Sin is a choice of the heart, so we must first sin before we are sinful. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1John 3:4 KJV). The NIV characterizes sin as the choice of “lawlessness,” for “everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness” (3:4 NIV). But, make no mistake, sin is a choice of lawlessness, even before it becomes an action or inaction. Unlike a physical condition, which is passed on to successive generations, sin is a spiritual condition. Our relationship to the sin of Adam is more by choosing to follow an example or choosing to be governed by the physical circumstances of our dying flesh, which most definitely then can be transmitted from generation to generation. “13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust [Greek, epithumia, strong desires], and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived [notice, “lust” or strong desires are not sin, but give way to become sin], it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:13-15). We no more go to Heaven because our parents are Christians than we go to Hell because our parents are sinners. Good parenting should inspire the choices of our children, just as bad parenting inclines our children to evil choices. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Father, cause us to follow Your example. May You govern our circumstances that we would follow You. With all of our heart, may there be only one result, but to stand in Your presence forever. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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Power Belongeth Unto God
A quote is attributed to a famous banker, “Permit me to issue and control the money of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws!” What saith the Scripture? “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God” (Psalm 62:11 KJV). A story is told of the prophet Elisha that he was a man, who had power with God. Where are our Elishas?
“8 Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. 9 And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. 10 And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice. 11 Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel? 12 And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber. 13 And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. 14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. 15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 18 And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. 19 And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria. 20 And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. 21 And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them? 22 And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. 23 And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel” (2Kings 6:8-23).
Wonderful Works of God
“Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men” (Psalm 107:15 KJV). God has created us and preserved us from death. Only bitterness would cause us to “curse God, and die” (Job 2:9). Only pride would prevent us from saying, “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1Corinthians 15:10). There are a multitude of daily events, where we are preserved from harm in our travels, or from ill by those, who continually seek to “break through and steal” (Matthew 6:19) from us. God’s restraining hand must be praised, even when we took precautions. Walk humbly. To do otherwise is not to walk in the Spirit. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1Thessalonians 5:18). This is not a mindless repetition, but a heartfelt appreciation of what we understand of God’s wonderful actions toward us. For everything that we can see, there must be untold numbers of things which cannot be seen. “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen” (John 21:25). Father, thank You for what You have done in creation, giving Your Law, establishing Your name in this earth, giving us Your Word, sending us Your Son, giving us Your Spirit, fulfilling Your Word, and concluding Your prophecies. Give us the inspiration of Your Spirit to conduct ourselves as Your children until You come to get us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Spirit Inspires Obedience
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2Peter 1:21 KJV). We normally think of the inspiration of Scripture as concerning God’s Infallible Book the Bible, which is correct, but, we do not think of ordinary Christians to be inspired by the Spirit of God to do something as straightforward as obedience. Truth be told, obedience has always been possible from the Beginning, but Jehovah planned for a day, when obedience would become more likely than prophets faithfully recording what we now know as Scripture. Ezekiel foretold of a NT time, when God’s Spirit would dwell within His people for the express purpose of inspiring them to obey Him. Notice, the Holy Spirit does not force obedience or we would no longer have a free will. He only inspires or encourages obedience, so that God would have in us the intimate relationship of obedience for which we were created. “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). How do we know such an auspicious event ever occurred? Listen to Peter’s first sermon inaugurating the Church at Pentecost. “Then Peter said unto them, 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). Confusion has made Miraculous Manifestations, Spiritual Gifts, or God’s Spirit As Proof of Ownership, as the purpose of God giving us His Spirit. But, simple obedience is the underlying purpose for giving us His Spirit. For, when His Spirit abides within us, “it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13). Once this reality sets into the consciousness of the Church, no longer will we be so incredulous that obedience — not sinfulness — should be the norm of the Church. LORD, haste that day! Amen.
Rapture Is Part of the Second Coming
If we believe Christ came the First Time as a Savior in a Bethlehem manger, then we must believe He will come a Second Time as a Judge and King. As the angel said, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11 KJV). Paul (I believe to be the writer of the Book of Hebrews) said, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28).
Though some disagree that the concept of the Rapture of the Church is unfounded, I would ask, Do you believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? So do I. But, notice that Paul describes with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, Living Saints are raptured or caught up to Him. “13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up [Greek, harpazō, snatched up, i.e., raptured] together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1Thessalonians 4:13-17 NIV).
If we agree that we are raptured, then any disagreement would be over what happens after the Rapture. Immediately, we are “present with the Lord” (2Corinthians 5:8). We are in another dimension, outside the dimension of earth time and tribulation events, and have an infinite of time for an awards banquet and dinner — Bema Seat Judgment (Romans 14:10) and Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-10) — before we return with the Lord. Then, will be the final, visible part of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7).
All we need to do is occupy till He comes (Luke 19:13) and watch for Him (21:36). Help us, Lord, to do that, but He will do the rest!
Father, cause us to be faithful to You. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen and amen.
Occupy Till I Come
“Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13 KJV). Our Master has given His instructions to us. Like the NT parable, He expects us to exercise our abilities and circumstances for His Kingdom. No one but a wicked servant has the right to a retirement of doing nothing, or worse, to live a life of self-pleasing. Occupying for the LORD is to be filled with “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2Peter 1:3). Our Lord expects us to walk obediently, sensitive to His Spirit, but more importantly, as though we loved Him for the wonder filled works He has performed for us. “Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:15).
Life Is A Vapor
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14 KJV). Here today, gone tomorrow. Our existence is fleeting. Look at so many who have died at relatively young ages throughout history. Jesus of Nazareth died on a Cross at the age of 33. Alexander the Great died at age 32. Robert Murray M’Cheyne (age 29): “It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likenesses to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God.” Jim Elliot (age 29): “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Imminence is the likelihood of occurring at any time. Though death may not come so early without accident, war, or plagues, would we be considered wise to consider death or departure from this life as imminent and long life as more of a bonus? If we would live our life as fleeting, would we better serve Christ? “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8). Though we could depart this life at any moment, we would certainly return with Christ. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him” (1Thessalonians 4:14). As far as our fleeting life is concerned, could we say we believed in a Doctrine of Imminence? “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1Peter 4:7-8 NIV).
All Things Through Christ
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). Proving the truth of God’s Word in our life is the reality of our relationship to Christ. We have the opportunity to moment-by-moment demonstrate the reality of this promise. We must lean on our Spirit mentor and helper, even when we think we can handle it, since His help will especially be appreciated, when we know we’re in over our head. We can do whatever we’re commanded to do. We can do whatever God’s Spirit inspires us to do. But, to thoughtlessly commit to acting without God’s leading, we can’t claim this promise. We are at war, attempting to demonstrate the truth of this promise, against an adversary, who wants to prove our faith is unfounded. Resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7). LORD, may You give us the wisdom to understand Your will and the strength to do it. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer for Christ’s Return
Almighty God, You are the creator of all possible worlds (Genesis 1:1), yet You seek a relationship with me (17:1). I am humbled to seek the highest good of Your being knowing You have sought that for me (John 3:16). I have offended in not loving and obeying You as I ought (Isaiah 53:6), and I am grateful for Your merciful loving kindness in sending Your Son to suffer in my place for my sins (1Peter 2:21; 4:1). I pray that the gift of Your Spirit (Acts 2:38) would inspire me to walk in obedience (Ezekiel 36:27) and that Jesus would return soon (Revelation 22:20). I know I must occupy myself with Your business in the meantime (Luke 19:13). And, I realize You may take me by means of death (James 4:14) before You would rapture Your Church and Jesus would return (1Thessalonians 4:17). Make me to be as the Wise Virgins (Matthew 25:10) and to abide in watchfulness for Your soon coming. Cause me to be a faithful watchman (Luke 21:36). Amen.
Way of Thy Testimonies (Psalm 119:14)
“I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches” (Psalm 119:14 KJV). Have you noticed so far, the number of ways the Psalmist uses legal language to describe God’s Word? Virtually all of Psalm 119 gives testimony that the “Sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17) is the weapon of choice for the Saints to employ in the Unseen Realm of the Courts of Heaven.
“Law of the LORD” (119:1).
“Testimonies” (119:3, 14).
“Precepts” (119:4).
“Statutes” (119:5, 8, 12).
“Commandments” (119:6, 10).
“Judgments” (119:7, 13).
We are to be Lawyers of the Heart, for the Psalmist said, “I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches” (119:14), indicating: (1) our employment causes us to rejoice, for it involves matters of the heart, and (2) our occupation with God’s Law must be more valuable than all riches.
Advocate (1John 2:1)
Counselor (Isaiah 9:6)
Attorney (Acts 25:11)
Barrister (Daniel 6)
Defender (1Thessalonians 5:23)
Mouthpiece (Romans 8:26)
Solicitor (Romans 8:34)
Adviser (Acts 18:10)
OT Israel had Solomon’s Temple until destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. It was rebuilt by Ezra about 70 years later, then the Romans destroyed it in 70 AD. However, the physical Temple always was representative of Jehovah’s Heavenly Temple. “Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith He, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount” (Hebrews 8:5 KJV). References made by the Psalmist are more representative of the Courts of Heaven above than simply the Jerusalem Temple below.
“Blessed is the man whom Thou choosest, and causest to approach unto Thee, that he may dwell in Thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of Thy house, even of Thy holy temple” (Psalm 65:4 ). Yahweh has always desired more than a temporary relationship with His people. “For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psalm 84:10).
Father, make us to be Lawyers of the Heart and not those who would strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. Cause us to recognize our NT inheritance of Your Blessed Spirit that we would finally understand how to keep Your Laws with all of our heart, mind, and soul. Cause us to be successful litigators in the Courts of Heaven. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen and amen.
We Need A Miracle 
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