Daily Devotions

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

JESUS ​​VALUES THE GIFTS OF OUR LOVING SERVICE

As Jesus was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, a woman approached him, holding an alabaster vase, which contained a perfume of great price; and, while he was at table, she poured the perfume on his head. (Matthew 26.6-7)

“The disciples, seeing this, were indignant, and said, What good is this loss? Judas was the first to make this observation and the others stood ready to outbid. But was it really a loss? Marie had kept this vase of perfume for a long time. Lazarus, his brother, had been resurrected and had been restored to his family by the words and the power of the Saviour; Marie’s heart overflowed with gratitude.

This incident abounds in instructions. Jesus, the Redeemer of the world, was approaching the period of the sacrifice of his life. His followers barely realized what they were about to lose. Marie could not imagine the event to come. His heart was overwhelmed with pure and holy love. She said to herself, “What can I offer the Lord to thank him for all he has done for me? This very expensive perfume, according to the disciples, was only a weak expression of her affection for the Master. But Christ knew how to appreciate this gift as the expression of his love. Mary’s heart was invaded by a serene and perfect peace.

Christ appreciated Mary’s goodwill joyfully doing her Master’s will. He spontaneously accepted the demonstration of this pure affection, while the disciples failed to grasp its meaning… Mary’s perfume was a gift of love and this gave her a special value in the eyes of Christ… Disconcerted , Marie stepped back, ready to receive reproaches from the one she loved and adored. But instead of admonishing her, she heard these words: “Why do you upset this woman? She did a good deed towards me; for you always have poor people with you, but you do not always have me. By spreading this perfume on my body, she did it for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is preached, throughout the world, there will also be a story told in memory of this woman of what she has done. » Jesus would not receive another anointing, for the Sabbath being near, they observed it according to the commandment… The gesture of Mary towards her Master was more valuable in the eyes of Christ than all the nards and precious oils in the world , for she expressed her gratitude to the Redeemer of the world. It is driven by the love of Christ that she acts in this way…

By the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary see in Jesus, the one who came to seek and rescue souls on the verge of perishing. Each of the disciples could have been inspired by a similar devotion.

God bless 

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

WATCHING AND READY

Most biblical lamps were made of clay pottery and were oval-shaped or round and were squeezed on one end to form a channel for the wick, which was normally made from flax. Oil lamps were often engraved with symbols. The most commonly used fuel was olive oil, although nut oil, fish oil, and other types of oil were sometimes used.

Jesus advised His disciples to keep their lamps burning, to keep the light shining. This light represents the presence of the Light of the world. We need the continuous presence of Jesus, through His Holy Spirit, in order to share the gospel message with others and to prepare us for His return.

Jesus promises a great blessing to those who consistently watch for their Master. “Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.” They will be welcomed into heaven with a feast of celebration. Can you imagine being served a special dinner by the Lord of the universe?

Though it might be tempting to sleep in the darkness, we need to stay sharp, focused, and ready for Christ’s return. After all, He is “coming at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:40). Spending time with Him in regular Bible study and prayer will keep your lamp burning bright.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. Luke 12:35-37Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Luke 12:40 

God bless 

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

GOD’S PEOPLE MUST KEEP SIMPLE

Seeing a fig tree on the way, he approached it; but he found there only leaves, and he said to him, Never let fruit be born of you! And instantly the fig tree withered. (Matthew 21.19)

It was not common to find a fig tree sporting such foliage at that season. The fruit of the fig tree appears before the leaves, so a fig tree with lush foliage should normally bear fruit. Christ approached the tree, expecting to find fruit, but searching from the lowest branch to the highest, he found only leaves, so he cursed that tree.

This short episode of Christ’s ministry is quite revealing. It is in total contradiction with the habitual actions and works of Christ. Wherever he went, he spread mercy, dispensed advice and multiplied acts of kindness. He was the Restorer and the Physician. He did not come to condemn the world, but to save it. The disciples did not understand the gesture of Christ when he punished this tree for its sterility, so they said to him: “How did this fig tree become dry in an instant? »

Just prior to this incident, Christ had made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. For the second time he had cleansed the temple and driven the merchants out of the court, saying, “Get it out of here.” A dishonest trade was practiced among those who brought their flock and resold it on the square of the temple, but the order had been given; and no priest, dressed in his magnificent robe, or any trafficker like him, had dared to defy him.

This parable had to do with the scattering of the Jews. Thus, by presenting the symbol of this accursed tree, Christ submitted to the disciples the justified wrath of God who beheld the desecrated court of the church for unlawful gain, and the destruction of the Jewish nation. This tree, sporting a superb pretentious foliage, was the symbol of the Jewish nation separated from God. By their pride and apostasy, this people had lost their capacity for discernment and no longer recognized their Redeemer… The explanation of this strange act on the part of Christ was, in fact, a living appeal and a warning addressed to all the Christian churches.

This cursed fig tree proudly exposing its branches must reiterate this lesson through the ages and until the end of time. If the spirit of Satan was able to penetrate unsanctified hearts and thwart the demands of God in the time of Christ, it will certainly penetrate there again in our time. History repeats itself… But those who obey God’s commandments know no controversy. The Word of God is their guide.

God bless 

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

THE BANQUET TABLE

Westminster Abbey in London is one of Great Britain’s most-famous churches. This splendid edifice was built in stages beginning in the 11th century, and it enshrines many of the traditions of the British people. English monarchs since William the Conqueror have been crowned in the abbey, and most are buried in its chapels. Famous citizens like Isaac Newton and David Livingstone are also buried there.

But one of the most amazing people buried in the abbey is a farmer named Thomas Parr. Born in 1483 during the reign of King Richard III, Thomas is reported to have lived to the age of 152, witnessing the seating of 10 sovereigns on the throne during his long life—including the entire 50-year reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

In 1635, King Charles I invited Thomas to the palace that he might meet this remarkable man. The king inquired as to what did Thomas owe his long life; he answered that he lived a simple life, eating mostly potatoes and oatmeal. While at the palace, old Thomas feasted on the rich food served at the palace. He was not used to this food, and that night after dining on the king’s delicacies, he became very ill and died. King Charles felt so terrible having killed Britain’s oldest citizen with his food that he commanded Thomas to be buried in Westminster Abbey.

There is a story in the Bible about a king, a banquet, and honor bestowed on a man. Queen Esther found favor before the king, who offered to grant her any wish. She knew a man named Haman who wanted to destroy the Jews, especially a man named Mordecai. In a turn of events, the king actually had Haman show honor to Mordecai instead. Then, at a banquet for the king and Haman, Esther revealed Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews. The king ordered him hanged on the gallows.

Banquets can be places where events lead some to life and others to death. Old Tom Parr didn’t survive a royal banquet very well. But someday, we can enjoy a banquet with the King of Kings, a meal that leads us into everlasting life.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. Song of Solomon 2:4 

God bless

 

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

WE SHOULD HAVE A PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST

See what love the Father has shown us, so that we are called children of God! And we are. If the world doesn’t know us, it’s because it didn’t know him. (1 John 3.1

How many of us today see Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, as He truly is? How few know him! How few know who the Father is! All who know Christ have a knowledge of the Father. To see Christ as he is is one of the greatest blessings that can come to fallen mankind. To see our precious Savior as He is! How many have only a partial view of Jesus Christ! How many recognize him as the Redeemer of the world, but do not know him as personal Saviour, yet this aspect – the representation of God in Jesus Christ – is essential…

“Whoever has this hope in him purifies himself, as he himself is pure. What hope is this? That of seeing Jesus as he is, a living faith that leans on the arm of the infinite God and considers Christ as our personal Saviour. Who knows him like that? All the representations you might have about Christ will not save a single soul. Do you know him through the living bond of faith?…

An impressive work awaited him on this earth. Satan arranged things according to his wishes. He claimed the earth as his territory, he the prince of the world. Christ came to dispute that power and begin that claim. Christ came to save the human race from his oppressive power. The battlefield was here, on this humble land. The conflict began between the Prince of life and that of the powers of darkness. Who was going to triumph? All the celestial universe and celestial intelligences watched Christ and watched the battle. Behold, Christ disputing the authority of Satan, and Satan, following him step by step, determined to bring him down through his temptations, determined to exhaust and weaken the patience and tolerance of God towards the human family and to annihilate each of its members…

Whatever your weaknesses, even accompanied by infirmities, there is hope for you in God. Our precious Savior came to do the impossible to save every soul that came to Him… He comes and lifts His voice, announcing eternity to those whose minds are beset with worldly thoughts and pleasures. He comes to open the door of heaven for us, the threshold is lit and illuminated by his glory, the rays of glory spring from the door that opens. Thank you Lord!

 

God bless 

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

BY HIS DEATH, THE SAVIOR ENDED SATAN’S POWER

I will hardly speak with you any more; for the prince of the world is coming. He has nothing in me. (John 14.30)

The Commander of the heavenly armies was assailed by the tempter. He did not have a very wide and accessible space to evolve on this earth. He did not have, in his great and precious mercy, the possibility of bringing the souls of his children back to his kingdom without hindrance. No human being had escaped the power of the seducer. The great federated force of evil had ganged up against him, determined to fight him and defeat him, if possible…

Satan saw the image of God through the character and person of Jesus Christ. He knew that if Christ carried out his plan, his satanic rule would come to an end. Thus, Christ waged a perpetual warfare against satanic agencies. The conflict escalated; it was terrible and fatal, but prey was snatched from the hands of the prince of darkness…

Just before His crucifixion, the Savior said, “For the prince of the world is coming. He has nothing in me. Although it was the hour of Satan’s triumph, anticipating his own victory, Christ could say, “The prince of the world is judged.” “Now is the judgment of the world, let the prince of the world be cast out. Contemplating the finished work of redemption, he could, even through death, evoke the great and final deliverance and represent things to come as actual. The Only Begotten Son of the Infinite God could carry out the grand plan, thus ensuring the salvation of mankind…

The conditions of the earth just before the first appearance of Christ are identical to those which will prevail before his second coming. The same iniquity prevails; Satan manifests the same illusory power over human minds. He prepares his army of human agents to fight the last great battle against the Prince of life and to get rid of the law of God, the foundation of his divine throne. Satan will construct miraculous demonstrations to make people believe that he is who he claims to be – the prince of this world – and that the victory is his. He will redouble his virulence towards the faithful and loyal children of God, but will not succeed in defiling their souls, despite the pains, the distress and the agony caused. In these days of the end, the people of God will come in at the height of the storm, for the prophetic Word reveals: “And the dragon was angry with the woman, and went to make war against the remnant of her seed, to those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus. »

God bless 

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

EVERY STUDENT IS A TEACHER

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 27 percent of the population over the age of three is enrolled in school. That means there are 76 million students in schools of all kinds, from preschool to university. In comparison, there are 7.2 million teachers in those schools. In our society, the teacher and the student are usually two different individuals. However, God seemed to have something different in mind for His chosen nation.

The first two chapters of Isaiah contain two invitations to learning. The first is from God: “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ Says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow. … If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land’” (Isaiah 1:18, 19). This invitation to reason with God was for the people of Judah and Jerusalem, whom the Lord called a “sinful nation” and a “brood of evildoers” (Isaiah 1:4). God wanted to forgive their sins and teach them to “do good” (Isaiah 1:17). He planned on calling Jerusalem “the city of righteousness” (Isaiah 1:26).

The second invitation is from one Gentile to another: “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” (Isaiah 2:3). God knew that if His people learned to do good, people from “all nations” would come to them, hoping to learn about God’s ways.

As we enter the month of September, which has traditionally been the start of the school year, the most important lessons we can learn are in God’s school: “Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.” And the beauty of God’s school is that each student becomes a teacher!
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
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 

God bless 

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

THE CROWN NO HUMAN DESERVES

Some of the finest gems in the world are in the crown jewels of England. The king’s crown weighs more than 39 ounces. It was made in 1838 and contains many jewels from older crowns, some dating back hundreds of years. It has almost 300 pearls, 2,818 diamonds, plus magnificent rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and other gems. “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him.

When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head” (Matthew 27:27–29). Jesus’ crown while on Earth was a crown of thorns fashioned by the cruel hands of the Roman soldiers. In contrast, the apostle John describes what it will be like when Jesus returns. “Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown” (Revelation 14:14).

Paul wrote about the “crown of righteousness” that was laid up for him, which God would present to him and to everyone who is happy to see Christ return. This crown will be far more special and well designed than any crown jewels the world has ever seen!

What have we done to deserve such a reward? Absolutely nothing—we don’t deserve it. We’re not righteous, but Jesus is. In mercy He has redeemed us and reconciled us to God, and it is His desire to give us the crown that only He deserves.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8 

God bless 

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

If we want to be great, make humble services

Among the apostles, which of them had to be estimated to be the greatest? (Luke 22.24)

The request of Jacques and Jean, claiming to be seated on the right and the left of the throne of Christ, aroused the indignation of the other disciples. The fact that the two brothers request the highest positions for themselves, raised a concert of protests. The other ten had the impression of being poorly judged and that their fidelity and their talents had not been appreciated at their fair value. Judas especially demonstrated great aggressiveness towards Jacques and Jean.

When the disciples entered the upper room, their hearts were overflowing with resentments. Judas rushed to the left of Jesus and John to his right. If there were a high place there, Judas was determined to occupy it, this place automatically to be closest to Christ. However, Judas was a traitor.

A new cause of dissension manifested itself. During a party, it was usual that a servant washes the feet of the guests. Everything had been planned for this particular service. The jug, the pelvis and the linen were there, but there was no servant, so this task was the disciples. But each disciple, yielding to his injured self-esteem, was determined not to play the role of the servant …

Observing the disturbed faces of his disciples, Christ rose from the table and getting rid of his external tunic, so as not to be embarrassed in his movements, he took the linen and suited his kidneys …

He started by washing Judas’ feet. The latter had already concluded the contract to deliver Jesus to the priests and the scribes. Christ knew his secret. He did not reveal it to him, fighting for his soul that he wanted to save. Her heart was bleeding. “How can I give up him?” He hoped that by washing his feet, he would touch the heart of this sinful man and would avoid betrayal. For a few moments, the heart of Judas was pushed to confess his sin. But he did not want to humble himself. He hardens his heart so as not to repent. He made no observation and did not lift any protest when the Savior hummed before him. He was offended by the act of Christ. If Jesus could humble himself in this way, he thought, he could not become the king of Israel!

If Judas had repeated himself, he would have been forgiven and innocent. The guilt of his soul would have been washed by the redemptor blood of Christ. But, full of insurance and morgue, demonstrating a high opinion of his wisdom, he justified himself in his own eyes.

God bless 

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

WE MUST BE WASHED AT THE GREAT FOUNTAIN

So he came to Simon Peter; and Peter said unto him, Thou, O Lord, thou washest my feet! (John 13.6)

When it was Peter’s turn, he could not restrain himself and exclaimed in astonishment: “You, Lord, wash my feet! »

Calmly, Jesus replied, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will soon understand. Attentive to the humiliation of his Master and filled with love and reverence towards him, Pierre exclaimed with great emphasis: “No, you will never wash my feet!” »

Jesus solemnly replied to Peter, “Except I wash you, you will have no part with me. »

A glimmer of understanding entered the disciple’s brain. He realized that he refused to take part in a purification ceremony – purification of mind and heart. Unable to conceive the idea of ​​being separated from Christ by death, “Simon Peter said to him, Lord, not only the feet, but also the hands and the head. »

“Jesus said to him: He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet to be entirely pure; and you are pure. »

Anyone who had just done ablution was clean, but the feet, shod in simple sandals, were covered with dust, so they needed to be washed again. Thus, Peter and his brothers were washed in the great fountain open to sin and impurity. Christ recognized them as his own. But temptation having led them to do evil, they still needed his purifying grace. By girding His loins with the linen to wash the dust from their feet, Jesus desired, by this particular act, to purify folly, jealousy and pride from their hearts. This act was of far greater importance than simply washing their dusty feet. With the spirit they had at that moment, none of them were ready to partake of the Passover meal and share in this memorial service that Christ was instituting. Their hearts had to be purified. Pride and selfishness creating dissension and hatred, Jesus purified it all by washing their feet.

A change in attitude took place. Looking at them, Jesus could say, “You are pure. A union of heart reigned and a feeling of love embraced them, now. They had humbled themselves, now he could teach them. Apart from Judas, everyone was willing to yield the highest place to his neighbor.

Before the symbols of the broken body and the shed blood of Christ are shared, any difference existing between two brothers must be eradicated. We are thus preparing to sit with Christ in his kingdom.

God bless 

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

 

ISN’T THE GREAT TRIBULATION YET TO COME?   

 

Yes. It is to take place just before Jesus returns. The “great tribulation” corresponds with the time of the seven last plagues mentioned in Revelation 16. “Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete” (Revelation 15:1). God’s wrath will be directed against those who disobey His law, distort His truth, and oppress His people. “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).

The great tribulation also coincides with the battle of Armageddon. Both take place immediately before Christ’s second coming. “And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’ ” (Revelation 16:16, 17).

I believe the great time of trouble will last only a month or two. Here are a few Scriptures that show it will be a short period of time: Revelation 18:8 tells us, “Her plagues will come in one day.” A “day” in Bible prophecy represents one literal year (Ezekiel 4:6, Numbers 14:34, Luke 13:32). So when Revelation says that “her plagues come in one day,” it means within, or less than, one year’s time.

The very nature of the seven last plagues—the rivers and seas turning to blood and the planet being scorched with great heat—would render it impossible for the human race to survive more than a month or two. This is why Jesus said, “Unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24:22).

 

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Daniel 12:1

God bless 

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

JUST LIKE PILATE, WE CONDEMN CHRIST BY OUR SILENCE

Pilate said to him: Are you not talking to me? Don’t you know that I have the power to crucify you, and that I have the power to release you? Jesus answered: You would have no power over me, if it had not been given to you from above. Therefore whoever hands me over to you commits a greater sin. (John 19.10-11)

Shackled like a prisoner, Christ stood before the court seat. The judge eyed him with suspicion and severity. People jostled in the courtroom, onlookers stood on either side, as the charges against him were read.

“He says he is the king of the Jews. “He refuses to pay tribute to Caesar.” “He considers himself equal to God.” »

Pilate remained convinced that no evidence would establish his guilt and that no charges would be brought against him, nevertheless, the priests and rulers declared that he had committed blasphemy. The Jews were ruled by Satan, as were Cain and other murderers, bent on destroying life rather than saving it. “But they insisted, and said, He is stirring up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee, where he began, until here. »

Here Pilate saw a way to free himself from the whole affair. He realized very well that the Jews wanted to get rid of Jesus, because they were jealous of him. “Having learned that he was within the jurisdiction of Herod, he sent him back to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem in those days. »

It was that Herod whose hands were stained with the blood of John. “When Herod saw Jesus, he was overjoyed; for for a long time he had desired to see him, because of what he had heard of him, and he hoped that he would see him do some miracle. »…

The work and mission of Christ on this earth was not to satisfy the mere curiosity of princes, rulers, scribes, priests and peasants. He had come to heal the broken hearted… If Christ could have spoken a word to heal the wounds of souls sick with sin, he would not have remained silent. But the precious jewels of truth, transmitted to his disciples, could not be thrown to swine. The attitude and the silence of Jesus in front of Herod, were more eloquent than words.

The Jewish people had delivered this long-awaited Messiah to the power that had enslaved them. They made every effort to obtain the condemnation of the Prince of Life, the only one who could deliver them from slavery.

 

God bless 

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

 

The disciples of Christ are persecuted, the story repeats itself

Herod, with his guards, treated him with contempt; And, after making fun of him and putting him on a brilliant coat, he sent him back to Pilate. (Luke 23.11)

Past history is repeated. A bold conflict has engaged in the Christian world. Men who do not obey the commandments of the living God, will, according to the value they agree, inspired by Satan to fight those who follow the lamb of God. This will result from the outbreaks of hatred and violence between human beings …

If the allegedly Christian world could be inspired by the lesson of the Jews towards Jesus, and decide, with the help of God, to never evolve on the same ground, they would not be guilty of the Death of Christ in the person of his saints.

A large crowd of priests and ancients accompanied Christ at Herod’s. By finding themselves before this man, the priests, the leaders and the scribes spoke with great animation, reporting the charges established against Jesus. But the tetrarch gave little interest to these accusations, for him, Jesus was innocent of any crime.

The Roman soldiers knew how much they could satisfy the simple and harsh crowd, the priests and the leaders, if they behaved like nasty and perverse brutes towards Christ. They could count on the support of Jewish dignitaries. Placing celestial majesty before them, like a pretender to the throne, they made him an object of derision.

They ridiculed the king of glory, made him put on an old scarlet royal dress, having belonged to some king, placed in his hands an old reed and on his Augustus head, a crown of cruel thorns which pierced his temples. Blood dripped on his face and beard. The most contemptuous speeches were uttered. But Christ did not give them any reproach. They covered the face of an old garment and struck him in the face, saying to him: “Prophetized that struck you. Then, brutally tearing the garment, they started to slap it and hit it. They mimicked the most grotesque attitudes and used orders, while with false humility, they bowed before him.

The Jews would have liked him to accomplish a miracle and to demonstrate his divinity to them, but the evidence they had in front of them was much more formidable than any miracle.

 

God bless 

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

Our Father Cares
Divine Wisdom. 

Proverbs 8:11. “For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it .”

“If Adam and Eve had never touched the forbidden tree, the LORD would have imparted to them knowledge,—knowledge upon which rested no curse of sin, knowledge that would have brought them everlasting Joy. The only knowledge they gained by their disobedience was a knowledge of sin and its results…

Age after age, the curiosity of men has led them to seek for the tree of knowledge; and often they think they are plucking fruit most essential, when, like Solomon’s research, they find it altogether vanity and nothingness in comparison with that science of true holiness that will open to them the gates of the city of God. The human ambition has been seeking for that kind of knowledge that will bring to them glory and self-exaltation and supremacy. Thus Adam and Eve were worked upon by Satan until God’s restraint was snapped asunder, and their education under the teacher of lies began in order that they might have the knowledge which God had refused them.
True wisdom is a treasure as lasting as eternity. Many of the world’s so called wise men are wise only in their own estimation. Content with the acquisition of worldly wisdom, they never enter the garden of God, to become acquainted with the treasures of knowledge contained in His Holy Word. Supposing themselves to be wise, they are ignorant concerning the wisdom which all must have who gain eternal life….The unlearned man, if he knows God and Jesus Christ, has a more enduring wisdom than has the most learned man who despises the instruction of God.
Divine wisdom is to be a lamp to your feet.
… Everything that can be shaken will be shaken: but rooted and grounded in the truth, you will abide with those things that cannot be shaken.”

God bless 

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

WILL YOU CHOOSE JESUS?

But, as it is a custom among you that I release someone to you at the Passover feast, do you want me to release the King of the Jews to you? (John 18.39)

The great conflict between the Prince of Light and the Prince of Darkness has not lost a fraction of its influence as time passes…

Christ overcame the devious temptations of Satan for our good and gave us an example so that we could overcome him. He exhorted his disciples saying, “Take courage, I have overcome the world. Satan goes to great lengths to perpetuate sin. He arranged his demonic troops to fight Jesus and hurt the heart of one who possesses infinite love. He deceived men to bow down to idols and experience supremacy. He considered being the god of the world to be the first step to the heavenly throne. He won many victories. When Jesus lived on this earth, Satan caused the people to reject the Son of God and to choose Barabbas, whose personality was like that of Satan, as the god of this earth.

Jesus came to dispute the authority that Satan had granted himself over the kingdoms of this world. The conflict is not over, but grows as we approach the end times. With the second coming of the Lord Jesus drawing nearer, the satanic agencies come alive. Satan will not only appear as a mere human being, but will personify Jesus, and the world that has rejected the truth will receive him as Lord of lords and King of kings. He will exert his powers on the human imagination. He will corrupt minds and bodies and work through the children of disobedience, fascinating and charming like a serpent. What an odious sight will the world present to celestial beings! What a disgusting sight for God, the Creator of the world!

The appearance that Satan adopted in Eden to cause our first parents to transgress was disconcerting and distorted their understanding. It will proceed in more and more subtle ways as we approach the end of the history of the world. Human beings will endorse his duplicity to complete the seduction of the human family. His actions will be so ambiguous that we will react as in the days of Christ, when asked, “Who do you want me to release, Christ or Barabbas?” The universal crowd will shout, “Barabbas, Barabbas! When the question is asked, “What do you want me to do with him whom you call the king of the Jews?” The answer will again be: “Crucify him!” »

GOD BLESS

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

WE MUST IDENTIFY OUR WEAKNESSES

The Lord said, Simon, Simon, Satan has claimed you, to sift you like wheat. But I prayed for you, so that your faith would not fail; and you, when you return, strengthen your brothers. (Luke 22:31-32)

Satan will always interfere between the human soul and God. He will always cause human beings to listen to his voice rather than to that of God. The teaching relating to Peter calls for careful study…

How Peter misinterpreted his own weakness. He could not discern the shortcomings that were his, even when he sought to minimize the solemn words of Christ who unveiled to them, to his companions and to himself, a future of suffering and sorrow. Christ saw that Peter could not endure the trial of his Master, his rejection, his humiliation, his condemnation and his death, if he did not change radically. To his Master’s words of warning, he replied, “Lord,…I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death. Jesus said to him, Peter, I tell you, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied knowing me three times. »

We see how human nature can be abused, how it can be misled, Satan insinuating himself between the human being and Jesus. The word of Christ must be spoken with authority: “Get away from me, Satan! “Let me draw near to my servants so that they will not be defeated, but that they will believe my word rather than that of the deceivers, for I speak truth and justice…

The people of God, saved from the fire by Jesus Christ, experience a sense of sin, humiliation and shame. God sees and recognizes their repentance, he discerns their suffering, which they themselves cannot remove or obliterate, but their prayers are heard, so Satan stands by their side to stand up to Christ. He settles near repentant and believing souls. He glides his diabolical shadow before these souls, fighting their faith and stifling the words of God…

If Satan insinuates himself between the soul and Jesus Christ, the love and forgiveness of Christ are eclipsed. Men and women will always strive to put on a robe of righteousness to conceal their faults and sins as Christ calls them to come to him as they are and accept him as their personal Saviour. A Father who loves and forgives, always offers the most beautiful robe he owns to his repentant child.

God bless 

[Berean]

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Daily Devotional

“HURT FOR OUR FISHERIES”

But he was wounded for our sins, bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement that gives us peace fell on him, and it is by his wounds that we are healed. (Isaiah 53.5)

God disagrees with the inhabitants of the earth. Satan having installed himself under the aspect of an angel of light, the majority of Christians have come under his influence and cited idolatrous places, worshiping an unknown god.

The human family broke their commitment to the law of God and defied the will of the Lord. This law reveals the attributes of God’s character, and not one iota of it could be altered to please fallen mankind. But God gave men and women an irrefutable proof of his love, righteousness being the foundation of his throne and the evidence of his love. He took away the punishment of sin and laid it on the Substitute, his only begotten Son.

God could not abolish the law to save the human race, because sin would have been immortalized and the whole world placed under the authority of Satan. “For he so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. God manifests the intensity of his love through this marvelous gift. He loves sinners so much that he offered his Son so that they might have a new opportunity, a new test, a new chance to illustrate their obedience. He loved men and women so deeply, that he offered his Son to save them, and through that gift, all of heaven! That’s the only concession that God could give. Through this gift, he offers sinners the means to restore their loyalty.

God asks everyone to behold the Lamb of God who took away the sins of mankind. Christ blotted out the sinner’s guilt by placing himself under the condemnation of the law. He came to this earth to submit to the law of mankind and to prove that Satan’s accusations that human beings were incapable of keeping God’s commandments were wrong.

He obeys the law as a man, but following an accusation from the Pharisees, he turns to them and asks them with authority and power:

“Which of you convicts me of sin? It came to be revealed to the celestial universe, to the unadulterated worlds, and to sinners, that God had made all necessary provision for mankind; thus, through the imputed righteousness of Christ, all who accept it by faith manifest their loyalty by keeping the law. As repentant sinners, appropriating Christ as their personal Saviour, they become partakers of the divine nature.

(Ellen G. White – Manuscript 63, 1897.)

collection of meditations

God bless 

 

[Berean]

Hi to all

Daily Devotional

THE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST WILL BE HATED BY THE WORLD

If the world hates you, know that it hated me before you did. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, because of that the world hates you. (John 15.18-19)

Christ’s followers were to bear in mind that they would have to endure, in his name, the callous words spoken against Christ and the insults he received. The piety of the church may appear to be of an acceptable standard, but when biblical truth, subject to the heart of the believer, is rejected and scorned to please and retain the friendship of the majority, he places himself… in the camp of the enemy, for rejecting truth and knowledge. Satan arouses in him a diabolical power whose intensity reveals hostility towards God and his laws. These beings prescribe oppressive and humiliating human laws…

Just as Christ was hated for no reason, his people will also be hated for no reason, only because they obey the laws of God and do their works instead of fighting against them. If he who is pure, holy and undefiled, did only good on this earth, but was treated as a criminal and condemned to death without the slightest proof, what should his disciples expect, if not a similar treatment, when their life is clean and their character flawless? Human laws, prescribed by satanic agencies under the seal of virtue and integrity, will be exalted while divine laws will be despised and trampled upon…

We realize how so-called righteous men manifest the spirit of Satan and are guided by envy, jealousy, and religious bigotry. There is no difference between Satan and the sinner, between fallen angels and fallen men. They all possess the same attributes, they are evil and manifest it by apostasy and sin…

The prediction given in Eden is especially addressed to Christ and all who accept and confess him as the only begotten Son of God. Christ committed himself to wounding the head of the serpent during the conflict opposing him to the prince of darkness. All who are sons and daughters of God are his elect, his soldiers fighting against the kingdoms, powers and masters of the world of darkness, against spiritual wickedness in high places. It’s a never-ending conflict that won’t end until Christ’s second return.

GOD BLESS 

[Berean]

Hi to all

Daily Devotional

Studies show that women cry 30 to 60 times a year, while men cry 6 to 17 times per year. However, there is no difference between genders until adolescence, indicating that emotional tears are a learned response. Another study showed that infants pick up cues about how to cry from their parents’ language: French infants tend to wail with a rising pitch, while German infants cry with a falling pitch. After viewing the abominations of the city of Jerusalem, Ezekiel sees six men with weapons come into the temple, one of whom also carries a writer’s inkhorn.

The Lord instructs this man to put a mark on “the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations” in the city (Ezekiel 9:4). He then instructs the other five to follow behind and kill everyone who isn’t given the mark. This idea—that God’s people mourn over the sins of others—is repeated throughout Scripture. The Psalmist records, “Rivers of water run down from my eyes, Because men do not keep Your law” (Psalm 119:136).

Jeremiah, expecting the people might not turn from their wickedness, said, “My soul will weep in secret for your pride; My eyes will weep bitterly And run down with tears, Because the Lord’s flock has been taken captive” (Jeremiah 13:17). The reason for these holy tears is twofold: Not only has God’s law been violated, but the sinners will soon suffer the consequences.

When Jesus wept over Jerusalem, this was His lament: “If you had known … the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you” (Luke 19:42, 43). Jesus was mourning that His people refused to know Him and that they would soon suffer the consequences of rejecting Him. Ultimately, Jesus wants His followers to learn to make His tears for His people their own.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Mine eye runneth down with rivers of water for the destruction of the daughter of my people. Lamentations 3:48 

God bless 

[Berean]

Hi to all

Daily Devotional

Getting Acquainted With God,

Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace; thereby good shall come unto thee. Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart. Job 22:21, 22.

From the beginning it has been Satan’s studied plan to cause men to forget God, that he might secure them to himself. Therefore he has sought to misrepresent the character of God, to lead men to cherish a false conception of Him. The Creator has been presented to their minds as clothed with the attributes of the prince of evil himself—as arbitrary, severe, and unforgiving—that He might be feared, shunned, and even hated by men….

Christ came to reveal God to the world as a God of love, a God of mercy, tenderness, and compassion. By the world’s Redeemer the thick darkness with which Satan had enshrouded the throne of the Deity was swept away, and the Father was again manifest to men as the Light of life….

Christ is saddened by the sight of men so absorbed in worldly cares and business perplexities that they have no time to become acquainted with God. To them heaven is a strange place; for they have lost it out of their reckoning. Not familiar with heavenly things, they tire of hearing about them. They dislike to have their minds disturbed in regard to their need of salvation. But the Lord desires to disturb their minds, that they may become acquainted with Him in time to accept His offer of salvation….

The day will come when the awful denunciation of God’s wrath will be uttered against those who have persisted in their disloyalty to Him…. But you need not be among those who will come under His wrath. We are living in the day of His salvation. The light from the cross of Calvary is shining forth in clear, bright rays, revealing Jesus, our sacrifice for sin. “We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7).

God desires to restore His image in you. Believe that He is your Helper. Resolve to become acquainted with Him. As you draw nigh to Him with confession and repentance, He will draw nigh to you with mercy and forgiveness.4The Review and Herald, February 15, 1912.

God bless

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