repent

Day 1/1/2020 – Knowing the Ways of God – HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January 1, 2020 By Lyle Brennan Leave a Comment

“Repentance is not just for conversion; all that sin need to repent. It doesn’t matter where you are in your walk with God, you never grow out of the need to repent. As long as you sin you need to repent. Never deceive yourself into believing that because you are a child of God you no longer need to repent.” Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”)

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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

Knowing the Ways of God

Day One

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” Colossians 3:16

Christians use the Bible in three legitimate ways: First, as a book of devotions. Scripture affords an ideal environment in which to commune with Christ. Through reading and meditating on the Word they feed their souls and experience the presence of the Lord.

Second, to provide guidance and direction in difficulties. In this the Bible is invaluable. The believer has a problem and turns to Scripture for help. How does God want me to respond to my problem? How do I live in a godly manner submerged in the complexities of life? The Word of God affords the Christian significant help. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” 1

Third, as a means of knowing the mind of Christ. In Exodus 33:13 Moses prayed, “show me Thy ways.” Psalm 103:7 tells us that God answered his prayer: “He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.” During the Exodus, Israel was able to see the acts of God; Moses understood His ways. Using the Bible to gain the mind of Christ is a process whereby His followers learn to think biblically, to “be transformed by the renewing of the mind.”2

Of the three, the last is by far the most difficult to attain and thus the least pursued. Total mastery is impossible, and it requires years and years of disciplined study and meditation to even make progress. For this reason the believer often neglects this third use. However, to the degree that he does make progress, gaining the mind of Christ, he moves away from using Scripture to solve problems because he is able to respond to difficulties with Christ’s mind. Thus, as a serious disciple, you should be undaunted in this pursuit; it is a key component in your reason for being on earth. To have the mind of Christ, to see the world from His point of view, this is the essence of godliness, the heart of your devotion to Christ.

1 Psalm 119:105

2 Romans 12:2

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Genesis 1-3 Matthew 1 (New King James Version)

Genesis 1-3

The History of Creation

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness [a]was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. [b]So the evening and the morning were the first day.

6 Then God said, “Let there be a [c]firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” 7 Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.

9 Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

11 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed isin itself, on the earth”; and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 So the evening and the morning were the third day.

14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great [d]lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it wasgood. 19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

20 Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living [e]creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the [f]firmament of the heavens.” 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

24 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over [g]all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that [h]moves on the earth.”

29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is [i]life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

The Garden of Eden

2 Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

4 This is the [j]history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, 5 before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground; 6 but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground.

7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

Life in God’s Garden

8 The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. 9 And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

10 Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads. 11 The name of the first is Pishon; it isthe one which skirts the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 And the gold of that land is good. Bdellium and the onyx stone arethere. 13 The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one which goes around the whole land of Cush. 14 The name of the third river is Hiddekel;[k] it is the one which goes toward the east of [l]Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates.

15 Then the Lord God took [m]the man and put him in the garden of Eden to [n]tend and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you[o] shall surely die.”

18 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” 19 Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought themto [p]Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.

21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He [q]made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.

23 And Adam said:

“This is now bone of my bones

And flesh of my flesh;

She shall be called [r]Woman,

Because she was taken out of [s]Man.”

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be[t] joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

The Temptation and Fall of Man

3 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”

4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was[u]pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves [v]coverings.

8 And they heard the [w]sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the [x]cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”

10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”

11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”

12 Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”

13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”

The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

14 So the Lord God said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this,

You are cursed more than all cattle,

And more than every beast of the field;

On your belly you shall go,

And you shall eat dust

All the days of your life.

And I will put enmity

Between you and the woman,

And between your seed and her Seed;

He shall bruise your head,

And you shall bruise His heel.”

16 To the woman He said:

“I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception;

In pain you shall bring forth children;

Your desire shall be [y]for your husband,

And he shall rule over you.”

17 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:

“Cursed is the ground for your sake;

In toil you shall eat of it

All the days of your life.

Both thorns and thistles it shall [z]bring forth for you,

And you shall eat the herb of the field.

In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread

Till you return to the ground,

For out of it you were taken;

For dust you are,

And to dust you shall return.”

20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve,[aa] because she was the mother of all living.

21 Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.

22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

Footnotes:

Genesis 1:2 Words in italic type have been added for clarity. They are not found in the original Hebrew or Aramaic.
Genesis 1:5 Lit. And evening was, and morning was, a day, one.
Genesis 1:6 expanse
Genesis 1:16 luminaries
Genesis 1:20 souls
Genesis 1:20 expanse
Genesis 1:26 Syr. all the wild animals of
Genesis 1:28 moves about on
Genesis 1:30 a living soul
Genesis 2:4 Heb. toledoth, lit. generations
Genesis 2:14 Or Tigris
Genesis 2:14 Heb. Ashshur
Genesis 2:15 Or Adam
Genesis 2:15 cultivate
Genesis 2:17 Lit. dying you shall die
Genesis 2:19 Or the man
Genesis 2:22 Lit. built
Genesis 2:23 Heb. Ishshah
Genesis 2:23 Heb. Ish
Genesis 2:24 Lit. cling
Genesis 3:6 Lit. a desirable thing
Genesis 3:7 girding coverings
Genesis 3:8 Or voice
Genesis 3:8 Or wind, breeze
Genesis 3:16 Lit. toward
Genesis 3:18 cause to grow
Genesis 3:20 Lit. Life or Living

Matthew 1

The Genealogy of Jesus Christ

1 The book of the genealogy[a] of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

2 Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. 3 Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. 4 Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon. 5 Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, 6 and Jesse begot David the king.

David the king begot Solomon by her [b]who had been the wife of Uriah. 7 Solomon begot Rehoboam, Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot [c]Asa. 8 Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah. 9 Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah. 10 Hezekiah begot Manasseh, Manasseh begot [d]Amon, and Amon begot Josiah. 11 Josiah begot [e]Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon.

12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel. 13 Zerubbabel begot Abiud, Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor. 14 Azor begot Zadok, Zadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud. 15 Eliud begot Eleazar, Eleazar begot Matthan, and Matthan begot Jacob. 16 And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations.

Christ Born of Mary

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being [f]a just man,and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is [g]conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name [h]Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and [i]did not know her till she had brought forth her[j] firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Footnotes:

Matthew 1:1 Lit. generation
Matthew 1:6 Words in italic type have been added for clarity. They are not found in the original Greek.
Matthew 1:7 NU Asaph
Matthew 1:10 NU Amos
Matthew 1:11 Or Coniah or Jehoiachin
Matthew 1:19 an upright
Matthew 1:20 Lit. begotten
Matthew 1:21 Lit. Savior
Matthew 1:25 Kept her a virgin
Matthew 1:25 NU a Son

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PRAYER REQUESTS

Please Pray for:

Sister Sandra’s family. Our deal Sister Sandra went Home, Monday night, 12/30/2019. Those of us who knew her were Blessed by the Christ-like way she put others above herself. I look forward to seeing her again…until then, I thank God for letting us know and love her while we had her here.

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 12/31 – Fools for Christ

December 31, 2019 By Lyle Brennan Leave a Comment

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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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

“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;

But Esau I have hated,

And laid waste his mountains and his heritage

For the jackals of the wilderness.”

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.

Your eyes shall see,

And you shall say,

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

Polluted Offerings

“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?’

“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.’

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.

“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.

“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.

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.

“But you profane it,

In that you say,

‘The table of the [e]Lord is defiled;

And its fruit, its food, is contemptible.’

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.

“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

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

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.

“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.

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

That My covenant with Levi may continue,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

“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.

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.

“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.

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.

“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

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?

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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

“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.

“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.

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.

“Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem

Will be [k]pleasant to the Lord,

As in the days of old,

As in former years.

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.

“For I am the Lord, I do not change;

Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.

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

“Will a man rob God?

Yet you have robbed Me!

But you say,

‘In what way have we robbed You?’

In tithes and offerings.

You are cursed with a curse,

For you have robbed Me,

Even this whole nation.

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.

“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;

“And all nations will call you blessed,

For you will be a delightful land,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

The People Complain Harshly

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

Says the Lord,

“Yet you say,

‘What have we spoken against You?’

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?

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

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.

“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.”

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

“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.

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.

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.

“Remember the Law of Moses, My servant,

Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel,

With the statutes and judgments.

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet

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

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.

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

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.

The salvation of Brother David Frear’s parents.

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.

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.

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.

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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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.

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

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.

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.”

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

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Day 12/30 – Sin Separates

December 30, 2019 By Lyle Brennan Leave a Comment

His Strength – Isaiah 41:10 (ESV) “…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

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“Signs and wisdom are inadequate in finding God. For God constructed the Gospel in such a way that it satisfies the justice of God while breaking the pride of man. Apart from Divine initiative, you cannot know God. “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” I Corinthians 1:21 You will never believe foolishness. Only when God opens your eyes can you see that the foolishness of the cross is the power of God for salvation.” 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.

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Thoughts from the Diary of a Desperate Man

by Walter Henrichsen

Sin Separates

Day Three Hundred Sixty-four

“They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.” Ephesians 4:18

Physical death is the separation of the body from the soul; spiritual death is the separation of the soul from God. All acknowledge that death is separation. In an auto accident, if the person is thrown from the vehicle and killed, the newspaper reports that the body was found on the side of the road. If, however, the person does not die, the paper says Mr. Jones was found on the side of the road. The reporter understands that at death Mr. Jones is no longer in his body.

God is perfect holiness and when you sin against Him, separation results. This the Bible calls spiritual death. Sin separates; it always has and always will. Two men are in a partnership where one steals from the other. The result is separation. A husband is unfaithful to his wife and separation occurs. When you sense that your friend has lied to you, an environment of alienation results.

Because of the sin of Adam, you were born dead in your sin.468 In Christ, when you were converted, you were made spiritually alive. You will never be any more spiritually alive than you were when you became a follower of Christ. The only death left for you is physical, and you will receive a new body at the resurrection.

Although death is separation, not all separation is death. Thus, as a child of God, when you sin you do not spiritually die, but you are separated from the Lord. You cannot be knowingly disobedient to Jesus and experience fellowship with Him. Your prayer for forgiveness, after salvation, is not to be saved again, but for restoring the relationship. Your sin has separated you from Him and you must repent for restoration.

468 cf. Ephesians 2:1

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Zechariah 13-14 Revelation 21 (New King James Version)

Zechariah 13-14

Idolatry Cut Off

13 “In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.

2 “It shall be in that day,” says the Lord of hosts, “that I will cut off the names of the idols from the land, and they shall no longer be remembered. I will also cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to depart from the land. 3 It shall come to pass that if anyone still prophesies, then his father and mother who begot him will say to him, ‘You shall not live, because you have spoken lies in the name of the Lord.’ And his father and mother who begot him shall thrust him through when he prophesies.

4 “And it shall be in that day that every prophet will be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies; they will not wear a robe of coarse hair to deceive. 5 But he will say, ‘I am no prophet, I am a farmer; for a man taught me to keep cattle from my youth.’ 6 And one will say to him, ‘What are these wounds between your [a]arms?’ Then he will answer, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.’

The Shepherd Savior

“Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd,

Against the Man who is My Companion,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

“Strike the Shepherd,

And the sheep will be scattered;

Then I will turn My hand against the little ones.

And it shall come to pass in all the land,”

Says the Lord,

“That two-thirds in it shall be cut off and die,

But one-third shall be left in it:

I will bring the one-third through the fire,

Will refine them as silver is refined,

And test them as gold is tested.

They will call on My name,

And I will answer them.

I will say, ‘This is My people’;

And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’ ”

The Day of the Lord

Behold, the day of the Lord is coming,

And your [b]spoil will be divided in your midst.

For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem;

The city shall be taken,

The houses [c]rifled,

And the women ravished.

Half of the city shall go into captivity,

But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

Then the Lord will go forth

And fight against those nations,

As He fights in the day of battle.

And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives,

Which faces Jerusalem on the east.

And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two,

From east to west,

Making a very large valley;

Half of the mountain shall move toward the north

And half of it toward the south.

Then you shall flee through My mountain valley,

For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal.

Yes, you shall flee

As you fled from the earthquake

In the days of Uzziah king of Judah.

Thus the Lord my God will come,

And all the saints with [d]You.

It shall come to pass in that day

That there will be no light;

The [e]lights will diminish.

It shall be one day

Which is known to the Lord—

Neither day nor night.

But at evening time it shall happen

That it will be light.

And in that day it shall be

That living waters shall flow from Jerusalem,

Half of them toward [f]the eastern sea

And half of them toward [g]the western sea;

In both summer and winter it shall occur.

And the Lord shall be King over all the earth.

In that day it shall be—

“The Lord is one,”

And His name one.

10 All the land shall be turned into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem. [h]Jerusalem shall be raised up and inhabited in her place from Benjamin’s Gate to the place of the First Gate and the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s winepresses.

The people shall dwell in it;

And no longer shall there be utter destruction,

But Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.

12 And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the people who fought against Jerusalem:

Their flesh shall [i]dissolve while they stand on their feet,

Their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets,

And their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths.

It shall come to pass in that day

That a great panic from the Lord will be among them.

Everyone will seize the hand of his neighbor,

And raise his hand against his neighbor’s hand;

Judah also will fight at Jerusalem.

And the wealth of all the surrounding nations

Shall be gathered together:

Gold, silver, and apparel in great abundance.

Such also shall be the plague

On the horse and the mule,

On the camel and the donkey,

And on all the cattle that will be in those camps.

So shall this plague be.

The Nations Worship the King

16 And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 17 And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain. 18 If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 19 This shall be the [j]punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.

20 In that day “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” shall be engraved on the bells of the horses. The pots in the Lord’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar. 21 Yes, [k]every pot in Jerusalem and Judah shall be holiness to the Lord of hosts. Everyone who sacrifices shall come and take them and cook in them. In that day there shall no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts.

Footnotes:

Zechariah 13:6 Or hands
Zechariah 14:1 plunder or booty
Zechariah 14:2 Or plundered
Zechariah 14:5 Or you; LXX, Tg., Vg. Him
Zechariah 14:6 Lit. glorious ones
Zechariah 14:8 The Dead Sea
Zechariah 14:8 The Mediterranean Sea
Zechariah 14:10 Lit. She
Zechariah 14:12 Lit. decay
Zechariah 14:19 Lit. sin
Zechariah 14:21 Or on every pot . . . shall be engraved “HOLINESS TO THE LORD OF HOSTS”

Revelation 21

All Things Made New

21 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, [a]John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said [b]to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

6 And He said to me, “It[c] is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes [d]shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, [e]unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

The New Jerusalem

9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came [f]to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the [g]bride, the Lamb’s wife.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the [h]great city, the [i]holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. 12 Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13 three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.

14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the [j]names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16 The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand [k]furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. 17 Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. 18 The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

The Glory of the New Jerusalem

22 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine [l]in it, for the [m]glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. 24 And the nations [n]of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor [o]into it. 25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26 And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into [p]it. 27 But there shall by no means enter it anything [q]that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Footnotes:

Revelation 21:2 NU, M omit John
Revelation 21:5 NU, M omit to me
Revelation 21:6 M omits It is done
Revelation 21:7 M I shall give him these things
Revelation 21:8 M adds and sinners,
Revelation 21:9 NU, M omit to me
Revelation 21:9 M woman, the Lamb’s bride
Revelation 21:10 NU, M omit great
Revelation 21:10 NU, M holy city, Jerusalem
Revelation 21:14 NU, M twelve names
Revelation 21:16 Lit. stadia, about 1,380 miles in all
Revelation 21:23 NU, M omit in it
Revelation 21:23 M very glory
Revelation 21:24 NU, M omit of those who are saved
Revelation 21:24 M of the nations to Him
Revelation 21:26 M adds that they may enter in.
Revelation 21:27 NU, M profane, nor one who causes

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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.

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

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.

The salvation of Brother David Frear’s parents.

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.

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.

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.

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

+++

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.

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

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.

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.”

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

///

Day 12/27 – Wrath or Repentance

December 27, 2019 By Lyle Brennan Leave a Comment

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

+++

““We understood that Christianity is defined by obeying the Word of God,” Anderson says. “The idea that one could actually be a Christian but not obey the Great Commission was unthinkable. We would never count ourselves Christians if we didn’t share our faith with people.” Mark Anderson

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

——://///

Thoughts from the Diary of a Desperate Man

by Walter Henrichsen

Wrath or Repentance

Day Three Hundred Sixty-one

“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Ecclesiastes 8:11

People through the centuries have understood the wisdom of Solomon’s words. If a criminal’s punishment is postponed or drug out, both he and those familiar with the situation lose confidence in, and their fear of, justice. The criminal, for he believes that he can avoid punishment, and the people, for they believe there

is no justice.

Paul, when writing on the principles of justice says, “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and atience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?”461 God intentionally violates His own principle of speedily executing sentence against an evil work in order to allow people to repent. If He immediately judged you when you sin, you would be damned, having no opportunity to experience His grace.

You can easily misunderstand God’s strategy in holding back on His executing judgment, thinking that either He does not care, or that there will be no accountability. Such a mistake can prove to be fatal. “These things you have done and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you, and lay the charge before you.”462 Paul continues his thought on the principles of justice with this warning: “But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for rourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”463

461 Romans 2:4

462 Psalm 50:21

463 Romans 2:5

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Zechariah 1-4 Revelation 18 (New King James Version)

Zechariah 1-4

A Call to Repentance

1 In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, 2 “The Lord has been very angry with your fathers. 3 Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. 4 “Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds.” ’ But they did not hear nor heed Me,” says the Lord.

“Your fathers, where are they?

And the prophets, do they live forever?

Yet surely My words and My statutes,

Which I commanded My servants the prophets,

Did they not overtake your fathers?

“So they returned and said:

‘Just as the Lord of hosts determined to do to us,

According to our ways and according to our deeds,

So He has dealt with us.’ ” ’ ”

Vision of the Horses

7 On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet: 8 I saw by night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse, and it stood among the myrtle trees in the hollow; and behind him were horses: red, sorrel, and white. 9 Then I said, “My lord, what are these?” So the angel who talked with me said to me, “I will show you what they are.”

10 And the man who stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, “These are the ones whom the Lord has sent to walk to and fro throughout the earth.”

11 So they answered the Angel of the Lord, who stood among the myrtle trees, and said, “We have walked to and fro throughout the earth, and behold, all the earth is [a]resting quietly.”

The Lord Will Comfort Zion

12 Then the Angel of the Lord answered and said, “O Lord of hosts, how long will You not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which You were angry these seventy years?”

13 And the Lord answered the angel who talked to me, with good andcomforting words. 14 So the angel who spoke with me said to me, [b]“Proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts:

“I am zealous[c] for Jerusalem

And for Zion with great [d]zeal.

I am exceedingly angry with the nations at ease;

For I was a little angry,

And they helped—but with evil intent.”

16 ‘Therefore thus says the Lord:

“I am returning to Jerusalem with mercy;

My house shall be built in it,” says the Lord of hosts,

“And a surveyor’s line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem.” ’

17 “Again proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts:

“My cities shall again [e]spread out through prosperity;

The Lord will again comfort Zion,

And will again choose Jerusalem.” ’ ”

Vision of the Horns

18 Then I raised my eyes and looked, and there were four horns. 19 And I said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these?”

So he answered me, “These are the [f]horns that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.”

20 Then the Lord showed me four craftsmen. 21 And I said, “What are these coming to do?”

So he said, “These are the horns that scattered Judah, so that no one could lift up his head; but [g]the craftsmen are coming to terrify them, to cast out the horns of the nations that lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it.”

Vision of the Measuring Line

2 Then I raised my eyes and looked, and behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand. 2 So I said, “Where are you going?”

And he said to me, “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length.”

3 And there was the angel who talked with me, going out; and another angel was coming out to meet him, 4 who said to him, “Run, speak to this young man, saying: ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it. 5 For I,’ says the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’ ”

Future Joy of Zion and Many Nations

6 “Up, up! Flee from the land of the north,” says the Lord; “for I have spread you abroad like the four winds of heaven,” says the Lord. 7 “Up, Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon.”

8 For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the [h]apple of His eye. 9 For surely I will shake My hand against them, and they shall become [i]spoil for their servants. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me.

10 “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord. 11 “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. 12 And the Lord will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land, and will again choose Jerusalem. 13 Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!”

Vision of the High Priest

3 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan[j] standing at his right hand to oppose him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?”

3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel.

4 Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.”

5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.”

So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.

The Coming Branch

6 Then the Angel of the Lord admonished Joshua, saying, 7 “Thus says the Lord of hosts:

‘If you will walk in My ways,

And if you will keep My command,

Then you shall also judge My house,

And likewise have charge of My courts;

I will give you places to walk

Among these who stand here.

‘Hear, O Joshua, the high priest,

You and your companions who sit before you,

For they are a[k] wondrous sign;

For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH.

For behold, the stone

That I have laid before Joshua:

Upon the stone are seven eyes.

Behold, I will engrave its inscription,’

Says the Lord of hosts,

‘And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

In that day,’ says the Lord of hosts,

‘Everyone will invite his neighbor

Under his vine and under his fig tree.’ ”

Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees

4 Now the angel who talked with me came back and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. 2 And he said to me, “What do you see?”

So I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. 3 Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” 4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?”

5 Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?”

And I said, “No, my lord.”

6 So he answered and said to me:

“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:

‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’

Says the Lord of hosts.

‘Who are you, O great mountain?

Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!

And he shall bring forth the capstone

With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” ’ ”

8 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying:

“The hands of Zerubbabel

Have laid the foundation of this [l]temple;

His hands shall also finish it.

Then you will know

That the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you.

For who has despised the day of small things?

For these seven rejoice to see

The [m]plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.

They are the eyes of the Lord,

Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.”

11 Then I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees—at the right of the lampstand and at its left?” 12 And I further answered and said to him, “What are these two olive branches that drip [n]into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?”

13 Then he answered me and said, “Do you not know what these are?”

And I said, “No, my lord.”

14 So he said, “These are the two [o]anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.”

Footnotes:

Zechariah 1:11 Lit. sitting and quiet
Zechariah 1:14 Lit. Cry out
Zechariah 1:14 Or jealous
Zechariah 1:14 Or jealousy
Zechariah 1:17 Or overflow with good
Zechariah 1:19 Kingdoms or powers
Zechariah 1:21 Lit. these
Zechariah 2:8 Lit. pupil
Zechariah 2:9 booty or plunder
Zechariah 3:1 Lit. the Adversary
Zechariah 3:8 Lit. men of a sign or wonder
Zechariah 4:9 Lit. house
Zechariah 4:10 Lit. plummet stone
Zechariah 4:12 Lit. into the hands of
Zechariah 4:14 Lit. sons of fresh oil

Revelation 18

The Fall of Babylon the Great

18 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 2 And he cried [a]mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the [b]abundance of her luxury.”

4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. 5 For her sins [c]have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 Render to her just as she rendered [d]to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. 7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived [e]luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’ 8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who [f]judges her.

The World Mourns Babylon’s Fall

9 “The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’

11 “And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: 12 merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 13 and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. 14 The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have [g]gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! 17 For in one hour such great riches [h]came to nothing.’ Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance 18 and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like this great city?’

19 “They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she [i]is made desolate.’

20 “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you [j]holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!”

Finality of Babylon’s Fall

21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw itinto the sea, saying, “Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. 22 The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. 23 The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.”

Footnotes:

Revelation 18:2 NU, M omit mightily
Revelation 18:3 Lit. strengths
Revelation 18:5 NU, M have been heaped up
Revelation 18:6 NU, M omit to you
Revelation 18:7 sensually
Revelation 18:8 NU, M has judged
Revelation 18:14 NU, M been lost to you
Revelation 18:17 have been laid waste
Revelation 18:19 have been laid waste
Revelation 18:20 NU, M saints and apostles

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PRAYER REQUESTS

Please Pray for:

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

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.

The salvation of Brother David Frear’s parents.

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.

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.

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.

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

+++

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.

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

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.

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.”

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

///

Day 12/24 – Repentance

December 24, 2019 By Lyle Brennan Leave a Comment

Must Receive Christ – John 1:12 (ESV). “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God,” John 1:12

+++

“If you follow close to God, it is what others can gain from you that attracts them to you. You are the channel of blessing….Stay close to your Lord, not because you sense He wants you, but because with Him you find the blessing. And when you obtain the blessing, you are ready to give it to others that want it.” 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.

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Thoughts from the Diary of a Desperate Man

by Walter Henrichsen

Repentance

Day Three Hundred Fifty-eight

“Then He began to reproach the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent.” Matthew 11:20

You must repent of your sin, not to restore your relationship with the one offended, but in order for you to have a relationship with God. Repentance and forgiveness are two separate, unlinked transactions. Also, others need not repent of their sin against you for you to forgive them. There are at least three reasons for this: First, all sin is ultimately against God. Therefore you must repent before God prior to asking others to forgive you. Second, true repentance comes from the heart and only God knows the heart. Third, you forgive others, irrespective of their repentance, for you believe, “vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”455

All people naturally want to be forgiven, but don’t want to forgive. When we do wrong we desire forgiveness from both God and the person transgressed. But when we are afflicted with extremely hurtful acts from others, we tend to be more interested in justice than forgiveness. A friend’s wife, through negligence, accidentally killed a Christian girl. The family, although professing faith in Christ, refused to forgive the wife. Jesus links forgiveness with repentance; He will not forgive if we do not forgive.456

Although He tells us that we must forgive in order to be forgiven, we can easily conclude that if we forgive we will be forgiven. For example, a man said, “I know God doesn’t want me to perjure myself, but I know He will forgive me.” When asked about the link between forgiveness and repentance, he said, “I forgive others without their repenting, so also God will forgive me.” Nothing could be further from the truth; God will not forgive without repentance, and as already noted, He knows the heart.

455 Romans 12:19

456 cf. Matthew 18:21-35

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Habakkuk 1-3 Revelation 15 (New King James Version)

Habakkuk 1-3

The Prophet Questions God’s Judgments

1 The [a]burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw.

The Prophet’s Question

O Lord, how long shall I cry,

And You will not hear?

Even cry out to You, “Violence!”

And You will not save.

Why do You show me iniquity,

And cause me to see [b]trouble?

For plundering and violence are before me;

There is strife, and contention arises.

Therefore the law is powerless,

And justice never goes forth.

For the wicked surround the righteous;

Therefore perverse judgment proceeds.

The Lord’s Reply

“Look among the nations and watch—

Be utterly astounded!

For I will work a work in your days

Which you would not believe, though it were told you.

For indeed I am raising up the Chaldeans,

A bitter and hasty nation

Which marches through the breadth of the earth,

To possess dwelling places that are not theirs.

They are terrible and dreadful;

Their judgment and their dignity proceed from themselves.

Their horses also are swifter than leopards,

And more fierce than evening wolves.

Their [c]chargers [d]charge ahead;

Their cavalry comes from afar;

They fly as the eagle that hastens to eat.

“They all come for violence;

Their faces are set like the east wind.

They gather captives like sand.

They scoff at kings,

And princes are scorned by them.

They deride every stronghold,

For they heap up earthen mounds and seize it.

Then his [e]mind changes, and he transgresses;

He commits offense,

Ascribing this power to his god.”

The Prophet’s Second Question

Are You not from everlasting,

O Lord my God, my Holy One?

We shall not die.

O Lord, You have appointed them for judgment;

O Rock, You have marked them for correction.

You are of purer eyes than to behold evil,

And cannot look on wickedness.

Why do You look on those who deal treacherously,

And hold Your tongue when the wicked devours

A person more righteous than he?

Why do You make men like fish of the sea,

Like creeping things that have no ruler over them?

They take up all of them with a hook,

They catch them in their net,

And gather them in their dragnet.

Therefore they rejoice and are glad.

Therefore they sacrifice to their net,

And burn incense to their dragnet;

Because by them their share is [f]sumptuous

And their food plentiful.

Shall they therefore empty their net,

And continue to slay nations without pity?

The Just Shall Live by Faith

I will stand my watch

And set myself on the rampart,

And watch to see what He will say to me,

And what I will answer when I am corrected.

The Just Live by Faith

2 Then the Lord answered me and said:

“Write the vision

And make it plain on tablets,

That he may run who reads it.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time;

But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.

Though it tarries, wait for it;

Because it will surely come,

It will not tarry.

“Behold the proud,

His soul is not upright in him;

But the just shall live by his faith.

Woe to the Wicked

“Indeed, because he transgresses by wine,

He is a proud man,

And he does not stay at home.

Because he enlarges his desire as [g]hell,

And he is like death, and cannot be satisfied,

He gathers to himself all nations

And heaps up for himself all peoples.

“Will not all these take up a proverb against him,

And a taunting riddle against him, and say,

‘Woe to him who increases

What is not his—how long?

And to him who loads himself with [h]many pledges’?

Will not [i]your creditors rise up suddenly?

Will they not awaken who oppress you?

And you will become their booty.

Because you have plundered many nations,

All the remnant of the people shall plunder you,

Because of men’s [j]blood

And the violence of the land and the city,

And of all who dwell in it.

“Woe to him who covets evil gain for his house,

That he may set his nest on high,

That he may be delivered from the [k]power of disaster!

You give shameful counsel to your house,

Cutting off many peoples,

And sin against your soul.

For the stone will cry out from the wall,

And the beam from the timbers will answer it.

“Woe to him who builds a town with bloodshed,

Who establishes a city by iniquity!

Behold, is it not of the Lord of hosts

That the peoples labor [l]to feed the fire,

And nations weary themselves in vain?

For the earth will be filled

With the knowledge of the glory of the Lord,

As the waters cover the sea.

“Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor,

[m]Pressing him to your bottle,

Even to make him drunk,

That you may look on [n]his nakedness!

You are filled with shame instead of glory.

You also—drink!

And [o]be exposed as uncircumcised!

The cup of the Lord’s right hand will be turned against you,

And utter shame will be on your glory.

For the violence done to Lebanon will cover you,

And the plunder of beasts which made them afraid,

Because of men’s blood

And the violence of the land and the city,

And of all who dwell in it.

“What profit is the image, that its maker should carve it,

The molded image, a teacher of lies,

That the maker of its mold should trust in it,

To make mute idols?

Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’

To silent stone, ‘Arise! It shall teach!’

Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,

Yet in it there is no breath at all.

“But the Lord is in His holy temple.

Let all the earth keep silence before Him.”

The Prophet’s Prayer

3 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, on [p]Shigionoth.

O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid;

O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years!

In the midst of the years make it known;

In wrath remember mercy.

God came from Teman,

The Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah

His glory covered the heavens,

And the earth was full of His praise.

His brightness was like the light;

He had rays flashing from His hand,

And there His power was hidden.

Before Him went pestilence,

And fever followed at His feet.

He stood and measured the earth;

He looked and startled the nations.

And the everlasting mountains were scattered,

The perpetual hills bowed.

His ways are everlasting.

I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;

The curtains of the land of Midian trembled.

O Lord, were You displeased with the rivers,

Was Your anger against the rivers,

Was Your wrath against the sea,

That You rode on Your horses,

Your chariots of salvation?

Your bow was made quite ready;

Oaths were sworn over Your [q]arrows. Selah

You divided the earth with rivers.

The mountains saw You and trembled;

The overflowing of the water passed by.

The deep uttered its voice,

And lifted its hands on high.

The sun and moon stood still in their habitation;

At the light of Your arrows they went,

At the shining of Your glittering spear.

You marched through the land in indignation;

You [r]trampled the nations in anger.

You went forth for the salvation of Your people,

For salvation with Your Anointed.

You struck the head from the house of the wicked,

By laying bare from foundation to neck. Selah

You thrust through with his own arrows

The head of his villages.

They came out like a whirlwind to scatter me;

Their rejoicing was like feasting on the poor in secret.

You walked through the sea with Your horses,

Through the heap of great waters.

When I heard, my body trembled;

My lips quivered at the voice;

Rottenness entered my bones;

And I trembled in myself,

That I might rest in the day of trouble.

When he comes up to the people,

He will invade them with his troops.

A Hymn of Faith

Though the fig tree may not blossom,

Nor fruit be on the vines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail,

And the fields yield no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,

And there be no herd in the stalls—

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will joy in the God of my salvation.

[s]The Lord God is my strength;

He will make my feet like deer’s feet,

And He will make me walk on my high hills.

To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.

Footnotes:

Habakkuk 1:1 oracle, prophecy
Habakkuk 1:3 Or toil
Habakkuk 1:8 Lit. horsemen
Habakkuk 1:8 Lit. spring about
Habakkuk 1:11 Lit. spirit or wind
Habakkuk 1:16 Lit. fat
Habakkuk 2:5 Or Sheol
Habakkuk 2:6 Syr., Vg. thick clay
Habakkuk 2:7 Lit. those who bite you
Habakkuk 2:8 Or bloodshed
Habakkuk 2:9 Lit. hand of evil
Habakkuk 2:13 Lit. for what satisfies fire, for what is of no lasting value
Habakkuk 2:15 Lit. Attaching or Joining
Habakkuk 2:15 Lit. their
Habakkuk 2:16 DSS, LXX reel!; Syr., Vg. fall fast asleep!
Habakkuk 3:1 Exact meaning unknown
Habakkuk 3:9 Lit. tribes or rods, cf. v. 14
Habakkuk 3:12 Or threshed
Habakkuk 3:19 Heb. YHWH Adonai

Revelation 15

Prelude to the Bowl Judgments

15 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.

2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and [a]over his mark andover the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. 3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying:

“Great and marvelous are Your works,

Lord God Almighty!

Just and true are Your ways,

O King of the [b]saints!

Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?

For You alone are holy.

For all nations shall come and worship before You,

For Your judgments have been manifested.”

5 After these things I looked, and [c]behold, the [d]temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. 6 And out of the [e]temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. 7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. 8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.

Footnotes:

Revelation 15:2 NU, M omit over his mark
Revelation 15:3 NU, M nations
Revelation 15:5 NU, M omit behold
Revelation 15:5 sanctuary, the inner shrine
Revelation 15:6 sanctuary, the inner shrine

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PRAYER REQUESTS

Please Pray for:

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

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.

Tavia’s family. Tavia received a call from her mom letting her know her uncle didnt survive a heart attack in Wisconsin. Please keep her family in your Prayers. Her uncle’s name was Tony Nelson, his wife is Kerri, and his kids are Tera, Kerissa and Alex.

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.

The salvation of Brother David Frear’s parents.

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.

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.

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

+++

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.

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

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.

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.”

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

///

Day 12/10 – Pleading God’s Glory

December 10, 2019 By Lyle Brennan Leave a Comment

Prayer – John 15:7 (ESV) “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7

+++

“Our Lord makes an audacious claim: If we will seek His interests He will assume responsibility for providing for our daily needs. The reason He promises to provide is found in His desire that we seek His kingdom and righteousness. As He noted in Mathew 6:24, you cannot serve two masters. If you perceive your vocation as the means whereby you earn your living, Jesus says you will not be able to adequately seek His kingdom.” 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.

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Thoughts from the Diary of a Desperate Man

by Walter Henrichsen

Pleading God’s Glory

Day Three Hundred Forty-four

Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep and say, “Spare thy people, 0 Lord, and make not thy heritage a reproach, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?”‘ Joel2:17

God encourages Judah to leverage Himself with the prayer, ‘Why should they say among the peoples, Where is their God?'” In essence Moses prayed the same thing: ‘Why should the Egyptians say, ‘with evil intent did he bring them forth, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.’438. Looking at it from the other direction, Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your

Father who is in heaven.” 439 And Paul indited the Jews: “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”440 From both perspectives, the glory of God remains paramount.

From this you should note four things: First, God’s reputation is His first consideration; His people must be careful not to give His detractors occasion to blaspheme. Second, God wants you to understand that, although He is gracious and generous, His own glory motivates Him. Third, God can and will accrue glory from judging those who claim to be His people as easily as when He judges the reprobate. Fourth, You are best served guarding His reputation and giving Him all glory.

438 Exodus 32:12

439 Matthew 5:16

440 Romans 2:24

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Hosea 1-4 Revelation 1 (New King James Version)

Hosea 1-4

Hosea’s Unfaithful Wife

1 The word of the Lord that came to Hosea the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.

The Family of Hosea

2 When the Lord began to speak by Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea:

“Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry

And children of harlotry,

For the land has committed great [a]harlotry

By departing from the Lord.”

3 So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. 4 Then the Lord said to him:

“Call his name Jezreel,

For in a little while

I will avenge the bloodshed of Jezreel on the house of Jehu,

And bring an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel.

It shall come to pass in that day

That I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.”

6 And she conceived again and bore a daughter. Then God said to him:

“Call her name [b]Lo-Ruhamah,

For I will no longer have mercy on the house of Israel,

[c]But I will utterly take them away.

Yet I will have mercy on the house of Judah,

Will save them by the Lord their God,

And will not save them by bow,

Nor by sword or battle,

By horses or horsemen.”

8 Now when she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, she conceived and bore a son. 9 Then God said:

“Call his name [d]Lo-Ammi,

For you are not My people,

And I will not be your God.

The Restoration of Israel

“Yet the number of the children of Israel

Shall be as the sand of the sea,

Which cannot be measured or numbered.

And it shall come to pass

In the place where it was said to them,

‘You are [e]not My people,’

There it shall be said to them,

‘You are sons of the living God.’

Then the children of Judah and the children of Israel

Shall be gathered together,

And appoint for themselves one head;

And they shall come up out of the land,

For great will be the day of Jezreel!

The Lord’s Love for His Unfaithful People

Say to your brethren, [f]‘My people,’

And to your sisters, [g]‘Mercy is shown.’

God’s Unfaithful People

“Bring[h] charges against your mother, [i]bring charges;

For she is not My wife, nor am I her Husband!

Let her put away her harlotries from her sight,

And her adulteries from between her breasts;

Lest I strip her naked

And expose her, as in the day she was born,

And make her like a wilderness,

And set her like a dry land,

And slay her with thirst.

“I will not have mercy on her children,

For they are the children of harlotry.

For their mother has played the harlot;

She who conceived them has behaved shamefully.

For she said, ‘I will go after my lovers,

Who give me my bread and my water,

My wool and my linen,

My oil and my drink.’

“Therefore, behold,

I will hedge up your way with thorns,

And [j]wall her in,

So that she cannot find her paths.

She will [k]chase her lovers,

But not overtake them;

Yes, she will seek them, but not find them.

Then she will say,

‘I will go and return to my first husband,

For then it was better for me than now.’

For she did not know

That I gave her grain, new wine, and oil,

And multiplied her silver and gold—

Which they prepared for Baal.

“Therefore I will return and take away

My grain in its time

And My new wine in its season,

And will take back My wool and My linen,

Given to cover her nakedness.

Now I will uncover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers,

And no one shall deliver her from My hand.

I will also cause all her mirth to cease,

Her feast days,

Her New Moons,

Her Sabbaths—

All her appointed feasts.

“And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees,

Of which she has said,

‘These are my wages that my lovers have given me.’

So I will make them a forest,

And the beasts of the field shall eat them.

I will punish her

For the days of the Baals to which she burned incense.

She decked herself with her earrings and jewelry,

And went after her lovers;

But Me she forgot,” says the Lord.

God’s Mercy on His People

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her,

Will bring her into the wilderness,

And speak [l]comfort to her.

I will give her her vineyards from there,

And the Valley of Achor as a door of hope;

She shall sing there,

As in the days of her youth,

As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt.

“And it shall be, in that day,”

Says the Lord,

“That you will call Me [m]‘My Husband,’

And no longer call Me [n]‘My Master,’

For I will take from her mouth the names of the Baals,

And they shall be remembered by their name no more.

In that day I will make a covenant for them

With the beasts of the field,

With the birds of the air,

And with the creeping things of the ground.

Bow and sword of battle I will shatter from the earth,

To make them lie down safely.

“I will betroth you to Me forever;

Yes, I will betroth you to Me

In righteousness and justice,

In lovingkindness and mercy;

I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness,

And you shall know the Lord.

“It shall come to pass in that day

That I will answer,” says the Lord;

“I will answer the heavens,

And they shall answer the earth.

The earth shall answer

With grain,

With new wine,

And with oil;

They shall answer [o]Jezreel.

Then I will sow her for Myself in the earth,

And I will have mercy on her who had [p]not obtained mercy;

Then I will say to those who were [q]not My people,

‘You are [r]My people!’

And they shall say, ‘You are my God!’ ”

Israel Will Return to God

3 Then the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover[s] and is committing adultery, just like the love of the Lord for the children of Israel, who look to other gods and love the raisin cakes of the pagans.”

2 So I bought her for myself for fifteen shekels of silver, and one and one-half homers of barley. 3 And I said to her, “You shall stay with me many days; you shall not play the harlot, nor shall you have a man—so, too, willI be toward you.”

4 For the children of Israel shall abide many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, without ephod or teraphim. 5 Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They shall fear the Lord and His goodness in the latter days.

God’s Charge Against Israel

Hear the word of the Lord,

You children of Israel,

For the Lord brings a charge[t] against the inhabitants of the land:

“There is no truth or mercy

Or knowledge of God in the land.

By swearing and lying,

Killing and stealing and committing adultery,

They break all restraint,

With bloodshed [u]upon bloodshed.

Therefore the land will mourn;

And everyone who dwells there will waste away

With the beasts of the field

And the birds of the air;

Even the fish of the sea will be taken away.

“Now let no man contend, or rebuke another;

For your people are like those who contend with the priest.

Therefore you shall stumble in the day;

The prophet also shall stumble with you in the night;

And I will destroy your mother.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

Because you have rejected knowledge,

I also will reject you from being priest for Me;

Because you have forgotten the law of your God,

I also will forget your children.

“The more they increased,

The more they sinned against Me;

I[v] will change [w]their glory into shame.

They eat up the sin of My people;

They set their [x]heart on their iniquity.

And it shall be: like people, like priest.

So I will punish them for their ways,

And [y]reward them for their deeds.

For they shall eat, but not have enough;

They shall commit harlotry, but not increase;

Because they have ceased obeying the Lord.

The Idolatry of Israel

“Harlotry, wine, and new wine enslave the heart.

My people ask counsel from their wooden idols,

And their [z]staff informs them.

For the spirit of harlotry has caused them to stray,

And they have played the harlot against their God.

They offer sacrifices on the mountaintops,

And burn incense on the hills,

Under oaks, poplars, and terebinths,

Because their shade is good.

Therefore your daughters commit harlotry,

And your brides commit adultery.

“I will not punish your daughters when they commit harlotry,

Nor your brides when they commit adultery;

For the men themselves go apart with harlots,

And offer sacrifices with a ritual harlot.

Therefore people who do not understand will be trampled.

“Though you, Israel, play the harlot,

Let not Judah offend.

Do not come up to Gilgal,

Nor go up to Beth[aa] Aven,

Nor swear an oath, saying, ‘As the Lord lives’—

“For Israel is stubborn

Like a stubborn calf;

Now the Lord will let them forage

Like a lamb in [ab]open country.

“Ephraim is joined to idols,

Let him alone.

Their drink [ac]is rebellion,

They commit harlotry continually.

Her [ad]rulers [ae]dearly love dishonor.

The wind has wrapped her up in its wings,

And they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.

Footnotes:

Hosea 1:2 Spiritual adultery
Hosea 1:6 Lit. No-Mercy
Hosea 1:6 Or That I may forgive them at all
Hosea 1:9 Lit. Not-My-People
Hosea 1:10 Heb. lo-ammi, v. 9
Hosea 2:1 Heb. Ammi, Hos. 1:9, 10
Hosea 2:1 Heb. Ruhamah, Hos. 1:6
Hosea 2:2 Or Contend with
Hosea 2:2 Or contend
Hosea 2:6 Lit. wall up her wall
Hosea 2:7 Or pursue
Hosea 2:14 Lit. to her heart
Hosea 2:16 Heb. Ishi
Hosea 2:16 Heb. Baali
Hosea 2:22 Lit. God Will Sow
Hosea 2:23 Heb. lo-ruhamah
Hosea 2:23 Heb. lo-ammi
Hosea 2:23 Heb. ammi
Hosea 3:1 Lit. friend or husband
Hosea 4:1 A legal complaint
Hosea 4:2 Lit. touching
Hosea 4:7 So with MT, LXX, Vg.; scribal tradition, Syr., Tg. They will change
Hosea 4:7 So with MT, LXX, Syr., Tg., Vg.; scribal tradition My glory
Hosea 4:8 Desires
Hosea 4:9 repay
Hosea 4:12 Diviner’s rod
Hosea 4:15 Lit. House of Idolatry or Wickedness
Hosea 4:16 Lit. a large place
Hosea 4:18 Or has turned aside
Hosea 4:18 Lit. shields
Hosea 4:18 Heb. difficult; a Jewish tradition shamefully love, ‘Give!’

Revelation 1

Introduction and Benediction

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must [a]shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

Greeting the Seven Churches

4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia:

Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.

To Him who [b]loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and has made us [c]kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him beglory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, [d]the Beginning and the End,” says the [e]Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Vision of the Son of Man

9 I, John, [f]both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, [g]“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches [h]which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying [i]to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of [j]Hades and of Death. 19 [k]Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. 20 The [l]mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the [m]angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands [n]which you saw are the seven churches.

Footnotes:

Revelation 1:1 quickly or swiftly
Revelation 1:5 NU loves us and freed; M loves us and washed
Revelation 1:6 NU, M a kingdom
Revelation 1:8 NU, M omit the Beginning and the End
Revelation 1:8 NU, M Lord God
Revelation 1:9 NU, M omit both
Revelation 1:11 NU, M omit “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and,
Revelation 1:11 NU, M omit which are in Asia
Revelation 1:17 NU, M omit to me
Revelation 1:18 Lit. Unseen; the unseen realm
Revelation 1:19 NU, M Therefore, write
Revelation 1:20 hidden truth
Revelation 1:20 Or messengers
Revelation 1:20 NU, M omit which you saw

———/://///

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.

The salvation of Brother David Frear’s parents.

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.

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.

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

+++

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.

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

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.

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.”

———/://///

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 10/2 – Developing Convictions

October 2, 2019 By Lyle Brennan Leave a Comment

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

“If you are unhappy with your vocation because God wants you elsewhere, you should change jobs and do the will of God. If you are discontent with your vocation, but believe that is where God wants you, then you need to repent.” Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”)

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ATTENTION MEN: UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

Zion Bootcamp CANCELLEDthis year and will resume next year… God is Good and has a Perfect Plan.

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Developing Convictions

Day Two Hundred Seventy-five

“The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God; happy is he who has no reason to judge himself for what he approves. But he who has doubts is condemned, if he eats, because he does not act from faith; for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” Romans 14:22-23

Your preferences are without number. You would have a hard time listing how you prefer each kind offood cooked, the clothes you wear, the places you would like to visit, etc. By way of contrast, the commandments of God are few. If you listed them, they would scarcely fill a page. Between your preferences and God’s commandments rest your convictions regarding your behavior. You develop these convictions to keep your preferences from violating God’s commands.

Because we all want to conform to cultural norms, we tend to shape our convictions by what culture and circumstances dictate. For example, people tend to determine the length of their hair by circumstances (people who swim a great deal tend to like short hair) and culture, instead of letting Scripture make this determination.356 The natural flow will always be in the direction of preferences, culture and circumstances shaping your convictions rather than the Bible.

The purpose of behavioral convictions, however, is to keep you well within the parameters of God’s commandments. For example, you know God doesn’t want you to be immoral, and therefore you develop convictions regarding the movies you watch, the books you read, and how you relate to the opposite sex. When you allow culture rather than God to form your convictions, you will find yourself believing that His commands are cultural and therefore a matter of personal preference. This, of course, is but a short step from sin.

356 cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1-16

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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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Isaiah 14-16 Ephesians 5:1-16 (New King James Version)

Isaiah 14-16

Mercy on Jacob

14 For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will still choose Israel, and settle them in their own land. The strangers will be joined with them, and they will cling to the house of Jacob. 2 Then people will take them and bring them to their place, and the house of Israel will possess them for servants and maids in the land of the Lord; they will take them captive whose captives they were, and rule over their oppressors.

Fall of the King of Babylon

3 It shall come to pass in the day the Lord gives you rest from your sorrow, and from your fear and the hard bondage in which you were made to serve, 4 that you will take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say:

“How the oppressor has ceased,

The golden[a] city ceased!

The Lord has broken the staff of the wicked,

The scepter of the rulers;

He who struck the people in wrath with a continual stroke,

He who ruled the nations in anger,

Is persecuted andno one hinders.

The whole earth is at rest andquiet;

They break forth into singing.

Indeed the cypress trees rejoice over you,

Andthe cedars of Lebanon,

Saying,‘Since you [b]were cut down,

No woodsman has come up against us.’

“Hell[c] from beneath is excited about you,

To meet youat your coming;

It stirs up the dead for you,

All the chief ones of the earth;

It has raised up from their thrones

All the kings of the nations.

They all shall speak and say to you:

‘Have you also become as weak as we?

Have you become like us?

Your pomp is brought down to Sheol,

Andthe sound of your stringed instruments;

The maggot is spread under you,

And worms cover you.’

The Fall of Lucifer

“How you are fallen from heaven,

O [d]Lucifer, son of the morning!

Howyou are cut down to the ground,

You who weakened the nations!

For you have said in your heart:

‘I will ascend into heaven,

I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;

I will also sit on the mount of the congregation

On the farthest sides of the north;

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,

I will be like the Most High.’

Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol,

To the [e]lowest depths of the Pit.

“Those who see you will gaze at you,

Andconsider you, saying:

‘Isthis the man who made the earth tremble,

Who shook kingdoms,

Who made the world as a wilderness

And destroyed its cities,

Who[f]did not open the house of his prisoners?’

“All the kings of the nations,

All of them, sleep in glory,

Everyone in his own house;

But you are cast out of your grave

Like an [g]abominable branch,

Likethe garment of those who are slain,

[h]Thrust through with a sword,

Who go down to the stones of the pit,

Like a corpse trodden underfoot.

You will not be joined with them in burial,

Because you have destroyed your land

Andslain your people.

The brood of evildoers shall never be named.

Prepare slaughter for his children

Because of the iniquity of their fathers,

Lest they rise up and possess the land,

And fill the face of the world with cities.”

Babylon Destroyed

“For I will rise up against them,” says the Lord of hosts,

“And cut off from Babylon the name and remnant,

And offspring and posterity,” says the Lord.

“I will also make it a possession for the porcupine,

And marshes of muddy water;

I will sweep it with the broom of destruction,” says the Lord of hosts.

Assyria Destroyed

The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying,

“Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass,

And as I have purposed, soit shall stand:

That I will break the Assyrian in My land,

And on My mountains tread him underfoot.

Then his yoke shall be removed from them,

And his burden removed from their shoulders.

This isthe purpose that is purposed against the whole earth,

And this isthe hand that is stretched out over all the nations.

For the Lord of hosts has purposed,

And who will annul it?

His hand isstretched out,

And who will turn it back?”

Philistia Destroyed

28 This is the [i]burden which came in the year that King Ahaz died.

“Do not rejoice, all you of Philistia,

Because the rod that struck you is broken;

For out of the serpent’s roots will come forth a viper,

And its offspring will bea fiery flying serpent.

The firstborn of the poor will feed,

And the needy will lie down in safety;

I will kill your roots with famine,

And it will slay your remnant.

Wail, O gate! Cry, O city!

All you of Philistia aredissolved;

For smoke will come from the north,

And no one will bealone in his [j]appointed times.”

What will they answer the messengers of the nation?

That the Lord has founded Zion,

And the poor of His people shall take refuge in it.

Proclamation Against Moab

15 The burden[k] against Moab.

Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste

Anddestroyed,

Because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste

Anddestroyed,

He has gone up to the [l]temple and Dibon,

To the high places to weep.

Moab will wail over Nebo and over Medeba;

On all their heads will bebaldness,

Andevery beard cut off.

In their streets they will clothe themselves with sackcloth;

On the tops of their houses

And in their streets

Everyone will wail, weeping bitterly.

Heshbon and Elealeh will cry out,

Their voice shall be heard as far as Jahaz;

Therefore the [m]armed soldiers of Moab will cry out;

His life will be burdensome to him.

“My heart will cry out for Moab;

His fugitives shall fleeto Zoar,

Like[n]a three-year-old heifer.

For by the Ascent of Luhith

They will go up with weeping;

For in the way of Horonaim

They will raise up a cry of destruction,

For the waters of Nimrim will be desolate,

For the green grass has withered away;

The grass fails, there is nothing green.

Therefore the abundance they have gained,

And what they have laid up,

They will carry away to the Brook of the Willows.

For the cry has gone all around the borders of Moab,

Its wailing to Eglaim

And its wailing to Beer Elim.

For the waters of [o]Dimon will be full of blood;

Because I will bring more upon Dimon,

Lions upon him who escapes from Moab,

And on the remnant of the land.”

Moab Destroyed

Send the lamb to the ruler of the land,

From [p]Sela to the wilderness,

To the mount of the daughter of Zion.

For it shall be as a wandering bird thrown out of the nest;

Soshall be the daughters of Moab at the fords of the Arnon.

“Take counsel, execute judgment;

Make your shadow like the night in the middle of the day;

Hide the outcasts,

Do not betray him who escapes.

Let My outcasts dwell with you, O Moab;

Be a shelter to them from the face of the [q]spoiler.

For the extortioner is at an end,

Devastation ceases,

The oppressors are consumed out of the land.

In mercy the throne will be established;

And One will sit on it in truth, in the tabernacle of David,

Judging and seeking justice and hastening righteousness.”

We have heard of the pride of Moab—

He isvery proud—

Of his haughtiness and his pride and his wrath;

Buthis [r]lies shallnot beso.

Therefore Moab shall wail for Moab;

Everyone shall wail.

For the foundations of Kir Hareseth you shall mourn;

Surely they arestricken.

For the fields of Heshbon languish,

Andthe vine of Sibmah;

The lords of the nations have broken down its choice plants,

Which have reached to Jazer

And wandered through the wilderness.

Her branches are stretched out,

They are gone over the sea.

Therefore I will bewail the vine of Sibmah,

With the weeping of Jazer;

I will drench you with my tears,

O Heshbon and Elealeh;

For [s]battle cries have fallen

Over your summer fruits and your harvest.

Gladness is taken away,

And joy from the plentiful field;

In the vineyards there will be no singing,

Nor will there be shouting;

No treaders will tread out wine in the presses;

I have made their shouting cease.

Therefore my [t]heart shall resound like a harp for Moab,

And my inner being for [u]Kir Heres.

And it shall come to pass,

When it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place,

That he will come to his sanctuary to pray;

But he will not prevail.

13 This isthe word which the Lord has spoken concerning Moab since that time. 14 But now the Lord has spoken, saying, “Within three years, as the years of a hired man, the glory of Moab will be despised with all that great multitude, and the remnant will bevery small andfeeble.”

Footnotes:

Isaiah 14:4 Or insolent
Isaiah 14:8 have lain down
Isaiah 14:9 Or Sheol
Isaiah 14:12 Lit. Day Star
Isaiah 14:15 Lit. recesses
Isaiah 14:17 Would not release
Isaiah 14:19 despised
Isaiah 14:19 Pierced
Isaiah 14:28 oracle, prophecy
Isaiah 14:31 Or ranks
Isaiah 15:1 oracle, prophecy
Isaiah 15:2 Heb. bayith,lit. house
Isaiah 15:4 So with MT, Tg., Vg.; LXX, Syr. loins
Isaiah 15:5 Or The Third Eglath,an unknown city, Jer. 48:34
Isaiah 15:9 So with MT, Tg.; DSS, Vg. Dibon;LXX Rimon
Isaiah 16:1 Lit. Rock
Isaiah 16:4 devastator
Isaiah 16:6 Lit. vain talk
Isaiah 16:9 Or shouting has
Isaiah 16:11 Lit. belly
Isaiah 16:11 Kir Hareseth,v. 7

Ephesians 5:1-16

Walk in Love

5 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For [a]this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Walk in Light

8 For you were once darkness, but now you arelight in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the [b]Spirit isin all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather [c]expose them.12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are [d]exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says:

“Awake, you who sleep,

Arise from the dead,

And Christ will give you light.”

Walk in Wisdom

15 See then that you walk [e]circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Footnotes:

Ephesians 5:5 NU know this
Ephesians 5:9 NU light
Ephesians 5:11 reprove
Ephesians 5:13 reproved
Ephesians 5:15 carefully

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PRAYER REQUESTS

Please Pray for Jeff from Oregon that has cirrhosis of the liver and has been given only six 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)

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

Brother David Porter requests: “My stepdaughter Brittany and her husband Jose are raising support to go on a Mission trip to Mumbai, India in early November. The focus will be to encourage church planters and share the gospel. They need $2800 each and are about 40% of the way there.” There link is: https://hopechurchonline.focusmissions.com/!/#/12416/south-asia-november-2019/participants/134351/donate

Please continue to Pray for Lisa Long and her family … UPDATE: as you know, Lisa was scheduled to have surgery Wednesday, September 18, on her eyes… awaiting an update as to the results of that surgery, we found out she did not have the surgery. Prior to the scheduled surgery, she fell out of bed resulting in dislocating her shoulder, and because of the bleeding and swelling, the doctor postponed the surgery. We continue to Pray for His Miraculous Holy Touch on Lisa and those surrounding her.

Please continue to Pray for Darrell Blalock who has Parkinson’s disease. Pray for Darrell to become closer to the Lord.

Please continue to Pray for John LaPorte whose doing ministry at UNLV … a student named Tyler is propaganda machine for the enemy… he continuously interrupts their ministry. Pray God will intervene and radically save Tyler and that our God will use Tyler to bring many to Christ. (Please continue to Pray for God’s supernatural strength of the witnessing group members as several are weakening.)

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Brother JohnLaPorte reports… Bryce, a UNLV student who recently received the Lord and came from occult background is engaging Tyler and defending the Faith. Please Pray for God to Grow Bryce and use him in a Holy Mighty Way.

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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.

Please Pray 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.”

Please pray for Lisa Greene who is having both her hips replaced… Pray for her surgeon and her quickly for coverage and that God will be seen in her.

Please continue to Pray for Brother Lance going through perilous times. Pray he would let God’s strength and peace show through his weakness and his testimony be a Blessing to many.

Please continue to Pray for 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.

Please continue to Pray for 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.

Please continue to Pray for 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

Please Pray for Brother Robert traveling to preach in several churches in several states.

Please continue to keep 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.

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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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 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 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 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 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!

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

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

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

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 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.

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 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.)

Day 8/14 – Obeying God

August 14, 2019 By Lyle Brennan Leave a Comment

Invest for the Long Term…Lay Up Your Treasures in Heaven – Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV “19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

“Humility of mind means truly esteeming others better than yourself (Philippians 2:3). Humility of mind means not finding fault with a brother or sister, but finding fruit — approving those things which are excellent within them. Humility of mind means realizing it’s the grace of God, not our own merit, which allows us to know Him and walk with Him.” Jon Courson

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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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Obeying God

Day Two Hundred Twenty-six

“And God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” Genesis 1:3

When God speaks, He expects to be obeyed. “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth.”295 You see the power of God’s Word in creation. As far as we can tell, the only ones who have had the audacity to disobey God are angels and people. Only humans have an opportunity for redemption. Since God took the effort to save us, we do well to listen to Him.

Only an individual with a false sense of security feels he can ignore God when He speaks. You are not responsible for what you do not know; God does not judge you for being ignorant. He only holds you accountable for what you do know. But beware of willful ignorance. If you could have and should have known, but did not make the effort, you are guilty.

There may be times when you appear obedient while being disobedient. For example, you may say you repent when you really don’t, like the person who says he is sorry for his crime and means by it that he is sorry that he got caught. Likewise, you are not necessarily pleasing God just because those who love you affirm what you do. Their love for you, or their reluctance to alter similar behavior in their own lives, can prejudice their council. In your heart you know whether you are as close to God as you ought to be; keep your ears open to your conscience, your heart open to God and your eyes in the Word.

295 Psalm 33:6

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Psalm 89-90 Romans 14 (New King James Version)

Psalm 89-90

Remembering the Covenant with David, and Sorrow for Lost Blessings

A [a]Contemplation of Ethan the Ezrahite.

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever;

With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.

For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever;

Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.”

“I have made a covenant with My chosen,

I have sworn to My servant David:

‘Your seed I will establish forever,

And build up your throne to all generations.’ ” Selah

And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O Lord;

Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints.

For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord?

Whoamong the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord?

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints,

And to be held in reverence by all thosearound Him.

O Lord God of hosts,

Who ismighty like You, O Lord?

Your faithfulness also surrounds You.

You rule the raging of the sea;

When its waves rise, You still them.

You have broken [b]Rahab in pieces, as one who is slain;

You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.

The heavens areYours, the earth also isYours;

The world and all its fullness, You have founded them.

The north and the south, You have created them;

Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Your name.

You have a mighty arm;

Strong is Your hand, andhigh is Your right hand.

Righteousness and justice arethe foundation of Your throne;

Mercy and truth go before Your face.

Blessed arethe people who know the joyful sound!

They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance.

In Your name they rejoice all day long,

And in Your righteousness they are exalted.

For You arethe glory of their strength,

And in Your favor our [c]horn is exalted.

For our shield belongsto the Lord,

And our king to the Holy One of Israel.

Then You spoke in a vision to Your [d]holy one,

And said: “I have given help to one who ismighty;

I have exalted one chosen from the people.

I have found My servant David;

With My holy oil I have anointed him,

With whom My hand shall be established;

Also My arm shall strengthen him.

The enemy shall not [e]outwit him,

Nor the son of wickedness afflict him.

I will beat down his foes before his face,

And plague those who hate him.

“But My faithfulness and My mercy shall bewith him,

And in My name his horn shall be exalted.

Also I will set his hand over the sea,

And his right hand over the rivers.

He shall cry to Me, ‘You aremy Father,

My God, and the rock of my salvation.’

Also I will make him Myfirstborn,

The highest of the kings of the earth.

My mercy I will keep for him forever,

And My covenant shall stand firm with him.

His seed also I will make to endureforever,

And his throne as the days of heaven.

“If his sons forsake My law

And do not walk in My judgments,

If they [f]break My statutes

And do not keep My commandments,

Then I will punish their transgression with the rod,

And their iniquity with stripes.

Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will not [g]utterly take from him,

Nor [h]allow My faithfulness to fail.

My covenant I will not break,

Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.

Once I have sworn by My holiness;

I will not lie to David:

His seed shall endure forever,

And his throne as the sun before Me;

It shall be established forever like the moon,

Even likethe faithful witness in the sky.” Selah

But You have cast off and abhorred,[i]

You have been furious with Your [j]anointed.

You have renounced the covenant of Your servant;

You have [k]profaned his crown by casting itto the ground.

You have broken down all his hedges;

You have brought his [l]strongholds to ruin.

All who pass by the way plunder him;

He is a reproach to his neighbors.

You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries;

You have made all his enemies rejoice.

You have also turned back the edge of his sword,

And have not sustained him in the battle.

You have made his [m]glory cease,

And cast his throne down to the ground.

The days of his youth You have shortened;

You have covered him with shame. Selah

How long, Lord?

Will You hide Yourself forever?

Will Your wrath burn like fire?

Remember how short my time is;

For what futility have You created all the children of men?

What man can live and not [n]see death?

Can he deliver his life from the power of [o]the grave? Selah

Lord, where areYour former lovingkindnesses,

WhichYou swore to David in Your truth?

Remember, Lord, the reproach of Your servants—

HowI bear in my bosom the reproach ofall the many peoples,

With which Your enemies have reproached, O Lord,

With which they have reproached the footsteps of Your [p]anointed.

Blessed bethe Lord forevermore!

Amen and Amen.

BOOK FOUR

Psalms 90–106

The Eternity of God, and Man’s Frailty

A Prayer of Moses the man of God.

Lord, You have been our [q]dwelling place in all generations.

Before the mountains were brought forth,

Or ever You [r]had formed the earth and the world,

Even from everlasting to everlasting, You areGod.

You turn man to destruction,

And say, “Return, O children of men.”

For a thousand years in Your sight

Arelike yesterday when it is past,

And likea watch in the night.

You carry them away likea flood;

They arelike a sleep.

In the morning they are like grass whichgrows up:

In the morning it flourishes and grows up;

In the evening it is cut down and withers.

For we have been consumed by Your anger,

And by Your wrath we are terrified.

You have set our iniquities before You,

Our secret sinsin the light of Your countenance.

For all our days have passed away in Your wrath;

We finish our years like a sigh.

The days of our lives areseventy years;

And if by reason of strength they areeighty years,

Yet their boast isonly labor and sorrow;

For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Who knows the power of Your anger?

For as the fear of You, so isYour wrath.

So teach usto number our days,

That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Return, O Lord!

How long?

And have compassion on Your servants.

Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,

That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!

Make us glad according to the days in whichYou have afflicted us,

The years in whichwe have seen evil.

Let Your work appear to Your servants,

And Your glory to their children.

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,

And establish the work of our hands for us;

Yes, establish the work of our hands.

Footnotes:

Psalm 89:1 Heb. Maschil
Psalm 89:10 Egypt
Psalm 89:17 Strength
Psalm 89:19 So with many Heb. mss.; MT, LXX, Tg., Vg. holy ones
Psalm 89:22 Or exact usury from him
Psalm 89:31 profane
Psalm 89:33 Lit. break off
Psalm 89:33 Lit. deal falsely with My faithfulness
Psalm 89:38 rejected
Psalm 89:38 Commissioned one, Heb. messiah
Psalm 89:39 defiled
Psalm 89:40 fortresses
Psalm 89:44 splendoror brightness
Psalm 89:48 experience death
Psalm 89:48 Or Sheol
Psalm 89:51 Commissioned one, Heb. messiah
Psalm 90:1 LXX, Tg., Vg. refuge
Psalm 90:2 Lit. gave birth to

Romans 14

The Law of Liberty

14 Receive one who is weak in the faith, butnot to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats onlyvegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

5 One person esteems oneday above another; another esteems every day alike.Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes itto the Lord; [a]and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died [b]and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of [c]Christ. 11 For it is written:

“AsI live, says the Lord,

Every knee shall bow to Me,

And every tongue shall confess to God.”

12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another [d]anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in ourbrother’s way.

The Law of Love

14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there isnothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it isunclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of yourfood, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in [e]these things isacceptable to God and approved by men.

19 Therefore let us pursue the things which makefor peace and the things by which one may [f]edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed arepure, but it isevil for the man who eats with [g]offense. 21 It isgood neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anythingby which your brother stumbles [h]or is offended or is made weak. 22 [i]Do you have faith? Have itto yourself before God. Happy ishe who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he doesnot eatfrom faith; for whatever isnot from faith is [j]sin.

Footnotes:

Romans 14:6 NU omits the rest of this sentence.
Romans 14:9 NU omits and rose
Romans 14:10 NU God
Romans 14:13 any longer
Romans 14:18 NU this thing
Romans 14:19 build up
Romans 14:20 A feeling of giving offense
Romans 14:21 NU omits the rest of v. 21.
Romans 14:22 NU The faith which you have—have
Romans 14:23 M puts Rom. 16:25–27here.

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PRAYER REQUESTS

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

Please Pray for Brother Robert. Robert says He has a Calling to establish a Church. His Prayer request is “… that God puts together a really amazing ministry team. I see it in the Scriptures. There were ministers, elders, deacons. Those seem to be three different categories of the people serving the body. It seems like that was the simple order they had set up. But it was a spiritual thing that would function through the power of the Holy Spirit. My prayer request would be that the Lord puts together the ministry team in what I feel Him asking me to be a part of.”

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!

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

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

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

Please 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 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 Jim Nelson and family ministering in China.

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 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.”

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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 8/2 – Repentance

August 2, 2019 By Lyle Brennan Leave a Comment

Love – John 13:34-35 (ESV) “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

“… our marriage problems are not really marriage problems. They are heart problems. They are God problems. Our lack of intimacy with God causes a void that we try to fill with the frailest of substitutes. Like wealth or pleasure. Like fame or respect. Like people. Like marriage.” Francis Chan

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

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Repentance

Day Two Hundred Fourteen

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2

John the Baptist’s call to repentance is the first exhortation or warning in the New Testament. It is also first in importance. Repentance is the door to the gift of life; without it no one enters. The Bible knows nothing of salvation apart from repentance. In John’s message, he marries the command to repent with the consequences: “Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”282 The failure to repent carries with it judgment. Notice that John carefully articulates judgment. The axe sits at the root of the tree, perhaps having already been imbedded, making judgment absolute. However, the tree is still standing, capable of bearing fruit, thus reflecting the potential for God’s mercy. Repentance leis between these two absolutes.

The Baptist talks about fruit; repentance must produce fruit. Mere acknowledgement of your sin is not enough. You must be willing to change. If you believe God’s wrath is directed at you, and you want God’s grace, then the fruit of repentance will be forthcoming.

Repentance is not just for conversion; all that sin need to repent. It doesn’t matter where you are in your walk with God, you never grow out of the need to repent. As long as you sin you need to repent. Never deceive yourself into believing that because you are a child of God you no longer need to repent.

282 Matthew 3:10

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Psalm 60-62 Romans 5 (New King James Version)

Psalm 60-62

Urgent Prayer for the Restored Favor of God

To the Chief Musician. Set to [a]“Lily of the Testimony.” A Michtam of David. For teaching. When he fought against Mesopotamia and Syria of Zobah, and Joab returned and killed twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

O God, You have cast us off;

You have broken us down;

You have been displeased;

Oh, restore us again!

You have made the earth tremble;

You have broken it;

Heal its breaches, for it is shaking.

You have shown Your people hard things;

You have made us drink the wine of [b]confusion.

You have given a banner to those who fear You,

That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah

That Your beloved may be delivered,

Save withYour right hand, and hear me.

God has spoken in His holiness:

“I will rejoice;

I will divide Shechem

And measure out the Valley of Succoth.

Gilead isMine, and Manasseh isMine;

Ephraim also isthe [c]helmet for My head;

Judah isMy lawgiver.

Moab isMy washpot;

Over Edom I will cast My shoe;

Philistia, shout in triumph because of Me.”

Who will bring me tothe strong city?

Who will lead me to Edom?

Is itnot You, O God, whocast us off?

And You, O God, whodid not go out with our armies?

Give us help from trouble,

For the help of man isuseless.

Through God we will do valiantly,

For it isHe whoshall tread down our enemies.

Assurance of God’s Eternal Protection

To the Chief Musician. On [d]a stringed instrument. A Psalmof David.

Hear my cry, O God;

Attend to my prayer.

From the end of the earth I will cry to You,

When my heart is overwhelmed;

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For You have been a shelter for me,

A strong tower from the enemy.

I will abide in Your [e]tabernacle forever;

I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

For You, O God, have heard my vows;

You have given methe heritage of those who fear Your name.

You will prolong the king’s life,

His years as many generations.

He shall abide before God forever.

Oh, prepare mercy and truth, whichmay [f]preserve him!

So I will sing praise to Your name forever,

That I may daily perform my vows.

A Calm Resolve to Wait for the Salvation of God

To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

Truly my soul silently waitsfor God;

From Him comesmy salvation.

He only ismy rock and my salvation;

He ismy [g]defense;

I shall not be greatly moved.[h]

How long will you attack a man?

You shall be slain, all of you,

Like a leaning wall and a tottering fence.

They only consult to cast himdown from his high position;

They delight in lies;

They bless with their mouth,

But they curse inwardly. Selah

My soul, wait silently for God alone,

For my [i]expectation isfrom Him.

He only ismy rock and my salvation;

He ismy defense;

I shall not be [j]moved.

In God ismy salvation and my glory;

The rock of my strength,

Andmy refuge, isin God.

Trust in Him at all times, you people;

Pour out your heart before Him;

God isa refuge for us. Selah

Surely men of low degree are[k]a vapor,

Men of high degree area lie;

If they are weighed on the scales,

They arealtogether lighterthan vapor.

Do not trust in oppression,

Nor vainly hope in robbery;

If riches increase,

Do not set yourheart on them.

God has spoken once,

Twice I have heard this:

That power belongsto God.

Also to You, O Lord, belongsmercy;

For You [l]render to each one according to his work.

Footnotes:

Psalm 60:1 Heb. Shushan Eduth
Psalm 60:3 staggering
Psalm 60:7 Lit. protection
Psalm 61:1 Heb. neginah
Psalm 61:4 tent
Psalm 61:7 Lit. guardor keep
Psalm 62:2 strong tower
Psalm 62:2 shaken
Psalm 62:5 hope
Psalm 62:6 shaken
Psalm 62:9 vanity
Psalm 62:12 reward

Romans 5

Faith Triumphs in Trouble

5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, [a]we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that,but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces [b]perseverance; 4 and perseverance, [c]character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Christ in Our Place

6 For when we were still without strength, [d]in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that,but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Death in Adam, Life in Christ

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift isnot like the [e]offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift isnot like that which camethrough the one who sinned. For the judgment which camefrom one offense resultedin condemnation, but the free gift which camefrom many [f]offenses resultedin justification. 17 For if by the one man’s [g]offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

18 Therefore, as through [h]one man’s offense judgment cameto all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one[i] Man’s righteous act the free gift cameto all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Footnotes:

Romans 5:1 Some ancient mss. let us have
Romans 5:3 endurance
Romans 5:4 approved character
Romans 5:6 at the right time
Romans 5:15 trespassor false step
Romans 5:16 trespasses
Romans 5:17 trespass
Romans 5:18 Or one trespass
Romans 5:18 Or one righteous act

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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.

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 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 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.)

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

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

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.”

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Day 6/28 – Finding God

June 28, 2019 By Lyle Brennan Leave a Comment

Sin’s Penalty – Romans 6:23 (ESV) “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“God interrupt whatever we are doing so that we can join You in what You’re doing” Francis Chan

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

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Finding God

Day One Hundred Seventy-nine

“‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands, no one seeks for God. There is no fear of God before their eyes.”‘ Romans 3:10, 11, 18.

Paul opens his epistle to the Romans with a critique of the human race, showing that man, in his rebellion against God, is alienated from his Creator. A universal problem requires a universal solution. In the last eleven verses of Romans 3 Paul presents the solution in the propitious death of Christ. Just before introducing the work of Christ, he notes that four things are true of all those alienated from God: none are righteous, no one understands, none seek God, and none fear God.

Earlier in his letter Paul says that God revealed Himself to the world through His creation and man’s conscience. But in his summary of man’s problem in Romans 3, you note that such revelation is insufficient for a person to find God. During the days of the Reformation the theologians called this “Total Depravity.” By this they did not mean that man is as sinful as possible, but rather than his sin deprives him of his ability to understand his lostness and alienation from God. Whenever you meet a person who begins to understand, fear God, or seek God, you know that it is a gracious work of the Holy Spirit.

You cannot know what you do not know unless God reveals it to you. Scripture is not enough to believe; it never has been and can never be. Unless the Holy Spirit opens the eyes of the spiritually blind they cannot see. Never become frustrated with the non-Christian’s inability to understand spiritual truth. Unless God touches him, he will remain spiritually dead.

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Job 11-13 Acts 9:1-21 (New King James Version)

Job 11-13

Zophar Urges Job to Repent

11 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:

“Should not the multitude of words be answered?

And should [a]a man full of talk be vindicated?

Should your empty talk make men [b]hold their peace?

And when you mock, should no one rebuke you?

For you have said,

‘My doctrine ispure,

And I am clean in your eyes.’

But oh, that God would speak,

And open His lips against you,

That He would show you the secrets of wisdom!

For they woulddouble yourprudence.

Know therefore that God [c]exacts from you

Lessthan your iniquity deserves.

“Can you search out the deep things of God?

Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?

They arehigher than heaven—what can you do?

Deeper than [d]Sheol—what can you know?

Their measure islonger than the earth

And broader than the sea.

“If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers to judgment,

Then who can [e]hinder Him?

For He knows deceitful men;

He sees wickedness also.

Will He not then consider it?

For an empty-headed man will be wise,

When a wild donkey’s colt is born a man.

“If you would prepare your heart,

And stretch out your hands toward Him;

If iniquity werein your hand, and youput it far away,

And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents;

Then surely you could lift up your face without spot;

Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear;

Because you would forget yourmisery,

And remember itas waters that havepassed away,

And yourlife would be brighter than noonday.

Thoughyou were dark, you would be like the morning.

And you would be secure, because there is hope;

Yes, you would dig around you, andtake your rest in safety.

You would also lie down, and no one would make youafraid;

Yes,many would court your favor.

But the eyes of the wicked will fail,

And they shall not escape,

And their hope—[f]loss of life!”

Job Answers His Critics

12 Then Job answered and said:

“No doubt you arethe people,

And wisdom will die with you!

But I have [g]understanding as well as you;

I amnot inferior to you.

Indeed, who does not knowsuch things as these?

“I am one mocked by his friends,

Who called on God, and He answered him,

The just and blameless who isridiculed.

A [h]lamp is despised in the thought of one who is at ease;

It ismade ready for those whose feet slip.

The tents of robbers prosper,

And those who provoke God are secure—

In what God provides by His hand.

“But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you;

And the birds of the air, and they will tell you;

Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you;

And the fish of the sea will explain to you.

Who among all these does not know

That the hand of the Lord has done this,

In whose hand isthe [i]life of every living thing,

And the breath of [j]all mankind?

Does not the ear test words

And the [k]mouth taste its food?

Wisdom iswith aged men,

And with [l]length of days, understanding.

“With Him arewisdom and strength,

He has counsel and understanding.

If He breaks a thingdown, it cannot be rebuilt;

IfHe imprisons a man, there can be no release.

If He withholds the waters, they dry up;

IfHe sends them out, they overwhelm the earth.

With Him arestrength and prudence.

The deceived and the deceiver areHis.

He leads counselors away plundered,

And makes fools of the judges.

He loosens the bonds of kings,

And binds their waist with a belt.

He leads [m]princes away plundered,

And overthrows the mighty.

He deprives the trusted ones of speech,

And takes away the discernment of the elders.

He pours contempt on princes,

And [n]disarms the mighty.

He uncovers deep things out of darkness,

And brings the shadow of death to light.

He makes nations great, and destroys them;

He [o]enlarges nations, and guides them.

He takes away the [p]understanding of the chiefs of the people of the earth,

And makes them wander in a pathless wilderness.

They grope in the dark without light,

And He makes them stagger like a drunken man.

Job Defends Himself

“Behold, my eye has seen all this,

My ear has heard and understood it.

What you know, I also know;

I amnot inferior to you.

But I would speak to the Almighty,

And I desire to reason with God.

But you forgers of lies,

You areall worthless physicians.

Oh, that you would be silent,

And it would be your wisdom!

Now hear my reasoning,

And heed the pleadings of my lips.

Will you speak [q]wickedly for God,

And talk deceitfully for Him?

Will you show partiality for Him?

Will you contend for God?

Will it be well when He searches you out?

Or can you mock Him as one mocks a man?

He will surely rebuke you

If you secretly show partiality.

Will not His [r]excellence make you afraid,

And the dread of Him fall upon you?

Your platitudes areproverbs of ashes,

Your defenses are defenses of clay.

“Hold[s] your peace with me, and let me speak,

Then let come on me what may!

Why do I take my flesh in my teeth,

And put my life in my hands?

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.

Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.

He also shallbe my salvation,

For a hypocrite could not come before Him.

Listen carefully to my speech,

And to my declaration with your ears.

See now, I have prepared mycase,

I know that I shall be vindicated.

Who ishe whowill contend with me?

If now I hold my tongue, I perish.

Job’s Despondent Prayer

“Only two thingsdo not do to me,

Then I will not hide myself from You:

Withdraw Your hand far from me,

And let not the dread of You make me afraid.

Then call, and I will answer;

Or let me speak, then You respond to me.

How many aremy iniquities and sins?

Make me know my transgression and my sin.

Why do You hide Your face,

And regard me as Your enemy?

Will You frighten a leaf driven to and fro?

And will You pursue dry stubble?

For You write bitter things against me,

And make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.

You put my feet in the stocks,

And watch closely all my paths.

You [t]set a limit for the [u]soles of my feet.

“Man[v] decays like a rotten thing,

Like a garment that is moth-eaten.

Footnotes:

Job 11:2 Lit. a man of lips
Job 11:3 be silent
Job 11:6 Lit. forgets some of your iniquity for you
Job 11:8 The abode of the dead
Job 11:10 restrain
Job 11:20 Lit. the breathing out of life
Job 12:3 Lit. a heart
Job 12:5 Or disaster
Job 12:10 Or soul
Job 12:10 Lit. all flesh of men
Job 12:11 palate
Job 12:12 Long life
Job 12:19 Lit. priests,but not in a technical sense
Job 12:21 loosens the belt of
Job 12:23 Lit. spreads out
Job 12:24 Lit. heart
Job 13:7 unrighteously
Job 13:11 Lit. exaltation
Job 13:13 Be silent
Job 13:27 Lit. inscribe a print
Job 13:27 Lit. roots
Job 13:28 Lit. He

Acts 9:1-21

The Damascus Road: Saul Converted

9 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [a]It ishard for you to kick against the goads.”

6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord saidto him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought himinto Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Ananias Baptizes Saul

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”

And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

11 So the Lord saidto him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for onecalled Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting hishand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much [b]harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children[c] of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord [d]Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes somethinglike scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

Saul Preaches Christ

20 Immediately he preached [e]the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”

Footnotes:

Acts 9:5 NU, M omit the rest of v. 5and begin v. 6with But arise and go
Acts 9:13 bad things
Acts 9:15 Lit. sons
Acts 9:17 M omits Jesus
Acts 9:20 NU Jesus

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PRAYER REQUESTS

Please Pray for Brother Mark P, a missionary in the Philippines.

He said they have an unfolding issue with a senior leader, who has had a significant, long term sin revealed. This person was second under Mark over the entire ministry. Once the sin was revealed, it seems the sin runs deeper and farther than anyone could imagine. Mark says, for him personally, this is big one. “This is the last person I would ever have expected, a true friend, someone both myself and my wife genuinely love, our longest standing national in leadership.” Currently, “they have resigned from ministry and have start the blame and slander game to keep the focus off themselves.” A lot of pain going around right now. Mark asks for Prayer, specifically, in 2 areas:

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

2 – … Repentance needs to come from this individual.

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

for Mark, Mark’s wife and this individual caught in the web sin. … 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 Sister Sonia’s x-husband, Raymond, he has prostrate cancer. His prognosis seems positive, but please Pray for him.

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

Please continue to Pray for Brother David Frear’s father-law, Juan. His recovery from 2 transplants and added health issues since the transplants have him very sick.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.”

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Day 6/25 – Seeking God’s Kingdom

June 25, 2019 By Lyle Brennan Leave a Comment

Witnessing – Romans 1:16 (ESV) “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16

“Profound, permanent change takes place by altering how you think. Study the Bible. Meditate on what it means and the implications for your life. Let it “renew your mind that you may scrutinize and test the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.”” Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”)

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

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

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Seeking God’s Kingdom

Day One Hundred Seventy-six

“Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on….But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:25, 33

Our Lord makes an audacious claim: If we will seek His interests He will assume responsibility for providing for our daily needs. The reason He promises to provide is found in His desire that we seek His kingdom and righteousness. As He noted in v. 24, you cannot serve two masters. If you perceive your vocation as the means whereby you earn your living, Jesus says you will not be able to adequately seek His kingdom.

Christ wants all of His followers to seek His kingdom and righteousness. In this sense all are in the minist, for the kingdom of God consists in the rulership of God in the lives of people. 252 To seek His kingdom means you seek His rulership first in your own life and then in the lives of others. The only difference between a vocational Christian worker and the laity is how the ministry is funded. The secular is spiritual if the focus of your life is the eternal; the man on the lathe is doing spiritual work if he sees his vocation through the lens of Matthew 6:33. The spiritual is secular if the focus of your life is the temporal; the man on the mission field is in secular work if his focus is trying to become president of the mission.

If you are unhappy with your vocation because God wants you elsewhere, you should change jobs and do the will of God. If you are discontent with your vocation, but believe that is where God wants you, then you need to repent.

252 Luke 17:20-21

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Job 3-4 Acts 7:44-60 (New King James Version)

Job 3-4

Job Deplores His Birth

3 After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth.2 And Job [a]spoke, and said:

“May the day perish on which I was born,

And the night in whichit was said,

‘A male child is conceived.’

May that day be darkness;

May God above not seek it,

Nor the light shine upon it.

May darkness and the shadow of death claim it;

May a cloud settle on it;

May the blackness of the day terrify it.

As forthat night, may darkness seize it;

May it not [b]rejoice among the days of the year,

May it not come into the number of the months.

Oh, may that night be barren!

May no joyful shout come into it!

May those curse it who curse the day,

Those who are ready to arouse Leviathan.

May the stars of its morning be dark;

May it look for light, but havenone,

And not see the [c]dawning of the day;

Because it did not shut up the doors of my mother’swomb,

Nor hide sorrow from my eyes.

“Why did I not die at birth?

Whydid I not[d]perish when I came from the womb?

Why did the knees receive me?

Or why the breasts, that I should nurse?

For now I would have lain still and been quiet,

I would have been asleep;

Then I would have been at rest

With kings and counselors of the earth,

Who built ruins for themselves,

Or with princes who had gold,

Who filled their houses withsilver;

Or whywas I not hidden like a stillborn child,

Like infants who never saw light?

There the wicked cease fromtroubling,

And there the [e]weary are at rest.

Therethe prisoners [f]rest together;

They do not hear the voice of the oppressor.

The small and great are there,

And the servant isfree from his master.

“Why is light given to him who is in misery,

And life to the bitter of soul,

Who long[g] for death, but it does not come,

And search for it more than hidden treasures;

Who rejoice exceedingly,

Andare glad when they can find the grave?

Why is light givento a man whose way is hidden,

And whom God has hedged in?

For my sighing comes before [h]I eat,

And my groanings pour out like water.

For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me,

And what I dreaded has happened to me.

I am not at ease, nor am I quiet;

I have no rest, for trouble comes.”

Eliphaz: Job Has Sinned

4 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said:

“Ifone attempts a word with you, will you become weary?

But who can withhold himself from speaking?

Surely you have instructed many,

And you have strengthened weak hands.

Your words have upheld him who was stumbling,

And you have strengthened the [i]feeble knees;

But now it comes upon you, and you are weary;

It touches you, and you are troubled.

Isnot your reverence your confidence?

And the integrity of your ways your hope?

“Remember now, who everperished being innocent?

Or where were the upright evercut off?

Even as I have seen,

Those who plow iniquity

And sow trouble reap the same.

By the blast of God they perish,

And by the breath of His anger they are consumed.

The roaring of the lion,

The voice of the fierce lion,

And the teeth of the young lions are broken.

The old lion perishes for lack of prey,

And the cubs of the lioness are scattered.

“Now a word was secretly brought to me,

And my ear received a whisper of it.

In disquieting thoughts from the visions of the night,

When deep sleep falls on men,

Fear came upon me, and trembling,

Which made all my bones shake.

Then a spirit passed before my face;

The hair on my body stood up.

It stood still,

But I could not discern its appearance.

A form wasbefore my eyes;

There wassilence;

Then I heard a voice saying:

‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God?

Can a man be more pure than his Maker?

If He puts no trust in His servants,

IfHe charges His angels with error,

How much more those who dwell in houses of clay,

Whose foundation is in the dust,

Whoare crushed before a moth?

They are broken in pieces from morning till evening;

They perish forever, with no one regarding.

Does not their own excellence go away?

They die, even without wisdom.’

Footnotes:

Job 3:2 Lit. answered
Job 3:6 LXX, Syr., Tg., Vg. be joined
Job 3:9 eyelids of the dawn
Job 3:11 expire
Job 3:17 Lit. weary of strength
Job 3:18 are at ease
Job 3:21 Lit. wait
Job 3:24 Lit. my bread
Job 4:4 Lit. bending

Acts 7:44-60

God’s True Tabernacle

44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen, 45 which our fathers, having received it in turn, also brought with Joshua into the land possessed by the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers until the days of David, 46 who found favor before God and asked to find a dwelling for the God of Jacob. 47 But Solomon built Him a house.

48 “However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says:

‘Heaven isMy throne,

And earth isMy footstool.

What house will you build for Me? says the Lord,

Or what isthe place of My rest?

Has My hand not made all these things?’

Israel Resists the Holy Spirit

51 “Youstiff-necked[a] and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did,so doyou. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, 53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”

Stephen the Martyr

54 When they heard these things they were [b]cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with theirteeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast himout of the city and stoned him.And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on Godand saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Footnotes:

Acts 7:51 stubborn
Acts 7:54 furious