“The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them” (Psalm 34:7 KJV). The OT Angel of the LORD is the Lord Jesus Christ, for Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), and the Angel of the LORD ceased to appear in the NT. We are told, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10). Guardian angels are not a difficulty for the LORD, since He has appointed them “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). However the LORD chooses to deliver us is not the point; but, that He is willing to do so, is the issue. “Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob” (Psalm 44:4). Are we trusting God for whatever we will face, since we are certainly in conflict with the Devil and his demonic horde? Father, give us the faith to trust You as the flames draw closer to swallow us. May we be unwilling to bow to Bel, even if You chose not to deliver. But, may You be magnified, as we ask for grace to help in our time of need. Lord Jesus, return quickly and deliver us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Sanctification Through the Promises
Are There Few That Be Saved?
“Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved?” (Luke 13:23 KJV). Jesus replied, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (13:24). How hard should you “strive” (13:24)? “With all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). The “few” and “many” of Luke 13 are relative terms comparing the “saved” and unsaved.
Earth’s population is 8.2 billion (2024).
The population of the angelic host at the time of Lucifer’s Rebellion was not specified, but 1/3 of the angelic host rebelled with Lucifer. “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born” (Revelation 12:4). Satan was outnumbered in a ratio of 2 to 1. Since Satan cannot oppose the Almighty in the End Times scenario with a greater number of Fallen Angels than the LORD’s Elect Angels, the Devil must resort to a Seed War — “between thy seed and her seed” (Genesis 3:15) — to breed an army to oppose the Almighty during the Tribulation Week — “the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand” (Revelation 9:16).
In excess of 100 million angels and representatives of the redeemed of humanity are depicted in a Heavenly Throne Scene — possibly following the Rapture (Revelation 5:11).
More important than our knowledge of how many are saved, Is our hope of Heaven based only upon a past certainty or a present seeking, as well?
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).
Father, assemble a host innumerable to praise Your name forever. May we have the joy of those who look for Your Son’s soon appearing “a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation” (Hebrews 9:28 NET). In Jesus saving name, we pray. Amen.
Has Israel Been Cursed?
Yes. “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it” (Isaiah 1:19-20 KJV). If Israel is cursed, it is only because they have rebelled against the LORD. How is the cursed removed? “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2Chronicles 7:14). National repentance works for any nation to return to God. How long will Israel’s curse last? Until their national blindness is lifted by Jehovah.”For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins” (Romans 11:25-27).
When will all this happen? “I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early” (Hosea 5:15). Israel will collectively realize their offense against the Son of God. “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn” (Zechariah 12:10). This will occur in a single day— at the Second Coming of Jesus the Messiah, at the end of the Tribulation Week, the Seventieth Week of Daniel. “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children” (Isaiah 66:8). Father, we pray for Israel’s repentance that You might lift the curse from Israel. Lord Jesus, return quickly, that Israel may be saved. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Longing for Thy Judgments (Psalm 119:20)
“My soul [Hebrew, nephesh, living being, whole person] breaketh for the longing that it hath unto Thy judgments at all times” (Psalm 119:20 KJV). Sounds like the modern phrase, This breaks my heart, which means such an intense desire or conflict, it would do damage to our whole person, if the LORD does not intervene, like an addiction to God and His Word. “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments” (119:10). OT Israel may not have had the NT covenanted Indwelling of the Holy Spirit, but the LORD placed no limit with their contact with His Word. It achieved the same goal — oneness with God manifested in obedience to our LORD. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8). Father, may we under Your New Covenant receive all the blessings of Your Indwelling Holy Spirit to inspire us to obey You and be drawn ever more closely to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Cannot Fool God
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). Religious arguments are easy to settle. Take yourself and the opposing person out of the discussion and see what God says. We arrive at the position that makes the most sense to us, but it does not always mean it answers all the objections of the opposing person. This is why we must “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2Peter 3:18) by changing our position whenever our understanding improves. For instance, ‘I’m going to Heaven because I prayed Jesus into my heart,’ ‘I’ve been baptized,’ ‘I’m doing the best that I can,’ ‘I’ve joined the Church,’ ‘I tithe,’ ‘I don’t do something that everyone feels negative about,’ or ‘I do some things that everyone feels positive about,’ may represent possible answers.
Faith is essential, i.e., “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). Baptism is necessary, for it is a Loyalty Oath, i.e., “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Good works are essential. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20, 26). Unfortunately, we have given some the impression that Heaven is like a Monopoly Game with a “Get Out of Jail” Card, where we pass “Go” and collect Heaven. Crude analogy, but anything short of absolute trust and complete surrender to Jesus as our salvationis an attempt to fool ourselves, our neighbors, and God.
Ananias and Saphira had believed and been baptized, yet both were struck down by God (Acts 5). Simon the Magician believed and was baptized but still offered Peter money to enable him to dispense the Holy Spirit to whoever he would lay his hands upon (Acts 8). Whether the accusation is Easy Believism or Baptism Is A Self-Righteous Work, Perseverance of the Saints or Preservation of the Saints, Losing Your Salvation or Losing the Testimony of the Spirit, all hinges on the Spirit of God testifying to us of our sonship. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16).
Father, we completely trust and surrender to You as the source of our salvation, and we plead only Your Spirit would testify of us that we are the Children of God. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Have You Seen Your Phlebotomist Lately?
A phlebotomist [fluh–bot–uh-mist] is a nurse or health care worker trained in drawing venous blood for testing or donation. In other words, have you donated blood to your blood bank recently? “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38 KJV). You may rarely need a blood transfusion, but blood and blood products are critical for the survival of humanity. “Whole Blood” is normally and quickly taken from donors, after briefly answering a few questions like, Are you HIV+, or Have you had malaria? Both would disqualify donation. “Plasma” takes less than an hour to give, but it is especially useful for burn patients. And, if you have the time, “Platelets” are especially valuable for cancer patients. That may require two hours of your time. Thank you! And, if you’re Type O Negative, your blood can be used in transfusions for any blood type. What a useful way to practice, “Love thy neighbour” (Matthew 22:39)! Father, cause Your people to be the salt of the earth that all would praise You for raising such good children. And, may Your children walk humbly, knowing their reward is with You and not from man for donating blood. Return quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Does Prophecy Require Our Participation?
Yes, Christ taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). Jesus promised, “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:7). If keeping your word to God is doing what you said to God you would do, then keeping the words of the prophecy of the Book of Revelation involves believing and acting consistently with the words of the Book of Revelation. Yes, your participation is required to be blessed from reading the Book of Revelation. Twice in the Book of Revelation, we are told, “The time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3; 22:10). That requires careful thought for our participation. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (1:3).
OT prophecy already has given us precedent for participation in the fulfilment of prophecy. Consider the birth of Jesus and John the Baptist as announced to their parents, their reactions, and their future conduct. Anyone coming into contact with Jesus of Nazareth would also have to come to terms with all the OT prophecies concerning the Messiah. Yes, they had to participate in the fulfillment of prophecy by choosing to accept or reject Jesus as the presented Messiah, the Son of David. “And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever” (2Samuel 7:16).
NT prophecy also requires us to:
(1) Persevere in righteousness or declare ourselves unfit for Christ’s kingdom, i.e., “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).
(2) Faithfully manage God’s resources committed to us, i.e., “it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1Corinthians 4:2) or be declared unprofitable and cast into outer darkness, i.e., “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30).
(3) Labor for the sustenance of ourselves and our families, i.e., “10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed” (2Thessalonians 3:10, 12, 14).
(4) Continue to gather for exhortation and encouragement, i.e., “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).
(5) Continually preach and teach about Jesus, i.e., “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42).
(6) Continually stand for Christ for all to see, i.e., “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14 ).
(7) Continue to be a preservative for righteousness in the world, i.e., “Ye are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) standing against the enemy, i.e., “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
But, above all, as Jesus already taught in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:10), we need to pray for the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the Rapture of His Church.
Specifically, Ezekiel’s Babylonian Captivity prophecies explaining and encouraging Israel about their future:
(1) Prophesied of the New Covenant giving of the Holy Spirit to inspire our obedience, i.e., “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27), and
(2) Preached the necessity of praying for the fulfillment of prophecy, i.e., After having proclaiming His intent to restore Israel, “Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock” (Ezekiel 36:37). He said He would do it, but He requires us to ask Him to do it. Thus, it bonds us to Him in the fulfillment.
Father, teach us to work with You in the power of the Holy Spirit to lift Christ up to the world. Keep us from becoming weary in well doing, knowing we shall reap, if we faint not. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Stranger in the Earth (Psalm 119:19)
“I am a stranger in the earth: hide not Thy commandments from me” (Psalm 119:19 KJV). Why would the Psalmist identify himself as a “stranger in the earth” (119:19)? If this world is God’s creation, isn’t this my Father’s world? Yes and no. The Almighty is the Creator and Master of All Possible Universes, but He did give our Original Parents authority over the entire world, as evidenced by His command, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Genesis 1:28). When the Serpent seduced Eve, and Adam acquiesced, all the world’s voting population of two effectively elected the Wicked One as the “god of this world” (2Corinthians 4:4). The godly suddenly became the stranger in the world, and this world was no longer truly home for the saint. “By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:9-10).
God’s “commandments” (Psalm 119:19) include His promises of things for now and things to come. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). If God does not reveal the meaning of His commandments — “hide not Thy commandments from me” (Psalm 119:19) — they are hidden to us. Let us not take for granted His illumination in teaching us. Thank Him for His teaching, apply it, teach it, and ask for more. “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes” (19:8). Just as you love to teach a receptive child, God loves to teach us, when our hearts are ready. “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night” (1:2). As God’s children, we are to walk carefully because of the obstacles and traps set by the enemy for our soul. And, by God’s grace, we shall overcome. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1Peter 2:11).
Father, we are strangers in this world and cannot make it through life without You. The enemy is too strong for us. Grant us an abiding faith in You, but most of all, grant us the generous influence, protection, and inspiration of Your Spirit to teach us Your Word, direct our praying, and cause us to walk in loving obedience. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen.
You Are Not Your Own
Slavery exists in our world. Human beings are treated like cattle, bought and sold to be used and disposed of at the whim of the owner. Hard to believe for us in the modern world, yet sex trafficking and drug addiction are real and must be overcome like anything else in our environment. God is our equalizer. “They will attack you but they will not be able to overcome you, for I will be with you to rescue you, says the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:19 NET). Why is God so generous? Because we belong to Him. “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (1Corinthians 6:19 NET). Mind you, ours is a Volunteer Slavery, for God could have created us as a soulless droid to perform His bidding, as the devil will experience with his creations during the Tribulation Week or the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). Thank God, we do not have to be present then! What is the secret of our freedom? “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1Corinthians 6:19-20). May we continually remind ourselves, the price of our emancipation from the slavery of sin caused the Son of God to suffer on our behalf. Why wouldn’t we join James — Jesus’ younger half brother — as saying, “James, a servant [Greek, doulos, slave] of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1). We can reject the insanity of such language, but why would we? Father, we are privileged You have sacrificed Your Only Begotten Son on our behalf. We cannot comprehend You allowing us to sit at Your table, when we would deem it our honor to serve You forever. We love You and Your service. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen.
Live Long and Prosper
Persecution did not annihilate the Early Church for it was growing faster than it was dying. Jesus promised the Suffering Church of Smyrna, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10 KJV). It is in God’s best interests to cause His Church to live long and prosper until prosperity becomes an opiate to put the Church asleep. God highlights the fifth of the Ten Commandments, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee” (Exodus 20:12) as the “first commandment with promise” (Ephesians 6:2), i.e., obeying parents produces long life.
Prosperity attends the servants of God, and generally causes society around us to be similarly benefitted. Secular policies giving allowance to godliness benefits society without their admission the good came from God. “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of His servant” (Psalm 35:27). Philosophers and economists can theorize on the nature of the Invisible Hand which causes the wealth of nations, but the godly know, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12). Jehovah informed His people to “seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace” (Jeremiah 29:7). Laban said to Jacob, “I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake” (Genesis 30:27). The world may not promote the godly nor understand the benefit, but they are better for it, when the godly prosper. Christian, “ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) because Jesus is our light (John 9:5).
We do not require recognition from the world to function, because the Holy Spirit works through us without their permission — until the Rapture of the Church removes us. “For the hidden power of lawlessness [Satan] is already at work. However, the one [the Holy Spirit working through the Christians] who holds him [Satan] back will do so until he [Holy Spirit] is taken out of the way [at the Rapture]” (2 Thessalonians 2:7 NET). Even Lot benefitted Sodom and Gomorrah by his presence, for the LORD would not destroy them until Lot was removed from among them. Remember the Psalmist legitimately prayed for prosperity to “live, and keep Thy word” (Psalm 119:17). Father, may we prioritize You before long life or prosperity, but may the increase of life or bountiful dealing with us serve only to cause us to walk in obedience to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
We Need A Miracle 
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