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Daily Devotional

Esau

Day 12/31 – Fools for Christ

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His Strength  – Philippians 4:13 (ESV)  “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13

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“Repentance is the door to the gift of life; without it no one enters.  The Bible knows nothing of salvation apart from repentance. …The failure to repent carries with it judgment. …repentance must produce fruit.”     Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt H”)

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A history of these Daily Devotions along with other valuable Resources can be found at: https://lylebrennan.com.  “If you want to STOP these Daily Devotional emails, reply to this email and type “STOP” in Subject box.” 

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Thoughts from the Diary of a Desperate Man 

by Walter Henrichsen

Fools for Christ

Day Three Hundred Sixty-five

“We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.” 1 Corinthians 4:10

As Paul begins his epistle to the Corinthians he notes, “For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.”469   “Look among yourselves; the

Corinthian church is not comprised of people the world esteems.”  The path to Jesus includes a sense of lostness, and these Corinthians qualified.

Now Paul says that they are the opposite of what they were when converted: “wise, strong, honorable.”  ”You Corinthians at one time were willing to be fools, weaklings and outcasts in order to demonstrate your dependence upon Christ. Now you have used your relationship with Him to provide the power to compete with the world on its terms.”  This is a stinging rebuke.

The Corinthians thought Paul foolish, for in preaching the gospel he intentionally walked in harm’s way.  “Paul, why can’t you settle down like a normal man, keep your mouth shut, marry and have a family, and make tents for a living like the rest of the world?”  Paul responded, “For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men.”470

The argument continues: Who are you going to emulate, Paul or the Corinthians? You cannot have it both ways. 

469  1 Corinthians 1:26

470  I Corinthians 4:

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Malachi 1-4 Revelation 22 (New King James Version)

Malachi 1-4

Polluted Offerings to God

1 The [a]burden of the word of the Lord to Israel [b]by Malachi.

Israel Beloved of God

2 

“I have loved you,” says the Lord.

“Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’

Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?”

Says the Lord.

“Yet Jacob I have loved;

3 

But Esau I have hated,

And laid waste his mountains and his heritage

For the jackals of the wilderness.”

4 

Even though Edom has said,

“We have been impoverished,

But we will return and build the desolate places,”

Thus says the Lord of hosts:

“They may build, but I will throw down;

They shall be called the Territory of Wickedness,

And the people against whom the Lord will have indignation forever.

5 

Your eyes shall see,

And you shall say,

‘The Lord is magnified beyond the border of Israel.’

Polluted Offerings

6 

“A son honors his father,

And a servant his master.

If then I am the Father,

Where is My honor?

And if I am a Master,

Where is My reverence?

Says the Lord of hosts

To you priests who despise My name.

Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’

7 

“You offer defiled food on My altar,

But say,

‘In what way have we defiled You?’

By saying,

‘The table of the Lord is [c]contemptible.’

8 

And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice,

Is it not evil?

And when you offer the lame and sick,

Is it not evil?

Offer it then to your governor!

Would he be pleased with you?

Would he accept[d] you favorably?”

Says the Lord of hosts.

9 

“But now entreat God’s favor,

That He may be gracious to us.

While this is being done by your hands,

Will He accept you favorably?”

Says the Lord of hosts.

10 

“Who is there even among you who would shut the doors,

So that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain?

I have no pleasure in you,”

Says the Lord of hosts,

“Nor will I accept an offering from your hands.

11 

For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down,

My name shall be great among the Gentiles;

In every place incense shall be offered to My name,

And a pure offering;

For My name shall be great among the nations,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

12 

“But you profane it,

In that you say,

‘The table of the [e]Lord is defiled;

And its fruit, its food, is contemptible.’

13 

You also say,

‘Oh, what a weariness!’

And you sneer at it,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

“And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick;

Thus you bring an offering!

Should I accept this from your hand?”

Says the Lord.

14 

“But cursed be the deceiver

Who has in his flock a male,

And takes a vow,

But sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished—

For I am a great King,”

Says the Lord of hosts,

“And My name is to be feared among the nations.

Corrupt Priests

2 

“And now, O priests, this commandment is for you.

2 

If you will not hear,

And if you will not take it to heart,

To give glory to My name,”

Says the Lord of hosts,

“I will send a curse upon you,

And I will curse your blessings.

Yes, I have cursed them already,

Because you do not take it to heart.

3 

“Behold, I will rebuke your descendants

And spread refuse on your faces,

The refuse of your solemn feasts;

And one will take you away [f]with it.

4 

Then you shall know that I have sent this commandment to you,

That My covenant with Levi may continue,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

5 

“My covenant was with him, one of life and peace,

And I gave them to him that he might fear Me;

So he feared Me

And was reverent before My name.

6 

The[g] law of truth was in his mouth,

And [h]injustice was not found on his lips.

He walked with Me in peace and equity,

And turned many away from iniquity.

7 

“For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge,

And people should seek the law from his mouth;

For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

8 

But you have departed from the way;

You have caused many to stumble at the law.

You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

9 

“Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base

Before all the people,

Because you have not kept My ways

But have shown partiality in the law.”

Treachery of Infidelity

10 

Have we not all one Father?

Has not one God created us?

Why do we deal treacherously with one another

By profaning the covenant of the fathers?

11 

Judah has dealt treacherously,

And an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem,

For Judah has profaned

The Lord’s holy institution which He loves:

He has married the daughter of a foreign god.

12 

May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob

The man who does this, being [i]awake and aware,

Yet who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts!

13 

And this is the second thing you do:

You cover the altar of the Lord with tears,

With weeping and crying;

So He does not regard the offering anymore,

Nor receive it with goodwill from your hands.

14 

Yet you say, “For what reason?”

Because the Lord has been witness

Between you and the wife of your youth,

With whom you have dealt treacherously;

Yet she is your companion

And your wife by covenant.

15 

But did He not make them one,

Having a remnant of the Spirit?

And why one?

He seeks godly offspring.

Therefore take heed to your spirit,

And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.

16 

“For the Lord God of Israel says

That He hates divorce,

For it covers one’s garment with violence,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

“Therefore take heed to your spirit,

That you do not deal treacherously.”

17 

You have wearied the Lord with your words;

Yet you say,

“In what way have we wearied Him?”

In that you say,

“Everyone who does evil

Is good in the sight of the Lord,

And He delights in them,”

Or, “Where is the God of justice?”

The Coming Messenger

3 

“Behold, I send My messenger,

And he will prepare the way before Me.

And the Lord, whom you seek,

Will suddenly come to His temple,

Even the Messenger of the covenant,

In whom you delight.

Behold, He is coming,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

2 

“But who can endure the day of His coming?

And who can stand when He appears?

For He is like a refiner’s fire

And like launderers’ soap.

3 

He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver;

He will purify the sons of Levi,

And [j]purge them as gold and silver,

That they may offer to the Lord

An offering in righteousness.

4 

“Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem

Will be [k]pleasant to the Lord,

As in the days of old,

As in former years.

5 

And I will come near you for judgment;

I will be a swift witness

Against sorcerers,

Against adulterers,

Against perjurers,

Against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans,

And against those who turn away an alien—

Because they do not fear Me,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

6 

“For I am the Lord, I do not change;

Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.

7 

Yet from the days of your fathers

You have gone away from My ordinances

And have not kept them.

Return to Me, and I will return to you,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

“But you said,

‘In what way shall we return?’

Do Not Rob God

8 

“Will a man rob God?

Yet you have robbed Me!

But you say,

‘In what way have we robbed You?’

In tithes and offerings.

9 

You are cursed with a curse,

For you have robbed Me,

Even this whole nation.

10 

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,

That there may be food in My house,

And try Me now in this,”

Says the Lord of hosts,

“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven

And pour out for you such blessing

That there will not be room enough to receive it.

11 

“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,

So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,

Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”

Says the Lord of hosts;

12 

“And all nations will call you blessed,

For you will be a delightful land,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

The People Complain Harshly

13 

“Your words have been [l]harsh against Me,”

Says the Lord,

“Yet you say,

‘What have we spoken against You?’

14 

You have said,

‘It is useless to serve God;

What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance,

And that we have walked as mourners

Before the Lord of hosts?

15 

So now we call the proud blessed,

For those who do wickedness are [m]raised up;

They even tempt God and go free.’ ”

A Book of Remembrance

16 

Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another,

And the Lord listened and heard them;

So a book of remembrance was written before Him

For those who fear the Lord

And who [n]meditate on His name.

17 

“They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts,

“On the day that I make them My jewels.[o]

And I will spare them

As a man spares his own son who serves him.”

18 

Then you shall again discern

Between the righteous and the wicked,

Between one who serves God

And one who does not serve Him.

The Great Day of God

4 

“For behold, the day is coming,

Burning like an oven,

And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble.

And the day which is coming shall burn them up,”

Says the Lord of hosts,

“That will leave them neither root nor branch.

2 

But to you who fear My name

The Sun of Righteousness shall arise

With healing in His wings;

And you shall go out

And grow fat like stall-fed calves.

3 

You shall trample the wicked,

For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet

On the day that I do this,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

4 

“Remember the Law of Moses, My servant,

Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel,

With the statutes and judgments.

5 

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet

Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

6 

And he will turn

The hearts of the fathers to the children,

And the hearts of the children to their fathers,

Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

Footnotes:

  • Malachi 1:1 oracle, prophecy
  • Malachi 1:1 Lit. by the hand of
  • Malachi 1:7 Or to be despised
  • Malachi 1:8 Lit. lift up your face
  • Malachi 1:12 So with Bg.; MT Lord
  • Malachi 2:3 Lit. to it
  • Malachi 2:6 Or True instruction
  • Malachi 2:6 Or unrighteousness
  • Malachi 2:12 Talmud, Vg. teacher and student
  • Malachi 3:3 Or refine
  • Malachi 3:4 pleasing
  • Malachi 3:13 Lit. strong
  • Malachi 3:15 Lit. built
  • Malachi 3:16 Or esteem
  • Malachi 3:17 Lit. special treasure

Revelation 22

The River of Life

22 And he showed me a [a]pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

The Time Is Near

6 Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the [b]holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.

7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

8 Now I, John, [c]saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.

9 Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. [d]For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” 10 And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. 11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him [e]be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”

Jesus Testifies to the Churches

12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the[f]Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

14 Blessed are those who [g]do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 [h]But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

A Warning

18 [i]For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, [j]God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God[k] shall take away his part from the [l]Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

I Am Coming Quickly

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”

Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be [m]with you all. Amen.

Footnotes:

  • Revelation 22:1 NU, M omit pure
  • Revelation 22:6 NU, M spirits of the prophets
  • Revelation 22:8 NU, M am the one who heard and saw
  • Revelation 22:9 NU, M omit For
  • Revelation 22:11 NU, M do right
  • Revelation 22:13 NU, M First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
  • Revelation 22:14 NU wash their robes,
  • Revelation 22:15 NU, M omit But
  • Revelation 22:18 NU, M omit For
  • Revelation 22:18 M may God add
  • Revelation 22:19 M may God take away
  • Revelation 22:19 NU, M tree of life
  • Revelation 22:21 NU with all; M with all the saints

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please Pray for:

Our deal Sister Sandra.  It appears she had a heart attack Friday night or early Saturday morning.  She is currently at Desert Springs hospital in Las Vegas.  She is not lucid and on dialysis. 

 Conor, a college student, who is experiencing deep depression. Pray Conor would trust God and know He is in control.  When we worry, the Bible calls it sin; and this sin, snowballs into depression. We have to give all of our concerns over to Him and trust that He wants what’s best for us. (Do you really believe what you say you believe is real?)

God to reveal any lukewarmness that may exist within us that we might repent and “be all-in with Him”.  

Revelation‬ ‭3:14-16 “…These things says the‬ ‭ Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.””

Tyler Martin, Rod Martin’s son, who had a terrible freak accident … he went through a plate glass window and suffered multiple severe injuries. 

Brother Walt’s granddaughter, Kale’a, and his prodigal son, Elijah.  

Sister Kristen and her 2 young daughters. 

God to wakeup Rodel who says he is a Christian, but has left his wife and 2 children to move in with another woman.  

Miguel’s salvation, a confessed murderer and drug dealer, who lives in Mexico.  

A Las Vegas woman that currently is working in an abortion clinic who is very discouraged with what she is doing and seeking counseling as to what to do.  Pray God opens her eyes and saves her.  Also, regarding the same abortion clinic, Pray God sends Godly women to that clinic daily to be available to minister to the women going in and out of that clinic daily.  

The salvation of Brother David Frear’s parents.  

Brad and  Regena Mitton and their family. Regina has been diagnosed with cancer and Brad has put his landscape business on hold to be with his wife.  Pray God will move in the Mittons lives and that He will be glorified.  

Jeff from Oregon that has cirrhosis of the liver and has been given only five months to live.  He is unsure of his faith and trying to fill in his remaining days traveling.  Please Pray God awakens Jeff’s spirit to His Salvation.  (Like Jeff, we are all terminal…“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalms‬ ‭90:12‬)

Larry who has leukemia.  Pray God would bring Larry and his love ones closer to Him and His Blessed Hope of Glory.  

Lisa Long and her family.  Lisa has had for eye surgeries that have failed and she remains blind. Pray for God to direct her path for His glory. 

Darrell Blalock who has Parkinson’s disease.  Pray for Darrell to have a meaningful and closer walk with the Lord. 

John LaPorte and other Brothers and Sisters who are doing ministry at UNLV.  (Although they are off for the holidays, pray that they would stay in touch with the UNLV students that they have kindled relationships with. )

A UNLV student named Tyler who is propaganda machine for the enemy.  Pray God will radically save Tyler and that our God will use Tyler to bring many to Christ.  

Remington, another UNLV student, says he is a new catholic… not a Believer, yet, but says he is a seeker. Pray God reveals His Truth, His Salvation to Remington. 

That our families and Brothers and Sisters in Christ will gather together to Pray… Jesus says in Matthew 18:20 (NKJV) “… For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Our unSaved family members and those around us that we have relationships with.  Or, is that you? … Have questions &/or need Prayer?… If yes, please reply or call (702) 592-4098. 

Family members and those relationships around you who say they are Saved, but their lives don’t show it. And, if that’s happens to be you, the Holy Spirit can change you into a New Creation, Christ in you… but, you must totally surrender everything to Him. (As long as you think you can do it on your own, He’ll let you; and, you will fail.) … Have questions &/or need Prayer?… If yes, please reply or call (702) 592-4098. 

Our nation that God would open all our eyes to the sins that are drowning us. Lukewarmness, abortion, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, hatred & divisiveness, greed, pride, rebellion, covetousness, etc.  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.”

… AND YET, God is Sovereign and has called us to live in such a time as this and to be His Light in the darkness… to give Hope to some. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Sister Fabiola and her children in Mexico in our Prayers. This Sister and her family, in a short time period, have been hit with a more tragedies (persecutions) than most of us have in our entire life time…  the murder of her husband, x-husband and one of her children. And, 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. 

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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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.)

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

Gemma that she be delivered from evil and receive Jesus as her Savior. 

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. 

Scott’s salvation and healing. Scott is a commercial real estate broker. 

Our President and ALL our government leaders of both parties. Pray they would submit their authority to God’s 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. 

Brother Frank Sun, a Taiwanese, that owns several businesses in China and Taiwan.  Please Pray Frank will be bold in his sharing Christ in 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  … Invest in the Eternal!

Women’s Pro-Life ministries in Las Vegas and throughout the world …that they would lead women to the Lord and continue to assist in saving babies’ lives. 

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

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!  

Alejandro Corral, his son Alejandro Jr.

Brother Steve Venable dealing with ALS. 

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)

Biblical “headship” in families.

All the children. 

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.”

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 and heads up Touch Baja.)

Touch Baja ministry. Touch Baja is a Christian ministry based in Mexico touching the saved and unsaved lives of the Mexican people focused on real discipleship; truly changing lives through Christ.   From church planting discipleship ministries to half-way houses for the Mexican youth, Touch Baja needs our Prayers,  support and physical involvement.  One person can make a difference… whether an individual or a group, if you are interested in seeking an international missionary opportunity that’s not that far from home, here it is… you are needed and welcome.  Please check out Touch Baja and consider becoming a real partner and getting involved: http://www.touchbaja.com.  (I am personally available to share with you about the ministry… I have 20+ years of stories and history.)

Makers Way ministry feeds poor families in NLV. Check it out and if you are lead to help or give, contact Mike at (702) 596-9103 or give online at:

http://ccmeadowmesa.com

As it’s that time again when candidates for Congress and other government offices are making their rounds drumming up support to make a run to get elected. Please Pray for God to position Real Deal Christian men and women in those races that would honor Him above anyone or anything else.  If those elected honor Him, they will honor us. (If you or someone you know is running for an office, please let us know so we can Pray for you or them.  As the upcoming elections come closer, please Pray for the CANDIDATES:

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Please Pray for Dan Rodimer who is running for the US Congress in Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District.  Dan is a conservative.  He is married with 5 children. Dan says he is a catholic.  Please Pray for his salvation and that God would would be made known in Dan’s life in such a way that those that encounter Dan would see Jesus in his life.  (https://danrodimer.com)

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Please Pray for FL Congressman Ross Spano. Brother Ed Taney’s daughter Cameron is going to be interning for him starting in January. Pray for wisdom and clear direction from God for him and his staff, and for him to pursue and honor God. 

Day 12/6 – Showing Favoritism

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Obedience to Christ  – Romans 12:1 (ESV)  “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”  Romans 12:1

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

“The older I get, the more I’m learning that prayer is not a monologue. It’s a dialogue. I’m discovering more and more that the real need in my life is not for God to hear from me, but for me to hear from Him”   Jon Courson

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

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Thoughts from the Diary of a Desperate Man 

by Walter Henrichsen

Showing Favoritism

Day Three Hundred Forty

“As it is written, ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”‘  Romans 9:13

What do you do when God obviously shows favoritism, seemingly at your expense?  How should Esau have responded to God’s commitment to Jacob in spite of Esau being the older brother?  How should Saul have handled God’s rejection of him in favor of David?  If you are a follower of Christ you know that you are an object of His grace.  “Even when we were dead in our transgressions, God made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).”432    All

followers of Christ freely admit that they are unworthy of God’s grace.  You may not mind saying that you don’t deserve His grace when you already have it, but can you say the same thing if you don’t have it?

How would God have responded to Saul if he agreed with God that he was unfit to rule Israel, and therefore spent the rest of his life preparing David for the Throne?  Any answer is conjecture, but we do know that God delights in humility and a contrite and broken spirit.  “God, I don’t mind losing my kingdom, but I do not want to lose you.  If nothing else, give me the crumbs from under the

table.”433

Throughout the Bible God shows favoritism, starting with the nation of Israel, and including those elected by His grace.  If you cannot emotionally handle the thought of God having favorites that do not necessarily include you, you will be unable to have a satisfactory relationship with Him. 

432  Ephesians 2:5

433  cf. Matthew 15:22-28

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Daniel 3-4 1 John 5 (New King James Version)

Daniel 3-4

The Image of Gold

3 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was[a]sixty cubits and its width six cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 So the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then a herald cried [b]aloud: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; 6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”

7 So at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, harp, and lyre, in symphony with all kinds of music, all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

Daniel’s Friends Disobey the King

8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews. 9 They spoke and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image; 11 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

Saved in Fiery Trial

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore, because the king’s command was [c]urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste andspoke, saying to his [d]counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”

They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”

25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the[e] Son of God.”

Nebuchadnezzar Praises God

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the [f]mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. 27 And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.

28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel[g] and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! 29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.”

30 Then the king [h]promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream

4 Nebuchadnezzar the king,

To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth:

Peace be multiplied to you.

2 I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me.

3 

How great are His signs,

And how mighty His wonders!

His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

And His dominion is from generation to generation.

4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace. 5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 6 Therefore I issued a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. 7 Then the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in, and I told them the dream; but they did not make known to me its interpretation. 8 But at last Daniel came before me (his name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god; in him is the Spirit of the Holy God), and I told the dream before him, saying: 9 “Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you, explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.

10 “These were the visions of my head while on my bed:

I was looking, and behold,

A tree in the midst of the earth,

And its height was great.

11 

The tree grew and became strong;

Its height reached to the heavens,

And it could be seen to the ends of all the earth.

12 

Its leaves were lovely,

Its fruit abundant,

And in it was food for all.

The beasts of the field found shade under it,

The birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches,

And all flesh was fed from it.

13 “I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven. 14 He cried [i]aloud and said thus:

‘Chop down the tree and cut off its branches,

Strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit.

Let the beasts get out from under it,

And the birds from its branches.

15 

Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth,

Bound with a band of iron and bronze,

In the tender grass of the field.

Let it be wet with the dew of heaven,

And let him graze with the beasts

On the grass of the earth.

16 

Let his heart be changed from that of a man,

Let him be given the heart of a beast,

And let seven times[j] pass over him.

17 

‘This decision is by the decree of the watchers,

And the sentence by the word of the holy ones,

In order that the living may know

That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men,

Gives it to whomever He will,

And sets over it the lowest of men.’

18 “This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, declare its interpretation, since all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you areable, for the Spirit of the Holy God is in you.”

Daniel Explains the Second Dream

19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke, and said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you.”

Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream [k]concern those who hate you, and its interpretation [l]concern your enemies!

20 “The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which could be seen by all the earth, 21 whose leaves were lovely and its fruit abundant, in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and in whose branches the birds of the heaven had their home— 22 it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth.

23 “And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field; let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts of the field, till seven [m]times pass over him’; 24 this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: 25 They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven [n]times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.

26 “And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven[o] rules. 27 Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a [p]lengthening of your prosperity.”

Nebuchadnezzar’s Humiliation

28 All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of the twelve months he was walking [q]about the royal palace of Babylon. 30 The king spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?”

31 While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: “King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! 32 And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven [r]times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.”

33 That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.

Nebuchadnezzar Praises God

34 And at the end of the [s]time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever:

For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,

And His kingdom is from generation to generation.

35 

All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing;

He does according to His will in the army of heaven

And among the inhabitants of the earth.

No one can restrain His hand

Or say to Him, “What have You done?”

36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.

Footnotes:

  • Daniel 3:1 About 90 feet
  • Daniel 3:4 Lit. with strength
  • Daniel 3:22 Or harsh
  • Daniel 3:24 High officials
  • Daniel 3:25 Or a son of the gods
  • Daniel 3:26 Lit. door
  • Daniel 3:28 Or angel
  • Daniel 3:30 Lit. caused to prosper
  • Daniel 4:14 Lit. with strength
  • Daniel 4:16 Possibly years
  • Daniel 4:19 be for
  • Daniel 4:19 for
  • Daniel 4:23 Possibly years
  • Daniel 4:25 Possibly years
  • Daniel 4:26 God
  • Daniel 4:27 prolonging
  • Daniel 4:29 Or upon
  • Daniel 4:32 Possibly years
  • Daniel 4:34 Lit. days

1 John 5

Obedience by Faith

5 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—[a]our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

The Certainty of God’s Witness

6 This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear witness [b]in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.

9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of [c]God which He has testified of His Son. 10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has [d]life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, [e]and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

Confidence and Compassion in Prayer

14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.

Knowing the True—Rejecting the False

18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps[f] [g]himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.

19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Footnotes:

  • 1 John 5:4 M your
  • 1 John 5:7 NU, M omit the words from in heaven (v. 7) through on earth (v. 8). Only 4 or 5 very late mss. contain these words in Greek.
  • 1 John 5:9 NU God, that
  • 1 John 5:12 Or the life
  • 1 John 5:13 NU omits the rest of v. 13.
  • 1 John 5:18 guards
  • 1 John 5:18 NU him

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please Pray for:

Brother Mike Welte, Pastor of Calvary Chapel Meadow Mesa (“CCMM”) located in North Las Vegas requested Prayer for both his church and their mission, Makers Way, that feeds some 200 individuals and families each week. As you may know,  national statistics show church attendance is down and consequently so are donations.  This has directly affected Mike’s church and Makers Way. At the bottom of this email is an open letter from Mike to Believers and his church members. Check it out and if you are lead to help or give, contact Mike at (702) 596-9103 or give online at:

http://ccmeadowmesa.com

Sister Kristen and husband for God to intervene and heal their marriage. Additionally, please Pray for their 2 young daughters. 

Miguel’s salvation, a confessed murderer and drug dealer, who lives in Mexico.  

A Las Vegas woman that currently is working in an abortion clinic who is very discouraged with what she is doing and seeking counseling as to what to do.  Pray God opens her eyes and saves her.  Also, regarding the same abortion clinic, Pray God sends Godly women to that clinic daily to be available to minister to the women going in and out of that clinic daily.  

The salvation of Brother David Frear’s parents.  

Brad and  Regena Mitton and their family. Regina has been diagnosed with cancer and Brad has put his landscape business on hold to be with his wife.  Pray God will move in the Mittons lives and that He will be glorified.  

Jeff from Oregon that has cirrhosis of the liver and has been given only five months to live.  He is unsure of his faith and trying to fill in his remaining days traveling.  Please Pray God awakens Jeff’s spirit to His Salvation.  (Like Jeff, we are all terminal…“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalms‬ ‭90:12‬)

Larry who has leukemia.  Pray God would bring Larry and his love ones closer to Him and His Blessed Hope of Glory.  

Lisa Long and her family.  Lisa has had for eye surgeries that have failed and she remains blind. Pray for God to direct her path for His glory. 

Darrell Blalock who has Parkinson’s disease.  Pray for Darrell to have a meaningful and closer walk with the Lord. 

John LaPorte and other Brothers and Sisters who are doing ministry at UNLV.  

A UNLV student named Tyler who is propaganda machine for the enemy.  Pray God will radically save Tyler and that our God will use Tyler to bring many to Christ.  

Remington, another UNLV student, says he is a new catholic… not a Believer, yet, but says he is a seeker. Pray God reveals His Truth, His Salvation to Remington. 

That our families and Brothers and Sisters in Christ will gather together to Pray… Jesus says in Matthew 18:20 (NKJV) “… For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Our unSaved family members and those around us that we have relationships with.  Or, is that you? … Have questions &/or need Prayer?… If yes, please reply or call (702) 592-4098. 

Family members and those relationships around you who say they are Saved, but their lives don’t show it. And, if that’s happens to be you, the Holy Spirit can change you into a New Creation, Christ in you… but, you must totally surrender everything to Him. (As long as you think you can do it on your own, He’ll let you; and, you will fail.) … Have questions &/or need Prayer?… If yes, please reply or call (702) 592-4098. 

Our nation that God would open all our eyes to the sins that are drowning us. Lukewarmness, abortion, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, hatred & divisiveness, greed, pride, rebellion, covetousness, etc.  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.”

… AND YET, God is Sovereign and has called us to live in such a time as this and to be His Light in the darkness… to give Hope to some. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Sister Fabiola and her children in Mexico in our Prayers. This Sister and her family, in a short time period, have been hit with a more tragedies (persecutions) than most of us have in our entire life time…  the murder of her husband, x-husband and one of her children. And, 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. 

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. 

+++

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.)

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

Gemma that she be delivered from evil and receive Jesus as her Savior. 

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. 

Scott’s salvation and healing. Scott is a commercial real estate broker. 

Our President and ALL our government leaders of both parties. Pray they would submit their authority to God’s 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. 

Brother Frank Sun, a Taiwanese, that owns several businesses in China and Taiwan.  Please Pray Frank will be bold in his sharing Christ in 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  … Invest in the Eternal!

Women’s Pro-Life ministries in Las Vegas and throughout the world …that they would lead women to the Lord and continue to assist in saving babies’ lives. 

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

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!  

Alejandro Corral, his son Alejandro Jr.

Brother Steve Venable dealing with ALS. 

Persecuted Brothers and Sisters and their families that are suffering and giving their lives for our Faith. 

+++

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

Biblical “headship” in families.

All the children. 

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.”

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 and heads up Touch Baja.)

Touch Baja ministry. Touch Baja is a Christian ministry based in Mexico touching the saved and unsaved lives of the Mexican people focused on real discipleship; truly changing lives through Christ.   From church planting discipleship ministries to half-way houses for the Mexican youth, Touch Baja needs our Prayers,  support and physical involvement.  One person can make a difference… whether an individual or a group, if you are interested in seeking an international missionary opportunity that’s not that far from home, here it is… you are needed and welcome.  Please check out Touch Baja and consider becoming a real partner and getting involved: http://www.touchbaja.com.  (I am personally available to share with you about the ministry… I have 20+ years of stories and history.)

———/:///// 

CCMM Open Letter:

November 22, 2019

Greetings to you, fellow believers and church members Calvary Chapel Meadow Mesa (CCMM).

I wanted to send you this letter to inform you of “possible changes” being considered for the weekly ministry activities of CCMM and the church as a whole.

As pastor of CCMM I endeavor to conduct daily ministry and business activity in a manner that is biblically and economically sound and have done so for 16 years. I was mentored and trained in the ministry method that was used by Pastor Chuck Smith and the original Calvary Chapel established in Costa Mesa, California. As every Calvary Chapel Pastor knows, we trust in the LORD and simply ask the LORD to guide us and help us to adhere to the faith based principle, where GOD guides, GOD provides.

We have been blessed at how the LORD has helped us through these 16 years and as a church we have never taken out one single loan and we will intend to continue this pattern as long as this church continues to exist. It is a beautiful feeling to know that we as a church do not have to experience the pressure or stress of having financial debt of any kind.

At this time, the pastors and the advisory council of CCMM realize that our fellowship doesn’t have the number of people attending that it once did. We are not sure why this is the case but we know that attendance is significantly less. We all are doing a massive amount of prayerful reflection and consideration of why this may be the case. The decline in attendance and resulting decline in financial gifts reduced the funds we have available to maintain ministry activities at their present levels. In view of this fact, we need to consider all areas of ministry and whether adjustments need to be made to reduce expenses. GOD calls us to be faithful and ready to respond or adjust to life’s challenges whether we are in abundance or in want.

At this time we are considering a number of changes that we hope will ride through this decline as we pray and hope for a return to better attendance and financial support.

In order to endure these present challenges, we are considering the following steps:

1- reducing the number of Sunday services to two, one at 9:00 service and another at 11:00.  If we truly believe we can save on utilities or any other expenses by taking this action, we hope that our church family will be willing to make the adjustment with us.

2- reducing the number of paid staff members. This area appears to be one area that will have to be addressed.

The estimated pay period which repeats twice a month is $7,000 and that is covering 9 workers –

Pastor Mike, (I-myself) am the only one of the 9 workers who receives a full salary. All other workers receive what could only be considered a “part time” worker salary.

3- reducing the number of days we conduct the Maker’s Way food distribution to one day or entirely. To take an action of this kind would be heartbreaking, over 200 individuals and families are assisted every week through this ministry and, truly, it is one of the most important works of service that flows from CCMM  but in order to address our challenges, we must be willing to have all things on the table.

It is possible that keeping the doors closed would reduce the amount of electricity that the church uses on a monthly basis.

While considering all possible cost savings areas, we are also looking at revenue producing possibilities such as seeking financial grants to assist in our food distribution ministry as well as a number of other creative means to not only support but grow the work and ministry of CCMM.

In summary:

I and the ministry team of CCMM wanted to send this letter as a means to inform you of possible changes. We don’t want to “spring any surprises” upon any of you. I believe the best way to inform you all of possible changes is to list them one by one.

Our request of you at this time is this:

1)  pray for the strength of CCMM that we can overcome the challenges before us.

2) pray that individuals and organizations will learn of the work and ministry CCMM and believe that our work and ministry is worthy of support.

3) pray for your pastors as well as the ministry team and volunteers that, through the blessing of the LORD, have helped maintain the ministry of CCMM for 16 years.

4) pray for your friends, co-workers and family members and invite them to visit CCMM.

5) pray for inspired ideas that GOD may give you as to how you or we can contribute to the CCMM.

Sincerely,

Michael Welte

Day 8/7 – Ministering and Learning

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Purity  – 1 Peter 2:11 (ESV)  “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”  1 Peter 2:11

“When we become overly concerned about our appearance, our spiritual reputation, our coolness, and our acceptance, we are living as citizens of this world rather than as ambassadors.”  Francis Chan

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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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Ministering and Learning

Day Two Hundred Nineteen

“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

The wise servant of the Lord keeps clear the distinction between ministering and learning.  Ministering is what you do for others and learning is what others do for you. Ministering and learning can most naturally occur in the same relationship. Paul understood this when anticipating his coming to Rome.  “…that  is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”286

Late in Jesus public ministry the mother of the Zebedee brothers asked Him if her two sons could sit next to Him on His throne.  The disciples began arguing among themselves as to who was the most worthy.  Jesus instructed them that the world thinks in terms of getting people to minister to them; the follower of Christ seeks to be the one ministering.  Following Jesus’ example, you find greatness in serving, not being served.

You can do two things that most people cannot resist, love and serve them. People want to be loved, and if you serve them without being obnoxious and overbearing, they will appreciate that.  Loving and serving is the ministry and you do not need special gifts to do it.

You do not look to others to minister to you. You look for opportunities to minister to them.  But you do look to others to teach you. The learner draws on the wisdom and expertise of others while at the same time seeking to serve them.  Like serving, you can learn in an obnoxious and overbearing way, but you need not.  The humble spirit of a learner is very attractive.

286  Romans 1:12

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Psalm 72-73 Romans 9:1-15 (New King James Version)

Psalm 72-73

Glory and Universality of the Messiah’s Reign

A Psalmof Solomon.

72 

Give the king Your judgments, O God,

And Your righteousness to the king’s Son.

2 

He will judge Your people with righteousness,

And Your poor with justice.

3 

The mountains will bring peace to the people,

And the little hills, by righteousness.

4 

He will bring justice to the poor of the people;

He will save the children of the needy,

And will [a]break in pieces the oppressor.

5 

[b]They shall fear You

As long as the sun and moon endure,

Throughout all generations.

6 

He shall come down like rain upon the grass before mowing,

Like showers thatwater the earth.

7 

In His days the righteous shall flourish,

And abundance of peace,

Until the moon is no more.

8 

He shall have dominion also from sea to sea,

And from the River to the ends of the earth.

9 

Those who dwell in the wilderness will bow before Him,

And His enemies will lick the dust.

10 

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles

Will bring presents;

The kings of Sheba and Seba

Will offer gifts.

11 

Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him;

All nations shall serve Him.

12 

For He will deliver the needy when he cries,

The poor also, and himwho has no helper.

13 

He will spare the poor and needy,

And will save the souls of the needy.

14 

He will redeem their life from oppression and violence;

And precious shall be their blood in His sight.

15 

And He shall live;

And the gold of Sheba will be given to Him;

Prayer also will be made for Him continually,

Anddaily He shall be praised.

16 

There will be an abundance of grain in the earth,

On the top of the mountains;

Its fruit shall wave like Lebanon;

And thoseof the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.

17 

His name shall endure forever;

His name shall continue as long as the sun.

And menshall be blessed in Him;

All nations shall call Him blessed.

18 

Blessed bethe Lord God, the God of Israel,

Who only does wondrous things!

19 

And blessed beHis glorious name forever!

And let the whole earth be filled withHis glory.

Amen and Amen.

20 

The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

BOOK THREE

Psalms 73–89

The Tragedy of the Wicked, and the Blessedness of Trust in God

A Psalm of Asaph.

73 

Truly God isgood to Israel,

To such as are pure in heart.

2 

But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;

My steps had nearly slipped.

3 

For I wasenvious of the boastful,

When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 

For there areno [c]pangs in their death,

But their strength isfirm.

5 

They arenot in trouble as othermen,

Nor are they plagued like othermen.

6 

Therefore pride serves as their necklace;

Violence covers them likea garment.

7 

Their [d]eyes bulge with abundance;

They have more than heart could wish.

8 

They scoff and speak wickedly concerningoppression;

They speak [e]loftily.

9 

They set their mouth against the heavens,

And their tongue walks through the earth.

10 

Therefore his people return here,

And waters of a full cupare drained by them.

11 

And they say, “How does God know?

And is there knowledge in the Most High?”

12 

Behold, these arethe ungodly,

Who are always at ease;

They increase inriches.

13 

Surely I have [f]cleansed my heart invain,

And washed my hands in innocence.

14 

For all day long I have been plagued,

And chastened every morning.

15 

If I had said, “I will speak thus,”

Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.

16 

When I thought howto understand this,

It was[g]too painful for me—

17 

Until I went into the sanctuary of God;

ThenI understood their end.

18 

Surely You set them in slippery places;

You cast them down to destruction.

19 

Oh, how they are broughtto desolation, as in a moment!

They are utterly consumed with terrors.

20 

As a dream when oneawakes,

So,Lord, when You awake,

You shall despise their image.

21 

Thus my heart was grieved,

And I was [h]vexed in my mind.

22 

I wasso foolish and ignorant;

I was likea beast before You.

23 

Nevertheless I amcontinually with You;

You hold meby my right hand.

24 

You will guide me with Your counsel,

And afterward receive me toglory.

25 

Whom have I in heaven but You?

And there isnone upon earth thatI desire besides You.

26 

My flesh and my heart fail;

ButGod isthe [i]strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27 

For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish;

You have destroyed all those who [j]desert You for harlotry.

28 

But it isgood for me to draw near to God;

I have put my trust in the Lord God,

That I may declare all Your works.

Footnotes:

  • Psalm 72:4 crush
  • Psalm 72:5 So with MT, Tg.; LXX, Vg. They shall continue
  • Psalm 73:4 pains
  • Psalm 73:7 Tg. face bulges;LXX, Syr., Vg. iniquity bulges
  • Psalm 73:8 Proudly
  • Psalm 73:13 kept my heart pure in vain
  • Psalm 73:16 troublesome in my eyes
  • Psalm 73:21 Lit. pierced in my kidneys
  • Psalm 73:26 Lit. rock
  • Psalm 73:27 Are unfaithful to You

Romans 9:1-15

Israel’s Rejection of Christ

9 I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my [a]countrymen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom pertainthe adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God,and the promises; 5 of whom arethe fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came,who is over all, theeternally blessed God. Amen.

Israel’s Rejection and God’s Purpose

6 But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they arenot all Israel who areof Israel, 7 nor are theyall children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.” 8 That is, those who arethe children of the flesh, these arenot the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. 9 For this isthe word of promise: “At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son.”

10 And not only this,but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, evenby our father Isaac 11 (for the childrennot yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), 12 it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”

Israel’s Rejection and God’s Justice

14 What shall we say then? Is thereunrighteousness with God? Certainly not! 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.”

Footnotes:

  • Romans 9:3 Or relatives

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

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.)

Please continue to Pray for Brother David Porter’s friend’s son, Giovanni (18yrs old). He was checked into an inpatient behavioral health facility last night. He is on suicide watch. Pray against the demon and lie of Suicide and Satan’s attacks on his life. Please Pray for God’s Strength, Healing, and Peace.

Please continue to Prayer for Sister Kay’s Granddaughter, and Sister Diana’s daughter, Alyssa, who is on medical mission in Spain. 

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 7/30 – Manipulation

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Give Generously  – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV)“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:6-7

“It’s crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe – the creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor – loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss.”  Francis Chan

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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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Manipulation

Day Two Hundred Eleven

“Then Rebekah took the best garments of Esau her older son, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son.” Genesis 27:15

Rebekah and her son Jacob came from a family of manipulators.  Rebekah’s brother Laban manipulated his nephew Jacob by making him work 14 years for Rachel rather than the agreed upon seven years.  Jacob said Laban changed his wages ten times.  In each of their lives they manipulated by deception.  Rebekah had Jacob deceive his father, causing him to think that he was blessing Essau instead of Jacob, and Laban deceived Jacob, causing him to think he was marrying Rachel, when in reality he married her sister Leah.

God gave to Rebekah a promise to the effect that Essau would forfeit his birthright to Jacob.  Knowing of her husband’s affection for Essau, she thought it necessary to manipulate the situation so that Jacob received the blessing.  The blessing that mattered could only come from God, and He gave it to Jacob. When you compare the blessing Isaac gave to Jacob (thinking he was Essau) with that given to Essau, you find they are not all that different, other than serving his brother, and even that Isaac promised Essau would one day be reversed.279  You can participate in God’s plan or you can try to manipulate it; Rebekah chose manipulation.

God wanted Jacob to have the blessing and He gave it to him.  Rebekah should have believed instead of manipulating the situation.  As a result, the family was ruptured.  The brothers were estranged, forcing Jacob to flee for his life.  Rebekah never saw Jacob again.  Isaac, who was blind, had to live the rest of his days with a woman he could not trust.  Manipulation is never a good idea.  You yield to the temptation only when you refuse to believe that God is in control and will work all things according to His will.

279  cf. Genesis 27:40

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Psalm 51-53 Romans 2 (New King James Version)

Psalm 51-53

A Prayer of Repentance

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

51 

Have mercy upon me, O God,

According to Your lovingkindness;

According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,

Blot out my transgressions.

2 

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

And cleanse me from my sin.

3 

For I acknowledge my transgressions,

And my sin isalways before me.

4 

Against You, You only, have I sinned,

And done thisevil in Your sight—

That You may be found just [a]when You speak,

Andblameless when You judge.

5 

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,

And in sin my mother conceived me.

6 

Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,

And in the hidden partYou will make me to know wisdom.

7 

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 

Make me hear joy and gladness,

Thatthe bones You have broken may rejoice.

9 

Hide Your face from my sins,

And blot out all my iniquities.

10 

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 

Do not cast me away from Your presence,

And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

12 

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And uphold me by Yourgenerous Spirit.

13 

ThenI will teach transgressors Your ways,

And sinners shall be converted to You.

14 

Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,

The God of my salvation,

Andmy tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.

15 

O Lord, open my lips,

And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

16 

For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;

You do not delight in burnt offering.

17 

The sacrifices of God area broken spirit,

A broken and a contrite heart—

These, O God, You will not despise.

18 

Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion;

Build the walls of Jerusalem.

19 

Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness,

With burnt offering and whole burnt offering;

Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.

The End of the Wicked and the Peace of the Godly

To the Chief Musician. A [b]Contemplation of David when Doeg the Edomite went and told Saul, and said to him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.”

52 

Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man?

The goodness of God endurescontinually.

2 

Your tongue devises destruction,

Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

3 

You love evil more than good,

Lying rather than speaking righteousness. Selah

4 

You love all devouring words,

Youdeceitful tongue.

5 

God shall likewise destroy you forever;

He shall take you away, and pluck you out of yourdwelling place,

And uproot you from the land of the living. Selah

6 

The righteous also shall see and fear,

And shall laugh at him, saying,

7 

“Here is the man whodid not make God his strength,

But trusted in the abundance of his riches,

Andstrengthened himself in his [c]wickedness.”

8 

But I amlike a green olive tree in the house of God;

I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.

9 

I will praise You forever,

Because You have done it;

And in the presence of Your saints

I will wait on Your name, for it[d]isgood.

Folly of the Godless, and the Restoration of Israel

To the Chief Musician. Set to “Mahalath.” A [e]Contemplation of David.

53 

The fool has said in his heart,

“There isno God.”

They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity;

There isnone who does good.

2 

God looks down from heaven upon the children of men,

To see if there are anywho understand, who seek God.

3 

Every one of them has turned aside;

They have together become corrupt;

There isnone who does good,

No, not one.

4 

Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge,

Who eat up my people asthey eat bread,

And do not call upon God?

5 

There they are in great fear

Whereno fear was,

For God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you;

You have put themto shame,

Because God has despised them.

6 

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!

When God brings back [f]the captivity of His people,

Let Jacob rejoice andIsrael be glad.

Footnotes:

  • Psalm 51:4 LXX, Tg., Vg. in Your words
  • Psalm 52:1 Heb. Maschil
  • Psalm 52:7 Lit. desire,in evil sense
  • Psalm 52:9 Or has a good reputation
  • Psalm 53:1 Heb. Maschil
  • Psalm 53:6 Or His captive people

Romans 2

God’s Righteous Judgment

2 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your [a]impenitent heart you are [b]treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the [c]Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God.

12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law arejust in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; 14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves theirthoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

The Jews Guilty as the Gentiles

17 [d]Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest[e] on the law, and make your boast in God, 18 and know Hiswill, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. 21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? 24 For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written.

Circumcision of No Avail

25 For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, evenwith your[f]written codeand circumcision, area transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is oneoutwardly, nor iscircumcision that which isoutward in the flesh; 29 but he isa Jew who is oneinwardly; and circumcision is thatof the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose [g]praise isnot from men but from God.

Footnotes:

  • Romans 2:5 unrepentant
  • Romans 2:5 storing
  • Romans 2:9 Gentile
  • Romans 2:17 NU But if
  • Romans 2:17 rely
  • Romans 2:27 Lit. letter
  • Romans 2:29 A play on words—Jewis literally praise.

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please Pray for Geo, a banker, who was deployed by the military to the mid-east. 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. 

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 Pray for my daughter, Jonna, and 6 of our grandchildren … We are spending the week with them in SD, CA and doing a mini vacation Bible school and sharing Jesus with them. Please Pray The Holy Spirit would guide each one of them to His Loving Salvation.  

Praise Report: Sister Diane’s grandson, Logan, had eye surgery and is full of giggles and smiles. As they will not know the results from the surgery for some time, please continue to Pray for Logan. 

Please continue to Pray for Lidia’s husband, Carlos, who needs heart surgery, but has been in the hospital for over a week now with pneumonia. 

Please Pray for Brother Walt’s son, Elijah, Emilia, Elijah’s girl friend, and their new baby. Pray that Walt be reunited with his son and family. 

Please Pray for Brother John LaPorte’s friend and Sister in the Lord, Rachael, who has received her counceling degree  and is looking for a job. Pray she uses the Bible as her only counceling Guide to lead her clients to the Lord. 

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

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 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. 

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 1/15 – The Need for Forgiveness

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Obedience to Christ  – John 14:21 (ESV)  “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”  John 14:21

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” – Luke 6:46

“…Christian, does your life attract others to Christ, or have you become like the temple of Jesus’ day, full of commerce and religious activity, but void of any spiritual dimension and appeal (“a den of robbers”)?  If some major housecleaning needs to be done, why not invite the Lord of action to take over and get started on it today?  Prayer: Lord, if there’s anything in my life right now that is hindering Your witness, please sweep it away. Amen.    To Ponder: When was the last time someone sought you out to talk about spiritual things?”     LeRoy Eims

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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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The Need for Forgiveness

Day Fifteen

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12

When a defendant stands before the magistrate in a criminal court, he can approach the bench in one of two ways.  He can argue that his rights have been violated, that the case of the prosecution is unfounded, and in pleading the justice of the court ask that the case be dismissed.  His other option is to acknowledge his guilt and plead the mercy of the court.

When you ask for forgiveness or mercy, you acknowledge guilt; people only need forgiveness when they have done wrong.  The believer approaches the tribunal of God freely acknowledging  his guilt, pleading His mercy on the merit of Christ’s substitutionary death.  God’s willingness to forgive the sinner by satisfying justice through the death of Christ is the ground of salvation.  The Cross answers the question, “How can a just God forgive sin?”

Our Lord then makes our willingness to forgive others a condition for being forgiven.  He taught His disciples to pray, “Forgive me my sin in the same way that I forgive the sins of others.”20    In His parable on forgiveness, as the Savior ends with wrath being poured out on the unforgiving servant, He solemnly warns, “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also to you, if you from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”21   Your compassion, even when the offender refuses to repent, is the litmus whereby you can have assurance that you have been forgiven by God.

Your readiness to forgive is essential for a life of love and ministry.  If you cannot forgive because of hurt inflicted by others, you will be unwilling to be vulnerable for fear of being hurt again.  Because people are sinners, you cannot love and you cannot minister without getting hurt.

20 cf. Matthew 6:9-15

21 cf. Matthew 18:21-35

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Genesis 36-38 Matthew 10:21-42 (New King James Version)

Genesis 36-38

The Family of Esau

36 Now this isthe genealogy of Esau, who is Edom. 2 Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite; Aholibamah[a] the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite; 3 and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebajoth. 4 Now Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, and Basemath bore Reuel. 5 And [b]Aholibamah bore Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah. These werethe sons of Esau who were born to him in the land of Canaan.

6 Then Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the persons of his household, his cattle and all his animals, and all his goods which he had gained in the land of Canaan, and went to a country away from the presence of his brother Jacob. 7 For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together, and the land where they were strangers could not support them because of their livestock. 8 So Esau dwelt in Mount Seir. Esau isEdom.

9 And this isthe genealogy of Esau the father of the Edomites in Mount Seir. 10 These werethe names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz the son of Adah the wife of Esau, and Reuel the son of Basemath the wife of Esau. 11 And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, [c]Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz.

12 Now Timna was the concubine of Eliphaz, Esau’s son, and she bore Amalek to Eliphaz. These werethe sons of Adah, Esau’s wife.

13 These werethe sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife.

14 These were the sons of [d]Aholibamah, Esau’s wife, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon. And she bore to Esau: Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah.

The Chiefs of Edom

15 These werethe chiefs of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn sonof Esau, were Chief Teman, Chief Omar, Chief Zepho, Chief Kenaz, 16 [e]Chief Korah, Chief Gatam, andChief Amalek. These werethe chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of Edom. They werethe sons of Adah.

17 These werethe sons of Reuel, Esau’s son: Chief Nahath, Chief Zerah, Chief Shammah, and Chief Mizzah. These werethe chiefs of Reuel in the land of Edom. These werethe sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife.

18 And these werethe sons of [f]Aholibamah, Esau’s wife: Chief Jeush, Chief Jaalam, and Chief Korah. These werethe chiefs who descendedfrom Aholibamah, Esau’s wife, the daughter of Anah. 19 These werethe sons of Esau, who is Edom, and these weretheir chiefs.

The Sons of Seir

20 These werethe sons of Seir the Horite who inhabited the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 21 Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These werethe chiefs of the Horites, the sons of Seir, in the land of Edom.

22 And the sons of Lotan were Hori and [g]Hemam. Lotan’s sister wasTimna.

23 These werethe sons of Shobal: [h]Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, [i]Shepho, and Onam.

24 These werethe sons of Zibeon: both Ajah and Anah. This was theAnah who found the [j]water in the wilderness as he pastured the donkeys of his father Zibeon. 25 These werethe children of Anah: Dishon and [k]Aholibamah the daughter of Anah.

26 These werethe sons of [l]Dishon: [m]Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. 27 These werethe sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and [n]Akan. 28 These werethe sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran.

29 These werethe chiefs of the Horites: Chief Lotan, Chief Shobal, Chief Zibeon, Chief Anah, 30 Chief Dishon, Chief Ezer, and Chief Dishan. These werethe chiefs of the Horites, according to their chiefs in the land of Seir.

The Kings of Edom

31 Now these werethe kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel: 32 Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom, and the name of his city wasDinhabah. 33 And when Bela died, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his place. 34 When Jobab died, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. 35 And when Husham died, Hadad the son of Bedad, who attacked Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. And the name of his city wasAvith. 36 When Hadad died, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place. 37 And when Samlah died, Saul of Rehoboth-by-the-River reigned in his place. 38 When Saul died, Baal-Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place. 39 And when Baal-Hanan the son of Achbor died, [o]Hadar reigned in his place; and the name of his city was[p]Pau. His wife’s name wasMehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.

The Chiefs of Esau

40 And these werethe names of the chiefs of Esau, according to their families and their places, by their names: Chief Timnah, Chief [q]Alvah, Chief Jetheth, 41 Chief [r]Aholibamah, Chief Elah, Chief Pinon, 42 Chief Kenaz, Chief Teman, Chief Mibzar, 43 Chief Magdiel, and Chief Iram. These werethe chiefs of Edom, according to their dwelling places in the land of their possession. Esau wasthe father of [s]the Edomites.

Joseph Dreams of Greatness

37 Now Jacob dwelt in the land where his father was a [t]stranger, in the land of Canaan. 2 This isthe history of Jacob.

Joseph, beingseventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. And the lad waswith the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to his father.

3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he wasthe son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of manycolors. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.

5 Now Joseph had a dream, and he told itto his brothers; and they hated him even more. 6 So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: 7 There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.”

8 And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.

9 Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.”

10 So he told itto his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What isthis dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?” 11 And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

Joseph Sold by His Brothers

12 Then his brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. 13 And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers feeding the flockin Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.”

So he said to him, “Here I am.”

14 Then he said to him, “Please go and see if it is well with your brothers and well with the flocks, and bring back word to me.” So he sent him out of the Valley of Hebron, and he went to Shechem.

15 Now a certain man found him, and there he was, wandering in the field. And the man asked him, saying, “What are you seeking?”

16 So he said, “I am seeking my brothers. Please tell me where they are feeding their flocks.”

17 And the man said, “They have departed from here, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’ ” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them in Dothan.

18 Now when they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him. 19 Then they said to one another, “Look, this [u]dreamer is coming! 20 Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, ‘Some wild beast has devoured him.’ We shall see what will become of his dreams!”

21 But Reuben heard it,and he delivered him out of their hands, and said, “Let us not kill him.” 22 And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood, butcast him into this pit which isin the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father.

23 So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph ofhis tunic, the tunic of manycolors that wason him. 24 Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit wasempty; there wasno water in it.

25 And they sat down to eat a meal. Then they lifted their eyes and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry themdown to Egypt. 26 So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is thereif we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he isour brother andour flesh.” And his brothers listened. 28 Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brotherspulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekelsof silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.

29 Then Reuben returned to the pit, and indeed Joseph wasnot in the pit; and he tore his clothes. 30 And he returned to his brothers and said, “The lad isno more;and I, where shall I go?”

31 So they took Joseph’s tunic, killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the blood. 32 Then they sent the tunic of manycolors, and they brought itto their father and said, “We have found this. Do you know whether it isyour son’s tunic or not?”

33 And he recognized it and said, “It ismy son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.” 34 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days. 35 And all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted, and he said, “For I shall go down into the grave to my son in mourning.” Thus his father wept for him.

36 Now the [v]Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh andcaptain of the guard.

Judah and Tamar

38 It came to pass at that time that Judah departed from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite whose name wasHirah. 2 And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name wasShua, and he married her and went in to her. 3 So she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er. 4 She conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan. 5 And she conceived yet again and bore a son, and called his name Shelah. He was at Chezib when she bore him.

6 Then Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name wasTamar. 7 But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord killed him. 8 And Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife and marry her, and raise up an heir to your brother.” 9 But Onan knew that the heir would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in to his brother’s wife, that he emitted on the ground, lest he should give an heir to his brother. 10 And the thing which he did [w]displeased the Lord; therefore He killed him also.

11 Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house till my son Shelah is grown.” For he said, “Lest he also die like his brothers.” And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house.

12 Now in the process of time the daughter of Shua, Judah’s wife, died; and Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. 13 And it was told Tamar, saying, “Look, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.” 14 So she took off her widow’s garments, covered herselfwith a veil and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place which wason the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given to him as a wife. 15 When Judah saw her, he thought she wasa harlot, because she had covered her face. 16 Then he turned to her by the way, and said, “Please let me come in to you”; for he did not know that she washis daughter-in-law.

So she said, “What will you give me, that you may come in to me?”

17 And he said, “I will send a young goat from the flock.”

So she said, “Will you give mea pledge till you send it?”

18 Then he said, “What pledge shall I give you?”

So she said, “Your signet and cord, and your staff that isin your hand.” Then he gave themto her, and went in to her, and she conceived by him. 19 So she arose and went away, and laid aside her veil and put on the garments of her widowhood.

20 And Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive hispledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her. 21 Then he asked the men of that place, saying, “Where is the harlot who was[x]openly by the roadside?”

And they said, “There was no harlot in this place.”

22 So he returned to Judah and said, “I cannot find her. Also, the men of the place said there was no harlot in this place.”

23 Then Judah said, “Let her take themfor herself, lest we be shamed; for I sent this young goat and you have not found her.”

24 And it came to pass, about three months after, that Judah was told, saying, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has played the harlot; furthermore she is[y]with child by harlotry.”

So Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!”

25 When she wasbrought out, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “By the man to whom these belong, I amwith child.” And she said, “Please determine whose these are—the signet and cord, and staff.”

26 So Judah acknowledged themand said, “She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he never knew her again.

27 Now it came to pass, at the time for giving birth, that behold, twins werein her womb. 28 And so it was, when she was giving birth, that the oneput out hishand; and the midwife took a scarlet threadand bound it on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” 29 Then it happened, as he drew back his hand, that his brother came out unexpectedly; and she said, “How did you break through? Thisbreach beupon you!” Therefore his name was called Perez.[z] 30 Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet threadon his hand. And his name was called Zerah.

Footnotes:

  • Genesis 36:2 Or Oholibamah
  • Genesis 36:5 Or Oholibamah
  • Genesis 36:11 Zephi,1 Chr. 1:36
  • Genesis 36:14 Or Oholibamah
  • Genesis 36:16 Sam. omits Chief Korah
  • Genesis 36:18 Or Oholibamah
  • Genesis 36:22 Homam,1 Chr. 1:39
  • Genesis 36:23 Alian,1 Chr. 1:40
  • Genesis 36:23 Shephi,1 Chr. 1:40
  • Genesis 36:24 So with MT, Vg. (hot springs); LXX Jamin;Tg. mighty men;Talmud mules
  • Genesis 36:25 Or Oholibamah
  • Genesis 36:26 Heb. Dishan
  • Genesis 36:26 Hamran,1 Chr. 1:41
  • Genesis 36:27 Jaakan,1 Chr. 1:42
  • Genesis 36:39 Sam., Syr. Hadadand 1 Chr. 1:50
  • Genesis 36:39 Pai,1 Chr. 1:50
  • Genesis 36:40 Aliah,1 Chr. 1:51
  • Genesis 36:41 Or Oholibamah
  • Genesis 36:43 Heb. Edom
  • Genesis 37:1 sojourner,temporary resident
  • Genesis 37:19 Lit. master of dreams
  • Genesis 37:36 MT Medanites
  • Genesis 38:10 Lit. was evil in the eyes of
  • Genesis 38:21 in full view
  • Genesis 38:24 pregnant
  • Genesis 38:29 Lit. Breachor Breakthrough

Matthew 10:21-42

21 “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father hischild; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

24 “A disciple is not above histeacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house [a]Beelzebub, how much more will they callthose of his household! 26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

Jesus Teaches the Fear of God

27 “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in [b]hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a [c]copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Confess Christ Before Men

32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Christ Brings Division

34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to ‘set[d] a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will bethose of his ownhousehold.’ 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

A Cup of Cold Water

40 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. 41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold waterin the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”

Footnotes:

  • Matthew 10:25 NU, M Beelzebul;a Philistine deity, 2 Kin. 1:2, 3
  • Matthew 10:28 Gr. Gehenna
  • Matthew 10:29 Gr. assarion,a coin worth about 1⁄16 of a denarius
  • Matthew 10:35 alienate a man from

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“You cannot know until after you believe and speak; that is the order: believe, speak, know.” Walt

PRAYER REQUESTS 

Brother Walt requests Prayer for Kathy his dear friend’s wife. Kathy was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition known as dermatomyositischaracterized by skin rash and muscle weakness, and which had a rapid onset about six weeks ago. There is no cure. Treatment is chemotherapy to kill the immune system, which is attacking her skin and muscle cells, and prednisone to reduce the inflammatory response.  They are headed to Stanford to engage medical treatment experts for this rare disease at the end of January. They have three beautiful and talented children. One goes to Brown, the other Stanford and the youngest is a sophomore in high school. Though Kathy is a kind, loving person, she has been a bit resistant to the Gospel; she has a new age concept of Elohim and not sure she knows Yeshua or whether He knows her.  Gerard is a faithful Catholic and believes in the power of Prayer. We Pray that in the midst of this trial, Kathy would accept Yeshua into her heart, and develop an insatiable appetite to execute Elohom’s will in all areas of her life.  That his mercy would abound in her life, including re-establishing a perfectly healed immune system; that he would repair every damaged cell, DNA strands or base pairs; destroy and clear any viruses or abnormal cells, and miraculously perfect all cells, molecules, nutrients, vitamins and neurotransmitters in her body. We Pray He would heal her mind so that she has an insatiable thirst for the Word and to be assured of her place in the Body of Christ. We Pray He would turn her test into a powerful testimony that transforms the lives of others He will assign to her, especially Sean, Daniella and Grant – her incredible children.  That they too would transformed into Disciples by her healing miracle.  Above all, Father, let your will be done! Amen. 

Please Pray for Brother John LaPorte’s sister, Cathy, who had her gall bladder removed. Please Pray there are no other associated problems. 

Brother Nate, wife Jellah and their daughter Jael arrived in Las Vegas from the Philippines on Christmas Eve.  Unfortunately, they arrived sick.  They are still sick almost 2 weeks later.  Please Pray that God would heal them and also keep Dave and his wife Sally from catching it.

Please continue to Pray for Brother Wayde Yeley’s mother‘s heart condition.  

Please continue to Pray for: 

1) Healing for baby Caden (Kevin Odor’s grandson) – born with Agenesis of the corpus callosum (rare neurological birth defect); and

2) Peace and healing for Marlene Webb – 84-year-old who recently received Christ as her Savior; Pray for her to truly embrace God’s Peace and Plan for her remaining time on earth. (She is very sick with congenital heart failure. )

Please continue to Pray for Brother Juan, David Frear’s father in law. He is recovering from a liver AND kidney transplant. 

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.

Michelle continues to request Prayer for her husband and herself (Michelle and Jesus Arredondo) as they are wanting to start a family.

Please continue to Pray for Micheal Bolognini and his father, Louis Bolognini.  Louis was released from hospital and taken off cancer medication and went into hospice care. Pray they will experience God’s Presence and Hope in Jesus. 

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)

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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 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.)