of Israel and said to him, “Go, strengthen yourself; take note, and see what you should do, for [i]in the spring of the year the king of Syria will come up against you.”

The Syrians Again Defeated

23 Then the servants of the king of Syria said to him, “Their gods aregods of the hills. Therefore they were stronger than we; but if we fight against them in the plain, surely we will be stronger than they. 24 So do this thing: Dismiss the kings, each from his position, and put captains in their [j]places; 25 and you shall muster an army like the army [k]that you have lost, horse for horse and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain; surely we will be stronger than they.”

And he listened to their voice and did so.

26 So it was, in the spring of the year, that Ben-Hadad mustered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. 27 And the children of Israel were mustered and given provisions, and they went against them. Now the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, while the Syrians filled the countryside.

28 Then a man of God came and spoke to the king of Israel, and said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord isGod of the hills, but He isnot God of the valleys,” therefore I will deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I amthe Lord.’ ” 29 And they encamped opposite each other for seven days. So it was that on the seventh day the battle was joined; and the children of Israel killed one hundred thousand foot soldiers ofthe Syrians in one day. 30 But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; then a wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the men who wereleft.

And Ben-Hadad fled and went into the city, into an inner chamber.

Ahab’s Treaty with Ben-Hadad

31 Then his servants said to him, “Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel aremerciful kings. Please, let us put sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads, and go out to the king of Israel; perhaps he will spare your life.” 32 So they wore sackcloth around their waists and putropes around their heads, and came to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-Hadad says, ‘Please let me live.’ ”

And he said, “Ishe still alive? He ismy brother.”

33 Now the men were watching closely to see whether any sign of mercy would comefrom him; and they quickly grasped at this wordand said, “Your brother Ben-Hadad.”

So he said, “Go, bring him.” Then Ben-Hadad came out to him; and he had him come up into the chariot.

34 So Ben-Hadadsaid to him, “The cities which my father took from your father I will restore; and you may set up marketplaces for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.”

Then Ahab said,“I will send you away with this treaty.” So he made a treaty with him and sent him away.

Ahab Condemned

35 Now a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbor by the word of the Lord, “Strike me, please.” And the man refused to strike him. 36 Then he said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord, surely, as soon as you depart from me, a lion shall kill you.” And as soon as he left him, a lion found him and killed him.

37 And he found another man, and said, “Strike me, please.” So the man struck him, inflicting a wound. 38 Then the prophet departed and waited for the king by the road, and disguised himself with a bandage over his eyes. 39 Now as the king passed by, he cried out to the king and said, “Your servant went out into the midst of the battle; and there, a man came over and brought a man to me, and said, ‘Guard this man; if by any means he is missing, your life shall be for his life, or else you shall [l]pay a talent of silver.’ 40 While your servant was busy here and there, he was gone.”

Then the king of Israel said to him, “So shallyour judgment be;you yourself have decided it.”

41 And he hastened to take the bandage away from his eyes; and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets. 42 Then he said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Because you have let slip out of yourhand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore your life shall go for his life, and your people for his people.’ ”

43 So the king of Israel went to his house sullen and displeased, and came to Samaria.

Footnotes:

  • 1 Kings 19:4 juniper
  • 1 Kings 19:5 Or Angel
  • 1 Kings 19:6 hot stones
  • 1 Kings 19:7 Or Angel
  • 1 Kings 19:12 a delicate whispering voice
  • 1 Kings 20:6 pleasing
  • 1 Kings 20:10 Lit. at my feet
  • 1 Kings 20:12 Lit. boothsor shelters
  • 1 Kings 20:22 Lit. at the return
  • 1 Kings 20:24 positions
  • 1 Kings 20:25 Lit. that fell from you
  • 1 Kings 20:39 Lit. weigh

Luke 23:1-25

Jesus Handed Over to Pontius Pilate

23 Then the whole multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this fellowperverting [a]the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.”

3 Then Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

He answered him and said, “It is asyou say.”

4 So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.”

5 But they were the more fierce, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.”

Jesus Faces Herod

6 When Pilate heard [b]of Galilee, he asked if the Man were a Galilean. 7 And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. 8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long timeto see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. 9 Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. 11 Then Herod, with his [c]men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him,arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. 12 That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other.

Taking the Place of Barabbas

13 Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14 said to them, “You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Himin your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; 15 no, neither did Herod, for [d]I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him. 16 I will therefore chastise Him and release Him” 17 (for[e] it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast).

18 And they all cried out at once, saying, “Away with this Man,and release to us Barabbas”— 19 who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder.

20 Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. 21 But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Him,crucify Him!”

22 Then he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Himgo.”

23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men [f]and of the chief priests prevailed. 24 So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. 25 And he released [g]to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

Footnotes:

  • Luke 23:2 NU our
  • Luke 23:6 NU omits of Galilee
  • Luke 23:11 troops
  • Luke 23:15 NU he sent Him back to us
  • Luke 23:17 NU omits v. 17.
  • Luke 23:23 NU omits and of the chief priests
  • Luke 23:25 NU, M omit to them

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please Pray for Brother K and his family as him and his wife have children from two different marriages including their own. The children are manipulating each other and the parents; and, trying to put a wedge between the him and his wife. 

Please Pray for Sister Anna’s mom who is in near end stages of life; and, Pray for Anna who is returning home to El Salvador to live.  

Please Pray for Brother Walt and His Friday Bible Study.

Please continue to Pray for the Women’s Resources ministry in Las Vegas that they would lead women to the Lord and save babies. 

Please continue to Pray for Jenny Nadeau who has multiple surgeries scheduled and is currently in a weakened state from a recent blockage removal surgery. Pray that she and those around her will witness first hand our Masters Love and Holy Touch. 

Please continue to Pray for Simon, Sister Sonia’s friend, he needs heart and kidney transplant; and, above all needs to receive Jesus.  

Please continue to Pray for Dave Ubank and his family. They are ministering and rescuing children and families in Syria directly affected by  Isis – Pray for their protection and their ministry.  For a short 2 minute video about Ubanks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_htIgIvgDM[/embedyt

Please continue to Pray for Jim Nelson and family ministering in China. 

Pease continue to Pray for Brother Bob Summers that he have complete healing after his surgery for a blood clot in his brain.

Please continue to Pray for Sister Diana who is witnessing to young persons with confused doctrine.  Pray God would speak through her and provide His Holy Clarity directly these young people. 

Please continue to Pray for our nation that God would open all our eyes to the sin that is drowning us. Abortion, sex outside of marriage, hatred & divisiveness, greed, pride, only to name a few.  Please Pray and Fast for our nation to turn from this evil that is enveloping us.   

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Please continue to Pray for our Brothers’ and Sisters’ struggling with various addictions. Pray that God would reveal Himself to them that all things are possible through Him… He can Cure any addiction … He is our Great Creator, He is our Savior, He is our Healer …He is our All and All!  

Please continue to Pray for the healing of baby Caden (Kevin Odor’s grandson) – born with Agenesis of the corpus callosum (rare neurological birth defect). 

Please continue to Pray for Sister Fabiola and her children in Mexico. And, please continue to Pray for her church caught up in the tragedies surrounding the murder of her husband, x-husband and one of her children.

Please continue to Pray for the Salvation of Hagen who is HIV positive and is deathly ill. 

We continue to ask for Prayers and Gods Grace and Mercy for Baby Grace and her parents, Lisa and Darren. 

Please continue to Pray for Alejandro Corral, his son Alejandro Jr., and his aunt Josefina. 

Please continue to Pray for Brother Steve Venable dealing with ALS. 

Please continue to Pray for our Persecuted Brothers and Sisters and their families that are suffering and giving their lives for our Faith.  10 WAYS TO PRAY FOR OUR PERSECUTED CHRISTIAN FAMILY.. Pray our brothers and sisters will:

1. Sense God’s presence (Heb. 13:5) 

2. Know we are praying for them (2 Tim. 1:3) 

3. Experience God’s comfort (2 Thess. 2:16–17) 

4. See God open doors to evangelism (Col. 4:3) 

5. Boldly share the gospel (Acts 4:29) 

6. Mature in their faith (Col. 1:28–29) 

7. Be granted wisdom in covert ministry work (Acts 9:23–25) 

8. Remain joyful amid suffering (Acts 5:41) 

9. Forgive and love their persecutors (Matt. 5:44) 

10. Be rooted in God’s Word (2 Tim. 3:16–17)

+++

Stand with your Brothers and Sisters in Prayer and Support. (See: The Voice of the Martyrs: https://www.persecution.com)

Please continue Pray for our President & government leaders that they will would seek God and Walk in His Ways.    

Please continue to pray for Biblical “headship” in families.

Please continue to Pray for all our children. 

Please continue to Pray that there would be a resurgence of Biblical “Fear of the Lord” in the church and in each of us… “to fear the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.”

Please continue to Pray for Brother Ron Brink’s son who had 3+ military tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and who is now suffering brain damage and PTSD.  Pray for God’s Healing Power to fall upon Johnathon. (Ron is a 20 plus year missionary in Mexico with Touch Baja… for info on Touch Baja and how to touch the Mexican people for Christ, see http://www.touchbaja.com.)

Please continue to Pray for the Sharon India Foundation (“SIF”) to assisting the poor of India.  Through SIF: Widows have received medical treatment and been given quality sewing machines and training on how to use them to make a living. Orphans have been given free education in their neighborhood slum areas.  After natural disasters relief has been provided in the nature of medical, food items, blankets, clothing and building materials.  Bore wells have been successfully dug to provide fresh water to affected areas.  Water purification systems have also been given out on a limited basis. Special shoes have been purchased for lepers with ulcerated feet.  Thousands of books have been translated to assist in the ever growing discipleship outreach of E-Squared (Evangelism and Edification/Disciples).  Sharon India Foundation has no administrative costs and 100% of all donations go directly to the Indian pastors and their ministries. (Let’s reach India and beyond for Christ…see how you can help: https://sharonindia.org.)