Daily Devotions

[Berean]

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Here is the Daily Devotional

WERE THERE TWO SETS OF CHERUBIM IN THE TEMPLE?

The Bible says that the cherubim inside the most holy place of the tabernacle were on top of the ark, facing toward the center with their faces down and their wings over it. When Solomon rebuilt the temple, he put in a set of cherubim with wingspans of five cubits (2 Chronicles 3:11, 12). Were there two sets of cherubim in the temple when Solomon finished rebuilding it?

When the Lord instructed Moses to make the first tabernacle, it was made small and simple so as to be portable enough to carry it through the wilderness desert and into the Promised Land. When Solomon built the permanent temple in Jerusalem, the cherubim in the holy of holies were made larger, with wings that stretched completely over the ark.

The Bible doesn’t mention a second set of cherubim like the ones atop the ark of the covenant. However, angels were depicted throughout the structure—woven into the veil (verse 14) and engraved in solid gold plating on the walls (v. 7) and temple doors (1 Kings 6:31–35)—all to represent the very real angels that continually surround God’s heavenly throne. The two angels that stand by the throne of God are the covering cherubs, and these special beings were symbolized in the earthly temple as the angels standing over the ark. These two cherubim are by no means the only angels in heaven.
Daniel 7:10 tells us about a “thousand thousands” ministering to God and 10,000 times 10,000 standing before Him. The prophet Daniel saw these ministering spirits surrounding the dwelling place of God. The golden cherubs in the temple were miniature models to help us picture the dwelling place of our God in heaven.

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And the wings of the cherubs were twenty cubits long: one wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub. And one wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was five cubits also, joining to the wing of the other cherub. 2 Chronicles 3:11-12 

God bless

 

 

 

[Berean]

Hi to all

Here is the Daily Devotional

 

FACTS ABOUT ISRAËL 

 

The state of Israel has only 0.8 percent of the world’s population and is the world’s 100th smallest country. Yet they can claim the following amazing accomplishments:

Twenty-four percent of Israel’s workforce holds university degrees and 12 percent holds advanced degrees. That’s the highest ratio for its population in the world.

Aside from the United States, Israel has the largest number of startup companies in the world.

Israel’s economy of $100 billion is larger than all of its immediate neighbors combined.

Israel has the highest average standard of living in the Middle East, even exceeding that of the United Kingdom.
Israel has the world’s second highest number of new books per capita.

Israel has the highest percentage in the world of home computers per capita.

The cell phone was developed in Israel by Motorola.

Israel is the only country in the world that entered the 21st century with a net gain in its number of trees.

With an aerial arsenal of over 250 F-16s, Israel has the largest fleet of fighter aircraft outside of the United States.

Relative to its population, Israel is the largest immigrant-absorbing nation on Earth.

Israel has more museums per capita than any other country in the world.

It would certainly seem that God is blessing this little country! But why then is this unique nation so embattled? What will their end result be as a nation? Christ wept over Jerusalem and forestold their future. God has not rejected individuals of Jewish descent. But the Lord has turned away from Israel as His representative nation. Yet, the tears of Christ, when He wept over Jerusalem, are tears He weeps for you and me if we will not turn to Him.

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Matthew 23:37-39 

God bless

From https://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/daily-devotional

[Berean]

Hi to all

Here is the Daily Devotional

DOESN’T THE APOSTLE PAUL TEACH THAT THE RIGHTEOUS WILL COME DOWN WITH CHRIST AT THE SECOND COMING? PART 1

It might first appear that this verse teaches that when Jesus comes again, the righteous dead will come with Him—instead of waiting for Him to call them from their graves. We first need to ask: Who are the “saints” mentioned in this text? When we let the Bible explain itself, all of our questions are answered.

Jesus clearly described those who would come with Him the second time. He said, “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory” (Matthew 25:31). Earlier in Matthew, Jesus says, “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works” (Matthew 16:27).

If Jesus said He would come with “all the holy angels” and Paul said “with all the saints,” is there a contradiction? Not when you study the whole of Scripture. Angels are indeed sometimes called “saints” in the Bible. Note how Moses described the giving of God’s law on Mt. Sinai: “The Lord came from Sinai; … He shone forth from Mount Paran, and He came with ten thousands of saints; from His right hand came a fiery law for them” (Deuteronomy 33:2).
When we compare this passage with a parallel description in King David’s writings, we find the following: “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place” (Psalm 68:17 KJV).

Though the term “saints” certainly can refer to the redeemed children of God, we can know that in 1 Thessalonians 3:13, it must be speaking of angels, because of Christ’s definitive statements combined with what we know about the state of the righteous dead at Christ’s coming (see part 2 of this question).

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:13 

God bless

From https://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/daily-devotional

[Berean]

Hi to all

Here is the Daily Devotional

DOESN’T THE APOSTLE PAUL TEACH THAT THE RIGHTEOUS WILL COME DOWN WITH CHRIST AT THE SECOND COMING? PART 2

Again, a surface reading of this verse seems to teach that the righteous dead “who sleeps in Jesus” will come with Christ when He returns. But the next three verses make it clear that this could not possibly be the case. Why? Because the “dead in Christ” are raised from their graves when “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven” (verse 16). So it would be impossible for them to come with Christ when He comes to resurrect them.
The true meaning of this verse is revealed when we read 1 Corinthians 15:20, 23: “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. … But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming” (my emphasis). Paul stated that Jesus was raised first as a guarantee that the righteous dead would be raised “at His coming.” Jesus said, “Because I live, you will live also” (John 14:19). His resurrection makes it possible for God to raise us as He did Christ.
This is what Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:14: “If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep [those who are dead] in Jesus.” The words “with Him” do not mean that the resurrected ones will be brought from heaven with Him at His coming, but that God will “bring” up those who are sleeping in their graves, just as He brought forth Jesus from the grave.
In Hebrews 13:20, we read that “God … brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead.” The text in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 says that God will bring those who “sleep in Jesus”—an obvious reference to the resurrection. Paul is simply stating that because God brought Jesus from the grave, we have a guarantee that He will bring sleeping saints forth in the same way at the time of His coming.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 

God bless

From https://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/daily-devotional

 

[Berean]

Hi to all

Here is the Daily Devotional

NEVER TOO YOUNG

In 2013, King Oyo became the world’s youngest serving monarch—reigning over the Kingdom of Toro, which is one of four kingdoms in the country of Uganda—at the young age of 19. King Oyo—whose full name is Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV—actually ascended to the throne when he was just three years old. Born in 1992, he became ruler of the kingdom in 1995 when his father unexpectedly passed away. Upon his ascension, he became the thirteenth ruler in the kingdom’s 180-year history and, not surprisingly, he became the youngest monarch in the world.

As can be expected, he was aided in his rule by three regents—his mother, aunt, and godmother—until he was 18. These three ladies aided rule over the affairs of the kingdom and trained him to be king. But by age 19, he had full control over all the affairs of Toro, a task that is large for anyone, never mind a 19-year-old!

The Bible details a number of young rulers as well. One of those was King Josiah who, at the age of eight, became king of Judah. What was most remarkable about Josiah’s reign, however, was not that he was so young. What was most remarkable was the fact that he “did what was right in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 22:2) and restored true worship among God’s people.
This is particularly noteworthy because Josiah’s reign came during a dark period in Israel’s and Judah’s history. Thus, this young man was able to restore—at least for a season—the worship of the true God when all else seemed hopeless.

Josiah’s example should be encouraging to all of us—whether young, old, or anywhere in between. Enabled by God’s grace, we can stand tall for Him.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Let no man despise your youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 

God bless

From https://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/daily-devotional

 

[Berean]

Hi to all

Here is the Daily Devotional

DID JESUS MAKE FULL ATONEMENT FOR ALL MY SINS—OR MUST I DO MORE?

Christ did not make a partial payment for our sins when He died on the cross of Calvary. Jesus paid the full penalty for our transgressions. His gift was not just for a few good people, but for all. Those who accept Him in faith owe no works of penance for cleansing, but are already considered “washed” in the blood of the Lamb!

The teaching that we must perform penance implies there is a work we can do to help pay for our sins and thus earn our salvation. This belief is contrary to the Bible, which clearly states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, least anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9). A gift is not a gift if we make any payment for it.

I love how the prophet Isaiah describes this beautiful promise of forgiveness: “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25). This is more than a legal transaction. It’s not just a matter of hitting the “delete” button on some heavenly computer! It’s a promise of transforming power that will change our lives.

If we compare God to how most sinful people function, we might think the Lord would not forget our sins and that He would want to “make us pay” for breaking the law. But God is not like us. He is so much more. See how Micah describes the attitude of our Redeemer toward His people: “Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:18, 19). 

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walks not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1 

God bless

From https://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/daily-devotional

 

[Berean]

Hi to all 

Here is the Daily Devotional

 

IS HEAVEN A MISTY PLACE WITH SOULS WHO ONLY PLAY HARPS AND FLOAT ON CLOUDS?

 

We cannot even begin to imagine the wonders and beauties of our future heavenly home. The apostle Paul could not find words to describe how special it will be. So where do distorted pictures of heaven come from?

This false teaching originated with the devil, the father of lies (John 8:44). He is anxious to twist God’s loving plan and present heaven as an unreal, “spooky” place so people will lose interest or become skeptical of God’s Word altogether. Satan knows that when people fully understand the Bible truth regarding the home of the saved, his power over them is broken, because they will begin making plans to enter that kingdom.

Will we be ghosts floating around in heaven? Not according to Jesus. After His resurrection, Christ proved to His disciples that He was flesh and bone by having them touch Him and by eating food. This very same Jesus ascended to His Father and will come again to Earth. The righteous will be given bodies just like the body of Christ and will be real people with flesh and bones throughout eternity. Our heavenly body will not be subject to death or decay.

The teaching that the saved in heaven will be ghosts who float on clouds and do nothing but play harps has no foundation in the Scriptures. Jesus did not die on the cross to provide any such trivial future. Most people have no interest in such an ethereal existence and, therefore, have little or no desire to enter God’s heavenly kingdom—often preferring it only because they fear hell. If only all people everywhere could learn the truth about God’s holy city and new earth, millions would begin to understand His love and would turn to Him with all their hearts. A person who misses out on God’s kingdom has made the supreme blunder.

 

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9  

God bless

From https://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/daily-devotional

 

[Berean]

Hi to all

Here is the Daily Devotional

 

HOW COULD JESUS BE “THE FIRSTBORN FROM THE DEAD” WHEN OTHERS WERE RAISED FROM THE DEAD BEFORE HE WAS?

The expression “firstborn from the dead” in reference to Christ has caused some people a little confusion. Obviously, Jesus was not the first one to be resurrected. Besides Moses in the Old Testament, at least three individuals were raised from the dead by Jesus Himself.

There are two ways the word “first” here could be understood. It can mean either first in point of time or first in preeminence. The U.S. President’s wife is spoken of as the First Lady—not because she is the first lady who existed, but first in honor. King David explains this well when he writes in the same vein, “I will make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth” (Psalm 89:27). It is in this way that Jesus is the foremost, the greatest, the chief, the finest, the most supreme, and the most excellent in the universe.
Christ was “firstborn from the dead” because His resurrection took preeminence over all other resurrections. In truth, all other resurrections had taken place or would take place by virtue of His triumph over the grave. Jesus’ power to lay down His life and take it up again (John 10:17) set Him apart from all others who had been resurrected. His was first in importance to such a degree that no other, ever, could have been raised without reference to His resurrection.

All resurrections, before and after Christ, rest on His supreme resurrection. It is the source of freedom from the tomb. The bonds of death are broken because He was victorious over the grave and now has the right to give us eternal life. Some have been resurrected, but only Jesus can unlock the tomb. Only He can say, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (Revelation 1:18).
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, Revelation 1:5

God bless

De https://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/daily-devotional

[Berean]

Hi to all

Here is the Daily Devotional

THE SABBATH IS THE SEAL OF GOD

I am the Lord your God. Follow my precepts, observe my ordinances, and put them into practice. Keep my Sabbaths holy, and let them be a sign between me and you, that it may be known that I am the LORD your God. (Ezekiel 20.19-20)

The Sabbath was granted to all mankind to commemorate the work of creation. After laying the foundations of the earth, creating the whole world in all its brilliance, and designing all the splendors of the earth, the great Jehovah instituted the Sabbath day and sanctified it. When the morning stars sang their songs and the sons of God expressed their joy, the Sabbath was set apart as a memorial day to the glory of God. The Lord sanctified and blessed this day, he rested from all his magnificent works. This Sabbath, sanctified by God, was to be kept as an everlasting covenant. It was a memorial day to remain forever, until the end of the history of the world.

In the third month they [the Israelites] went to the wilderness of Sinai and the law was delivered to them from the mountain by a terrifying voice. During their stay in Egypt, the people of Israel had heard of idolatry and witnessed this practice for so long that they had strayed from the knowledge of God, his law and the sanctity of the Sabbath. The law was granted to him a second time to remind him of all these things. A practical religion, intended for all humanity, was expressed by the statutes of God. The true standard of righteousness was displayed before all the people of Israel.

Some claim that the Sabbath was granted only to the Jews, but God never claimed this. He taught his people that the Sabbath was a sacred trust, yet the fact that God chose the Sinai desert and not Palestine to transmit his law reveals that this law was intended for all mankind. The law of the ten commandments is as old as creation. Also, the institution of the Sabbath has no more connection with the Jews than with any other human being. God made the observance of the Sabbath obligatory for all people. “The Sabbath” is revealed, “was created for man.” Let us give the opportunity to all those who risk being led astray in this field, to pay attention to the Word of God rather than to the allegations of men.

Each individual was tested, just like Adam and Eve, in Eden. As the tree of knowledge was placed in the middle of the Garden of Eden, this restriction was made: “You shall not eat of it…lest you die.” Regarding the Sabbath, God says, “You shall not defile it, but keep it pure.” “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. While the tree of knowledge represented Adam’s test of obedience, the fourth commandment was the test revealing the loyalty of all God’s children to their Father. Adam’s experience should be a warning to us as long as the world lasts. It warns us not to trust human or angelic assertions that would take away one iota of Jehovah’s sacred law.

(Ellen G. White – Review and Herald, August 30, 1898.)

collection of meditations

God bless

[Berean]

Hi to all

Here is the Daily Devotional

WHAT ARE THE FALSE TEACHINGS IN THE “WINE” OF BABYLON THAT MAKE PEOPLE SPIRITUALLY DRUNK AND CONFUSED?

Amazingly, some of the most prominent doctrines of Protestantism today are not found in the Bible at all.
Paganism has been brought in to these churches. A few of these false teachings are:

1. The law of God has been amended or repealed. God’s law can never be changed or repealed. Jesus said, “It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than” for the law to fail (Luke 16:17).

2. The soul is immortal. The Bible mentions “soul” and “spirit” 1,700 times. Not once is either referred to as immortal. People are mortal (Job 4:17), and none receive immortality until Jesus’ second coming. The apostle Paul writes that “we shall all be changed” when “this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:51, 53).

3. Sinners burn eternally in hell. The Bible teaches that sinners will be completely consumed (put out of existence), both soul and body, in the fires of hell (Matthew 10:28).

4. Baptism by immersion is not necessary. Baptism by immersion is the only baptism recognized by Scripture. Jesus came “up from the water” (Mark 1:10). The act itself symbolizes being “buried” with Christ (Colossians 2:12).

5. Sunday is God’s holy day. The Bible teaches, without question, that God’s holy day is the Seventh-day Sabbath, Saturday. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:8–10).

When we accept the false teachings of Babylon, we will become confused, which is what the term “Babylon” literally means. It’s sobering to think that some might unknowingly be drinking Babylon’s wine. If this is all new to you, ask God to guide you (Matthew 7:7). Search the Scriptures to see if these things are so (Acts 17:11). Follow where Jesus leads, and you will not end up in error.

 

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
“Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do: but they did them not.”
Jeremiah 11:8  

God bless

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[Berean]

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DON’T BITE

Americans report about 16 shark bites, 8,000 venomous snakebites, 400,000 cat bites, 5 million dog bites, and 70,000 human bites each year. Of these, human bites are the most likely to cause infection because of the types of bacteria that live in our mouths. To “backbite” means to say mean, slanderous, or spiteful things about people when they are not present—to talk about them behind their backs. This can be far more malicious than common gossip, and more damaging to our souls. Paul warns, “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” (Galatians 5:15).

Backbiting is always destructive. It can wreck friendships and dissolve marriages. It can tear apart a church community. As Christians, backbiting is something we always want to avoid. If we ever find ourselves as part of a conversation attacking another person, the best thing to do is walk away. Or if we know the accusation to be untrue, we might even speak up in defense of the person.
If we really love our neighbors as ourselves, if we have the fruit of the Spirit, if we belong to Christ, backbiting can have no part in our lives. Instead, we must “through love serve one another” (v. 13).
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. Galatians 5:14-15But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Galatians 5:22-24

God bless

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[Berean]

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THE UNRECOGNIZED KING 

Naples was on the verge of insurrection against the Italian monarchy when King Humbert took the throne. Politicians urged violent measures to force the city into submission, but King Humbert refused. However, in 1884, Naples was soon hit by an outbreak of cholera, and the dreaded disease raged with deadly fury. Ignoring his advisors, the young king made an amazing move of devotion toward even his disloyal subjects. Shocking his counselors, Humbert left the palace and went alone through the crowded hospitals of Naples, ministering to his subjects. He ventured without a guard into the slums and among the sick.
Many of the suffering breathed prayers of gratitude for this young medical servant, not knowing it was the very king they’d spurned. When the plague was finally checked, many learned his true identity. Naples then became a conquered city—conquered by the love of a monarch it once refused. From that time forward, the people of Naples were among Humbert’s most loyal subjects.

Another King once left His throne to walk among the sick and dying. Jesus came from heaven’s royal kingdom to pass unrecognized through the streets of our world and reach out with love. The Bible says, “He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him” (Isaiah 53:3). He loved and served many, yet Christ was not accepted by the powers of His day. The religious politicians despised him and eventually had him killed.

Today, Jesus calls us to walk the road of servanthood, even though we might be despised and rejected. Someday, when heaven’s gates open, we will be forever accepted.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. Matthew 27:30 

God bless

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[Berean]

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Here is the Daily Devotional

 

YOUR FAMILY TREE

The family tree of Confucius has been maintained for more than 2,500 years and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest existing family tree. Genealogy is one of the fastest-growing hobbies in North America. More and more people are fascinated in tracing their roots back as far as they can. Are you related to royalty, or were your ancestors horse thieves? Some people want to carve out a place for their family in history. Others want to preserve history and story for their relatives and children. Still others are motivated by religious reasons.

Your ability to trace your ancestors has exploded with the use of the Internet and computer software. You can even hire a professional genealogist to do research for you. A new field of study that has recently opened is genetic analysis, as your DNA gets passed down from your ancestors with relatively little change. Two people can have a DNA test to determine if they are related within an estimated number of generations.

The Confucius Genealogy Compilation Committee is the group that has collected, collated, and published the 2,500 years worth of data. It was most recently printed in 2009. The previous printing was in 1930. Kong Deyong, a 77th generation descendant set up the committee and began work in 1998. Several volumes cover almost 80 generations and list over two million members.

Paul warned Titus, “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless” (Titus 3:9). Some people were motivated to pursue family trees in order to give themselves status. This false sense of importance created divisions in the church and was harmful to unity in the body of Christ.
As Christians, our status in Christ makes us children of God (1 John 3:1), and there is no greater position than knowing your true Father.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 1 Timothy 1:3Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 1 Timothy 1:4 

God bless

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[Berean]

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SINGING TO GOD 

We all know that birds, bugs, and frogs are natural singers. But other animals that sing include some fish, mice, and bats—usually too high pitched for human ears—humpbacks whales, belugas, and even certain species of ground squirrels. In most instances, he is a male serenading a female with love songs. A multitude of research studies confirm that singing is good for humans. To start with, singing releases endorphins—pain-killing hormones that cause happiness—in our brains. Singing can lower stress, improve sleep, and increase the function of the immune system.

Musical therapies, some still in the research phase, are being used to successfully treat patients with dementia, depression, and other medical conditions.
Singing can help to clear the sinuses and respiratory tubes, tone your stomach and facial muscles, improve your posture, and increase your lung capacity and mental alertness.

There’s no doubt that singing has many physical and emotional benefits. Music and singing are wonderful gifts from God. And when we use songs to praise God, our spiritual lives benefit as well.

The psalmist encouraged us to sing to our great God, to “come before His presence with thanksgiving,” to praise Him as the Creator of all things and “the Rock of our salvation.”
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. Psalm 95:1-5 

God bless

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[Berean]

Hi to all

Here is the Daily Devotional

 

HOW DO I START DOING WHAT GOD WANTS ME TO DO WHEN I DON’T REALLY WANT TO DO IT?

Once we know what God wants us to do, we need to take action and do it. Remember, though, that no one can make themselves “ready” to serve God. Only God can do that. Pray that He makes you willing to obey, to be filled with His love, and for His Spirit to work in your life. Then choose to obey Him right away!

Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21–23). Many feel they will be saved at Jesus’ return, but they will, instead, be lost because they haven’t obeyed God. They haven’t known Jesus as their Friend or kept His commandments. They’ve only followed their feelings.

For the safety of our souls, we should never depend solely on feelings, because they are often deceiving. The devil can even influence our feelings. So if we depend on our feelings alone, he can more easily lead us to destruction. God would guide us through the unchanging words of Scripture. Our feelings, which can change on a whim, often lead us astray. Never listen to anything that contradicts the Holy Bible!

The Jewish leaders felt they should kill Jesus, but they were entirely wrong. They boasted about knowing the Scriptures, but they never took time to understand the only One who could save the human race. “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will like him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). We need to build on that Rock!
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17 

God bless

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[Berean]

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Here is the Daily Devotional

ARE PREACHERS TODAY PAID TOO MUCH MONEY ACCORDING TO GODLY STEWARDSHIP? 

Yes, without doubt, many preachers are paid far more than they earn. Jesus said that “the laborer is worthy of his wages,” but some preachers are receiving wages without being worthy. They have charisma but no character. You’ve probably noticed the seemingly arrogant flaunting of riches by some clergymen today; it’s sad, but some seem to have put wealth above God.

This kind of attitude and behavior reduces the influence of all ministers. It brings reproach upon the name of Jesus. It causes millions of thousands to turn away in disgust from the church and its ministry. I fear such leaders will face an awful day of reckoning in judgment. Preachers who are especially overpaid are likely to have widespread influence as well, and we all know there’s truth to the adage, “Power corrupts.”

What can Christians do to combat this problem? First of all, they can be very careful about who they support with their donations. Also, while avoiding judging others about their salvation, sometimes we need to speak out against a bad or corrupt situation.

Though the Christian church in general is not immune to overpaid preachers, I don’t believe any minister in God’s end-time remnant church is overpaid. All ministers receive virtually the same salary regardless of their job title or the size of their church. This eliminates a host of problems. In many cases, pastors’ spouses work in the public marketplace to supplement these pastors’ incomes.

Sadly, some people have pointed to overpaid preachers as an excuse to not return title. But we need to remember that the title is God’s; regardless of who is on the receiving end, the person who returns their title will be blessed by the Lord. In Jesus’ day, many of the priests were extremely corrupt, yet Jesus praised the woman who put two small coins into the temple treasury. Why? Because she gave her all in good faith; she was wounded for that.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. Luke 10:7 

God bless

https://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/daily-devotional

 

 

[Berean]

Hi to all

Here is the Daily Devotional

THE SECOND GREAT COMMANDMENT 

In 2010, nearly 200,000 people in 153 countries were asked about their help to others in the previous month. The survey found that around 20% had done volunteer work, almost a third had donated money to charity and around 45% had helped a stranger.

Surprisingly, half of the 20 most charitable countries are developing countries, and the happiest countries – not necessarily the wealthiest – tend to give the most (perhaps that’s why they are the most happy). Julie’s husband had been fired and they had been forced to accept government help for the first time. It was difficult, especially since they had a small child and one on the way.

One afternoon, there is a knock on the door and Julie opens. There stood a stranger holding bags overflowing with provisions.

“I hope you don’t mind,” the lady said, an apologetic look on her face. “I heard there were financial difficulties, and I just wanted to help.”

Julie stood there and cried over the kindness. She offered to pay for the food, but the lady didn’t accept any money. Instead, she suggested, “When you get back on your feet, you can do the same for someone else.”
Julie had the chance to follow the advice of the stranger. There is always a blessing in doing good to others.

KEY BIBLICAL TEXTS
Then one of them, who was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and said to him: Master, what is the great commandment of the law? Jesus said to him: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second resembles it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22:35-40 

God bless

https://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/daily-devotional

 

[Berean]

Hi to all

Here is the Daily Devotional

SLEEPWALKING CHRISTIANS

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a troubling condition where individuals, mostly children, arise in a state of low consciousness and perform various activities normally performed while awake. These activities can be as harmless as sitting up in bed, walking to the bathroom, and cleaning, or as hazardous as driving, starting fires, walking in traffic, or cooking. The person’s eyes might be open but have a glassy “look right through you” expression. These sleepwalking episodes can last as little as 30 seconds or as long as 30 minutes.

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a troubling condition where individuals, mostly children, arise in a state of low consciousness and perform various activities normally performed while awake. These activities can be as harmless as sitting up in bed, walking to the bathroom, and cleaning, or as hazardous as driving, starting fires, walking in traffic, or cooking. The person’s eyes might be open but have a glassy “look right through you” expression. These sleepwalking episodes can last as little as 30 seconds or as long as 30 minutes.

In 2005, a 34-year-old computer expert was reportedly caught sleeping by his wife. He was mowing the lawn at 2 a.m. … naked. Rebekah Armstrong was awakened by a noise coming from the garden. When she realized her husband, Ian, was not in bed she went downstairs and looked outside to see what was happening. Rebekah found Ian was mowing the lawn in his birthday tuxedo. She was afraid to wake him up because she had heard it could be dangerous to disturb someone in a sleepwalking trance.
So she just unplugged the electric mower, went back to bed and let him go through the motions. Later Ian came wandering back to bed. In the morning he didn’t believe Rebekah when she told him what he’d been up to. “It wasn’t until I told him to look at the soles of his feet that he finally believed me—they were filthy.”

Is it possible to be a sleepwalking Christian? I don’t mean physically getting out of bed and walking around in a state of unconsciousness. Can Christians be spiritually asleep, walking through life in a low state of awareness about the things of God? Absolutely! Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins describes a group (representing the church) who were awaiting the coming of the bridegroom (Jesus). Notice, “But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept” (Matthew 25:5).

Do you know what divides these sleeping saints into two different groups? Half of them, though slumbering, still had made preparations for the coming of the bridegroom. When the midnight cry was heard, part of the group had extra oil (representing the Holy Spirit) and were immediately ready to follow the wedding party. Are you making necessary
preparations for Jesus’ soon coming?
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Novels 13:11 

God bless

https://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/daily-devotional

 

[Berean]

Hi to all

Here is the Daily Devotional

A SMASHING ENTRANCE

The first recorded roller skates, called skaites, were built in 1760 by a Belgian musical instrument maker named John-Joseph Merlin. Each skate had only two wheels, which were aligned one in front of the other along the center of the shoe. The crude design was based on the ice skates of Merlin’s day, which were strapped to the shoes. Soon after inventing the skates, Merlin decided to wear them to make a spectacular entrance at a costume party.

A master violinist, Merlin intended to roll into the party while playing his violin. Unfortunately, he had neglected to master the fine art of stopping on skates, and when the big moment came he went careening through the room and crashed into a very valuable full-length mirror, breaking it and his violin and injuring himself. His entrance was indeed spectacular, though it did not have the desired effect of increasing the popularity of his new invention!
Did you know that in the near future the devil is planning to make his own spectacular appearance masquerading as Jesus Christ? But unlike John-Joseph Merlin, Satan has been practicing his dramatic entrance for 6,000 years! The Bible says that the coming deception will include “great signs and wonders,” convincingly designed in order to “deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24).

How can we avoid being disappointed? The answer is threefold. First, we must stay close to Jesus. The Bible tells us that the only way to resist the devil is to “draw near to God” (James 4:7, 8). Second, we must test every religious teaching by searching the Scriptures diligently: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20).

Third, we must pray for the discernment that the Holy Spirit can give, because spiritual things are “spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). As we do these three things, we can rest in Jesus’ promise to His disciples: “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand” (John 10:29).
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. John 10:29 

God bless

https://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/daily-devotional

 

[Berean]

Hi to all

Here is the Daily Devotional

FAR FROM HOME 

Most of us are familiar with the enslavement of Africans in the United States, but the enslavement of Native Americans is a little known part of history. For many years the Southern colonies carried out slave trade among Native American tribes, shipping tens of thousands of people far from home, many to the “sugar islands” of the Caribbean. Like the Native Americans of the United States, Joseph was taken as a slave and felt far from his home to a foreign land.

Used to a comfortable life with a loving father, he was suddenly isolated from everything and everyone he knew. The shock of the strange language and culture of Egypt must have been great, but despite this, Joseph held fast to his faith. His walk with God gave him the strength to live each day in captivity, and even those around him could see that God was with him. Even in the face of great temptation and trials, he did not waver. He faced imprisonment rather than compromising obedience to God.

As you go through the day, how does your walk with God affect you? Can others around you see that God influences the way you live? Sometimes our greatest witness isn’t telling others about our faith, but living it as an example. The words we say and the attitude in our hearts speak volumes about the God we serve. Sometimes it might be a small thing, like treating others with patience in a stressful work environment.

Other times it could be the choice to stand up for what is right even when the consequences are difficult. Like Joseph, our example can show others how following God changes lives. Does being a Christian mean merely going to church each week and keeping a Bible on your bookshelf? Or has your walk with God truly made a difference in the way you live throughout your entire week?
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. Genesis 39:1And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. Genesis 39:3 

 

God bless

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