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Daily Devotional

Spirit

Day 12/10 – Pleading God’s Glory

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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

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“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.

5 

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.

7 

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

10 

“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.’

11 

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

2 

Say to your brethren, [f]‘My people,’

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

God’s Unfaithful People

2 

“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;

3 

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.

4 

“I will not have mercy on her children,

For they are the children of harlotry.

5 

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.’

6 

“Therefore, behold,

I will hedge up your way with thorns,

And [j]wall her in,

So that she cannot find her paths.

7 

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.’

8 

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.

9 

“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.

10 

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

And no one shall deliver her from My hand.

11 

I will also cause all her mirth to cease,

Her feast days,

Her New Moons,

Her Sabbaths—

All her appointed feasts.

12 

“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.

13 

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

14 

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her,

Will bring her into the wilderness,

And speak [l]comfort to her.

15 

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.

16 

“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,’

17 

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

And they shall be remembered by their name no more.

18 

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.

19 

“I will betroth you to Me forever;

Yes, I will betroth you to Me

In righteousness and justice,

In lovingkindness and mercy;

20 

I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness,

And you shall know the Lord.

21 

“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.

22 

The earth shall answer

With grain,

With new wine,

And with oil;

They shall answer [o]Jezreel.

23 

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

4 

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.

2 

By swearing and lying,

Killing and stealing and committing adultery,

They break all restraint,

With bloodshed [u]upon bloodshed.

3 

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.

4 

“Now let no man contend, or rebuke another;

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

5 

Therefore you shall stumble in the day;

The prophet also shall stumble with you in the night;

And I will destroy your mother.

6 

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.

7 

“The more they increased,

The more they sinned against Me;

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

8 

They eat up the sin of My people;

They set their [x]heart on their iniquity.

9 

And it shall be: like people, like priest.

So I will punish them for their ways,

And [y]reward them for their deeds.

10 

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

11 

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

12 

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.

13 

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.

14 

“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.

15 

“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’—

16 

“For Israel is stubborn

Like a stubborn calf;

Now the Lord will let them forage

Like a lamb in [ab]open country.

17 

“Ephraim is joined to idols,

Let him alone.

18 

Their drink [ac]is rebellion,

They commit harlotry continually.

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

19 

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

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please Pray for:

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

http://ccmeadowmesa.com

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

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

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

The salvation of Brother David Frear’s parents.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our nation that God would open all our eyes to the sins that are drowning us. Lukewarmness, abortion, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, hatred & divisiveness, greed, pride, rebellion, covetousness, etc.  Please Pray and Fast for our nation to turn from this evil that is enveloping us.   

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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

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

Sister Fabiola and her children in Mexico in our Prayers. This Sister and her family, in a short time period, have been hit with a more tragedies (persecutions) than most of us have in our entire life time…  the murder of her husband, x-husband and one of her children. And, recently, her modest home (a shack by any American standard) was burnt to the ground. …Her neighbor’s house caught fire and due to the closeness of her home, it caught fire, too.  Brothers & Sisters, please Pray for God’s Holy touch on Fabiola and her family. 

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

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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.)

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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 12/6 – Showing Favoritism

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

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

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

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

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Thoughts from the Diary of a Desperate Man 

by Walter Henrichsen

Showing Favoritism

Day Three Hundred Forty

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

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

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

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

table.”433

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

432  Ephesians 2:5

433  cf. Matthew 15:22-28

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

Daniel 3-4

The Image of Gold

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

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

Daniel’s Friends Disobey the King

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

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

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

Saved in Fiery Trial

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

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

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

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

Nebuchadnezzar Praises God

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

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

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

Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream

4 Nebuchadnezzar the king,

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

Peace be multiplied to you.

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

3 

How great are His signs,

And how mighty His wonders!

His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

And His dominion is from generation to generation.

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

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

I was looking, and behold,

A tree in the midst of the earth,

And its height was great.

11 

The tree grew and became strong;

Its height reached to the heavens,

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

12 

Its leaves were lovely,

Its fruit abundant,

And in it was food for all.

The beasts of the field found shade under it,

The birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches,

And all flesh was fed from it.

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

‘Chop down the tree and cut off its branches,

Strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit.

Let the beasts get out from under it,

And the birds from its branches.

15 

Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth,

Bound with a band of iron and bronze,

In the tender grass of the field.

Let it be wet with the dew of heaven,

And let him graze with the beasts

On the grass of the earth.

16 

Let his heart be changed from that of a man,

Let him be given the heart of a beast,

And let seven times[j] pass over him.

17 

‘This decision is by the decree of the watchers,

And the sentence by the word of the holy ones,

In order that the living may know

That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men,

Gives it to whomever He will,

And sets over it the lowest of men.’

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

Daniel Explains the Second Dream

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

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

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

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

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

Nebuchadnezzar’s Humiliation

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

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

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

Nebuchadnezzar Praises God

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

For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,

And His kingdom is from generation to generation.

35 

All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing;

He does according to His will in the army of heaven

And among the inhabitants of the earth.

No one can restrain His hand

Or say to Him, “What have You done?”

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

Footnotes:

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

1 John 5

Obedience by Faith

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

The Certainty of God’s Witness

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

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

Confidence and Compassion in Prayer

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

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

Knowing the True—Rejecting the False

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

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

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

21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Footnotes:

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

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please Pray for:

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

http://ccmeadowmesa.com

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

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

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

The salvation of Brother David Frear’s parents.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our nation that God would open all our eyes to the sins that are drowning us. Lukewarmness, abortion, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, hatred & divisiveness, greed, pride, rebellion, covetousness, etc.  Please Pray and Fast for our nation to turn from this evil that is enveloping us.   

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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

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

Sister Fabiola and her children in Mexico in our Prayers. This Sister and her family, in a short time period, have been hit with a more tragedies (persecutions) than most of us have in our entire life time…  the murder of her husband, x-husband and one of her children. And, recently, her modest home (a shack by any American standard) was burnt to the ground. …Her neighbor’s house caught fire and due to the closeness of her home, it caught fire, too.  Brothers & Sisters, please Pray for God’s Holy touch on Fabiola and her family. 

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

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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.)

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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 11/29 – Dependence and Discipline

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I Pray you start your day praising the King of Kings and commit the day to Him, the Lover of our souls, who committed His All to us. 

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

 “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more.”  Luke 12:48

“The world says, the more you have the more blessed you are.  God says, the more you have the more accountable you are.  You can understand why the world thinks this way; they don’t think of eternal accountability, measuring success only by what they can accrue in this life.  If the Word of God is true, however, there will be a day of reckoning in which all will be judged, not on the basis of how much they accrued in this life, but on the basis of what they did with what they had and why they did 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 

Dependence and Discipline

Day Three Hundred Thirty-three

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13

The follower of Jesus Christ must be passive and active, dependent and disciplined.  Faith must be active, never passive, and yet “except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it.419  God will never do for you what you

can do for yourself, but what you cannot do for yourself, He will do. If the work of sanctification belonged solely to God, the admonitions to self-control and discipline would be superfluous.  Therefore, if you do not “work out your own salvation,” you will be lost.  Obedience is a key component in your walk with God.

Sanctification, however, cannot be accomplished  by human means.  You are dependent upon God to do it.  He promises you that He resides in you “both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Paul asked, “Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”420 Regeneration, from start to finish, is the work of God.  He begins it in salvation and completes it in sanctification.

This means that you will never experience a time when you are not dependent upon the Lord to complete His work in you, and you will always remain responsible for being His obedient, faithful, and dependent servant.  If you let go of either truth you will abort the sanctification process. 

419  Psalm 127:1

420  Galatians 3:3

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Ezekiel 35-36 2 Peter 1 (New King James Version)

Ezekiel 35-36

Judgment on Mount Seir

35 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir and prophesy against it, 3 and say to it, ‘Thus says the Lord God:

“Behold, O Mount Seir, I am against you;

I will stretch out My hand against you,

And make you [a]most desolate;

4 

I shall lay your cities waste,

And you shall be desolate.

Then you shall know that I am the Lord.

5 “Because you have had an [b]ancient hatred, and have shed the blood ofthe children of Israel by the power of the sword at the time of their calamity, when their iniquity came to an end, 6 therefore, as I live,” says the Lord God, “I will prepare you for blood, and blood shall pursue you; since you have not hated [c]blood, therefore blood shall pursue you. 7 Thus I will make Mount Seir [d]most desolate, and cut off from it the one who leaves and the one who returns. 8 And I will fill its mountains with the slain; on your hills and in your valleys and in all your ravines those who are slain by the sword shall fall. 9 I will make you [e]perpetually desolate, and your cities shall be uninhabited; then you shall know that I am the Lord.

10 “Because you have said, ‘These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess them,’ although the Lord was there, 11 therefore, as I live,” says the Lord God, “I will do according to your anger and according to the envy which you showed in your hatred against them; and I will make Myself known among them when I judge you. 12 Then you shall know that I am the Lord. I have heard all your blasphemies which you have spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, ‘They are desolate; they are given to us to consume.’ 13 Thus with your mouth you have [f]boasted against Me and multiplied your words against Me; I have heard them.”

14 ‘Thus says the Lord God: “The whole earth will rejoice when I make you desolate. 15 As you rejoiced because the inheritance of the house of Israel was desolate, so I will do to you; you shall be desolate, O Mount Seir, as well as all of Edom—all of it! Then they shall know that I am the Lord.” ’

Blessing on Israel

36 “And you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel, and say, ‘O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord! 2 Thus says the Lord God: “Because the enemy has said of you, ‘Aha! The [g]ancient heights have become our possession,’ ” ’ 3 therefore prophesy, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Because they made you desolate and swallowed you up on every side, so that you became the possession of the rest of the nations, and you are taken up by the lips of talkers and slandered by the people”— 4 therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord God! Thus says the Lord God to the mountains, the hills, the [h]rivers, the valleys, the desolate wastes, and the cities that have been forsaken, which became plunder and mockery to the rest of the nations all around— 5 therefore thus says the Lord God: “Surely I have spoken in My burning jealousy against the rest of the nations and against all Edom, who gave My land to themselves as a possession, with wholehearted joy and [i]spiteful minds, in order to plunder its open country.” ’

6 “Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel, and say to the mountains, the hills, the rivers, and the valleys, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I have spoken in My jealousy and My fury, because you have borne the shame of the nations.” 7 Therefore thus says the Lord God: “I have raised My hand in an oath that surely the nations that are around you shall bear their own shame. 8 But you, O mountains of Israel, you shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to My people Israel, for they are about to come. 9 For indeed I am for you, and I will turn to you, and you shall be tilled and sown. 10 I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, all of it; and the cities shall be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. 11 I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and [j]bear young; I will make you inhabited as in former times, and do better for you than at your beginnings. Then you shall know that I am the Lord. 12 Yes, I will cause men to walk on you, My people Israel; they shall take possession of you, and you shall be their inheritance; no more shall you bereave them of children.”

13 ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Because they say to you, ‘You devour men and bereave your nation of children,’ 14 therefore you shall devour men no more, nor bereave your nation anymore,” says the Lord God. 15 “Nor will I let you hear the taunts of the nations anymore, nor bear the reproach of the peoples anymore, nor shall you cause your nation to stumble anymore,” says the Lord God.’ ”

The Renewal of Israel

16 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 17 “Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own ways and deeds; to Me their way was like the uncleanness of a woman in her customary impurity. 18 Therefore I poured out My fury on them for the blood they had shed on the land, and for their idols with whichthey had defiled it. 19 So I scattered them among the nations, and they were dispersed throughout the countries; I judged them according to their ways and their deeds. 20 When they came to the nations, wherever they went, they profaned My holy name—when they said of them, ‘These arethe people of the Lord, and yet they have gone out of His land.’ 21 But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations wherever they went.

22 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. 23 And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the Lord,” says the Lord God, “when I am hallowed in you before their eyes. 24 For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. 25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.28 Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God. 29 I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses. I will call for the grain and multiply it, and bring no famine upon you. 30 And I will multiply the fruit of your trees and the increase of your fields, so that you need never again bear the reproach of famine among the nations. 31 Then you will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good; and you will [k]loathe yourselves in your own sight, for your iniquities and your abominations. 32 Not for your sake do I do this,” says the Lord God, “let it be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel!”

33 ‘Thus says the Lord God: “On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will also enable you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt. 34 The desolate land shall be tilled instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass by. 35 So they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ 36 Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, the Lord, have spoken it, and I will do it.”

37 ‘Thus says the Lord God: “I will also let the house of Israel inquire of Me to do this for them: I will increase their men like a flock. 38 Like a [l]flock offered as holy sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem on its [m]feast days, so shall the ruined cities be filled with flocks of men. Then they shall know that I am the Lord.” ’ ”

Footnotes:

  • Ezekiel 35:3 Lit. a desolation and a waste
  • Ezekiel 35:5 Or everlasting
  • Ezekiel 35:6 Or bloodshed
  • Ezekiel 35:7 Lit. a waste and a desolation
  • Ezekiel 35:9 Lit. desolated forever
  • Ezekiel 35:13 Lit. made yourself great
  • Ezekiel 36:2 Or everlasting
  • Ezekiel 36:4 Or ravines
  • Ezekiel 36:5 Lit. scorning souls
  • Ezekiel 36:11 Lit. be fruitful
  • Ezekiel 36:31 despise
  • Ezekiel 36:38 Lit. holy flock
  • Ezekiel 36:38 appointed feasts

2 Peter 1

Greeting the Faithful

1 Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have [a]obtained like[b] precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the [c]corruption that is in the world through lust.

Fruitful Growth in the Faith

5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control [d]perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither [e]barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Peter’s Approaching Death

12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this [f]tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 knowing that shortly I must [g]put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. 15 Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my [h]decease.

The Trustworthy Prophetic Word

16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

19 [i]And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private [j]interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but [k]holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Footnotes:

  • 2 Peter 1:1 received
  • 2 Peter 1:1 faith of the same value
  • 2 Peter 1:4 depravity
  • 2 Peter 1:6 patience
  • 2 Peter 1:8 useless
  • 2 Peter 1:13 Body
  • 2 Peter 1:14 Die and leave this body
  • 2 Peter 1:15 Lit. exodus, departure
  • 2 Peter 1:19 Or We also have the more sure prophetic word
  • 2 Peter 1:20 Or origin
  • 2 Peter 1:21 NU men spoke from God

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please Pray for:

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

Bryce, a student at UNLV who recently gave his life to our Savior. Pastor Rich is baptizing him this Saturday at his apartment complex near UNLV.

Brother John Laporte’s cousin, Jeff, who is recovering from having parts of his foot amputated due to diabetes and who does not know the Lord.  Pray Jeff will hear and receive the gospel that John is sharing with him. 

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

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

The salvation of Brother David Frear’s parents.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our nation that God would open all our eyes to the sins that are drowning us. Lukewarmness, abortion, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, hatred & divisiveness, greed, pride, rebellion, covetousness, etc.  Please Pray and Fast for our nation to turn from this evil that is enveloping us.   

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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

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

Sister Fabiola and her children in Mexico in our Prayers. This Sister and her family, in a short time period, have been hit with a more tragedies (persecutions) than most of us have in our entire life time…  the murder of her husband, x-husband and one of her children. And, recently, her modest home (a shack by any American standard) was burnt to the ground. …Her neighbor’s house caught fire and due to the closeness of her home, it caught fire, too.  Brothers & Sisters, please Pray for God’s Holy touch on Fabiola and her family. 

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

+++

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brother Frank Sun, a Taiwanese, that owns several businesses in China and Taiwan.  Please Pray Frank will be bold in his sharing Christ in his companies and that he will be faithful to disciple the new Believers.  

AND, let each of us use Frank’s example and share the Love and Salvation of Jesus to our coworkers, employees, family, friends and acquaintances  … Invest in the Eternal!

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

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

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

Alejandro Corral, his son Alejandro Jr.

Brother Steve Venable dealing with ALS. 

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

+++

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

Biblical “headship” in families.

All the children. 

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

Brother Ron Brink’s son who had 3+ military tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and who is now suffering brain damage and PTSD.  Pray for God’s Healing Power to fall upon Johnathon. (Ron is a 20 plus year missionary in Mexico and heads up Touch Baja.)

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

Day 11/25 – Law and Request

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Discipline or Disqualification?  – 1 Corinthians 9: 26-27

26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9: 26-27 ‬ ‬  ‬ 

“The babe in Christ may come to erroneous conclusions as he begins his quest to know God and His Word, but in time he will come right.  Such errors are self­ correcting with maturity.  You may remember convictions you held earlier in life that did not stand the scrutiny of Scripture; with maturity you changed.”    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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Law and Request

Day Three Hundred Twenty-nine

“Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” 2 Corinthians 3:6

If someone asked you the difference between a law and a request, you would probably answer to the effect that law is obligatory and request is not.  You may also note that, for the most part, laws have the recipient’s best interest at heart, while requests have the requester’s best interest at heart.  For example, if you tell your five-year-old that he cannot play in the street, you seek his interest.  But if you ask your child to fetch your slippers, it may be a request, but you seek your interest.

Never make laws out of your endeavor to help people seek their best.  For example, Paul says that celibacy is preferred for those with a heart for God. 414  When the church makes celibacy a law because it wants the people to seek the best, they err biblically.  Parents can easily do this with their children.   For example, the godly parent desires that the child’s heart seeks God and makes a law to the effect that the child must spend a minimum of thirty minutes with the Lord each day. He does this because he seeks what is best for his child.  But the thirst for holiness comes from within the heart.  Law is external, ignoring the desire of the heart.  Making laws may be easier than influencing thinking, but laws will prove counter-productive to both the relationship and the desired objective. 

414 cf. I Corinthians 7:32-34

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Ezekiel 24-26 1 Peter 2 (New King James Version)

Ezekiel 24-26

Symbol of the Cooking Pot

24 Again, in the ninth year, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, write down the name of the day, this very day—the king of Babylon started his siege against Jerusalem this very day. 3 And utter a parable to the rebellious house, and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God:

“Put on a pot, set it on,

And also pour water into it.

4 

Gather pieces of meat in it,

Every good piece,

The thigh and the shoulder.

Fill it with choice [a]cuts;

5 

Take the choice of the flock.

Also pile fuel bones under it,

Make it boil well,

And let the cuts simmer in it.”

6 ‘Therefore thus says the Lord God:

“Woe to the bloody city,

To the pot whose scum is in it,

And whose scum is not gone from it!

Bring it out piece by piece,

On which no lot has fallen.

7 

For her blood is in her midst;

She set it on top of a rock;

She did not pour it on the ground,

To cover it with dust.

8 

That it may raise up fury and take vengeance,

I have set her blood on top of a rock,

That it may not be covered.”

9 ‘Therefore thus says the Lord God:

“Woe to the bloody city!

I too will make the pyre great.

10 

Heap on the wood,

Kindle the fire;

Cook the meat well,

Mix in the spices,

And let the [b]cuts be burned up.

11 

“Then set the pot empty on the coals,

That it may become hot and its bronze may burn,

That its filthiness may be melted in it,

That its scum may be consumed.

12 

She has [c]grown weary with [d]lies,

And her great scum has not gone from her.

Let her scum be in the fire!

13 

In your filthiness is lewdness.

Because I have cleansed you, and you were not cleansed,

You will not be cleansed of your filthiness anymore,

Till I have caused My fury to rest upon you.

14 

I, the Lord, have spoken it;

It shall come to pass, and I will do it;

I will not hold back,

Nor will I spare,

Nor will I relent;

According to your ways

And according to your deeds

[e]They will judge you,”

Says the Lord God.’ ”

The Prophet’s Wife Dies

15 Also the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 16 “Son of man, behold, I take away from you the desire of your eyes with one stroke; yet you shall neither mourn nor weep, nor shall your tears run down. 17 Sigh in silence, make no mourning for the dead; bind your turban on your head, and put your sandals on your feet; do not cover your [f]lips, and do not eat man’s bread of sorrow.”

18 So I spoke to the people in the morning, and at evening my wife died; and the next morning I did as I was commanded.

19 And the people said to me, “Will you not tell us what these things signify to us, that you behave so?”

20 Then I answered them, “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 21 ‘Speak to the house of Israel, “Thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I will profane My sanctuary, [g]your arrogant boast, the desire of your eyes, the [h]delight of your soul; and your sons and daughters whom you left behind shall fall by the sword. 22 And you shall do as I have done; you shall not cover your [i]lips nor eat man’s bread of sorrow. 23 Your turbans shall be on your heads and your sandals on your feet; you shall neither mourn nor weep, but you shall pine away in your iniquities and mourn with one another. 24 Thus Ezekiel is a sign to you; according to all that he has done you shall do; and when this comes, you shall know that I am the Lord God.’ ”

25 ‘And you, son of man—will it not be in the day when I take from them their stronghold, their joy and their glory, the desire of their eyes, and [j]that on which they set their minds, their sons and their daughters: 26 thaton that day one who escapes will come to you to let you hear it with yourears? 27 On that day your mouth will be opened to him who has escaped; you shall speak and no longer be mute. Thus you will be a sign to them, and they shall know that I am the Lord.’ ”

Proclamation Against Ammon

25 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face against the Ammonites, and prophesy against them. 3 Say to the Ammonites, ‘Hear the word of the Lord God! Thus says the Lord God: “Because you said, ‘Aha!’ against My sanctuary when it was profaned, and against the land of Israel when it was desolate, and against the house of Judah when they went into captivity, 4 indeed, therefore, I will deliver you as a possession to the [k]men of the East, and they shall set their encampments among you and make their dwellings among you; they shall eat your fruit, and they shall drink your milk. 5 And I will make Rabbah a stable for camels and Ammon a resting place for flocks. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”

6 ‘For thus says the Lord God: “Because you clapped your hands, stamped your feet, and rejoiced in heart with all your disdain for the land of Israel, 7 indeed, therefore, I will stretch out My hand against you, and give you as plunder to the nations; I will cut you off from the peoples, and I will cause you to perish from the countries; I will destroy you, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

Proclamation Against Moab

8 ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Because Moab and Seir say, ‘Look! The house of Judah is like all the nations,’ 9 therefore, behold, I will clear the territory of Moab of cities, of the cities on its frontier, the glory of the country, Beth Jeshimoth, Baal Meon, and Kirjathaim. 10 To the men of the East I will give it as a possession, together with the Ammonites, that the Ammonites may not be remembered among the nations. 11 And I will execute judgments upon Moab, and they shall know that I am the Lord.”

Proclamation Against Edom

12 ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Because of what Edom did against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended by avenging itself on them,” 13 therefore thus says the Lord God: “I will also stretch out My hand against Edom, cut off man and beast from it, and make it desolate from Teman; [l]Dedan shall fall by the sword. 14 I will lay My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, that they may do in Edom according to My anger and according to My fury; and they shall know My vengeance,” says the Lord God.

Proclamation Against Philistia

15 ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Because the Philistines dealt vengefully and took vengeance with [m]a spiteful heart, to destroy because of the [n]old hatred,” 16 therefore thus says the Lord God: “I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant of the seacoast. 17 I will execute great vengeance on them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I lay My vengeance upon them.” ’ ”

Proclamation Against Tyre

26 And it came to pass in the eleventh year, on the first day of the month, that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, because Tyre has said against Jerusalem, ‘Aha! She is broken who was the gateway of the peoples; now she is turned over to me; I shall be filled; she is laid waste.’

3 “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and will cause many nations to come up against you, as the sea causes its waves to come up. 4 And they shall destroy the walls of Tyre and break down her towers; I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock. 5 It shall be a place for spreading nets in the midst of the sea, for I have spoken,’ says the Lord God; ‘it shall become plunder for the nations. 6 Also her daughter villages which are in the fields shall be slain by the sword. Then they shall know that I am the Lord.’

7 “For thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar[o] king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses, with chariots, and with horsemen, and an army with many people. 8 He will slay with the sword your daughter villages in the fields; he will heap up a siege mound against you, build a wall against you, and raise a [p]defense against you. 9 He will direct his battering rams against your walls, and with his axes he will break down your towers. 10 Because of the abundance of his horses, their dust will cover you; your walls will shake at the noise of the horsemen, the wagons, and the chariots, when he enters your gates, as men enter a city that has been breached. 11 With the hooves of his horses he will trample all your streets; he will slay your people by the sword, and your strong pillars will fall to the ground. 12 They will plunder your riches and pillage your merchandise; they will break down your walls and destroy your pleasant houses; they will lay your stones, your timber, and your soil in the midst of the water. 13 I will put an end to the sound of your songs, and the sound of your harps shall be heard no more. 14 I will make you like the top of a rock; you shall be a place forspreading nets, and you shall never be rebuilt, for I the Lord have spoken,’ says the Lord God.

15 “Thus says the Lord God to Tyre: ‘Will the coastlands not shake at the sound of your fall, when the wounded cry, when slaughter is made in the midst of you? 16 Then all the princes of the sea will come down from their thrones, lay aside their robes, and take off their embroidered garments; they will clothe themselves with trembling; they will sit on the ground, tremble every moment, and be astonished at you. 17 And they will take up a lamentation for you, and say to you:

“How you have perished,

O one inhabited by seafaring men,

O renowned city,

Who was strong at sea,

She and her inhabitants,

Who caused their terror to be on all her inhabitants!

18 

Now the coastlands tremble on the day of your fall;

Yes, the coastlands by the sea are troubled at your departure.” ’

19 “For thus says the Lord God: ‘When I make you a desolate city, like cities that are not inhabited, when I bring the deep upon you, and great waters cover you, 20 then I will bring you down with those who descend into the Pit, to the people of old, and I will make you dwell in the lowest part of the earth, in places desolate from antiquity, with those who go down to the Pit, so that you may never be inhabited; and I shall establish glory in the land of the living. 21 I will make you a terror, and you shall beno more; though you are sought for, you will never be found again,’ says the Lord God.”

Footnotes:

  • Ezekiel 24:4 Lit. bones
  • Ezekiel 24:10 Lit. bones
  • Ezekiel 24:12 Or wearied Me
  • Ezekiel 24:12 Or toil
  • Ezekiel 24:14 LXX, Syr., Tg., Vg. I
  • Ezekiel 24:17 Lit. moustache
  • Ezekiel 24:21 Lit. the pride of your strength
  • Ezekiel 24:21 Lit. compassion
  • Ezekiel 24:22 Lit. moustache
  • Ezekiel 24:25 Lit. the lifting up of their soul
  • Ezekiel 25:4 Lit. sons
  • Ezekiel 25:13 Or even to Dedan they shall fall
  • Ezekiel 25:15 Lit. spite in soul
  • Ezekiel 25:15 Or perpetual
  • Ezekiel 26:7 Heb. Nebuchadrezzar, and so elsewhere in the book
  • Ezekiel 26:8 Lit. a large shield

1 Peter 2

Our Inheritance Through Christ’s Blood

2 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow [a]thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People

4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,

“Behold, I lay in Zion

A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,

And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”

7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who [b]are disobedient,

“The stone which the builders rejected

Has become the chief cornerstone,”

8 and

“A stone of stumbling

And a rock of offense.”

They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Living Before the World

11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by yourgood works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Submission to Government

13 Therefore submit yourselves to every [c]ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for thepraise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for [d]vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Submission to Masters

18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this iscommendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for [e]us, leaving [f]us an example, that you should follow His steps:

22 

“Who committed no sin,

Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;

23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose [g]stripes you were healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and [h]Overseer of your souls.

Footnotes:

  • 1 Peter 2:2 NU adds up to salvation
  • 1 Peter 2:7 NU disbelieve
  • 1 Peter 2:13 institution
  • 1 Peter 2:16 wickedness
  • 1 Peter 2:21 NU you
  • 1 Peter 2:21 NU, M you
  • 1 Peter 2:24 wounds
  • 1 Peter 2:25 Gr. Episkopos

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please Pray for:

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

Bryce, a student at UNLV who recently gave his life to our Savior. Pastor Rich is baptizing him this Saturday at his apartment complex near UNLV.

Brother John Laporte’s cousin, Jeff, who is recovering from having parts of his foot amputated due to diabetes and who does not know the Lord.  Pray Jeff will hear and receive the gospel that John is sharing with him. 

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

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

The salvation of Brother David Frear’s parents.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our nation that God would open all our eyes to the sins that are drowning us. Lukewarmness, abortion, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, hatred & divisiveness, greed, pride, rebellion, covetousness, etc.  Please Pray and Fast for our nation to turn from this evil that is enveloping us.   

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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

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

Sister Fabiola and her children in Mexico in our Prayers. This Sister and her family, in a short time period, have been hit with a more tragedies (persecutions) than most of us have in our entire life time…  the murder of her husband, x-husband and one of her children. And, recently, her modest home (a shack by any American standard) was burnt to the ground. …Her neighbor’s house caught fire and due to the closeness of her home, it caught fire, too.  Brothers & Sisters, please Pray for God’s Holy touch on Fabiola and her family. 

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

+++

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brother Frank Sun, a Taiwanese, that owns several businesses in China and Taiwan.  Please Pray Frank will be bold in his sharing Christ in his companies and that he will be faithful to disciple the new Believers.  

AND, let each of us use Frank’s example and share the Love and Salvation of Jesus to our coworkers, employees, family, friends and acquaintances  … Invest in the Eternal!

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

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

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

Alejandro Corral, his son Alejandro Jr.

Brother Steve Venable dealing with ALS. 

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

+++

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

Biblical “headship” in families.

All the children. 

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

Brother Ron Brink’s son who had 3+ military tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and who is now suffering brain damage and PTSD.  Pray for God’s Healing Power to fall upon Johnathon. (Ron is a 20 plus year missionary in Mexico and heads up Touch Baja.)

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

Day 11/19 – Acts and Consequences

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God of our Salvation  – II Corinthians‬ ‭1:10‬ ‭NKJV. “who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,”‬‬  II Corinthians‬ ‭1:10  ‬ 

“Culture plays a powerful role in the life of the church, and you can easily mistake the words of God’s servants for the Word of God, when in reality their words contradict the direct word God gave in Scripture.”     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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Acts and Consequences

Day Three Hundred Twenty-three

”While the people of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. And the Lord said to Moses, ‘The man shall be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp.'”  Numbers 15:32,35

Most people feel that sin is in the consequence  rather than the act; God gives commands so that we do not violate the rights of others.  Ostensibly extra-marital sex, homosexuality, and divorce all have in common that they produce no negative consequences, and thus cannot be called wrong.  For this reason proponents of this philosophy strenuously argue against any connection between AIDS and sex, and between broken homes and children’s problems.  For if you can make the connection, you can call the behavior wrong.

This philosophy differs from the Word of God.  Sin is in the act rather than the consequence, irrespective of the consequence.  Some would argue that the man who gathered wood on the Sabbath was merely redeeming the time and being productive.  What negative consequence can you ascribe to such an act?  God had the man executed.

The church has its share of those who see sin from the perspective of consequence  rather than act.  People ignore the commands regarding divorce, engaging in civil litigation with fellow believers, the limits placed on leadership, and a host of other prohibitions, because they see no negative consequences

and thus consider the act of disobedience benign.  Scripture quite clearly teaches that acts, not consequences, are the litmus tests by which He will judge you.  Do not take the philosophy of the world into your walk with God.

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Ezekiel 11-13 James 1 (New King James Version)

Ezekiel 11-13

Judgment on Wicked Counselors

11 Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the East Gate of the Lord’s house, which faces eastward; and there at the door of the gate were twenty-five men, among whom I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azzur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people. 2 And He said to me: “Son of man, these are the men who devise iniquity and give wicked [a]counsel in this city, 3 who say, ‘The time is not near to build houses; this city is the [b]caldron, and we are the meat.’ 4 Therefore prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man!”

5 Then the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and said to me, “Speak! ‘Thus says the Lord: “Thus you have said, O house of Israel; for I know the things that come into your mind. 6 You have multiplied your slain in this city, and you have filled its streets with the slain.” 7 Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Your slain whom you have laid in its midst, they are the meat, and this city is the caldron; but I shall bring you out of the midst of it. 8 You have feared the sword; and I will bring a sword upon you,” says the Lord God. 9 “And I will bring you out of its midst, and deliver you into the hands of strangers, and execute judgments on you. 10 You shall fall by the sword. I will judge you at the border of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord. 11 This city shall not be your [c]caldron, nor shall you be the meat in its midst. I will judge you at the border of Israel. 12 And you shall know that I am the Lord; for you have not walked in My statutes nor executed My judgments, but have done according to the customs of the Gentiles which are all around you.” ’ ”

13 Now it happened, while I was prophesying, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then I fell on my face and cried with a loud voice, and said, “Ah, Lord God! Will You make a complete end of the remnant of Israel?”

God Will Restore Israel

14 Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 15 “Son of man, your brethren, your relatives, your countrymen, and all the house of Israel in its entirety, are those about whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, ‘Get far away from the Lord; this land has been given to us as a possession.’ 16 Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Although I have cast them far off among the Gentiles, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet I shall be a little [d]sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.” ’ 17 Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “I will gather you from the peoples, assemble you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.” ’ 18 And they will go there, and they will take away all its detestable things and all its abominations from there. 19 Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within [e]them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God. 21 But as for those whose hearts follow the desire for their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their deeds on their own heads,” says the Lord God.

22 So the cherubim lifted up their wings, with the wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel was high above them. 23 And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city and stood on the mountain, which is on the east side of the city.

24 Then the Spirit took me up and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God into [f]Chaldea, to those in captivity. And the vision that I had seen went up from me. 25 So I spoke to those in captivity of all the things the Lord had shown me.

Judah’s Captivity Portrayed

12 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 2 “Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, which has eyes to see but does not see, and ears to hear but does not hear; for they are a rebellious house.

3 “Therefore, son of man, prepare your belongings for captivity, and go into captivity by day in their sight. You shall go from your place into captivity to another place in their sight. It may be that they will consider, though they are a rebellious house. 4 By day you shall bring out your belongings in their sight, as though going into captivity; and at evening you shall go in their sight, like those who go into captivity. 5 Dig through the wall in their sight, and carry your belongings out through it. 6 In their sight you shall bear them on your shoulders and carry them out at twilight; you shall cover your face, so that you cannot see the ground, for I have made you a sign to the house of Israel.”

7 So I did as I was commanded. I brought out my belongings by day, as though going into captivity, and at evening I dug through the wall with my hand. I brought them out at twilight, and I bore them on my shoulder in their sight.

8 And in the morning the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 9 “Son of man, has not the house of Israel, the rebellious house, said to you, ‘What are you doing?’ 10 Say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “This burden[g] concerns the prince in Jerusalem and all the house of Israel who are among them.” ’ 11 Say, ‘I am a sign to you. As I have done, so shall it be done to them; they shall be carried away into captivity.’ 12 And the prince who isamong them shall bear his belongings on his shoulder at twilight and go out. They shall dig through the wall to carry them out through it. He shall cover his face, so that he cannot see the ground with his eyes. 13 I will also spread My net over him, and he shall be caught in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon, to the land of the Chaldeans; yet he shall not see it, though he shall die there. 14 I will scatter to every wind all who are around him to help him, and all his troops; and I will draw out the sword after them.

15 “Then they shall know that I am the Lord, when I scatter them among the nations and disperse them throughout the countries. 16 But I will spare a few of their men from the sword, from famine, and from pestilence, that they may declare all their abominations among the Gentiles wherever they go. Then they shall know that I am the Lord.”

Judgment Not Postponed

17 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 18 “Son of man, eat your bread with [h]quaking, and drink your water with trembling and anxiety. 19 And say to the people of the land, ‘Thus says the Lord God to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the land of Israel: “They shall eat their bread with anxiety, and drink their water with dread, so that her land may be emptied of all who are in it, because of the violence of all those who dwell in it. 20 Then the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall become desolate; and you shall know that I am the Lord.” ’ ”

21 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 22 “Son of man, what isthis proverb that you people have about the land of Israel, which says, ‘The days are prolonged, and every vision fails’? 23 Tell them therefore, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “I will lay this proverb to rest, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel.” ’ But say to them, ‘ “The days are at hand, and the [i]fulfillment of every vision. 24 For no more shall there be any false[j] vision or flattering divination within the house of Israel. 25 For I am the Lord. I speak, and the word which I speak will come to pass; it will no more be postponed; for in your days, O rebellious house, I will say the word and perform it,” says the Lord God.’ ”

26 Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 27 “Son of man, look, the house of Israel is saying, ‘The vision that he sees is for many days from now, and he prophesies of times far off.’ 28 Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “None of My words will be postponed any more, but the word which I speak will be done,” says the Lord God.’ ”

Woe to Foolish Prophets

13 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart,[k] ‘Hear the word of the Lord!’ ”

3 Thus says the Lord God: “Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen [l]nothing! 4 O Israel, your prophets are like foxes in the deserts. 5 You have not gone up into the [m]gaps to build a wall for the house of Israel to stand in battle on the day of the Lord. 6 They have envisioned futility and false divination, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord!’ But the Lord has not sent them; yet they hope that the word may [n]be confirmed. 7 Have you not seen a futile vision, and have you not spoken false divination? You say, ‘The Lord says,’ but I have not spoken.”

8 Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Because you have spoken nonsense and envisioned lies, therefore I am indeed against you,” says the Lord God. 9 “My hand will be against the prophets who envision futility and who divine lies; they shall not be in the assembly of My people, nor be written in the record of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord God.

10 “Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace—and one builds a wall, and they plaster[o] it with untempered mortar— 11 say to those who plaster it with untempered mortar, that it will fall. There will be flooding rain, and you, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall tear it down. 12 Surely, when the wall has fallen, will it not be said to you, ‘Where is the mortar with which you plastered it?’ ”

13 Therefore thus says the Lord God: “I will cause a stormy wind to break forth in My fury; and there shall be a flooding rain in My anger, and great hailstones in fury to consume it. 14 So I will break down the wall you have plastered with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that its foundation will be uncovered; it will fall, and you shall be consumed in the midst of it. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.

15 “Thus will I accomplish My wrath on the wall and on those who have plastered it with untempered mortar; and I will say to you, ‘The wall is no more, nor those who plastered it, 16 that is, the prophets of Israel who prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and who see visions of peace for her when there is no peace,’ ” says the Lord God.

17 “Likewise, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own [p]heart; prophesy against them, 18 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Woe to the women who sew magiccharms [q]on their sleeves and make veils for the heads of people of every height to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of My people, and keep yourselves alive? 19 And will you profane Me among My people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, killing people who should not die, and keeping people alive who should not live, by your lying to My people who listen to lies?”

20 ‘Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against your magiccharms by which you hunt souls there like [r]birds. I will tear them from your arms, and let the souls go, the souls you hunt like birds. 21 I will also tear off your veils and deliver My people out of your hand, and they shall no longer be as prey in your hand. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.

22 “Because with lies you have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and you have strengthened the hands of the wicked, so that he does not turn from his wicked way to save his life. 23 Therefore you shall no longer envision futility nor practice divination; for I will deliver My people out of your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.” ’ ”

Footnotes:

  • Ezekiel 11:2 Advice
  • Ezekiel 11:3 Pot
  • Ezekiel 11:11 Pot
  • Ezekiel 11:16 holy place
  • Ezekiel 11:19 Lit. you (pl.)
  • Ezekiel 11:24 Or Babylon, and so elsewhere in the book
  • Ezekiel 12:10 oracle, prophecy
  • Ezekiel 12:18 shaking
  • Ezekiel 12:23 Lit. word
  • Ezekiel 12:24 Lit. vain
  • Ezekiel 13:2 Inspiration
  • Ezekiel 13:3 No vision
  • Ezekiel 13:5 breaches
  • Ezekiel 13:6 Come true
  • Ezekiel 13:10 Or whitewash
  • Ezekiel 13:17 Inspiration
  • Ezekiel 13:18 Lit. over all the joints of My hands; Vg. under every elbow; LXX, Tg. on all elbows of the hands
  • Ezekiel 13:20 Lit. flying ones

James 1

Greeting to the Twelve Tribes

1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:

Greetings.

Profiting from Trials

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [a]patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be [b]perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

The Perspective of Rich and Poor

9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

Loving God Under Trials

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Qualities Needed in Trials

19 [c]So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Doers—Not Hearers Only

21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and [d]overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

26 If anyone [e]among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Footnotes:

  • James 1:3 endurance or perseverance
  • James 1:4 mature
  • James 1:19 NU Know this or This you know
  • James 1:21 abundance
  • James 1:26 NU omits among you

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please Pray for Sister Kira a for travel mercies. 

Please Pray for  Sonia who is sick with stripped throat.  

Please Pray for Brother Stephen’s dentistry needs.

Please Pray for Brother John Laporte’s cousin, Jeff, who is recovering from having parts of his foot amputated due to diabetes and who does not know the Lord.  Pray Jeff will hear and receive the gospel that John is sharing with him. 

Please continue to Pray  for Miguel’s salvation, a confessed murderer and drug dealer, who lives in Mexico.  

Please continue to Pray for 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.  

Pray for the salvation of Brother David Frear’s parents.  

Please Pray for 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.  

Please continue to Pray for 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)

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

Please continue to Pray for 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. 

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

Please continue to Pray for John LaPorte whose doing ministry at UNLV.  

Please Pray for 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.  

Please Pray for Bryce, a UNLV student, who recently received the Lord and came from an occult background and is engaging other students sharing and defending the Faith. Recently, Bryce has come under intense attacks and heckling from unbelievers on campus. Please Pray for God to Grow and Strengthen Bryce and use him in a Holy Mighty Way.    

Please Pray for 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 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

“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

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

Please continue to Pray for Brother 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 Pray for Scott’s salvation and healing. 

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 and heads up Touch Baja.)

Please Pray for the 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.)

Day 9/27 – Inner Renewal

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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

“I have held many things in my hands, and have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.”  Martin Luther

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ATTENTION MEN: Check out Zion Bootcampcoming up the first weekend in December… this is for sure a NOmiss Event …for more information and to register, click: 

11th Annual Zion Boot Camp 2019

(Please register now)

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Inner Renewal

Day Two Hundred Seventy

“For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Two things take place simultaneously in almost every person’s life, irrespective of their sex, race, or religion: The older they become the more their capacity decreases while at the same time their responsibility increases.  These two lines of increased responsibility and decreased capacity usually cross in a person’s forties.

Two things can take place simultaneously in the life of Christ’s followers: The older they become the closer to physical death they are and the more spiritually alive they become.  Paul says this takes place because they look not to the seen, but to the unseen; not to the transient, but to the eternal.

You cannot experience the inner renewal that makes you increasingly more alive in Christ without setting your focus on the eternal.  If you awaken in the morning thinking about transient matters, such as how you are going to survive in a hostile environment, you will not experience inner renewal.  You must, when facing difficulties and hostilities, look to the unseen, hoping in what God has promised in the life to come, rather than “this slight momentary affliction” facing you.  God promises that such afflictions prepare you for “an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”  But you cannot have it both ways.  Inner renewal is the product of an eternal gaze.

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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 3-4 Galatians 6 (New King James Version)

Isaiah 3-4

Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem

3 

For behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts,

Takes away from Jerusalem and from Judah

The[a] stock and the store,

The whole supply of bread and the whole supply of water;

2 

The mighty man and the man of war,

The judge and the prophet,

And the diviner and the elder;

3 

The captain of fifty and the [b]honorable man,

The counselor and the skillful artisan,

And the expert enchanter.

4 

“I will give children[c] to betheir princes,

And [d]babes shall rule over them.

5 

The people will be oppressed,

Every one by another and every one by his neighbor;

The child will be insolent toward the [e]elder,

And the [f]base toward the honorable.”

6 

When a man takes hold of his brother

In the house of his father, saying,

“You have clothing;

You be our ruler,

And letthese ruins beunder your [g]power,”

7 

In that day he will protest, saying,

“I cannot cure yourills,

For in my house isneither food nor clothing;

Do not make me a ruler of the people.”

8 

For Jerusalem stumbled,

And Judah is fallen,

Because their tongue and their doings

Areagainst the Lord,

To provoke the eyes of His glory.

9 

The look on their countenance witnesses against them,

And they declare their sin as Sodom;

They do not hide it.

Woe to their soul!

For they have brought evil upon themselves.

10 

“Say to the righteous that it shall bewell with them,

For they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

11 

Woe to the wicked! It shall beill with him,

For the reward of his hands shall be [h]given him.

12 

As forMy people, children aretheir oppressors,

And women rule over them.

O My people! Those who lead you [i]cause youto err,

And destroy the way of your paths.”

Oppression and Luxury Condemned

13 

The Lord stands up to [j]plead,

And stands to judge the people.

14 

The Lord will enter into judgment

With the elders of His people

And His princes:

“For you have [k]eaten up the vineyard;

The plunder of the poor isin your houses.

15 

What do you mean by crushing My people

And grinding the faces of the poor?”

Says the Lord God of hosts.

16 Moreover the Lord says:

“Because the daughters of Zion are haughty,

And walk with [l]outstretched necks

And [m]wanton eyes,

Walking and [n]mincing asthey go,

Making a jingling with their feet,

17 

Therefore the Lord will strike with a scab

The crown of the head of the daughters of Zion,

And the Lord will uncover their secret parts.”

18 

In that day the Lord will take away the finery:

The jingling anklets, the [o]scarves, and the crescents;

19 

The pendants, the bracelets, and the veils;

20 

The headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the headbands;

The perfume boxes, the charms,

21 

    and the rings;

The nose jewels,

22 

    the festal apparel, and the mantles;

The outer garments, the purses,

23 

    and the mirrors;

The fine linen, the turbans, and the robes.

24 And so it shall be:

Instead of a sweet smell there will be a stench;

Instead of a sash, a rope;

Instead of well-set hair, baldness;

Instead of a rich robe, a girding of sackcloth;

And [p]branding instead of beauty.

25 

Your men shall fall by the sword,

And your [q]mighty in the war.

26 

Her gates shall lament and mourn,

And she beingdesolate shall sit on the ground.

Jerusalem’s Glorious Future

4 

And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying,

“We will eat our own food and wear our own apparel;

Only let us be called by your name,

To take away our reproach.”

The Renewal of Zion

2 

In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious;

And the fruit of the earth shall beexcellent and appealing

For those of Israel who have escaped.

3 And it shall come to pass that he who isleft in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy—everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem. 4 When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purged the [r]blood of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning, 5 then the Lord will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will bea [s]covering. 6 And there will be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain.

Footnotes:

  • Isaiah 3:1 Every support
  • Isaiah 3:3 Eminent looking men
  • Isaiah 3:4 boys
  • Isaiah 3:4 Or capricious ones
  • Isaiah 3:5 aged
  • Isaiah 3:5 despised, lightly esteemed
  • Isaiah 3:6 Lit. hand
  • Isaiah 3:11 done to him
  • Isaiah 3:12 lead you astray
  • Isaiah 3:13 contend, plead His case
  • Isaiah 3:14 burned
  • Isaiah 3:16 Head held high
  • Isaiah 3:16 seductive, ogling
  • Isaiah 3:16 trippingor skipping
  • Isaiah 3:18 headbands
  • Isaiah 3:24 burning scar
  • Isaiah 3:25 Lit. strength
  • Isaiah 4:4 bloodshed
  • Isaiah 4:5 canopy

Galatians 6

Bear and Share Burdens

6 Brethren, if a man is [a]overtaken in any trespass, you who arespiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.

Be Generous and Do Good

6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Glory Only in the Cross

11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! 12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these wouldcompel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by [b]whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Blessing and a Plea

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy beupon them, and upon the Israel of God.

17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ bewith your spirit. Amen.

Footnotes:

  • Galatians 6:1 caught
  • Galatians 6:14 Or which,the cross

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

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 just 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.)

+++

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.    

+++

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

“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

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. 

+++

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

Please continue to Pray for Brother 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. 

+++

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.)

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 9/26 – Earthen Vessels

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Salvation Not by Works  – Titus 3:5 (ESV)  “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,”  Titus 3:5

“The ability to be a disciple is ours through the resources of Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1: 3); the only factor we need to add to the equation is that of our wills.”     Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”)

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ATTENTION MEN: Check out Zion Bootcampcoming up the first weekend in December… this is for sure a NOmiss Event …for more information and to register, click: 

11th Annual Zion Boot Camp 2019

(Please register now)

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Earthen Vessels

Day Two Hundred Sixty-nine

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

Again and again Paul reminds us of our precious Possession.  Christ who dwells in us is in sharp contrast to the container.  We are a vessel, made like a piece of pottery, destined to again return to dust.  There is nothing about us that warrants the indwelling Christ.  It matters not how great we may think we are, a drop of contaminated water or a breath of bad air can kill us.  We are frail and easily destroyed.  The earthen vessels are not just our frail bodies, but weak, suffering, perishing people.

Paul contrasts the visible means and the effects produced as proof that the sufficiency is not in us, but in God.  Any propensity to pride is quickly dispelled by the reality of this contrast between the vessel and its Possession.  God designed us in this fashion so that the power in spreading the gospel should be recognized as His.  He chose humble instruments so that all could know that the power of

the gospel could not have been produced by our own ability.

Life surrounds you with infirmity; Christ surrounds you with glory.  The infirmity is yours; the glory is God’s.  The simplicity of your vehicle calls attention to the glory of the Occupant.

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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 1-2 Galatians 5 (New King James Version)

Isaiah 1-2

Judah Called to Repentance

1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, andHezekiah, kings of Judah.

The Wickedness of Judah

2 

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth!

For the Lord has spoken:

“I have nourished and brought up children,

And they have rebelled against Me;

3 

The ox knows its owner

And the donkey its master’s [a]crib;

ButIsrael does not know,

My people do not [b]consider.”

4 

Alas, sinful nation,

A people [c]laden with iniquity,

A [d]brood of evildoers,

Children who are corrupters!

They have forsaken the Lord,

They have provoked to anger

The Holy One of Israel,

They have turned away backward.

5 

Why should you be stricken again?

You will revolt more and more.

The whole head is sick,

And the whole heart faints.

6 

From the sole of the foot even to the head,

There isno soundness in it,

Butwounds and bruises and putrefying sores;

They have not been closed or bound up,

Or soothed with ointment.

7 

Your country isdesolate,

Your cities areburned with fire;

Strangers devour your land in your presence;

And it isdesolate, as overthrown by strangers.

8 

So the daughter of Zion is left as a [e]booth in a vineyard,

As a hut in a garden of cucumbers,

As a besieged city.

9 

Unless the Lord of hosts

Had left to us a very small remnant,

We would have become like Sodom,

We would have been made like Gomorrah.

10 

Hear the word of the Lord,

You rulers of Sodom;

Give ear to the law of our God,

You people of Gomorrah:

11 

“To what purpose isthe multitude of your sacrifices to Me?”

Says the Lord.

“I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams

And the fat of fed cattle.

I do not delight in the blood of bulls,

Or of lambs or goats.

12 

“When you come to appear before Me,

Who has required this from your hand,

To trample My courts?

13 

Bring no more futile[f] sacrifices;

Incense is an abomination to Me.

The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies—

I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.

14 

Your New Moons and your appointed feasts

My soul hates;

They are a trouble to Me,

I am weary of bearing them.

15 

When you [g]spread out your hands,

I will hide My eyes from you;

Even though you make many prayers,

I will not hear.

Your hands are full of [h]blood.

16 

“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;

Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.

Cease to do evil,

17 

Learn to do good;

Seek justice,

Rebuke [i]the oppressor;

[j]Defend the fatherless,

Plead for the widow.

18 

“Come now, and let us reason together,”

Says the Lord,

“Though your sins are like scarlet,

They shall be as white as snow;

Though they are red like crimson,

They shall be as wool.

19 

If you are willing and obedient,

You shall eat the good of the land;

20 

But if you refuse and rebel,

You shall be devoured by the sword”;

For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

The Degenerate City

21 

How the faithful city has become a [k]harlot!

It was full of justice;

Righteousness lodged in it,

But now murderers.

22 

Your silver has become dross,

Your wine mixed with water.

23 

Your princes arerebellious,

And companions of thieves;

Everyone loves bribes,

And follows after rewards.

They do not defend the fatherless,

Nor does the cause of the widow come before them.

24 

Therefore the Lord says,

The Lord of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel,

“Ah, I will [l]rid Myself of My adversaries,

And [m]take vengeance on My enemies.

25 

I will turn My hand against you,

And thoroughly[n] purge away your dross,

And take away all your alloy.

26 

I will restore your judges as at the first,

And your counselors as at the beginning.

Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.”

27 

Zion shall be redeemed with justice,

And her [o]penitents with righteousness.

28 

The destruction of transgressors and of sinners shall betogether,

And those who forsake the Lord shall be consumed.

29 

For [p]they shall be ashamed of the [q]terebinth trees

Which you have desired;

And you shall be embarrassed because of the gardens

Which you have chosen.

30 

For you shall be as a terebinth whose leaf fades,

And as a garden that has no water.

31 

The strong shall be as tinder,

And the work of it as a spark;

Both will burn together,

And no one shall quench them.

The Future House of God

2 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

2 

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days

Thatthe mountain of the Lord’s house

Shall be established on the top of the mountains,

And shall be exalted above the hills;

And all nations shall flow to it.

3 

Many people shall come and say,

“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

To the house of the God of Jacob;

He will teach us His ways,

And we shall walk in His paths.”

For out of Zion shall go forth the law,

And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

4 

He shall judge between the nations,

And rebuke many people;

They shall beat their swords into plowshares,

And their spears into pruning [r]hooks;

Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

Neither shall they learn war anymore.

The Day of the Lord

5 

O house of Jacob, come and let us walk

In the light of the Lord.

6 

For You have forsaken Your people, the house of Jacob,

Because they are filled with eastern ways;

They aresoothsayers like the Philistines,

And they [s]are pleased with the children of foreigners.

7 

Their land is also full of silver and gold,

And there is no end to their treasures;

Their land is also full of horses,

And there is no end to their chariots.

8 

Their land is also full of idols;

They worship the work of their own hands,

That which their own fingers have made.

9 

People bow down,

And each man humbles himself;

Therefore do not forgive them.

10 

Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust,

From the terror of the Lord

And the glory of His majesty.

11 

The [t]lofty looks of man shall be humbled,

The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down,

And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.

12 

For the day of the Lord of hosts

Shall comeupon everything proud and lofty,

Upon everything lifted up—

And it shall be brought low—

13 

Upon all the cedars of Lebanon that arehigh and lifted up,

And upon all the oaks of Bashan;

14 

Upon all the high mountains,

And upon all the hills that arelifted up;

15 

Upon every high tower,

And upon every fortified wall;

16 

Upon all the ships of Tarshish,

And upon all the beautiful sloops.

17 

The [u]loftiness of man shall be bowed down,

And the haughtiness of men shall be brought low;

The Lord alone will be exalted in that day,

18 

But the idols [v]He shall utterly abolish.

19 

They shall go into the holes of the rocks,

And into the caves of the [w]earth,

From the terror of the Lord

And the glory of His majesty,

When He arises to shake the earth mightily.

20 

In that day a man will cast away his idols of silver

And his idols of gold,

Which they made, eachfor himself to worship,

To the moles and bats,

21 

To go into the clefts of the rocks,

And into the crags of the rugged rocks,

From the terror of the Lord

And the glory of His majesty,

When He arises to shake the earth mightily.

22 

Sever[x] yourselves from such a man,

Whose breath isin his nostrils;

For [y]of what account is he?

Footnotes:

  • Isaiah 1:3 mangeror feed trough
  • Isaiah 1:3 understand
  • Isaiah 1:4 Lit. heavy, weighed down
  • Isaiah 1:4 offspring, seed
  • Isaiah 1:8 shelter
  • Isaiah 1:13 worthless
  • Isaiah 1:15 Pray
  • Isaiah 1:15 bloodshed
  • Isaiah 1:17 Some ancient vss. the oppressed
  • Isaiah 1:17 Vindicate
  • Isaiah 1:21 Unfaithful
  • Isaiah 1:24 be relieved of
  • Isaiah 1:24 avenge Myself
  • Isaiah 1:25 refine with lye
  • Isaiah 1:27 Lit. returners
  • Isaiah 1:29 So with MT, LXX, Vg.; some Heb. mss., Tg. you
  • Isaiah 1:29 Sites of pagan worship
  • Isaiah 2:4 knives
  • Isaiah 2:6 Or clap, shake hands to make bargains with the children
  • Isaiah 2:11 proud
  • Isaiah 2:17 pride
  • Isaiah 2:18 Or shall utterly vanish
  • Isaiah 2:19 Lit. dust
  • Isaiah 2:22 Lit. Cease yourselves from the man
  • Isaiah 2:22 Lit. in what is he to be esteemed

Galatians 5

Christian Liberty

5 Stand[a] fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is [b]a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt tobe justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

Love Fulfills the Law

7 You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion does not comefrom Him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.

11 And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased. 12 I could wish that those who trouble you would even [c]cut themselves off!

13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not useliberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, evenin this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

Walking in the Spirit

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [d]adultery, [e]fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, [f]murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told youin time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 [g]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who areChrist’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Footnotes:

  • Galatians 5:1 NU For freedom Christ has made us free; stand fast therefore, and
  • Galatians 5:3 obligated
  • Galatians 5:12 mutilate themselves
  • Galatians 5:19 NU omits adultery
  • Galatians 5:19 sexual immorality
  • Galatians 5:21 NU omits murders
  • Galatians 5:23 meekness

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

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 just 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.)

+++

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.    

+++

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

“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

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. 

+++

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

Please continue to Pray for Brother 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. 

+++

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.)

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 9/25 – Grief and Anger

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Salvation Not by Works  – Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)  “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9 

“God can make the very worst things that ever happened in your life to work for your very best, if you have faith.”   Zac Poonen

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ATTENTION MEN: Check out Zion Bootcampcoming up the first weekend in December… this is for sure a NOmiss Event …for more information and to register, click: 

https://e2vegas.org/event/11th-annual-zion-boot-camp-2019/

(Please register now)

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Grief and Anger

Day Two Hundred Sixty-eight

“And Jonathan rose from the table in fierce anger and ate no food the second day of the month, for he was grieved for David, because his father had disgraced him.” 1 Samuel 20:34

Grief and anger are not the same, but they know each other well.  Often the two go together, feeding on each other.  Jonathan’s father, King Saul, sought to kill David.  Because of the friendship between David and Jonathan, the son was angry with the father and grieved for his friend. It made Jonathan angry that his father wanted to kill David, causing him to grieve over the difficulty in which David found himself.

There are many things worse than death and experiencing excruciating pain is one of them; grief is a manifestation of pain.  For example, you watch a loved one suffering terribly with cancer.  You grieve for them, wishing that they could die and end their misery, and then feel guilty over your reaction.  You are angry with God for not stopping the suffering, and at yourself for not responding in a more biblical fashion.  Or, you may be the one with the cancer, grieving over your pain and angry with God for bringing the cancer into your life.

Mixing gratitude with grief is the only antidote to anger; anger is a manifestation of ingratitude.  As you pass ”through the valley of the shadow of death,”351  you

express gratitude to God, for you know that “all things work together for good to them that love God.”352   With gratitude you affirm God’s goodness in the midst of your grief, and the anger dissipates.

351  Psalm 23:4

352  Romans 8:28

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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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Song of Solomon 6-8 Galatians 4 (New King James Version)

Song of Solomon 6-8

I Am My Beloved’s

The Daughters of Jerusalem

6 

Where has your beloved gone,

O fairest among women?

Where has your beloved turned aside,

That we may seek him with you?

The Shulamite

2 

My beloved has gone to his garden,

To the beds of spices,

To feed his flockin the gardens,

And to gather lilies.

3 

I ammy beloved’s,

And my beloved ismine.

He feeds his flockamong the lilies.

Praise of the Shulamite’s Beauty

The Beloved

4 

O my love, you are asbeautiful as Tirzah,

Lovely as Jerusalem,

Awesome as an armywith banners!

5 

Turn your eyes away from me,

For they have [a]overcome me.

Your hair islike a flock of goats

Going down from Gilead.

6 

Your teeth arelike a flock of sheep

Which have come up from the washing;

Every one bears twins,

And none is[b]barren among them.

7 

Like a piece of pomegranate

Areyour temples behind your veil.

8 

There are sixty queens

And eighty concubines,

And virgins without number.

9 

My dove, my perfect one,

Is the only one,

The only one of her mother,

The favorite of the one who bore her.

The daughters saw her

And called her blessed,

The queens and the concubines,

And they praised her.

10 

Who is she who looks forth as the morning,

Fair as the moon,

Clear as the sun,

Awesome as an armywith banners?

The Shulamite

11 

I went down to the garden of nuts

To see the verdure of the valley,

To see whether the vine had budded

Andthe pomegranates had bloomed.

12 

Before I was even aware,

My soul had made me

Asthe chariots of [c]my noble people.

The Beloved and His Friends

13 

Return, return, O Shulamite;

Return, return, that we may look upon you!

The Shulamite

What would you see in the Shulamite—

As it were, the dance of [d]the two camps?

Expressions of Praise

The Beloved

7 

How beautiful are your feet in sandals,

O prince’s daughter!

The curves of your thighs arelike jewels,

The work of the hands of a skillful workman.

2 

Your navel isa rounded goblet;

It lacks no [e]blended beverage.

Your waist isa heap of wheat

Set about with lilies.

3 

Your two breasts arelike two fawns,

Twins of a gazelle.

4 

Your neck islike an ivory tower,

Your eyes likethe pools in Heshbon

By the gate of Bath Rabbim.

Your nose islike the tower of Lebanon

Which looks toward Damascus.

5 

Your head crownsyou like MountCarmel,

And the hair of your head islike purple;

A king isheld captive by yourtresses.

6 

How fair and how pleasant you are,

O love, with your delights!

7 

This stature of yours is like a palm tree,

And your breasts likeits clusters.

8 

I said, “I will go up to the palm tree,

I will take hold of its branches.”

Let now your breasts be like clusters of the vine,

The fragrance of your [f]breath like apples,

9 

And the roof of your mouth like the best wine.

The Shulamite

The winegoes downsmoothly for my beloved,

[g]Moving gently the [h]lips of sleepers.

10 

I ammy beloved’s,

And his desire istoward me.

11 

Come, my beloved,

Let us go forth to the field;

Let us lodge in the villages.

12 

Let us get up early to the vineyards;

Let us see if the vine has budded,

Whetherthe grape blossoms are open,

Andthe pomegranates are in bloom.

There I will give you my love.

13 

The mandrakes give off a fragrance,

And at our gates arepleasant fruits,

All manner, new and old,

Which I have laid up for you, my beloved.

Lovers Reunited at Their Country Home

8 

Oh, that you were like my brother,

Who nursed at my mother’s breasts!

IfI should find you outside,

I would kiss you;

I would not be despised.

2 

I would lead you andbring you

Into the house of my mother,

She whoused to instruct me.

I would cause you to drink of spiced wine,

Of the juice of my pomegranate.

(To the Daughters of Jerusalem)

3 

His left hand isunder my head,

And his right hand embraces me.

4 

I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem,

Do not stir up nor awaken love

Until it pleases.

Love Renewed in Lebanon

A Relative

5 

Who isthis coming up from the wilderness,

Leaning upon her beloved?

I awakened you under the apple tree.

There your mother brought you forth;

There she whobore you brought youforth.

The Shulamite to Her Beloved

6 

Set me as a seal upon your heart,

As a seal upon your arm;

For love is asstrong as death,

Jealousy as[i]cruel as [j]the grave;

Its flames areflames of fire,

[k]A most vehement flame.

7 

Many waters cannot quench love,

Nor can the floods drown it.

If a man would give for love

All the wealth of his house,

It would be utterly despised.

The Shulamite’s Brothers

8 

We have a little sister,

And she has no breasts.

What shall we do for our sister

In the day when she is spoken for?

9 

If she isa wall,

We will build upon her

A battlement of silver;

And if she isa door,

We will enclose her

With boards of cedar.

The Shulamite

10 

I ama wall,

And my breasts like towers;

Then I became in his eyes

As one who found peace.

11 

Solomon had a vineyard at Baal Hamon;

He leased the vineyard to keepers;

Everyone was to bring for its fruit

A thousand silver coins.

(To Solomon)

12 

My own vineyard isbefore me.

You, O Solomon, may havea thousand,

And those who tend its fruit two hundred.

The Beloved

13 

You who dwell in the gardens,

The companions listen for your voice—

Let me hear it!

The Shulamite

14 

Make[l] haste, my beloved,

And be like a gazelle

Or a young stag

On the mountains of spices.

Footnotes:

  • Song of Solomon 6:5 overwhelmed
  • Song of Solomon 6:6 bereaved
  • Song of Solomon 6:12 Heb. Ammi Nadib
  • Song of Solomon 6:13 Heb. Mahanaim
  • Song of Solomon 7:2 Lit. mixedor spiced drink
  • Song of Solomon 7:8 Lit. nose
  • Song of Solomon 7:9 Gliding over
  • Song of Solomon 7:9 LXX, Syr., Vg. lips and teeth.
  • Song of Solomon 8:6 severe,lit. hard
  • Song of Solomon 8:6 Or Sheol
  • Song of Solomon 8:6 Lit. A flame of Yah, poetic form of YHWH, the Lord
  • Song of Solomon 8:14 Hurry,lit. Flee

Galatians 4

Sons and Heirs Through Christ

4 Now I say thatthe heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born[a] of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, [b]“Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir [c]of God [d]through Christ.

Fears for the Church

8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it thatyou turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.

12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I becamelike you. You have not injured me at all. 13 You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. 14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an [e]angel of God, evenas Christ Jesus. 15 [f]What then was the blessing you enjoyed?For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?

17 They zealously court you, butfor no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. 18 But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, 20 I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.

Two Covenants

21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who wasof the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24 which things are symbolic. For these are [g]the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— 25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— 26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written:

“Rejoice, O barren,

Youwho do not bear!

Break forth and shout,

You who are not in labor!

For the desolate has many more children

Than she who has a husband.”

28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was,are children of promise. 29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was bornaccording to the Spirit, even so it isnow. 30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.

Footnotes:

  • Galatians 4:4 Or made
  • Galatians 4:6 Lit., in Aram., Father
  • Galatians 4:7 NU through God
  • Galatians 4:7 NU omits through Christ
  • Galatians 4:14 Or messenger
  • Galatians 4:15 NU Where
  • Galatians 4:24 NU, M omit the

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

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 just 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 John LaPorte cousin who was very ill, but now better and was released from the hospital… please continue to Pray for his Salvation. 

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.)

+++

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.    

+++

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

“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

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. 

+++

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

Please continue to Pray for Brother David Porter’s friend’s son, Giovanni (18yrs old). 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 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. 

+++

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.)

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 9/24 – Tempting God

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Christ Paid the Penalty  – 1 Peter 3:18 (ESV)  “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the Righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,”  1 Peter 3:18 

“Christianity is a religion of rescue. It is designed for the desperate. It is for people who have a craving for something more than they can eke out of life by themselves. They are candidates for what Jesus has to say. They are the ones who “hear Him”-who not only listen to what He says but act on it. One of the fundamental requisites for true discipleship is a spirit of desperation that burns deep within the soul.”     Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”)

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ATTENTION MEN: Check out Zion Bootcampcoming up the first weekend in December… this is for sure a NOmiss Event …for more information and to register, click: 

11th Annual Zion Boot Camp 2019

(Please register now)

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Tempting God

Day Two Hundred Sixty-seven

Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”‘ Matthew4:7

There are many ways to tempt God.  Jesus, when tempted by the devil to jump from the Temple, said that to commit God to act on Jesus’ behalf without either the need or a promise, tempted God.  One of the most insidious ways people tempt the Lord is when they marginalize His commandments.  Many believe that if they love God with all their hearts, expressing devotion and commitment to Him, that they can compromise His commandments.

People school themselves into believing that this is possible by how they relate to human authority.  You know that the speed limit can be broken as long as you don’t overdue it.  Your employer has a policy that you cannot make personal phone calls on company time, but you also know that your supervisor won’t really mind if you do it, providing you do not abuse the practice.  All of life seems to teach that if you are careful, you can compromise the law.

Having discovered the ease with which you can marginalize the law of man, you can easily conclude that you can do the same thing in your relationship with God. It is not that you don’t love the Lord.  Rather, you think that if you don’t overdue it, you can ignore His commandments without any substantial downside.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  God calls the violation of His will sin, and no one will get to heaven and be glad they sinned.

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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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Song of Solomon 4-5 Galatians 3 (New King James Version)

Song of Solomon 4-5

The Bridegroom Praises the Bride

The Beloved

4 

Behold, you arefair, my love!

Behold, you arefair!

You havedove’s eyes behind your veil.

Your hair islike a flock of goats,

Going down from Mount Gilead.

2 

Your teeth arelike a flock of shorn sheep

Which have come up from the washing,

Every one of which bears twins,

And none is[a]barren among them.

3 

Your lips arelike a strand of scarlet,

And your mouth is lovely.

Your temples behind your veil

Arelike a piece of pomegranate.

4 

Your neck islike the tower of David,

Built for an armory,

On which hang a thousand [b]bucklers,

All shields of mighty men.

5 

Your two breasts arelike two fawns,

Twins of a gazelle,

Which feed among the lilies.

6 

Until the day breaks

And the shadows flee away,

I will go my way to the mountain of myrrh

And to the hill of frankincense.

7 

You areall fair, my love,

And there isno spot in you.

8 

Come with me from Lebanon, myspouse,

With me from Lebanon.

Look from the top of Amana,

From the top of Senir and Hermon,

From the lions’ dens,

From the mountains of the leopards.

9 

You have ravished my heart,

My sister, myspouse;

You have ravished my heart

With one lookof your eyes,

With one link of your necklace.

10 

How fair is your love,

My sister, myspouse!

How much better than wine is your love,

And the [c]scent of your perfumes

Than all spices!

11 

Your lips, O myspouse,

Drip as the honeycomb;

Honey and milk areunder your tongue;

And the fragrance of your garments

Islike the fragrance of Lebanon.

12 

A garden [d]enclosed

Ismy sister, myspouse,

A spring shut up,

A fountain sealed.

13 

Your plants arean orchard of pomegranates

With pleasant fruits,

Fragrant henna with spikenard,

14 

Spikenard and saffron,

Calamus and cinnamon,

With all trees of frankincense,

Myrrh and aloes,

With all the chief spices—

15 

A fountain of gardens,

A well of living waters,

And streams from Lebanon.

The Shulamite

16 

Awake, O north wind,

And come, O south!

Blow upon my garden,

Thatits spices may flow out.

Let my beloved come to his garden

And eat its pleasant fruits.

The Bride Praises the Bridegroom

The Beloved

5 

I have come to my garden, my sister, myspouse;

I have gathered my myrrh with my spice;

I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey;

I have drunk my wine with my milk.

(To His Friends)

Eat, O friends!

Drink, yes, drink deeply,

O beloved ones!

The Shulamite’s Troubled Evening

The Shulamite

2 

I sleep, but my heart is awake;

It isthe voice of my beloved!

He knocks, saying,

“Open for me, my sister, [e]my love,

My dove, my perfect one;

For my head is covered with dew,

My [f]locks with the drops of the night.”

3 

I have taken off my robe;

How can I put it on again?

I have washed my feet;

How can I [g]defile them?

4 

My beloved put his hand

By the [h]latch of the door,

And my heart yearned for him.

5 

I arose to open for my beloved,

And my hands dripped withmyrrh,

My fingers with liquid myrrh,

On the handles of the lock.

6 

I opened for my beloved,

But my beloved had turned away andwas gone.

My [i]heart leaped up when he spoke.

I sought him, but I could not find him;

I called him, but he gave me no answer.

7 

The watchmen who went about the city found me.

They struck me, they wounded me;

The keepers of the walls

Took my veil away from me.

8 

I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem,

If you find my beloved,

That you tell him I amlovesick!

The Daughters of Jerusalem

9 

What isyour beloved

More than anotherbeloved,

O fairest among women?

What isyour beloved

More than anotherbeloved,

That you so [j]charge us?

The Shulamite

10 

My beloved iswhite and ruddy,

[k]Chief among ten thousand.

11 

His head is likethe finest gold;

His locks arewavy,

Andblack as a raven.

12 

His eyes arelike doves

By the rivers of waters,

Washed with milk,

And[l]fitly set.

13 

His cheeks arelike a bed of spices,

Banks of scented herbs.

His lips arelilies,

Dripping liquid myrrh.

14 

His hands arerods of gold

Set with beryl.

His body iscarved ivory

Inlaid withsapphires.

15 

His legs arepillars of marble

Set on bases of fine gold.

His countenance islike Lebanon,

Excellent as the cedars.

16 

His mouth ismost sweet,

Yes, he isaltogether lovely.

This ismy beloved,

And this ismy friend,

O daughters of Jerusalem!

Footnotes:

  • Song of Solomon 4:2 bereaved
  • Song of Solomon 4:4 Small shields
  • Song of Solomon 4:10 fragrance
  • Song of Solomon 4:12 lockedor barred
  • Song of Solomon 5:2 my companion, friend
  • Song of Solomon 5:2 curlsor hair
  • Song of Solomon 5:3 dirty
  • Song of Solomon 5:4 opening
  • Song of Solomon 5:6 Lit. soul
  • Song of Solomon 5:9 adjure
  • Song of Solomon 5:10 Distinguished
  • Song of Solomon 5:12 sitting in a setting

Galatians 3

Justification by Faith

3 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you [a]that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed [b]among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so [c]many things in vain—if indeed it wasin vain?

5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do itby the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7 Therefore know that onlythose who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying,“In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who areof faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

The Law Brings a Curse

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed iseveryone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” 11 But that no one is [d]justified by the law in the sight of God isevident, for “the just shall live by faith.” 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”

13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed iseveryone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

The Changeless Promise

15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it isonly a man’s covenant, yet if it isconfirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. 16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. 17 And this I say, thatthe law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God [e]in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance isof the law, it isno longer of promise; but God gave itto Abraham by promise.

Purpose of the Law

19 What purpose then doesthe law serve?It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it wasappointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not mediatefor one only,but God is one.

21 Isthe law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, [f]kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our [g]tutor to bring usto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Sons and Heirs

26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you areChrist’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Footnotes:

  • Galatians 3:1 NU omits that you should not obey the truth
  • Galatians 3:1 NU omits among you
  • Galatians 3:4 Or great
  • Galatians 3:11 declared righteous
  • Galatians 3:17 NU omits in Christ
  • Galatians 3:23 Lit. confined
  • Galatians 3:24 In a household, the guardian responsible for the care and discipline of the children

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

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 just 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 John LaPorte cousin who was very ill, but now better and was released from the hospital… please continue to Pray for his Salvation. 

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

“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

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

Please continue to Pray for Brother David Porter’s friend’s son, Giovanni (18yrs old). 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 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. 

+++

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.)

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 9/15 – The Divine Dwelling Place

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Fellowship– Matthew 18:20 (ESV)“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20

“The Scriptures unanimously declare the self-sufficiency of God. “If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.” {Psalms 50:12}   We, His creatures, can add nothing to Him or what He does.  God invites us to give our lives ministering to people, not because He needs us, but rather because He wants us to accrue eternal gain while on earth, and we do that by spending ourselves for others.”     Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”)

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

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

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The Divine Dwelling Place

Day Two Hundred Fifty-eight

“For thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:

‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'”   Isaiah 57:15

Isaiah’s words are a study in contrasts.  The transcendent God draws near to man. The High and Lofty One comes to those who are humble.  He who is holy dwells with the contrite sinner.  The One who inhabits eternity enters time to have a relationship with finite man.  The Sovereign of the universe reaches down to sinful people and draws them to Himself.

You must maintain an appreciation of this contrast in order to have a healthy relationship with God.  During the last two centuries the difference and distance between God and man was all but forgotten in Christian thought.  Human logic decreed that people are basically good.  Since people are like God, God is like people.  Jesus was emphasized as human rather than divine.  With this blurring of the difference and distance between the Creator and His creation, the Christian message was compromised.   If you are good and God is like you, then you not only lose your sense of depravity, you have little need for Him.  When you lose your fear of Judgment, you lose your need for salvation.

You worship a God who is holy, transcendent, and eternal.  The miracle is, He is willing to have a relationship with you, a sinner, bound by the limitations of being a creature, and incapable of initiating a relationship with your Creator.  Never lose your awe of it all.

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Proverbs 22-24 2 Corinthians 8 (New King James Version)

Proverbs 22-24

The Value of a Good Name

22 

A goodname is to be chosen rather than great riches,

Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

2 

The rich and the poor have this in common,

The Lord isthe maker of them all.

3 

A prudent manforesees evil and hides himself,

But the simple pass on and are punished.

4 

By humility andthe fear of the Lord

Areriches and honor and life.

5 

Thorns andsnares arein the way of the perverse;

He who guards his soul will be far from them.

6 

Train up a child in the way he should go,

[a]And when he is old he will not depart from it.

7 

The rich rules over the poor,

And the borrower isservant to the lender.

8 

He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow,[b]

And the rod of his anger will fail.

9 

He who has a [c]generous eye will be blessed,

For he gives of his bread to the poor.

10 

Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave;

Yes, strife and reproach will cease.

11 

He who loves purity of heart

And hasgrace on his lips,

The king will behis friend.

12 

The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge,

But He overthrows the words of the faithless.

13 

The lazy mansays, “There isa lion outside!

I shall be slain in the streets!”

14 

The mouth of an immoral woman isa deep pit;

He who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there.

15 

Foolishness isbound up in the heart of a child;

The rod of correction will drive it far from him.

16 

He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches,

Andhe who gives to the rich, willsurely cometo poverty.

Sayings of the Wise

17 

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,

And apply your heart to my knowledge;

18 

For it isa pleasant thing if you keep them within you;

Let them all be fixed upon your lips,

19 

So that your trust may be in the Lord;

I have instructed you today, even you.

20 

Have I not written to you excellent things

Of counsels and knowledge,

21 

That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth,

That you may answer words of truth

To those who [d]send to you?

22 

Do not rob the poor because he ispoor,

Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;

23 

For the Lord will plead their cause,

And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.

24 

Make no friendship with an angry man,

And with a furious man do not go,

25 

Lest you learn his ways

And set a snare for your soul.

26 

Do not be one of those who [e]shakes hands in a pledge,

One of those who is [f]surety for debts;

27 

If you have nothing with whichto pay,

Why should he take away your bed from under you?

28 

Do not remove the ancient [g]landmark

Which your fathers have set.

29 

Do you see a man who[h]excels in his work?

He will stand before kings;

He will not stand before [i]unknown men.

Listen to Your Father

23 

When you sit down to eat with a ruler,

Consider carefully what isbefore you;

2 

And put a knife to your throat

If you area man given to appetite.

3 

Do not desire his delicacies,

For they aredeceptive food.

4 

Do not overwork to be rich;

Because of your own understanding, cease!

5 

[j]Will you set your eyes on that which is not?

For richescertainly make themselves wings;

They fly away like an eagle towardheaven.

6 

Do not eat the bread of a[k] miser,

Nor desire his delicacies;

7 

For as he thinks in his heart, so ishe.

“Eat and drink!” he says to you,

But his heart is not with you.

8 

The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up,

And waste your pleasant words.

9 

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,

For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

10 

Do not remove the ancient [l]landmark,

Nor enter the fields of the fatherless;

11 

For their Redeemer ismighty;

He will plead their cause against you.

12 

Apply your heart to instruction,

And your ears to words of knowledge.

13 

Do not withhold correction from a child,

For ifyou beat him with a rod, he will not die.

14 

You shall beat him with a rod,

And deliver his soul from [m]hell.

15 

My son, if your heart is wise,

My heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself;

16 

Yes, my [n]inmost being will rejoice

When your lips speak right things.

17 

Do not let your heart envy sinners,

But be zealousfor the fear of the Lord all the day;

18 

For surely there is a [o]hereafter,

And your hope will not be cut off.

19 

Hear, my son, and be wise;

And guide your heart in the way.

20 

Do not mix with winebibbers,

Orwith gluttonous eaters of meat;

21 

For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,

And drowsiness will clothe a manwith rags.

22 

Listen to your father who begot you,

And do not despise your mother when she is old.

23 

Buy the truth, and do not sell it,

Alsowisdom and instruction and understanding.

24 

The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice,

And he who begets a wise childwill delight in him.

25 

Let your father and your mother be glad,

And let her who bore you rejoice.

26 

My son, give me your heart,

And let your eyes observe my ways.

27 

For a harlot isa deep pit,

And a seductress isa narrow well.

28 

She also lies in wait as fora victim,

And increases the unfaithful among men.

29 

Who has woe?

Who has sorrow?

Who has contentions?

Who has complaints?

Who has wounds without cause?

Who has redness of eyes?

30 

Those who linger long at the wine,

Those who go in search of mixed wine.

31 

Do not look on the wine when it is red,

When it sparkles in the cup,

Whenit [p]swirls around smoothly;

32 

At the last it bites like a serpent,

And stings like a viper.

33 

Your eyes will see strange things,

And your heart will utter perverse things.

34 

Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the [q]midst of the sea,

Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:

35 

“They have struck me, butI was not hurt;

They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.

When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”

Do Not Envy Evil Men

24 

Do not be envious of evil men,

Nor desire to be with them;

2 

For their heart devises violence,

And their lips talk of troublemaking.

3 

Through wisdom a house is built,

And by understanding it is established;

4 

By knowledge the rooms are filled

With all precious and pleasant riches.

5 

A wise man isstrong,

Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;

6 

For by wise counsel you will wage your own war,

And in a multitude of counselors there issafety.

7 

Wisdom istoo lofty for a fool;

He does not open his mouth in the gate.

8 

He who plots to do evil

Will be called a [r]schemer.

9 

The devising of foolishness issin,

And the scoffer isan abomination to men.

10 

Ifyou faint in the day of adversity,

Your strength issmall.

11 

Deliver those whoare drawn toward death,

And hold back thosestumbling to the slaughter.

12 

If you say, “Surely we did not know this,”

Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it?

He who keeps your soul, does He notknow it?

And will He notrender to eachman according to his deeds?

13 

My son, eat honey because it isgood,

And the honeycomb which issweet to your taste;

14 

So shallthe knowledge of wisdom beto your soul;

If you have found it,there is a [s]prospect,

And your hope will not be cut off.

15 

Do not lie in wait, O wicked man,against the dwelling of the righteous;

Do not plunder his resting place;

16 

For a righteous manmay fall seven times

And rise again,

But the wicked shall fall by calamity.

17 

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,

And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;

18 

Lest the Lord see it,and [t]it displease Him,

And He turn away His wrath from him.

19 

Do not fret because of evildoers,

Nor be envious of the wicked;

20 

For there will be no prospect for the evil man;

The lamp of the wicked will be put out.

21 

My son, fear the Lord and the king;

Do not associate with those given to change;

22 

For their calamity will rise suddenly,

And who knows the ruin those two can bring?

Further Sayings of the Wise

23 These thingsalso belongto the wise:

It isnot good to [u]show partiality in judgment.

24 

He who says to the wicked, “You arerighteous,”

Him the people will curse;

Nations will abhor him.

25 

But those who rebuke the wickedwill have delight,

And a good blessing will come upon them.

26 

He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.

27 

Prepare your outside work,

Make it fit for yourself in the field;

And afterward build your house.

28 

Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause,

[v]For would you deceive with your lips?

29 

Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me;

I will render to the man according to his work.”

30 

I went by the field of the lazy man,

And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;

31 

And there it was, all overgrown with thorns;

Its surface was covered with nettles;

Its stone wall was broken down.

32 

When I saw it,I considered itwell;

I looked on it andreceived instruction:

33 

A little sleep, a little slumber,

A little folding of the hands to rest;

34 

So shall your poverty come like[w]a prowler,

And your need like [x]an armed man.

Footnotes:

  • Proverbs 22:6 Even
  • Proverbs 22:8 trouble
  • Proverbs 22:9 Lit. good
  • Proverbs 22:21 Or send you
  • Proverbs 22:26 Lit. strikes
  • Proverbs 22:26 guaranty
  • Proverbs 22:28 boundary
  • Proverbs 22:29 is prompt in his business
  • Proverbs 22:29 obscure
  • Proverbs 23:5 Lit. Will you cause your eyes to fly upon it and it is not?
  • Proverbs 23:6 Lit. one who has an evil eye
  • Proverbs 23:10 boundary
  • Proverbs 23:14 Or Sheol
  • Proverbs 23:16 Lit. kidneys
  • Proverbs 23:18 Future, lit. latter end
  • Proverbs 23:31 goes around
  • Proverbs 23:34 Lit. heart
  • Proverbs 24:8 Lit. master of evil plots
  • Proverbs 24:14 Lit. latter end
  • Proverbs 24:18 Lit. it be evil in His eyes
  • Proverbs 24:23 Lit. recognize faces
  • Proverbs 24:28 LXX, Vg. Do not deceive
  • Proverbs 24:34 Lit. one who walks about
  • Proverbs 24:34 Lit. a man with a shield

2 Corinthians 8

Excel in Giving

8 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to theirability, yes, and beyond theirability, they werefreely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency [a]that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not onlyas we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and thento us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—seethat you abound in this grace also.

Christ Our Pattern

8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

10 And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; 11 but now you also must complete the doing of it;that as there wasa readiness to desire it,so therealso may bea completion out of what youhave. 12 For if there is first a willing mind, it isaccepted according to what one has, andnot according to what he does not have.

13 For I donot meanthat others should be eased and you burdened; 14 but by an equality, thatnow at this time your abundance may supplytheir lack, that their abundance also may supplyyour lack—that there may be equality. 15 As it is written, “He who gatheredmuch had nothing left over, and he who gatheredlittle had no lack.”

Collection for the Judean Saints

16 But thanks beto God who [b]puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. 17 For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord. 18 And we have sent with him the brother whose praise isin the gospel throughout all the churches, 19 and not only that,but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to showyour ready mind, 20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us— 21 providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

22 And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we havein you. 23 If anyone inquiresabout Titus, he ismy partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they aremessengers[c] of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 Therefore show to them, [d]and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.

Footnotes:

  • 2 Corinthians 8:4 NU, M omit that we would receive,thus changing text to urgency for the favor and fellowship
  • 2 Corinthians 8:16 NU has put
  • 2 Corinthians 8:23 Lit. apostles,“sent ones”
  • 2 Corinthians 8:24 NU, M omit and

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please continue to Pray for John LaPorte cousin who is very ill and says he is close to giving his heart to Lord. 

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.)

Please continue to Pray for Lisa Long and her family …  Her brother Randy said this morning that she is totally blind now and has another “hail mary” corneal transplant on the 18th. 

In 2 Corinthians 12:10, Paul understood that God can work when we acknowledge our weakness and hardship and need for His help. “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  

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

“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

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

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

Please continue to Pray for Brother David Porter’s friend’s son, Giovanni (18yrs old). 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 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. 

+++

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.)

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 9/13 – Freedom in Christ

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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

“Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still.”  E.M. Bounds 

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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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Freedom in Christ

Day Two Hundred Fifty-six

“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more.” 1 Corinthians 9:19

Twice in this chapter Paul reminds the Corinthians that he is free.  This freedom in Christ allowed Him to become “a slave to all, that I might win the more.”  He would do anything short of sin and violating his conscience to identify with the lost in order to win them to Christ.  He said, “To the Jew I became a Jew.” 339   In Christ Paul lost his identity with the Jewish race; he was now a citizen of heaven. Free from Judaism, free from the Law, free from any tie with the world, Paul could now concentrate on being an effective witness for Christ.

Both your slavery and your freedom reflect your values.  You can be free from all restraints, but you will use people because you are a slave to your appetites and desires.  Freedom can only come to those who serve.  You cannot use people and be free.  Paul was free from all men simply because he decided to be the slave of all.  The two go together.  Either you will be enslaved by your inability to meet your own expectations and fulfill your hope, or you will become a slave of Christ.  “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”340   This is the freedom known by Paul and the only true freedom possible for anyone.

People seek to be free by being different, wearing strange hairstyles and clothes, only to find that they dress and look just like all those who think like them.  When you “become all things to all men, that you might by all means save some,” you find a freedom found only in Christ.

339  1 Corinthians 9:20

340 John 8:36

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Proverbs 16-18 2 Corinthians 6 (New King James Version)

Proverbs 16-18

Wisdom Is Better Than Gold

16 

The preparations[a] of the heart belongto man,

But the answer of the tongue isfrom the Lord.

2 

All the ways of a man arepure in his own eyes,

But the Lord weighs the spirits.

3 

Commit[b] your works to the Lord,

And your thoughts will be established.

4 

The Lord has made all for Himself,

Yes, even the wicked for the day of [c]doom.

5 

Everyone proud in heart isan abomination to the Lord;

Though they join[d]forces, none will go unpunished.

6 

In mercy and truth

Atonement is provided for iniquity;

And by the fear of the Lord onedeparts from evil.

7 

When a man’s ways please the Lord,

He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 

Better isa little with righteousness,

Than vast revenues without justice.

9 

A man’s heart plans his way,

But the Lord directs his steps.

10 

Divination ison the lips of the king;

His mouth must not transgress in judgment.

11 

Honest weights and scales arethe Lord’s;

All the weights in the bag areHis [e]work.

12 

It isan abomination for kings to commit wickedness,

For a throne is established by righteousness.

13 

Righteous lips arethe delight of kings,

And they love him who speaks what isright.

14 

As messengers of death isthe king’s wrath,

But a wise man will appease it.

15 

In the light of the king’s face islife,

And his favor islike a cloud of the latter rain.

16 

How much better to get wisdom than gold!

And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

17 

The highway of the upright isto depart from evil;

He who keeps his way preserves his soul.

18 

Pride goesbefore destruction,

And a haughty spirit before [f]a fall.

19 

Better to beof a humble spirit with the lowly,

Than to divide the [g]spoil with the proud.

20 

He who heeds the word wisely will find good,

And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy ishe.

21 

The wise in heart will be called prudent,

And sweetness of the lips increases learning.

22 

Understanding isa wellspring of life to him who has it.

But the correction of fools isfolly.

23 

The heart of the wise teaches his mouth,

And adds learning to his lips.

24 

Pleasant words are likea honeycomb,

Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

25 

There is a way that seemsright to a man,

But its end isthe way of death.

26 

The person who labors, labors for himself,

For his hungrymouth drives him on.

27 

[h]An ungodly man digs up evil,

And it ison his lips like a burning fire.

28 

A perverse man sows strife,

And a whisperer separates the best of friends.

29 

A violent man entices his neighbor,

And leads him in a way that isnot good.

30 

He winks his eye to devise perverse things;

He [i]purses his lips andbrings about evil.

31 

The silver-haired head isa crown of glory,

Ifit is found in the way of righteousness.

32 

He who isslow to anger isbetter than the mighty,

And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

33 

The lot is cast into the lap,

But its every decision isfrom the Lord.

The Lord Tests Hearts

17 

Better isa dry morsel with quietness,

Than a house full of [j]feasting withstrife.

2 

A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame,

And will share an inheritance among the brothers.

3 

The refining pot isfor silver and the furnace for gold,

But the Lord tests the hearts.

4 

An evildoer gives heed to false lips;

A liar listens eagerly to a [k]spiteful tongue.

5 

He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker;

He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

6 

Children’s children arethe crown of old men,

And the glory of children istheir father.

7 

Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool,

Much less lying lips to a prince.

8 

A present isa precious stone in the eyes of its possessor;

Wherever he turns, he prospers.

9 

He who covers a transgression seeks love,

But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

10 

Rebuke is more effective for a wise man

Than a hundred blows on a fool.

11 

An evil manseeks only rebellion;

Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12 

Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs,

Rather than a fool in his folly.

13 

Whoever rewards evil for good,

Evil will not depart from his house.

14 

The beginning of strife is likereleasing water;

Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

15 

He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just,

Both of them alike arean abomination to the Lord.

16 

Why is therein the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom,

Since he hasno heart for it?

17 

A friend loves at all times,

And a brother is born for adversity.

18 

A man devoid of [l]understanding [m]shakes hands in a pledge,

Andbecomes [n]surety for his friend.

19 

He who loves transgression loves strife,

And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.

20 

He who has a [o]deceitful heart finds no good,

And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.

21 

He who begets a scoffer does soto his sorrow,

And the father of a fool has no joy.

22 

A merry heart [p]does good, likemedicine,

But a broken spirit dries the bones.

23 

A wicked manaccepts a bribe [q]behind the back

To pervert the ways of justice.

24 

Wisdom isin the sight of him who has understanding,

But the eyes of a fool areon the ends of the earth.

25 

A foolish son isa grief to his father,

And bitterness to her who bore him.

26 

Also, to punish the righteous isnot good,

Norto strike princes for theiruprightness.

27 

He who has knowledge spares his words,

Anda man of understanding is of a calm spirit.

28 

Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;

Whenhe shuts his lips, he is consideredperceptive.

The Name of the Lord Is a Strong Tower

18 

A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;

He rages against all [r]wise judgment.

2 

A fool has no delight in understanding,

But in expressing his own heart.

3 

When the wicked comes, contempt comes also;

And with dishonor comesreproach.

4 

The words of a man’s mouth aredeep waters;

The wellspring of wisdom isa flowing brook.

5 

It isnot good to show partiality to the wicked,

Orto overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 

A fool’s lips enter into contention,

And his mouth calls for blows.

7 

A fool’s mouth ishis destruction,

And his lips arethe snare of his soul.

8 

The words of a [s]talebearer arelike [t]tasty trifles,

And they go down into the [u]inmost body.

9 

He who is slothful in his work

Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

10 

The name of the Lord isa strong tower;

The righteous run to it and are [v]safe.

11 

The rich man’s wealth ishis strong city,

And like a high wall in his own esteem.

12 

Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,

And before honor ishumility.

13 

He who answers a matter before he hears it,

It isfolly and shame to him.

14 

The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness,

But who can bear a broken spirit?

15 

The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,

And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 

A man’s gift makes room for him,

And brings him before great men.

17 

The first oneto plead his cause seemsright,

Until his neighbor comes and examines him.

18 

Casting lots causes contentions to cease,

And keeps the mighty apart.

19 

A brother offended is harder to winthan a strong city,

And contentions arelike the bars of a castle.

20 

A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;

Fromthe produce of his lips he shall be filled.

21 

Death and life arein the power of the tongue,

And those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 

He whofinds a wife finds a good thing,

And obtains favor from the Lord.

23 

The poor manuses entreaties,

But the rich answers roughly.

24 

A man who hasfriends [w]must himself be friendly,

But there is a friend whosticks closer than a brother.

Footnotes:

  • Proverbs 16:1 plans
  • Proverbs 16:3 Lit. Roll
  • Proverbs 16:4 Lit. evil
  • Proverbs 16:5 Lit. hand to hand
  • Proverbs 16:11 concern
  • Proverbs 16:18 stumbling
  • Proverbs 16:19 plunder
  • Proverbs 16:27 Lit. A man of Belial
  • Proverbs 16:30 Lit. compresses
  • Proverbs 17:1 Or sacrificial meals
  • Proverbs 17:4 Lit. destructive
  • Proverbs 17:18 Lit. heart
  • Proverbs 17:18 Lit. strikes the hands
  • Proverbs 17:18 guarantyor collateral
  • Proverbs 17:20 crooked
  • Proverbs 17:22 Or makes medicine even better
  • Proverbs 17:23 Under cover, lit. from the bosom
  • Proverbs 18:1 sound wisdom
  • Proverbs 18:8 gossipor slanderer
  • Proverbs 18:8 A Jewish tradition wounds
  • Proverbs 18:8 Lit. rooms of the belly
  • Proverbs 18:10 secure,lit. set on high
  • Proverbs 18:24 So with Gr. mss., Syr., Tg., Vg.; MT may come to ruin

2 Corinthians 6

Marks of the Ministry

6 We then, asworkers together with Himalso plead with younot to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says:

“In an acceptable time I have heard you,

And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now isthe accepted time; behold, now isthe day of salvation.

3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. 4 But in all thingswe commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much [a]patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; 6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by [b]sincere love, 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yettrue; 9 as unknown, and yetwell known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yetnot killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yetpossessing all things.

Be Holy

11 O Corinthians! [c]We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your ownaffections. 13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what [d]fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what [e]communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you[f] are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell in them

And walk among them.

I will be their God,

And they shall be My people.”

17 Therefore

“Come out from among them

And be separate, says the Lord.

Do not touch what is unclean,

And I will receive you.”

18 

“I will be a Father to you,

And you shall be My sons and daughters,

Says the Lord Almighty.”

Footnotes:

  • 2 Corinthians 6:4 endurance
  • 2 Corinthians 6:6 Lit. unhypocritical
  • 2 Corinthians 6:11 Lit. Our mouth is open
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14 in common
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14 fellowship
  • 2 Corinthians 6:16 NU we

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Pray for John LaPorte cousin who is very ill and says he is close to giving his heart to Lord. 

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

Pray for John LaPorte whose doing ministry at UNLV … Tyler is propaganda machine for the enemy. He continuously interrupts the ministry.  Pray for the witnessing of the group members… several are weakening. 

Please continue to Pray for Lisa Long and her family …  Her brother Randy said this morning that she is totally blind now and has another “hail mary” corneal transplant on the 18th. 

In 2 Corinthians 12:10, Paul understood that God can work when we acknowledge our weakness and hardship and need for His help. “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  

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.  

Praise Report: Jerome Hugo’s mother, Vicki, who collapsed recently has fully recovered.

Please 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 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 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

“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

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. Update: He had a blood clot in his leg removed.  Pray for God’s Healing and undeniable Touch on Mark’s life.  

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. 

+++

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

Please continue to Pray for Brother David Porter’s friend’s son, Giovanni (18yrs old). 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 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. 

+++

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.)

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 9/9 – Do Good to the Undeserving

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

“Outside of the cross of Jesus Christ, there is no hope in this world. That cross and resurrection at the core of the Gospel is the only hope for humanity. Wherever you go, ask God for wisdom on how to get that Gospel in, even in the toughest situations of life.”  Ravi Zacharias

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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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Do Good to the Undeserving

Day Two Hundred Fifty-two

“Now concerning the contribution for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.” 1 Corinthians 16:1

Paul had a burden for the “poor saints in Jerusalem.”  According to Acts 11, this current collection was a repeat of what he had done in the past.  He called upon those churches in which he had had a ministry to give generously to the Jerusalem church.  His plan was to collect the money from the various churches en route to Jerusalem at the end of this his third missionary journey.

His burden for these people was quite extraordinary.  The Jewish Christians were suspicious of Paul’s ministry, and in all probability the Judaizers that opposed him came from the Jerusalem church.  Still, he went out of his way to gather for their needs.  When arriving at Jerusalem some of the Jewish Christians (“many thousands among the Jews of those who have believed; they are all zealous for the law,”335) had Paul arrested.  The Bible does not follow Paul beyond his imprisonment  and appeal to Rome, but we know that he spent the next years of his life fighting against the charges of the Christian Jews.

Paul did not show concern for others based on their response to him, but rather in accordance with God’s will.  You will find it easier to serve those who appreciate you than to those who despise you. You will only be able to do the latter if you maintain an eternal focus.

335 Acts 21:20

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Proverbs 6-7 2 Corinthians 2 (New King James Version)

Proverbs 6-7

Dangerous Promises

6 

My son, if you become [a]surety for your friend,

Ifyou have [b]shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,

2 

You are snared by the words of your mouth;

You are taken by the words of your mouth.

3 

So do this, my son, and deliver yourself;

For you have come into the hand of your friend:

Go and humble yourself;

Plead with your friend.

4 

Give no sleep to your eyes,

Nor slumber to your eyelids.

5 

Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,

And like a bird from the hand of the [c]fowler.

The Folly of Indolence

6 

Go to the ant, you sluggard!

Consider her ways and be wise,

7 

Which, having no [d]captain,

Overseer or ruler,

8 

Provides her [e]supplies in the summer,

Andgathers her food in the harvest.

9 

How long will you [f]slumber, O sluggard?

When will you rise from your sleep?

10 

A little sleep, a little slumber,

A little folding of the hands to sleep—

11 

So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,

And your need like an armed man.

The Wicked Man

12 

A worthless person, a wicked man,

Walks with a perverse mouth;

13 

He winks with his eyes,

He [g]shuffles his feet,

He points with his fingers;

14 

Perversity isin his heart,

He devises evil continually,

He sows discord.

15 

Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly;

Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy.

16 

These six thingsthe Lord hates,

Yes, seven arean abomination to [h]Him:

17 

A[i] proud look,

A lying tongue,

Hands that shed innocent blood,

18 

A heart that devises wicked plans,

Feet that are swift in running to evil,

19 

A false witness whospeaks lies,

And one who sows discord among brethren.

Beware of Adultery

20 

My son, keep your father’s command,

And do not forsake the law of your mother.

21 

Bind them continually upon your heart;

Tie them around your neck.

22 

When you roam, [j]they will lead you;

When you sleep, they will keep you;

And whenyou awake, they will speak with you.

23 

For the commandment isa lamp,

And the law a light;

Reproofs of instruction arethe way of life,

24 

To keep you from the evil woman,

From the flattering tongue of a seductress.

25 

Do not lust after her beauty in your heart,

Nor let her allure you with her eyelids.

26 

For by means of a harlot

A man is reducedto a crust of bread;

And [k]an adulteress will prey upon his precious life.

27 

Can a man take fire to his bosom,

And his clothes not be burned?

28 

Can one walk on hot coals,

And his feet not be seared?

29 

So ishe who goes in to his neighbor’s wife;

Whoever touches her shall not be innocent.

30 

Peopledo not despise a thief

If he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving.

31 

Yet whenhe is found, he must restore sevenfold;

He may have to give up all the substance of his house.

32 

Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding;

He whodoes so destroys his own soul.

33 

Wounds and dishonor he will get,

And his reproach will not be wiped away.

34 

For jealousy isa husband’s fury;

Therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

35 

He will [l]accept no recompense,

Nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.

The Wiles of a Harlot

7 

My son, keep my words,

And treasure my commands within you.

2 

Keep my commands and live,

And my law as the apple of your eye.

3 

Bind them on your fingers;

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 

Say to wisdom, “You aremy sister,”

And call understanding yournearest kin,

5 

That they may keep you from the immoral woman,

From the seductress whoflatters with her words.

The Crafty Harlot

6 

For at the window of my house

I looked through my lattice,

7 

And saw among the simple,

I perceived among the [m]youths,

A young man devoid[n] of understanding,

8 

Passing along the street near her corner;

And he took the path to her house

9 

In the twilight, in the evening,

In the black and dark night.

10 

And there a woman met him,

Withthe attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.

11 

She wasloud and rebellious,

Her feet would not stay at home.

12 

At times she wasoutside, at times in the open square,

Lurking at every corner.

13 

So she caught him and kissed him;

With an [o]impudent face she said to him:

14 

“I havepeace offerings with me;

Today I have paid my vows.

15 

So I came out to meet you,

Diligently to seek your face,

And I have found you.

16 

I have spread my bed with tapestry,

Colored coverings of Egyptian linen.

17 

I have perfumed my bed

With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18 

Come, let us take our fill of love until morning;

Let us delight ourselves with love.

19 

For [p]my husband isnot at home;

He has gone on a long journey;

20 

He has taken a bag of money [q]with him,

Andwill come home [r]on the appointed day.”

21 

[s]With her enticing speech she caused him to yield,

With her flattering lips she [t]seduced him.

22 

Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter,

Or [u]as a fool to the correction of the [v]stocks,

23 

Till an arrow struck his liver.

As a bird hastens to the snare,

He did not know it [w]would costhis life.

24 

Now therefore, listen to me, mychildren;

Pay attention to the words of my mouth:

25 

Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,

Do not stray into her paths;

26 

For she has cast down many wounded,

And all who were slain by her were strong men.

27 

Her house isthe way to [x]hell,

Descending to the chambers of death.

Footnotes:

  • Proverbs 6:1 guarantyor collateral
  • Proverbs 6:1 Lit. struck
  • Proverbs 6:5 One who catches birds in a trap or snare
  • Proverbs 6:7 Lit. leader
  • Proverbs 6:8 Lit. bread
  • Proverbs 6:9 Lit. lie down
  • Proverbs 6:13 gives signals,lit. scrapes
  • Proverbs 6:16 Lit. His soul
  • Proverbs 6:17 Lit. Haughty eyes
  • Proverbs 6:22 Lit. it
  • Proverbs 6:26 Wife of another, lit. a man’s wife
  • Proverbs 6:35 Lit. lift up the face of any
  • Proverbs 7:7 Lit. sons
  • Proverbs 7:7 lacking
  • Proverbs 7:13 shameless
  • Proverbs 7:19 Lit. the man
  • Proverbs 7:20 Lit. in his hand
  • Proverbs 7:20 at the full moon
  • Proverbs 7:21 By the greatness of her words
  • Proverbs 7:21 compelled
  • Proverbs 7:22 LXX, Syr., Tg. as a dog to bonds;Vg. as a lamb . . . to bonds
  • Proverbs 7:22 shackles
  • Proverbs 7:23 Lit. is for
  • Proverbs 7:27 Or Sheol

2 Corinthians 2

Paul Urges Forgiveness

2 But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. 2 For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?

Forgive the Offender

3 And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joyof you all. 4 For out of much [a]affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.

5 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. 6 This punishment which was inflictedby the majority issufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you oughtrather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm yourlove to him. 9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. 10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For [b]if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Triumph in Christ

12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preachChrist’s gospel, and a [c]door was opened to me by the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.

14 Now thanks beto God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us [d]diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we arethe aroma of death leadingto death, and to the other the aroma of life leadingto life. And who issufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as [e]so many, peddling[f] the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

Footnotes:

  • 2 Corinthians 2:4 tribulation
  • 2 Corinthians 2:10 NU indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes
  • 2 Corinthians 2:12 Opportunity
  • 2 Corinthians 2:14 manifests
  • 2 Corinthians 2:17 M the rest
  • 2 Corinthians 2:17 adulterating for gain

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

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 Pray for Jerome Hugo’s mother, Vicki, who collapsed recently.

Please 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 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 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

“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

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. Update: He hadhas a blood clot in his leg removed.  Pray for God’s Healing and undeniable Touch on Mark’s life.  

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. 

+++

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

Please continue to Pray for Brother David Porter’s friend’s son, Giovanni (18yrs old). 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 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. 

+++

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.)

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 9/7 – Capricious Authority

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Christ the Center  – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”    2 Corinthians 5:17

“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing” Martin Luther

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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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Capricious Authority

Day Two Hundred Fifty

“If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.”  Ecclesiastes 10:4

God does not promise you that the authority He will place over your life will be good.  Sometimes He puts you under the authority of rash people who are capricious in their behavior.  When that happens, you must avoid two things: First, don’t become the slave of authority.  You are solely the slave of God. Observe, inquire, and form opinions, but remember that you belong to Christ. Second, don’t despise your authority or rebel against the “system;” it is God­ ordained.  “There is no power but of God.  The powers that be are ordained by God.”332

Wardlaw said, “The weak reed, by bending in a rough wind receives no hurt, while the sturdy oak is torn up by its roots.”  When authority is brash and unreasonable,  don’t resist it.  Keep your mouth closed and God will quiet him down.  “The Lord shall fight for you and you shall hold your peace.” 333 Solomon continues by suggesting that a wise person maintains objectivity and observes what is happening.   It is difficult to place things in perspective during such times. Wisdom sees things as they are and responds properly rather than reacting.

Maintaining power over your spirit is a higher virtue than proving that you are right.  You can only do this by remembering that God placed the authority over you and will not allow him to harm you.

332  Romans 13:1

333  Exodus 14:14

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Proverbs 1-2 1 Corinthians 16 (New King James Version)

Proverbs 1-2

The Beginning of Knowledge

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

2 

To know wisdom and instruction,

To [a]perceive the words of understanding,

3 

To receive the instruction of wisdom,

Justice, judgment, and equity;

4 

To give prudence to the simple,

To the young man knowledge and discretion—

5 

A wise manwill hear and increase learning,

And a man of understanding will [b]attain wise counsel,

6 

To understand a proverb and an enigma,

The words of the wise and their riddles.

7 

The fear of the Lord isthe beginning of knowledge,

Butfools despise wisdom and instruction.

Shun Evil Counsel

8 

My son, hear the instruction of your father,

And do not forsake the law of your mother;

9 

For they will bea graceful ornament on your head,

And chains about your neck.

10 

My son, if sinners entice you,

Do not consent.

11 

If they say, “Come with us,

Let us lie in wait to shedblood;

Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;

12 

Let us swallow them alive like [c]Sheol,

And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;

13 

We shall find all kindsof precious [d]possessions,

We shall fill our houses with [e]spoil;

14 

Cast in your lot among us,

Let us all have one purse”—

15 

My son, do not walk in the way with them,

Keep your foot from their path;

16 

For their feet run to evil,

And they make haste to shed blood.

17 

Surely, in [f]vain the net is spread

In the sight of any [g]bird;

18 

But they lie in wait for their ownblood,

They lurk secretly for their ownlives.

19 

So arethe ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;

It takes away the life of its owners.

The Call of Wisdom

20 

Wisdom calls aloud [h]outside;

She raises her voice in the open squares.

21 

She cries out in the [i]chief concourses,

At the openings of the gates in the city

She speaks her words:

22 

“How long, you [j]simple ones, will you love [k]simplicity?

For scorners delight in their scorning,

And fools hate knowledge.

23 

Turn at my rebuke;

Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;

I will make my words known to you.

24 

Because I have called and you refused,

I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,

25 

Because you disdained all my counsel,

And would have none of my rebuke,

26 

I also will laugh at your calamity;

I will mock when your terror comes,

27 

When your terror comes like a storm,

And your destruction comes like a whirlwind,

When distress and anguish come upon you.

28 

“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;

They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.

29 

Because they hated knowledge

And did not choose the fear of the Lord,

30 

They would have none of my counsel

Anddespised my every rebuke.

31 

Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,

And be filled to the full with their own fancies.

32 

For the [l]turning away of the simple will slay them,

And the complacency of fools will destroy them;

33 

But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,

And will be [m]secure, without fear of evil.”

The Value of Wisdom

2 

My son, if you receive my words,

And treasure my commands within you,

2 

So that you incline your ear to wisdom,

Andapply your heart to understanding;

3 

Yes, if you cry out for discernment,

Andlift up your voice for understanding,

4 

If you seek her as silver,

And search for her as forhidden treasures;

5 

Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,

And find the knowledge of God.

6 

For the Lord gives wisdom;

From His mouth comeknowledge and understanding;

7 

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

He isa shield to those who walk uprightly;

8 

He guards the paths of justice,

And preserves the way of His saints.

9 

Then you will understand righteousness and justice,

Equity andevery good path.

10 

When wisdom enters your heart,

And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,

11 

Discretion will preserve you;

Understanding will keep you,

12 

To deliver you from the way of evil,

From the man who speaks perverse things,

13 

From those who leave the paths of uprightness

To walk in the ways of darkness;

14 

Who rejoice in doing evil,

Anddelight in the perversity of the wicked;

15 

Whose ways arecrooked,

And who aredevious in their paths;

16 

To deliver you from the immoral woman,

From the seductress whoflatters with her words,

17 

Who forsakes the companion of her youth,

And forgets the covenant of her God.

18 

For her house [n]leads down to death,

And her paths to the dead;

19 

None who go to her return,

Nor do they [o]regain the paths of life—

20 

So you may walk in the way of goodness,

And keep tothe paths of righteousness.

21 

For the upright will dwell in the land,

And the blameless will remain in it;

22 

But the wicked will be [p]cut off from the [q]earth,

And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.

Footnotes:

  • Proverbs 1:2 understandor discern
  • Proverbs 1:5 acquire
  • Proverbs 1:12 Or the grave
  • Proverbs 1:13 Lit. wealth
  • Proverbs 1:13 plunder
  • Proverbs 1:17 futility
  • Proverbs 1:17 Lit. lord of the wing
  • Proverbs 1:20 in the street
  • Proverbs 1:21 LXX, Syr., Tg. top of the walls;Vg. the head of multitudes
  • Proverbs 1:22 naive
  • Proverbs 1:22 naivete
  • Proverbs 1:32 waywardness
  • Proverbs 1:33 at ease
  • Proverbs 2:18 sinks
  • Proverbs 2:19 Lit. reach
  • Proverbs 2:22 destroyed
  • Proverbs 2:22 land

1 Corinthians 16

Collection for the Saints

16 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first dayof the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by yourletters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.

Personal Plans

5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). 6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.

8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there aremany adversaries.

10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.

12 Now concerning ourbrother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

Final Exhortations

13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all thatyou dobe done with love.

15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and thatthey have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints— 16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.

17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.

Greetings and a Solemn Farewell

19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you.

Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.

22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be [a]accursed. O[b] Lord, come!

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ bewith you. 24 My love bewith you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Footnotes:

  • 1 Corinthians 16:22 Gr. anathema
  • 1 Corinthians 16:22 Aram. Marana tha;possibly Maran atha, Our Lord has come

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please Pray for those people caught in the path of the Hurricane Dorian. 

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 Pray for Jerome Hugo’s mother, Vicki, who collapsed recently.

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

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

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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

Please 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. Update: He hadhas a blood clot in his leg removed.  Pray for God’s Healing and undeniable Touch on Mark’s life.  

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. 

+++

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

Please continue to Pray for Brother David Porter’s friend’s son, Giovanni (18yrs old). 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 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 Resources ministry 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. 

+++

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.)

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 9/1 – Prosperity Without Power

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Ministry is the Believer’s privilege & responsibility   – II Timothy‬ ‭4:2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬  “Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”  II Timothy 4:2

…there are four spiritual disciplines we must employ: “study the Bible through; pray it in; live it out; pass it on. Prayer, the Word, obedience, and witnessing.  Four simple, ordinary, everyday practices by which you and I can experience the gracious hand of the Lord our God on our lives. May God grant us the grace to pay the price in time and energy to see it happen.”  Leighton Ford

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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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Prosperity Without Power

Day Two Hundred Forty-four

“There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy upon men: a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them; this is vanity; it is a sore affliction.”  Ecclesiastes 6:1-2

If your ambition centers in this life, you will despair and give your life to folly.  Life brings too many hurtful events for it to be otherwise.  Hope does not come from understanding the circumstances that invade your life, or from your resolve to face the circumstances.  Rather, you find hope in recognizing that what you perceive to be good and evil comes from the hand of a gracious God.  To lie down and quit does not help.  Anger and resentment don’t help.  Neither does wishing that things were different do much to console.  So also, looking for fairness will add to your despair.

A man spent his life acquiring for the day of retirement.  Two weeks into his retirement he had a stroke and spent the last 15 years of his life watching others enjoy what he had accumulated.  Such a person faces a practical question: Is his relationship with God of any use?  Can God deal with you in the condition in which you find yourself?  The heroes of life are not those born wealthy, living seemingly carefree existences, but those who face the disappointments of life in the power of God.

You prepare for calamity before God’s testing comes.  Review, on a dailbasis, the fact that “you are not your own; you have been bought with a price.”321   Your prosperity resides in your relationship with Christ, which is eternal, rather than the assets He gives you, which not only are temporal, but also may be spent by others.

321  I Corinthians 6:20

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Psalm 135-136 1 Corinthians 12 (New King James Version)

Psalm 135-136

Praise to God in Creation and Redemption

135 

Praise the Lord!

Praise the name of the Lord;

Praise Him,O you servants of the Lord!

2 

You who stand in the house of the Lord,

In the courts of the house of our God,

3 

Praise the Lord, for the Lord isgood;

Sing praises to His name, for it ispleasant.

4 

For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself,

Israel for His [a]special treasure.

5 

For I know that the Lord isgreat,

And our Lord isabove all gods.

6 

Whatever the Lord pleases He does,

In heaven and in earth,

In the seas and in all deep places.

7 

He causes the [b]vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth;

He makes lightning for the rain;

He brings the wind out of His treasuries.

8 

He [c]destroyed the firstborn of Egypt,

[d]Both of man and beast.

9 

He sent signs and wonders into the midst of you, O Egypt,

Upon Pharaoh and all his servants.

10 

He defeated many nations

And slew mighty kings—

11 

Sihon king of the Amorites,

Og king of Bashan,

And all the kingdoms of Canaan—

12 

And gave their land asa [e]heritage,

A heritage to Israel His people.

13 

Your name, O Lord, enduresforever,

Your fame, O Lord, throughout all generations.

14 

For the Lord will judge His people,

And He will have compassion on His servants.

15 

The idols of the nations aresilver and gold,

The work of men’s hands.

16 

They have mouths, but they do not speak;

Eyes they have, but they do not see;

17 

They have ears, but they do not hear;

Nor is there anybreath in their mouths.

18 

Those who make them are like them;

So iseveryone who trusts in them.

19 

Bless the Lord, O house of Israel!

Bless the Lord, O house of Aaron!

20 

Bless the Lord, O house of Levi!

You who fear the Lord, bless the Lord!

21 

Blessed be the Lord out of Zion,

Who dwells in Jerusalem!

Praise the Lord!

Thanksgiving to God for His Enduring Mercy

136 

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He isgood!

For His mercy enduresforever.

2 

Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!

For His mercy enduresforever.

3 

Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!

For His mercy enduresforever:

4 

To Him who alone does great wonders,

For His mercy enduresforever;

5 

To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,

For His mercy enduresforever;

6 

To Him who laid out the earth above the waters,

For His mercy enduresforever;

7 

To Him who made great lights,

For His mercy enduresforever—

8 

The sun to rule by day,

For His mercy enduresforever;

9 

The moon and stars to rule by night,

For His mercy enduresforever.

10 

To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn,

For His mercy enduresforever;

11 

And brought out Israel from among them,

For His mercy enduresforever;

12 

With a strong hand, and with [f]an outstretched arm,

For His mercy enduresforever;

13 

To Him who divided the Red Sea in two,

For His mercy enduresforever;

14 

And made Israel pass through the midst of it,

For His mercy enduresforever;

15 

But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,

For His mercy enduresforever;

16 

To Him who led His people through the wilderness,

For His mercy enduresforever;

17 

To Him who struck down great kings,

For His mercy enduresforever;

18 

And slew famous kings,

For His mercy enduresforever—

19 

Sihon king of the Amorites,

For His mercy enduresforever;

20 

And Og king of Bashan,

For His mercy enduresforever—

21 

And gave their land as a [g]heritage,

For His mercy enduresforever;

22 

A heritage to Israel His servant,

For His mercy enduresforever.

23 

Who remembered us in our lowly state,

For His mercy enduresforever;

24 

And rescued us from our enemies,

For His mercy enduresforever;

25 

Who gives food to all flesh,

For His mercy enduresforever.

26 

Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven!

For His mercy enduresforever.

Footnotes:

  • Psalm 135:4 precious possession
  • Psalm 135:7 Water vapor
  • Psalm 135:8 Lit. struck down
  • Psalm 135:8 Lit. From man to beast
  • Psalm 135:12 inheritance
  • Psalm 136:12 Mighty power
  • Psalm 136:21 inheritance

1 Corinthians 12

Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity

12 Now concerning spiritual gifts,brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that[a] you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb[b] idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus [c]accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are [d]diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works [e]all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by [f]the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another differentkinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Unity and Diversity in One Body

12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also isChrist. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink [g]into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.

15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body werean eye, where would bethe hearing? If the whole werehearing, where would bethe smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where wouldthe body be?

20 But now indeed there aremany members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those membersof the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable partshave greater modesty, 24 but our presentable partshave no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that partwhich lacks it, 25 that there should be no [h]schism in the body, but thatthe members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it;or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Areall apostles? Areall prophets? Areall teachers? Areall workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the [i]best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

Footnotes:

  • 1 Corinthians 12:2 NU, M that when
  • 1 Corinthians 12:2 mute, silent
  • 1 Corinthians 12:3 Gr. anathema
  • 1 Corinthians 12:4 allotmentsor various kinds
  • 1 Corinthians 12:6 all things in
  • 1 Corinthians 12:9 NU one
  • 1 Corinthians 12:13 NU omits into
  • 1 Corinthians 12:25 division
  • 1 Corinthians 12:31 NU greater

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please Pray for those people caught in the path of the Hurricane Dorian. 

Please 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 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 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.  

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

Please continue to Pray for Brother David Porter’s friend’s son, Giovanni (18yrs old). 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 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 Resources ministry 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.

Praise a Report: Brother Alejandro’s aunt Josefina is doing well. Thank you for your Prayers. 

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. 

+++

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

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

Please continue to Pray for all our children. 

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

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

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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

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

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

Day 8/26 – Spiritual Gifts

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Who made who?  –  Romans 9:20 “But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, ‘Why did You make me like this?’””  Romans 9:20

“You should read and study God’s Word like you read the morning newspaper.  The context gives you the meaning of the words.  Let the text make its case.  Don’t try and be cleaver by seeing any more or less in the passage than what the words warrant.    Walter A. Henrichsen (“Walt”)

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

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

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Spiritual Gifts

Day Two Hundred Thirty-eight

“So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:12

Paul gives a trilogy of chapters to the subject of spiritual gifts. First, the distribution of gifts, followed by their regulation.  Sandwiched between these two is his treatise on love.  Love is the spiritual lubricant that makes the gift giveable. God distributed the gifts so as to ensure the importance of each believer.  As the Body needs the believer, he will be used, while at the same time drawing on the rest of the Body for his own edification.  In short, the gifts are meant to ensure the unity for which Jesus prayed.

The Corinthians set this objective on its head, using the presence of their gifts as a cause for pride, and the absence of other gifts as a cause for envy.  Thus unity gave way to divisions.  Paul sought to correct this aberration by teaching the proper use of the gifts.  As the various parts of the human body work together for the benefit of the whole, so the gifts are manifested in Christ’s Body with the same objective.

Note the use of the word “edify” in these chapters.  God gave you your gifts to meet the needs of others.  Just as your human body can best tell your hand how it ought to be used, so the Body of Christ can best help you identify your spiritual gift and how you can assist in its growth.  God did not give you your spiritual gifts to help you, but to edify others.

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Psalm 119:89-176 1 Corinthians 8 (New King James Version)

Psalm 119:89-176

לLAMED

89 

Forever, O Lord,

Your word [a]is settled in heaven.

90 

Your faithfulness enduresto all generations;

You established the earth, and it [b]abides.

91 

They continue this day according to Your ordinances,

For all areYour servants.

92 

Unless Your law had beenmy delight,

I would then have perished in my affliction.

93 

I will never forget Your precepts,

For by them You have given me life.

94 

I amYours, save me;

For I have sought Your precepts.

95 

The wicked wait for me to destroy me,

ButI will [c]consider Your testimonies.

96 

I have seen the consummation of all perfection,

ButYour commandment isexceedingly broad.

מMEM

97 

Oh, how I love Your law!

It ismy meditation all the day.

98 

You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies;

For they areever with me.

99 

I have more understanding than all my teachers,

For Your testimonies aremy meditation.

100 

I understand more than the [d]ancients,

Because I keep Your precepts.

101 

I have restrained my feet from every evil way,

That I may keep Your word.

102 

I have not departed from Your judgments,

For You Yourself have taught me.

103 

How sweet are Your words to my taste,

Sweeterthan honey to my mouth!

104 

Through Your precepts I get understanding;

Therefore I hate every false way.

נNUN

105 

Your word isa lamp to my feet

And a light to my path.

106 

I have sworn and confirmed

That I will keep Your righteous judgments.

107 

I am afflicted very much;

Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.

108 

Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord,

And teach me Your judgments.

109 

My life iscontinually [e]in my hand,

Yet I do not forget Your law.

110 

The wicked have laid a snare for me,

Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.

111 

Your testimonies I have taken as a [f]heritage forever,

For they arethe rejoicing of my heart.

112 

I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes

Forever, to the very end.

סSAMEK

113 

I hate the [g]double-minded,

But I love Your law.

114 

You aremy hiding place and my shield;

I hope in Your word.

115 

Depart from me, you evildoers,

For I will keep the commandments of my God!

116 

Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live;

And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.

117 

[h]Hold me up, and I shall be safe,

And I shall observe Your statutes continually.

118 

You reject all those who stray from Your statutes,

For their deceit isfalsehood.

119 

You [i]put away all the wicked of the earth like[j]dross;

Therefore I love Your testimonies.

120 

My flesh trembles for fear of You,

And I am afraid of Your judgments.

עAYIN

121 

I have done justice and righteousness;

Do not leave me to my oppressors.

122 

Be surety[k] for Your servant for good;

Do not let the proud oppress me.

123 

My eyes fail from seekingYour salvation

And Your righteous word.

124 

Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy,

And teach me Your statutes.

125 

I amYour servant;

Give me understanding,

That I may know Your testimonies.

126 

It istime for Youto act, O Lord,

Forthey have [l]regarded Your law as void.

127 

Therefore I love Your commandments

More than gold, yes, than fine gold!

128 

Therefore all Yourprecepts concerningall things

I consider to beright;

I hate every false way.

פPE

129 

Your testimonies are wonderful;

Therefore my soul keeps them.

130 

The entrance of Your words gives light;

It gives understanding to the simple.

131 

I opened my mouth and panted,

For I longed for Your commandments.

132 

Look upon me and be merciful to me,

As Your custom istoward those who love Your name.

133 

Direct my steps by Your word,

And let no iniquity have dominion over me.

134 

Redeem me from the oppression of man,

That I may keep Your precepts.

135 

Make Your face shine upon Your servant,

And teach me Your statutes.

136 

Rivers of water run down from my eyes,

Because mendo not keep Your law.

צTSADDE

137 

Righteous areYou, O Lord,

And upright areYour judgments.

138 

Your testimonies, whichYou have commanded,

Arerighteous and very faithful.

139 

My zeal has [m]consumed me,

Because my enemies have forgotten Your words.

140 

Your word isvery [n]pure;

Therefore Your servant loves it.

141 

I amsmall and despised,

YetI do not forget Your precepts.

142 

Your righteousness isan everlasting righteousness,

And Your law istruth.

143 

Trouble and anguish have [o]overtaken me,

YetYour commandments aremy delights.

144 

The righteousness of Your testimonies iseverlasting;

Give me understanding, and I shall live.

קQOPH

145 

I cry out with mywhole heart;

Hear me, O Lord!

I will keep Your statutes.

146 

I cry out to You;

Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.

147 

I rise before the dawning of the morning,

And cry for help;

I hope in Your word.

148 

My eyes are awake through the nightwatches,

That I may meditate on Your word.

149 

Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;

O Lord, revive me according to Your justice.

150 

They draw near who follow after wickedness;

They are far from Your law.

151 

You arenear, O Lord,

And all Your commandments aretruth.

152 

Concerning Your testimonies,

I have known of old that You have founded them forever.

רRESH

153 

Consider my affliction and deliver me,

For I do not forget Your law.

154 

Plead my cause and redeem me;

Revive me according to Your word.

155 

Salvation isfar from the wicked,

For they do not seek Your statutes.

156 

[p]Great areYour tender mercies, O Lord;

Revive me according to Your judgments.

157 

Many aremy persecutors and my enemies,

YetI do not turn from Your testimonies.

158 

I see the treacherous, and am disgusted,

Because they do not keep Your word.

159 

Consider how I love Your precepts;

Revive me, O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness.

160 

The entirety of Your word istruth,

And every one of Your righteous judgments enduresforever.

שSHIN

161 

Princes persecute me without a cause,

But my heart stands in awe of Your word.

162 

I rejoice at Your word

As one who finds great treasure.

163 

I hate and abhor lying,

ButI love Your law.

164 

Seven times a day I praise You,

Because of Your righteous judgments.

165 

Great peace have those who love Your law,

And [q]nothing causes them to stumble.

166 

Lord, I hope for Your salvation,

And I do Your commandments.

167 

My soul keeps Your testimonies,

And I love them exceedingly.

168 

I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,

For all my ways arebefore You.

תTAU

169 

Let my cry come before You, O Lord;

Give me understanding according to Your word.

170 

Let my [r]supplication come before You;

Deliver me according to Your word.

171 

My lips shall utter praise,

For You teach me Your statutes.

172 

My tongue shall speak of Your word,

For all Your commandments arerighteousness.

173 

Let Your hand become my help,

For I have chosen Your precepts.

174 

I long for Your salvation, O Lord,

And Your law ismy delight.

175 

Let my soul live, and it shall praise You;

And let Your judgments help me.

176 

I have gone astray like a lost sheep;

Seek Your servant,

For I do not forget Your commandments.

Footnotes:

  • Psalm 119:89 Lit. stands firm
  • Psalm 119:90 Lit. stands
  • Psalm 119:95 give attention to
  • Psalm 119:100 aged
  • Psalm 119:109 In danger
  • Psalm 119:111 inheritance
  • Psalm 119:113 Lit. dividedin heart or mind
  • Psalm 119:117 Uphold me
  • Psalm 119:119 destroy,lit. cause to cease
  • Psalm 119:119 slagor refuse
  • Psalm 119:122 guaranty
  • Psalm 119:126 broken Your law
  • Psalm 119:139 put an end to
  • Psalm 119:140 Lit. refinedor tried
  • Psalm 119:143 Lit. found
  • Psalm 119:156 Or Many
  • Psalm 119:165 Lit. they have no stumbling block
  • Psalm 119:170 Prayer of supplication

1 Corinthians 8

Be Sensitive to Conscience

8 Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge [a]puffs up, but love [b]edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

4 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol isnothing in the world, and that there isno other God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), 6 yet for us there isone God, the Father, of whom areall things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom areall things, and through whom we live.

7 However, there isnot in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat itas a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.

9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a [c]stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

Footnotes:

  • 1 Corinthians 8:1 makes arrogant
  • 1 Corinthians 8:1 builds up
  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 cause of offense

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please continue to Pray for our granddaughter, Everleigh Hartt. She is having intermittent fevers. 

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.  

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. 

+++

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

Please continue to Pray for Brother David Porter’s friend’s son, Giovanni (18yrs old). 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 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 Resources ministry 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.

Praise a Report: Brother Alejandro’s aunt Josefina is doing well. Thank you for your Prayers. 

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. 

+++

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

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

Please continue to Pray for all our children. 

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

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

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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

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

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

Day 8/25 – Marriage or Celibacy

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Do you want Wisdom & Understanding?  –  Job 28:28 And to man He said,‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that iswisdom, And to depart from evil isunderstanding.’ 

“”… Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar … ”   Romans 3:4    There are times when people say, ‘I prayed and nothing happened.’ ‘I had devotions and it’s not working.’ ‘I go to church and don’t receive anything.’ ‘I’m doing all the things Scripture tells me to, but it’s just not happening.’ And I have to respond in love, ‘You’re a liar because God promises that if we draw close to Him, He’ll draw close to us, (James 4:8). Therefore, somebody’s lying — and it’s not God.”    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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Marriage or Celibacy

Day Two Hundred Thirty-seven

“But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife.” I Corinthians 7:32-33

In his controversial seventh chapter of first Corinthians, Paul addresses issues primarily concerning the family.  The family unit is a temporal entity; Jesus said, “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.”312    Life’s ultimate decisions should not be made on the basis of the family.  For example, a person should not allow the families desire for things to cause him to focus his energies on accruing mammon.313   Marriage is temporal; don’t make eternal decisions on the basis of temporal data.  Thus Paul reasons that the unmarried are better positioned to serve the Lord than those married.

Some do not have the gift of celibacy, and Paul says, “But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion.”314    If you are unmarried, or have unmarried children, do not assume that God plans marriage for you.  Culture does not dictate the decisions you make, God does.  He may have marriage for you, as He did for me. But this does not mean that marriage is preferable to celibacy.  It is an issue of your calling and stewardship.  Whether or not God plans marriage for you, you must surrender your desire to His Lordship and allow Him to lead you.

312  Matthew 22:30

313  cf. Matthew 6:24

314  I Corinthians 7:9

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Psalm 119:1-88 1 Corinthians 7:20-40 (New King James Version)

Psalm 119:1-88

Meditations on the Excellencies of the Word of God

אALEPH

119 

Blessed arethe [a]undefiled in the way,

Who walk in the law of the Lord!

2 

Blessed arethose who keep His testimonies,

Who seek Him with the whole heart!

3 

They also do no iniquity;

They walk in His ways.

4 

You have commanded us

To keep Your precepts diligently.

5 

Oh, that my ways were directed

To keep Your statutes!

6 

Then I would not be ashamed,

When I look into all Your commandments.

7 

I will praise You with uprightness of heart,

When I learn Your righteous judgments.

8 

I will keep Your statutes;

Oh, do not forsake me utterly!

בBETH

9 

How can a young man cleanse his way?

By taking heed according to Your word.

10 

With my whole heart I have sought You;

Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

11 

Your word I have hidden in my heart,

That I might not sin against You.

12 

Blessed areYou, O Lord!

Teach me Your statutes.

13 

With my lips I have declared

All the judgments of Your mouth.

14 

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,

As much asin all riches.

15 

I will meditate on Your precepts,

And [b]contemplate Your ways.

16 

I will delight myself in Your statutes;

I will not forget Your word.

גGIMEL

17 

Deal bountifully with Your servant,

ThatI may live and keep Your word.

18 

Open my eyes, that I may see

Wondrous things from Your law.

19 

I ama stranger in the earth;

Do not hide Your commandments from me.

20 

My soul [c]breaks with longing

For Your judgments at all times.

21 

You rebuke the proud—the cursed,

Who stray from Your commandments.

22 

Remove from me reproach and contempt,

For I have kept Your testimonies.

23 

Princes also sit andspeak against me,

ButYour servant meditates on Your statutes.

24 

Your testimonies also aremy delight

Andmy counselors.

דDALETH

25 

My soul clings to the dust;

Revive me according to Your word.

26 

I have declared my ways, and You answered me;

Teach me Your statutes.

27 

Make me understand the way of Your precepts;

So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.

28 

My soul [d]melts from [e]heaviness;

Strengthen me according to Your word.

29 

Remove from me the way of lying,

And grant me Your law graciously.

30 

I have chosen the way of truth;

Your judgments I have laid before me.

31 

I cling to Your testimonies;

O Lord, do not put me to shame!

32 

I will run the course of Your commandments,

For You shall enlarge my heart.

הHE

33 

Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,

And I shall keep it tothe end.

34 

Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law;

Indeed, I shall observe it with mywhole heart.

35 

Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,

For I delight in it.

36 

[f]Incline my heart to Your testimonies,

And not to covetousness.

37 

Turn[g] away my eyes from looking at worthless things,

Andrevive me in [h]Your way.

38 

Establish Your word to Your servant,

Who is devotedto fearing You.

39 

Turn away my reproach which I dread,

For Your judgments aregood.

40 

Behold, I long for Your precepts;

Revive me in Your righteousness.

וWAW

41 

Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord—

Your salvation according to Your word.

42 

So shall I have an answer for him who [i]reproaches me,

For I trust in Your word.

43 

And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,

For I have hoped in Your ordinances.

44 

So shall I keep Your law continually,

Forever and ever.

45 

And I will walk [j]at liberty,

For I seek Your precepts.

46 

I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings,

And will not be ashamed.

47 

And I will delight myself in Your commandments,

Which I love.

48 

My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments,

Which I love,

And I will meditate on Your statutes.

זZAYIN

49 

Remember the word to Your servant,

Upon which You have caused me to hope.

50 

This ismy comfort in my affliction,

For Your word has given me life.

51 

The proud have me in great derision,

YetI do not turn aside from Your law.

52 

I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord,

And have comforted myself.

53 

Indignation has taken hold of me

Because of the wicked, who forsake Your law.

54 

Your statutes have been my songs

In the house of my pilgrimage.

55 

I remember Your name in the night, O Lord,

And I keep Your law.

56 

This has become mine,

Because I kept Your precepts.

חHETH

57 

You aremy portion, O Lord;

I have said that I would keep Your words.

58 

I entreated Your favor with mywhole heart;

Be merciful to me according to Your word.

59 

I thought about my ways,

And turned my feet to Your testimonies.

60 

I made haste, and did not delay

To keep Your commandments.

61 

The cords of the wicked have bound me,

ButI have not forgotten Your law.

62 

At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You,

Because of Your righteous judgments.

63 

I ama companion of all who fear You,

And of those who keep Your precepts.

64 

The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy;

Teach me Your statutes.

טTETH

65 

You have dealt well with Your servant,

O Lord, according to Your word.

66 

Teach me good judgment and knowledge,

For I believe Your commandments.

67 

Before I was afflicted I went astray,

But now I keep Your word.

68 

You aregood, and do good;

Teach me Your statutes.

69 

The proud have forged[k] a lie against me,

ButI will keep Your precepts with mywhole heart.

70 

Their heart is [l]as fat as grease,

ButI delight in Your law.

71 

It isgood for me that I have been afflicted,

That I may learn Your statutes.

72 

The law of Your mouth isbetter to me

Than thousands of coins ofgold and silver.

יYOD

73 

Your hands have made me and fashioned me;

Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

74 

Those who fear You will be glad when they see me,

Because I have hoped in Your word.

75 

I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are[m]right,

And thatin faithfulness You have afflicted me.

76 

Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort,

According to Your word to Your servant.

77 

Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live;

For Your law ismy delight.

78 

Let the proud be ashamed,

For they treated me wrongfully with falsehood;

ButI will meditate on Your precepts.

79 

Let those who fear You turn to me,

Those who know Your testimonies.

80 

Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes,

That I may not be ashamed.

כKAPH

81 

My soul faints for Your salvation,

But I hope in Your word.

82 

My eyes fail from searchingYour word,

Saying, “When will You comfort me?”

83 

For I have become like a wineskin in smoke,

YetI do not forget Your statutes.

84 

How many arethe days of Your servant?

When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?

85 

The proud have dug pits for me,

Which isnot according to Your law.

86 

All Your commandments arefaithful;

They persecute me wrongfully;

Help me!

87 

They almost made an end of me on earth,

But I did not forsake Your precepts.

88 

Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,

So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.

Footnotes:

  • Psalm 119:1 blameless
  • Psalm 119:15 look into
  • Psalm 119:20 is crushed
  • Psalm 119:28 Lit. drops
  • Psalm 119:28 grief
  • Psalm 119:36 Cause me to long for
  • Psalm 119:37 Lit. Cause my eyes to pass away from
  • Psalm 119:37 So with MT, LXX, Vg.; Tg. Your words
  • Psalm 119:42 taunts
  • Psalm 119:45 Lit. in a wide place
  • Psalm 119:69 Lit. smeared me with a lie
  • Psalm 119:70 Insensible
  • Psalm 119:75 Lit. righteous

1 Corinthians 7:20-40

20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. 21 Were you called whilea slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it.22 For he who is called in the Lord whilea slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called whilefree is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that statein which he was called.

To the Unmarried and Widows

25 Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord; yet I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His mercy has made trustworthy. 26 I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress—that it isgood for a man to remain as he is: 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 28 But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.

29 But this I say, brethren, the time isshort, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, 30 those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, 31 and those who use this world as not misusing it.For the form of this world is passing away.

32 But I want you to be without [a]care. He who is unmarried [b]cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. 33 But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please hiswife. 34 There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please herhusband. 35 And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.

36 But if any man thinks he is behaving improperly toward his [c]virgin, if she is past the flower of youth, and thus it must be, let him do what he wishes. He does not sin; let them marry. 37 Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his [d]virgin, does well. 38 So then he who gives [e]herin marriage does well, but he who does not give herin marriage does better.

39 A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. 40 But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment—and I think I also have the Spirit of God.

Footnotes:

  • 1 Corinthians 7:32 concern
  • 1 Corinthians 7:32 is concerned about
  • 1 Corinthians 7:36 Or virgin daughter
  • 1 Corinthians 7:37 Or virgin daughter
  • 1 Corinthians 7:38 NU his own virgin

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Praise Report: My granddaughter, Everleigh Hartt, is doing much better.  Thank you for your Prayers. 

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.  

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. 

+++

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

Please continue to Pray for Brother David Porter’s friend’s son, Giovanni (18yrs old). 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 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 Resources ministry 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., 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. 

+++

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

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

Please continue to Pray for all our children. 

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

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

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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

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

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

Day 8/23 – Three Kinds of People

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How do you handle correction?  – Proverbs‬ ‭17:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬  “Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool.”  Proverbs‬ ‭17:10

“This is the Christian walk: to use our spiritual gifts to edify the Body, to love one another and serve one another selflessly, to show sacrificial behavior in our marriages and raising our families, and to display the miracle of a changed life.  Emphasis on the spiritual gifts is not the sign of being Spirit-filled, rather it is the miracle of a changed life that indicates one is Spirit-filled.”     Lee Yih

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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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Three Kinds of People

Day Two Hundred Thirty-five

“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:1

In this section of his letter to the Corinthians, Paul calls attention to three kinds of people.  First he identifies the unregenerate person: “But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.”310   Second, the spiritual Christian: “The spiritual man judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.”311   Finally, the carnal Christian who acts like “a babe in Christ.”  In this section of his letter, Paul contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God.  The carnal person is one who, although a Christian, reasons with the wisdom of the world and thus behaves in a manner similar to the unregenerate.

Worldly wisdom is that which the world uses to come to its conclusions.  Paul does not argue that worldly wisdom is bad and therefore to be avoided, but rather that it cannot assist in either salvation or sanctification.  It may be helpful in the affairs of this life, but it cannot help you find or please God. When you seek to apply worldly wisdom to the affairs of God, you manifest carnality.  For example if you seek to get even with someone for the way your were treated, you are carnal.

Paul says the carnal person acts like a babe in Christ, but carnality is not an issue of how long you have been a Christian.  You can be young in Christ and spiritual, and you can have known Christ for 50 years and be carnal. Any mind set, action or reaction not in accordance with the character of Christ is carnality.

310  I Corinthians 2:14

311  I Corinthians 2:15

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Psalm 113-115 1 Corinthians 6 (New King James Version)

Psalm 113-115

The Majesty and Condescension of God

113 

Praise[a] the Lord!

Praise, O servants of the Lord,

Praise the name of the Lord!

2 

Blessed be the name of the Lord

From this time forth and forevermore!

3 

From the rising of the sun to its going down

The Lord’s name isto be praised.

4 

The Lord ishigh above all nations,

His glory above the heavens.

5 

Who islike the Lord our God,

Who dwells on high,

6 

Who humbles Himself to behold

The things that arein the heavens and in the earth?

7 

He raises the poor out of the dust,

Andlifts the needy out of the ash heap,

8 

That He may seat himwith princes—

With the princes of His people.

9 

He grants the [b]barren woman a home,

Like a joyful mother of children.

Praise the Lord!

The Power of God in His Deliverance of Israel

114 

When Israel went out of Egypt,

The house of Jacob from a people [c]of strange language,

2 

Judah became His sanctuary,

AndIsrael His dominion.

3 

The sea saw itand fled;

Jordan turned back.

4 

The mountains skipped like rams,

The little hills like lambs.

5 

What ails you, O sea, that you fled?

O Jordan, thatyou turned back?

6 

O mountains, thatyou skipped like rams?

O little hills, like lambs?

7 

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,

At the presence of the God of Jacob,

8 

Who turned the rock intoa pool of water,

The flint into a fountain of waters.

The Futility of Idols and the Trustworthiness of God

115 

Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us,

But to Your name give glory,

Because of Your mercy,

Because of Your truth.

2 

Why should the [d]Gentiles say,

“So where istheir God?”

3 

But our God isin heaven;

He does whatever He pleases.

4 

Their idols aresilver and gold,

The work of men’s hands.

5 

They have mouths, but they do not speak;

Eyes they have, but they do not see;

6 

They have ears, but they do not hear;

Noses they have, but they do not smell;

7 

They have hands, but they do not handle;

Feet they have, but they do not walk;

Nor do they mutter through their throat.

8 

Those who make them are like them;

So iseveryone who trusts in them.

9 

O Israel, trust in the Lord;

He istheir help and their shield.

10 

O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord;

He istheir help and their shield.

11 

You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord;

He istheir help and their shield.

12 

The Lord [e]has been mindful of us;

He will bless us;

He will bless the house of Israel;

He will bless the house of Aaron.

13 

He will bless those who fear the Lord,

Bothsmall and great.

14 

May the Lord give you increase more and more,

You and your children.

15 

Mayyou beblessed by the Lord,

Who made heaven and earth.

16 

The heaven, eventhe heavens, arethe Lord’s;

But the earth He has given to the children of men.

17 

The dead do not praise the Lord,

Nor any who go down into silence.

18 

But we will bless the Lord

From this time forth and forevermore.

Praise the Lord!

Footnotes:

  • Psalm 113:1 Heb. Hallelujah
  • Psalm 113:9 childless
  • Psalm 114:1 who spoke unintelligibly
  • Psalm 115:2 nations
  • Psalm 115:12 has remembered us

1 Corinthians 6

Do Not Sue the Brethren

6 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 4 If then you have [a]judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? 5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren? 6 But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers!

7 Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselvesbe cheated? 8 No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you dothese things to yourbrethren! 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor [b]homosexuals, nor [c]sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were [d]sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

Glorify God in Body and Spirit

12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not [e]helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of [f]any. 13 Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body isnot for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.

15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make themmembers of a harlot? Certainly not! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her?For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who isin you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body [g]and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Footnotes:

  • 1 Corinthians 6:4 courts
  • 1 Corinthians 6:9 catamites,those submitting to homosexuals
  • 1 Corinthians 6:9 male homosexuals
  • 1 Corinthians 6:11 set apart
  • 1 Corinthians 6:12 profitable
  • 1 Corinthians 6:12 Or anything
  • 1 Corinthians 6:20 NU omits the rest of v. 20.

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PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please Pray for my granddaughter, Everleigh Hartt. Everleigh is 3 going 4 in about 8 weeks.  She is ill and while at the medical clinic, her parents were directed to to take her to the Children’s Hospital for low blood pressure.   Please Pray for her and her family and for God’s Healing Touch …

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.  

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

Please continue to Pray for Brother David Porter’s friend’s son, Giovanni (18yrs old). 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 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 Resources ministry 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., and his aunt Josefina. 

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

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

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

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

Please continue to Pray for all our children. 

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

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

II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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

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

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