January DEVOTIONALS 1-15

DEVOTIONALS ON THIS PAGE

January 01 – Discerning the Times

January 02 – At The End of The Age

January 03 – The Gospel is Written in the Stars

January 04 – Receive the Crown of Life

January 05 – All These Are the Beginning of Sorrows

January 06 – But Be Not Conformed to this World

January 07 – So Are My Ways Higher Than Your Ways

January 08 – There Will Be Plagues and Pestilence

January 09 – The Lord Lift Up His Countenance Upon Thee

January 10 – And Earthquakes, in Diverse Places

January 11 – Behold, I Am Making All Things New

January 12 – The Throne of God

January 14 – There is a Man on the Throne

January 15 – He Who Has Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear

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Words to Think About...

ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD-BREATHED

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

January 01

But You Cannot Discern the Signs of the Times

"And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?" - Matthew 16:3

DISCERNMENT CONCERNING OTHER SOULS

"One of the most subtle burdens God ever puts on us as saints is this burden of discernment concerning other souls. He reveals things in order that we may take the burden of these souls before Him and form the mind of Christ about them. It is not that we bring God into touch with our minds, but that we rouse ourselves until God is able to convey His mind to us about the one for whom we intercede."

- Oswald Chambers (1874–1917) Scottish Evangelist and Teacher

IN REAL KNOWLEDGE AND DISCERNMENT

"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ."

- Philippians 1:9-10

SPIRITUAL TRUTH IS SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED

"The man who thinks he can know the Word of God by mere intellectual study is greatly deceived. Spiritual truth is spiritually discerned."

- Samuel Chadwick (1860-1932) Wesleyan Methodist Minister

THE DISCERNING SETS HIS FACE TOWARDS WISDOM

"The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth."

- Proverbs 17:24

BY TESTING YOU WILL DISCERN THE WILL OF GOD

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath."

- Lamentations 3:1

DISCERN WHAT IS PLEASING TO GOD

"And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."

- Ephesians 5:10

DISCERNMENT IS NOT A MATTER OF SIMPLY TELLLING

"Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between right and wrong; rather it is telling the difference between right and almost right."

- Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) English Baptist Preacher

THAT I MAY DISCERN BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL

"Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?"

- 1 Kings 3:9

DISERNMENT IS GOD'S CALL TO INTERCESSION

"Discernment is God's call to intercession, never to fault finding."

- Corrie Ten Boom (1892-1983) Holocaust Survivor, Christian Writer

DISCERNING THOUGHTS AND INTENTIONS

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

- Hebrews 4:12

LEARN HOW TO DISCERN THE ACCUSATION OF THE ENEMY

"In addition to their willingness to yield to conscience's reproof, spiritual believers should also learn how to discern the accusation of the enemy."

- Watchman Nee (1903-1972) Chinese Church Leader

YOU DISCERN MY THOUGHTS FROM AFAR

"You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar."

- Psalm 139:2

FAITH WHEREBY THE SPRIRITUAL MAN DISCERNETH GOD

"Faith is the divine evidence whereby the spiritual man discerneth God, and the things of God."

- John Wesley (1703-1791) English Cleric and Minister

WITH ALL KNOWLEDGE AND DISCERNMENT

"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment."

- Philippians 1:9

THERE WE MAY BOTH DISCERN AND WASH

"Men compare themselves with men, and readily with the worst, and flatter themselves with that comparative betterness. This is not the way to see spots, to look into the muddy streams of profane men's lives; but look into the clear fountain of the Word, and there we may both discern and wash them; and consider the infinite holiness of God, and this will humble us to the dust."

- Robert Leighton (1611–1684) Scottish Prelate and Scholar, Church Minister

HAVE THEIR SENSES TRAINED TO DISCERN GOOD AND EVIL

"But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."

- Hebrews 5:14

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Words to Think About...

THAT BY TESTING YOU MAY DISCERN

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

- Romans 12:1-2

TEACH ME GOOD DISCERNMENT

"Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments."

- Psalm 119:66

WHOEVER IS DICERNING

"Whoever is wise, let him understand these things, Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous will walk in them, but transgressors will stumble in them."

- Hosea 14:9

ON THE LIPS OF THE DISCERNING

"On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding."

- Proverbs 10:13

DISCERN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE

"Then you will discern righteousness and justice And equity and every good course."

- Proverbs 2:9

IF YOU CRY FOR DISCERNMENT

"For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding."

- Proverbs 2:3

DISCERNMENT TO UNDERSTAND

God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice."

- 1 Kings 3:1

IF THEY WERE WISE

"If they were wise, they would understand this; they would discern their latter end!"

- Deuteronomy 32:29

PRAYER DISCERNS THE MIND OF GOD

"God does not exist to answer our prayers, but by our prayers we come to discern the mind of God. "

- Oswald Chambers (1874–1917) Scottish Evangelist and Teacher

IF WE WERE MORE DISCERNING

"But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment."

- 1 Corinthians 11:31

THEN I DISECERNED THEIR END

"Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end."

- Psalm 73:17

WISE OF HEART IS CALLED DISCERNING

"The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness."

- Proverbs 16:21

January 02

At The End of The Age

BUT THE END IS NOT YET

"And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet."

- Matthew 24:6

EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD

"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

- Matthew 28:20

BUT OF THAT DAY AND HOUR KNOWTH NO MAN

"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."

- Matthew 24:36-44

AND OF THE END OF THE WORLD

"And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"

- Matthew 24:3

EVEN UNTO THE TIME OF THE END

"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."

- Daniel 12:4 KJV

HE THAT SHALL ENDURE TO THE END

"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

- Matthew 24:11-13

HIS PROMISE TO BE WITH US UNTIL THE END

"When Christ returned to heaven, He withdrew His physical presence from our sight. He didn't stop being with the disciples but by the ascension fulfilled His promise to be with us to the end of the world. As His body was raised to heaven, so His power and reign have spread to the uttermost parts."

- John Calvin (1509-1564) French Theologian

DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING

"Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure."

- Isaiah 46:10

AND YOUR YEARS WILL NOT COME TO AN END

"They will perish, but You remain; and they all will become old like a garment, and like a mantle You will roll them up; like a garment they will also be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end.”

- Hebrews 1:11-12

FEAR NOT THAT THY LIFE SHALL COME TO AN END

"Fear not that thy life shall come to an end, but rather that it shall ever have a beginning."

- John Henry Newman (1801-1890) English Theologian and Scholar

WHOSE END SHALL BE ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."

- 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

RESULTING IN GOOD TO US IN THE END

"What we count the ills of life are often blessings in disguise, resulting in good to us in the end. Though for the present not joyous but grievous, yet, if received in a right spirit, they work out fruits of righteousness for us at last."

- Matthew Henry (1662-1714) Nonconformist Minister, Writer

IN THE LAST DAYS PERILOUS TIMES WILL COME

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

- 2 Timothy 3:1-5

WHAT SHALL BE THE SIGN OF THEY COMING?

"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."

- 2 Peter 3:3-7

LIKEWISE ALSO AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF LOT

"Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."

- Luke 17:28-30

OUR SALVATION NEARER THAN WHEN WE FIRST BELIEVED

"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."

- Romans 13:11

THE BEGINNING AND THE END

"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify unto every man."

- Revelation 22:12-21

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Words to Think About...

AT THE END OF THE AGE

"But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”

- Daniel 12:13

THEN THE END SHALL COME

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."

- Matthew 24:14

THE CHIEF END TO MAN

"Holiness, not happiness, is the chief end of man."

- Oswald Chambers (1874–1917) Scottish Evangelist and Teacher

THEN SHALL BE GREAT TRIBULATION

"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened."

- Matthew 24:21-22

SIGNS IN THE SUN AND MOON

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring."

- Luke 21:25

BECAUSE INIQUITY SHALL ABOUND

"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

- Matthew 24:12

FALSE PROPHETS SHALL DECEIVE MANY

"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

- Matthew 24:11

TO MAKE AN END OF SIN

"Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations."

- Daniel 9:24-27

AS THE DAYS OF NOAH WERE

"But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."

- Matthew 24:37

EXCEPT THERE BE A FALLING AWAY

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God."

- 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

THEN I UNDERSTOOD THEIR END

"Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. "

- Psalm 73:17

WATCH THEREFORE AND PRAY ALWAYS

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."

- Luke 21:36

HE THAT SHALL ENDURE TO THE END

"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

- Matthew 24:13

January 03

The Gospel is Written in the Stars

CANST THOU BRING FORTH THE MAZZAROTH?

"Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?"

- Job 38:22

BEFORE THE AGES BEGAN

"Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began."

- 2 Timothy 1:9

HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD

"The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork."

- Psalm 19:1

THE MAZZAROTH - THE HEBREW SIDE OF THE ZODIAC

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

AQUARIUS (The Water-Bearer). The living waters of blessing poured forth for the Redeemed.

1. PISCIS AUSTRALIS (The Southern Fish). The blessings bestowed.

2. PEGASUS (The Winged Horse). The blessings quickly coming.

3. CYGNUS (The Swan). The Blesser surely returning.

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

PISCES (The Fishes). The Redeemed blessed though bound.

1. THE BAND, but binding their great enemy Cetus, the sea monster.

2. ANDROMEDA (The Chained Woman). The Redeemed in their bondage and affliction.

3. CEPHEUS (The King). Their Redeemer coming to rule.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

ARIES (The Ram or Lamb). The Lamb that was slain, prepared for the victory.

1. CASSIOPEIA (The Enthroned Woman). The captive delivered, and preparing for her husband, the Redeemer.

2. CETUS (The Sea Monster). The great enemy bound.

3. PERSEUS (The Breaker). Delivering His redeemed.

APRIL 20 - MAY 20

TAURUS (The Bull). Messiah coming to rule.

1. ORION, Light breaking forth in the person of the Redeemer.

2. ERIDANUS (The River of the Judge). Wrath breaking forth for His enemies.

3. AURIGA (The Shepherd). Safety for the Redeemed in the day of that wrath.

MAY 21 – JUNE 21

GEMINI (The Twins). The twofold nature of the King.

1. LEPUS (The Hare), or THE ENEMY trodden under foot.

2. CANIS MAJOR (The Dog), or SIRIUS, the coming glorious Prince of Princes.

3. CANIS MINOR (The Second Dog), or PROCYON, the exalted Redeemer.

JUNE 22 – JULY 22

CANCER (The Crab). The possession held fast.

1. URSA MINOR (The Lesser Bear). The lesser sheepfold.

2. URSA MAJOR (The Great Bear). The fold and the flock.

3. ARGO (The Ship). The redeemed pilgrims safe at home.

JULY 23 –AUG 22

LEO (The Lion). The Lion of the Tribe of Judah aroused for the rending of the Enemy.

1. HYDRA (The Serpent). That old Serpent— Devil, destroyed.

2. CRATER (The Cup). The cup of Divine wrath poured out upon him.

3. CORVUS (The Crow, or Raven). Birds of prey devouring him.

AUGSUT 23 – SEPTEMBER. 22

VIRGO (The Virgin. A woman bearing a branch in her right hand and an ear of corn in her left). The Promised Seed of the woman.

1. COMA (The Desired. The woman and child). The Desired of all nations.

2. CENTAURUS (The Centaur with two natures, holding a spear piercing a victim). The despised sin offering.

3. BOOTES (a man walking bearing a branch called ARCTURUS, meaning the same). He cometh.

SEPTEMBER. 23–OCTOBER. 23

LIBRA (The Scales). The price deficient balanced by the price which covers.

1. CRUX, The Cross endured.

2. LUPUS, or VICTIMA, The Victim slain.

3. CORONA, The Crown bestowed.

OCTOBER. 24 – NVEMEBR. 21

1. SERPENS (The Serpent struggling with the man).

2. O-PHI-U-CHUS (The man grasping the serpent). The struggle with the enemy.

3. HERCULES (The mighty man. A man kneeling on one knee, humbled in the conflict, but holding aloft the tokens of victory, with his foot on the head of the Dragon). The mighty Vanquisher seeming to sink in the conflict.

NOVEMEBR 22 – DECEMBER. 21

SAGITTARIUS (The Archer). The Two-Natured Conqueror going forth “Conquering and to conquer.”

1. LYRA (The Harp). Praise prepared for the Conqueror.

2. ARA (The Altar). Consuming fire prepared for His enemies.

3. DRACO (The Dragon). The Old Serpent— Devil, cast down from heaven.

AS THE STARS FOREVER AND EVER

"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."

- Daniel 12:3

Photo Credit: beliefnet.com/faiths/christianity/10-epic-miracles-in-the-bible.aspx

Words to Think About...

YOU MADE THE HEAVENS

"Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."

- Jeremiah 32:17

SET YOUR MINDS ON THINGS ABOVE

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

- Colossians 3:2

OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."

- Philippians 3:20

WHOM HAVE I GOT IN HEAVEN?

"Whom have I in heaven but you? and earth has nothing I desire besides you."

- Psalm 73:25

THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERYTHING

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

- Ecclesiastes 3:1

SAFELY TO HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

- 2 Timothy 4:18

EXALTED, O GOD ABOVE THE HEAVENS

"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth."

- Psalm 108:5

THE MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH

"Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

- Psalm 124:8

DO NOT I FILL HEAVEN AND EARTH?

"Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord."

- Jeremiah 23:24

GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."

- Genesis 1: 1-2

THE LORD GOD IN HEAVEN ABOVE

"Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.."

- Deuteronomy 4:39

BY THE WORD OF THE HEAVENS

"By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth."

- Psalm 33:6

IN HEAVEN AND ON THE EARTH

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.."

- Philippians 2:9-10

FOR THE LORD HIMSELF WILL COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN

"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. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."

- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

January 04

Receive the Crown of Life

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12

I WILL GIVE A CROWN OF LIFE

"Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."

- Revelation 2:10

LAID UP FOR ME A CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 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 4:7-8

IN THAT DAY

"In that day the Lord of hosts will become a beautiful crown And a glorious diadem to the remnant of His people."

- Isaiah 28:5

UNFADING CROWN OF GLORY

"And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

- 1 Peter 5:4

THE PRUDENT ARE CROWNED IN KNOWLEDGE

"The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge."

- Proverbs 14:18

THE HEAVIER THE CROWN WILL BE

"Afflictions add to the saints' glory. The more the diamond is cut, the more it sparkles; the heavier the saints' cross is, the heavier will be their crown."

- Thomas Watson (1620-1686), Puritan Preacher

CROWN YOU WITH LOVE AND COMPASION

"Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles."

- Psalm 103:4 -5

BLESSING CROWN THE HEAD OF THE RIGHTEOUS

"Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked."

- Proverbs 10:6

BLESSED IS A MAN WHO PERSEVERES UNDER TRIAL

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

- James 1:12

OBTAIN AN INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN

"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."

- 1 Corinthians 9:25

ON HIS HEAD ARE MANY CROWNS

"His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."

- Revelation 19:12-15

WITH GOLDEN CROWNS ON THEIR HEADS

"Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads."

- Revelation 4:4

RESURRECTION PLACED A GLORIOUS CROWN

"We understand and acknowledge that the Resurrection has placed a glorious crown upon all of Christ's sufferings!"

- A. W. Tozer (1897-1963) American Pastor and Teacher

AN UNFADDING CROWN OF GLORY

"And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

- 1 Peter 5:4

Source: metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/819

Words to Think About...

MY JOY AND MY CROWN

"Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved."

- Philippians 4:1

IF ALL THE CROWNS OF EUROPE

"If all the crowns of Europe were placed at my disposal on condition that I should abandon my books and studies, I should spurn the crowns away and stand by the books."

- Francois Fenelon (1651-1715) French Catholic Archbishop

IF YOU HAD A THOUSAND CROWNS

"If you had a thousand crowns you should put them all on the head of Christ! And if you had a thousand tongues they should all sing his praise, for he is worthy!"

- William Tiptaft (1803-1864) Church of England Cleric

THAT NO MAN TAKE THY CROWN

"Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." - Rev 3:11

A GRAY HEAD IS A CROWN OF GLORY

"A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness."

- Proverbs 16:31

THERE ARE NO CROWN-WEARERS

"There are no crown-wearers in heaven who were not cross-bearers here below."

- Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) English Baptist Preacher

A CROWN OF THORNS

"And twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

- Matthew 27:29

A GOLDEN CROWN ON HIS HEAD

"Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand."

- Revelation 14:14

CROWNED HIM WITH GLORY

"Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor."

- Psalm 8:5

A CROWN WAS GIVEN HIM

"And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer."

- Revelation 6:2

THEY GAVE OUR MASTER

"They gave our Master a crown of thorns. Why do we hope for a crown of roses?"

- Martin Luther (1483-1546) German Priest, Theologian

January 05

All These Are the Beginning of Sorrows

"For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." - Matthew 24:7-8

IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

- Proverbs 1:7

A BEING WHO HAD NO BEGINNING

"If we can keep our minds calm on the subject of the Eternity of God, if reason does not totter on her seat at the contemplation of underived existence, it will be strange if any other mystery relating to God should disturb us. He who can bring his reason to bow reverently at the idea of a Being who had no beginning, is well prepared to receive any communication of His will."

- Nehemiah Adams (1806–1878) American Clergyman and Writer

FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."

- Proverbs 9:10

JESUS SEES THE END FROM THE BEGINNING

"When Christ delays to help His saints now, you think this is a great mystery, you cannot explain it; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. Be still, and know that Christ is God."

- Robert Murray McCheyne (1813–1843) Minister in the Church of Scotland

HE WAS IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD

"He was in the beginning with God."

- John 1:2

THERE IS A CRY AT THE BEGINNING OF LIFE

"Men are born to trouble at first, and exercised in it all their days. There is a cry at the beginning of life, and a groan at its close."

- William Arnot (1808–1875) Scottish Minister and Theological Writer.

THE DEVIL HAS BEEN SINNING FROM THE BEGINING

"Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil."

- 1 John 3:8

BEGINNING WITH OUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

"The great unity which true science seeks is found only by beginning with our knowledge of God, and coming down from Him along the stream of causation to every fact and event that affects us."

- Howard Crosby (1826–1891) American Presbyterian preacher, Scholar and Professor

HE MAKES EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN ITS TIME

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."

- Ecclesiastes 3:11

IN THE BEGINNING GOD MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH

"No philosophical theory which I have yet come across is a radical improvement on the words of Genesis, that 'In the beginning God made Heaven and Earth'."

- C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) Irish Writer and Scholar

WHAT YOU HEARD FROM THE BEGINNING

"Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father."

- 1 John 2:24

AS HAS NOT BEEN FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD

"For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be."

- Matthew 24:21

CALLING THE GENERATIONS FROM THE BEGINNING

"Who has performed and done this, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he."

- Isaiah 41:4

DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING

"Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, my counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose."

- Isaiah 46:10

BETTER IS THE END OF A THING THAN THE BEGINNING

"Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit."

- Ecclesiastes 7:8

Photo Credit: nytimes.com/2020/04/02/us/coronavirus-apocalypse-religion.html

Words to Think About...

IN THE BEGINNING

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

- Genesis 1:1

THE BEGINNING AND THE END

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

- Revelation 22:13

HE IS THE BEGINNING

"And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."

- Colossians 1:18

THE END FROM BEGINNING

"Depend upon it, however, let men rebel against this truth as they will, that God has determined the end from the beginning. He has left no screw loose in the machine, He has left nothing to chance or accident."

- Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) English Baptist Preacher

THE BEGINNING OF STRIFE

"The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out."

- Proverbs 17:14

THE BEGINNING OF GREATNESS

"The beginning of greatness is to be little; the increase of greatness is to be less; the perfection of greatness is to be nothing."

- D. L. Moody (1837-1899) American Evangelist, Teacher and Preacher

FROM THE BEGINNING OF CREATION

They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”

- 2 Peter 3:4

HAVING NEITHER BEGINNING OF DAYS

"He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever."

- Hebrews 7:3

THE BEGINNING OF ANXIETY

"The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety."

- George Mueller 1805-1898) English evangelist and helper of Orphans

FROM THE BEGINNING OF CREATION

"But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female."

- Mark 10:6

AT THE BEGINNING OF CREATION

"It was the whole Trinity, which at the beginning of creation said, "Let us make man". It was the whole Trinity again, which at the beginning of the Gospel seemed to say, "Let us save man".

- J. C. Ryle (1816-1900) English Anglican Bishop

BEGINNING WITH THE OLDER ONES

"But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him."

- John 8:9

THE BEGINNING OF SALVATION

"The recognition of sin is the beginning of salvation."

- Martin Luther (1483-1546) German Priest and Theology Professor

January 06

But Be Not Conformed to this World

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:2

CONFORMED TO THE LIKENESS OF JESUS CHRIST

"We are not saved in order to be a blessing to other people--you will be that inevitably--but primarily we are saved in order to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ, God's Son."

- Alan Redpath (1907–1989), American Evangelist, Pastor, Author

IN THEM YOU ALSO ONCE WALKED

"And in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth."

- Colossians 3:7-8

CONFORMED TO THE PASSIONS OF IGNORANCE

"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance."

- 1 Peter 1:14

YOU SHALL NOT FOLLOW THE MASSES

"You shall not follow the masses in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice."

- Exodus 23:2

IN EVERY ASPECT CONFORMED TO HIM

"Ardent love or desire introduced, as passionately longing to please and glorify the Divine Being, to be in every respect conformed to him, and in that way to enjoy him."

- David Brainard (1718-1747) American Missionary to Native Indians

NOT LEARN TO IMITATE DETESTABLE THINGS

“When you enter the land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations."

- Deuteronomy 18:9

WE CANNOT HELP CONFORMING OURSELVES

"We cannot help conforming ourselves to what we love."

- Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva

BY WHAT CONFORMS TO HIS CHARACTER

"The moral absolutes rest upon God's character. The moral commands He has given to men are an expression of His character. Men as created in His image are to live by choice on the basis of what God is. The standards of morality are determined by what conforms to His character, while those things which do not conform are immoral."

- Francis Schaeffer (1912–1984) American Evangelical Theologian, Pastor

INTO CONFORMITY WITH HIS

"What you need to do, is to put your will over completely into the hands of your Lord, surrendering to Him the entire control of it. Say, "Yes, Lord, YES!" to everything, and trust Him to work in you to will, as to bring your whole wishes and affections into conformity with His own sweet, and lovable, and most lovely will."

- Hannah Whitall Smith (1832-1911) American Evangelist and Reformer

THAT HE MIGHT NOT DEFILE HIMSELF

"But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself."

- Daniel 1:8

THOUSANDS ADMIRE CHRIST AND NEVER BECOME CHRISTIANS

"The recognition of the Ideal is the first step in the direction of Conformity. But let it be clearly observed that it is but a step. There is no vital connection between merely seeing the Ideal and being conformed to it. Thousands admire Christ who never become Christians."

- Henry Drummond (1851-1897) Scottish Evangelist, Biologist

SEEK CONFORMITY TO HIM WHO HAS FORGIVEN YOUR TRESSPASSES

"Free and warm reception into the divine favor is the strongest of all motives in leading a man to seek conformity to Him who has thus freely forgiven him all trespasses."

- Horatius Bonar (1808- 1889) Scottish Minister and Hymn Writer

THIS, AND THIS ALONE IS CHRISTIANITY

"This, and this alone, is Christianity, a universal holiness in every part of life, a heavenly wisdom in all our actions, not conforming to the spirit and temper of the world but turning all worldly enjoyments into means of piety and devotion to God."

- William Law (1686-1761) Church of England Cleric

KEEP SEEKING THE THINGS ABOVE

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."

- Colossians 3:1

Photo Credit: bibleartists.wordpress.com/2011/01/22/if-you-must-escape-dont-look-back/

Words to Think About...

ON THE ALTER OF CONFORMITY

"Character is always lost when a high ideal is sacrificed on the altar of conformity and popularity."

- Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) English Baptist Preacher

NOR CONFORMING TO IT

"We are not going to move this world by criticism of it nor conformity to it, but by the combustion within it of lives ignited by the Spirit of God."

- Vance Havner (1901-1986) American Country Preacher

CONFORM HIS LIFE TO CHRIST

"Whoever would fully and feelingly understand the words of Christ, must endeavor to conform his life wholly to the life of Christ."

- Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471) Christian Theologian

I BELIEVE WE ARE CONFORMING

"I believe that we are conforming to the divine order and the will of Providence when we are doing even indifferent things that belong to our condition."

- Francois Fenelon (1651-1715) French Catholic Archbishop

CONFORM TO THE LAW OF GOD

"For a work to be considered good it must not only conform outwardly to the law of God, but it must be motivated inwardly by a sincere love for God."

- R. C. Sproul (1939-2017) American Reformed Theologian

WILL ALWAYS PRODUCE CONFORMITY

"Saving faith and real converting grace will always produce some conformity to the image of Jesus."

- J. C. Ryle (1816-1900) English Anglican Bishop

FOLLOWED VANITY AND BECAME VAIN

"They rejected His statutes and His covenant which He made with their fathers and His warnings with which He warned them. And they followed vanity and became vain, and went after the nations which surrounded them, concerning which the Lord had commanded them not to do like them."

- 2 Kings 17:15

NO LONGER WALK AS GENTILES

"So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind."

- Ephesians 4:17

BUT BY THEIR CONFORMITY TO CHRIST

"None can know their election but by their conformity to Christ; for all who are chosen are chosen to sanctification."

- Matthew Henry (1662-1714) Nonconformist Minister, Writer

BE ALERT AND SOBER

"So then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober."

- 1 Thessalonians 5:6

NO PROVISION FOR THE FLESH

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts."

- Romans 13:14

January 07

So Are My Ways Higher Than Your Ways

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. " - Isaiah 55:9

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

- John 3:16

BEHOLD I SHOW YOU A MYSTERY

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."

- Timothy 1 3:16

THE LORD LOOKED DOWN FROM HEAVEN

"The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.

I WILL MAKE HIM HIGHER THAN THE KINGS OF THE EARTH

"Also I will make him [my] firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.""

- Psalms 89:27

FERVANT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILETH MUCH

"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

- James 5:16

THE HIGHER A MAN IS IN GRACE

"The higher a man is in grace. The lower he will be in his own esteem."

- Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) English Baptist Preacher

BONE OF BONES, FLESH OF MY FLESH

Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

- Genesis 2:23-24

LEAD ME TO THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN I

"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [that] is higher than I."

- Psalms 61:2

GOD IS SHAPING US FOR HIGHER THINGS

"We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things."

- Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) American Clergyman and Scholar

FOR AS THE HEAVENS ARE HIGHER THAN THE EARTH

For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

- Isaiah 55:9

EVERY SOUL BE SUBJECT UNTO A HIGHER POWER

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."

- Romans 13:1

PRAISE LIES UPON A HIGHER PLAN THAN THANKSGIVING

"Praise lies upon a higher plain than thanksgiving. When I give thanks, my thoughts still circle around myself to some extent. But in praise my soul ascends to self-forgetting adoration, seeing and praising only the majesty and power of God, His grace and redemption."

- Ole Hallesby (1879-1961) Norwegian Lutheran Theologian

FOR THE PRIZE OF THE UPWARD CALL

"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

- Philippians 3:13-14

MYSTERY OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

"And He was saying to them, to you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables."

- Mark 4:11

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Words to Think About...

FOR BY GRACE YOU ARE SAVED

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."

- Ephesians 2:8

YOU WERE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE

"You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men."

- 1 Corinthians 7:23

FRIEND, GO UP HIGHER

"But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee."

- Luke 14:10

SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

- Psalm 91:1-2

HIGHER STANDARD OF HOLINESS

"I am convinced that the first step towards attaining a higher standard of holiness is to realize more fully the amazing sinfulness of sin."

- J. C. Ryle (1816-1900) English Anglican Bishop

PARTAKERS IN DIVINE NATURE

"By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

- 2 Peter 1:4

EVERY PERFECT GIFT IS FROM ABOVE

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

- James 1:17

THE HIGH AND EXAULTED ONE SAYS

"For this is what the high and exalted One says—He who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

- Isaiah 57:15

I SHALL HAVE GONE UP HIGHER

"Some day you will read in the papers that D.L. Moody of East Northfield, is dead. Don't you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now; I shall have gone up higher, that is all, out of this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal - a body that death cannot touch, that sin cannot taint; a body fashioned like unto His glorious body."

- D. L. Moody (1837-1899) American Evangelist, Teacher and Preacher

THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

- Philippians 3:14

January 08

There Will Be Plagues and Pestilence

"And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven." - Luke 21:11

Plagues and pestilence are often used as judgment from God to punish nations for turning away from his ways. - 2 Chronicles 7:14 tell us that if people that are called by His name will humble themselves, He will forgive their sin and heal their land.

IF MY PEOPLE, WHICH ARE CALLED BY NAME

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

- 2 Chronicles 7:14

THE LORD WILL BRING A GREAT PLAGUE

"Behold, the LORD will bring a great plague on your people, your children, your wives, and all your possessions."

- 2 Chronicles 21:14

HE GAVE THEIR LIVES OVER TO THE PLAGUE

"He made a path for his anger; he did not spare them from death, but gave their lives over to the plague."

- Psalm 78:50

FOR THIS REASON PLAGUES WILL COME

"For this reason her plagues will come in a single day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.”

- Revelation 18:8

THE PLAGUE WAS AVERTED

"And David built there an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD responded to the plea for the land, and the plague was averted from Israel."

- 2 Samuel 24:25

I WILL SEND PESTILENCE AMONG YOU

"I will also bring upon you a sword which will execute vengeance for the covenant; and when you gather together into your cities, I will send pestilence among you, so that you shall be delivered into enemy hands."

- Leviticus 26:25

THEY WILL DIE OF A GREAT PESTILENCE

"I will also strike down the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast; they will die of a great pestilence."

- Jeremiah 21:6

I WILL SMITE THEM WITH PESTILENCE

"I will smite them with pestilence and dispossess them, and I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they.”

- Numbers 14:12

FALL BY THE SWORD, FAMINE AND PLAGUE

Thus says the Lord God, clap your hand, stamp your foot and say, Alas, because of all the evil abominations of the house of Israel, which will fall by sword, famine and plague!"

- Ezekiel 6:11

SO THE LORD SENT PESTILENCE

"So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning until the appointed time, and seventy thousand men of the people from Dan to Beersheba died."

- 2 Samuel 24:15

IF THERE IS FAMINE IN THE LAND

“If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, if there is locust or grasshopper, if their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities, whatever plague or whatever sickness there is, whatever prayer or supplication is made by any man or by all Your people Israel, each knowing his own affliction and his own pain, and spreading his hands toward this house, then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men."

- 2 Chronicles 6:28-31

FOR THUS SAYS THE LORD

"For thus says the Lord God, “How much more when I send My four severe judgments against Jerusalem: sword, famine, wild beasts and plague to cut off man and beast from it!"

- Ezekiel 14:21

A THIRD OF MANKIND WAS KILLED

"By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths."

- Revelation 9:18

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Words to Think About...

THEY PROVOKED THE LORD

"They provoked the LORD to anger with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them."

- Psalm 106:29

WITH FAMINE AND WITH PESTILENCE

"And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth."

- Revelation 6:8

10 PLAGUES SENT TO EGYPT

Blood - (Exodus 7:17-18)

Frogs - (Exodus 8:1-4)

Lice - (Exodus 8:16-17)

Flies - (Exodus 8:20-22)

Livestock - (Exodus 9:1-4)

Boils - (Exodus 9:8-9)

Hail - Exodus 9:22-23

Locust - (Exodus 10:4-5)

Darkness - (Exodus 10:21-22)

Death of Firstborn - (Exodus 11:4-7)

PLAGUES AND FAMINES

"The sword is outside and the plague and the famine are within. He who is in the field will die by the sword; famine and the plague will also consume those in the city."

- Matthew 24:7

AND PLAGUE COMES AFTER HIM

"Before Him goes pestilence, And plague comes after Him."

- Habakkuk 3:5

PESTILENCE WILL CLING TO YOU

"The Lord will make the pestilence cling to you until He has consumed you from the land where you are entering to possess it."

- Deuteronomy 28:21

PESTILENCE STALKS DARKNESS

"Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon."

- Psalm 91:6

FAMINE AND PESTILENCE

"When they fast, I am not going to listen to their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I am not going to accept them. Rather I am going to make an end of them by the sword, famine and pestilence.”

- Jeremiah 14:12

GAVE THEIR LIFE TO THE PLAGUE

"He leveled a path for His anger; He did not spare their soul from death, But gave over their life to the plague'

- Psalm 78:50

SHOULD EVIL COME UPON US

"Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us."

- 2 Chronicles 20:9

NO PLAGUE COME NEAR YOUR TENT

"No evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent."

- Psalm 91:10

January 09

The Lord Lift Up His Countenance Upon Thee

"The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. - Numbers 6:24-26

THE LORD LIFT HIS COUNTENANCE UPON THEE

"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."

Numbers 6:24-26

SO A MAN SHARPENETH THE COUNTENANCE OF HIS FRIEND

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."

- Proverbs 27:17

MADE HIM EXCEEDING GLAD WITH THY COUNTENANCE

"For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance."

- Psalm 44:3

FLOWERS HAVE AN EXPRESSION OF COUNTENANCE

"Flowers have an expression of countenance as much as men or animals. Some seem to smile, some have a sad expression, some are pensive and diffident, others again are plain, honest and upright."

- Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) American Clergyman and Scholar

WHO IS THE HEALTH OF MY COUNTENANCE

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

- Psalm 42:11

JOY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ITS COUNTENANCE

"If there be anything that can render the soul calm, dissipate its scruples and dispel its fears, sweeten its sufferings by the anointing of love, impart strength to all its actions, and spread abroad the joy of the Holy Spirit in its countenance and words, it is this simple and childlike repose in the arms of God."

- Samuel D. Gordon (1859-1936) Evangelical Lay Minister

FOR THE GLORY OF HIS COUNTENANCE

"But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away."

- 2 Corinthians 3:7

THE LIGHT OF MY COUNTENANCE

"If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down."

- Job 29:24

SEALED WITH THE LIGHT OF COUNTENANCE

"As Caesar demands of us the stamp of his likeness, so does God also. And as we render money to the one, so we give our souls to the other, our souls enlightened and sealed with the light of His countenance."

- Venerable Bede (672/673-735) English Monk at the Monastery of St Peter

A MERRY HEART MAKETH A CHEERFUL COUNTENANCE

"A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken."

- Proverbs 27:17

LIGHT IN GOD'S COUNTENANCE

"A Christian may for many days together see neither sun nor star, neither light in God's countenance, nor light in his own heart, though even at that time God darts some beams through those clouds upon the soul; the soul again by a spirit of faith sees some light through those thickest clouds, enough to keep it from utter despair, though not to settle it in peace. In this dark condition, if they do as Paul and his company did, cast an anchor even in the dark night of temptation, and pray still for day, God will appear, and all shall clear up, we shall see light without and light within; the day-star will arise in their hearts."

- Richard Sibbes (1577–1635) Anglican Theologian and Minister

LIFT THOU UP THE LIGHT OF THY COUNTENANCE

"There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us."

- Psalm 4:6

THROUGH THE PRIDE OF COUNTENANCE

"The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts."

- Psalm 10:4

A BEAM OF GOD'S COUNTENACE IS ENOUGH TO FILL

"A beam of God's countenance is enough to fill the heart of a believer to overflowing. It is enough to light up the pale cheek of a dying saint with seraphic brightness, and make the heart of the lone widow sing for joy."

- Robert Murray McCheyne (1813-1843) Church of Scotland Minister

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Words to Think About...

THE LIGHT OF THY COUNTENANCE

"For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them."

- Psalm 44:3

OF A SAD COUNTENANCE

"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."

- Matthew 6:16

GOD'S COUNTENANCE SHINE UPON ME

"If the sun of God's countenance shine upon me, I may well be content to be wet with the rain of affliction."

- Joseph Hall (1574–1656) English bishop, Satirist and Moralist

YOU CHANGE HIS COUNTENANCE

"You prevail forever against him, and he passes; you change his countenance, and send him away."

- Job 14:20

LOOK NOT HIS COUNTENANCE

"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

- 1 Samuel 16:7

A GIFT, WITH A KIND COUNTENANCE

"A gift, with a kind countenance, is a double present."

- Thomas Fuller (1608-1661) English Churchman, Historian

SO DOTH AN ANGRY COUNTENANCE

"The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue."

- Proverbs 25:23

SHINES ON THE COUNTENANCE

"It is a sign the oil of grace hath been poured into the heart "when the oil of gladness" shines on the countenance. Cheerfulness credits religion."

- Thomas Watson (1620-1686), Puritan Preacher

A KING OF GREAT COUNTENANCE

"And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up."

- Daniel 8:23

A NATION OF FIERCE COUNTENANCE

"A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young."

- Deuteronomy 28:50

AND AS HE PRAYED

"And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering."

- Luke 9:29

January 10

And Earthquakes, in Diverse Places

“And earthquakes, in diverse places.” – Matt 24:7

Earthquakes are increasing in number and have caused widespread destruction and the deaths of millions of people. In 2020, a total of 1,433 earthquakes with magnitude of 5 or more were recorded worldwide.. On average, there are now about 500,000 detectable earthquakes that occur each year.

Since 1900, there have been more than 10,000 “strong” earthquake, with magnitudes of 6 or greater around the world. - U.S. Geological Survey.

Between 1998-2017, earthquakes caused nearly 750 000 deaths globally, more than half of all deaths related to natural disasters

Between 2004-2014, 18 earthquakes with magnitudes of 8.0 or more occurred around the world. That is an increase of 265% over the average rate of the previous century.

It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year. 100,000 of those can be felt, and 100 of them cause damage .- .usgs.gov

THERE WILL BE EARTHQUAKES

"There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven."

- Luke 21:11

WILL NOT FEAR WHEN EARTHQUAKES COME

"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it."

- Psalm 46:1-6

TRUELY THIS WAS THE SON OF GOD

"When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

- Matthew 27:54

EARTHQUAKES IN VAROIUS PLACE

"For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains."

- Mark 13:8

THE EARTH SHALL REEL TO AND FRO LIKE A DRUNKARD

"The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, And shall totter like a hut; Its transgression shall be heavy upon it, And it will fall, and not rise again."

- Isaiah 24:20

SUDDENLY THERE WAS AN EARTHQUAKE

"Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!"

- Acts 16:25-26

FLASHES OF LIGHTENING AND AN EARTHQUAKE

"Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake."

- Revelation 8:5

HE BROKE THE SIXTH SEAL AND THERE WAS AN EARTHQUAKE

"I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood."

- Revelation 6:12

AT THAT HOUR A GREAT EARTHQUAKE

"And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven."

- Revelation 11:13

SO GREAT AN EARTHQUAKE IT WAS AND SO MIGHTY

"And there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; and there was a great earthquake, such as there had not been since man came to be upon the earth, so great an earthquake was it, and so mighty."

- Revelation 16:18

MOUNTAINS QUAKED AT HIS PRESENCE

“The mountains quaked at the presence of the Lord, This Sinai, at the presence of the Lord, the God of Israel."

- Judges 5:5

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Words to Think About...

THE VOICE OF A GREAT EARTHQUAKE

"Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the voice of a great earthquake: “Blessed be the glory of the LORD from its place!”

- Ezekiel 3:12

THE SOUND OF A GREAT EARTHQUAKE

"It was the sound of the wings of the living creatures as they touched one another, and the sound of the wheels beside them, and the sound of a great earthquake."

- Ezekiel 3:13

BEHOLD, THERE WAS AN EARTHQUAKE

"And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it."

- Matthew 28:2

THE EARTH SHOOK AND QUAKED

“Then the earth shook and quaked, The foundations of heaven were trembling And were shaken, because He was angry."

- Psalm 18:7

A SEVERE EARTHQUAKE HAD OCCURED

"And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it."

- Matthew 28:2

SEEN WITHIN HIS TEMPLE

"Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail."

- Revelation 11:19

THE EARTH TREMBLED AND SHOOK

"The sound of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; The lightnings lit up the world; The earth trembled and shook."

- Psalm 77:18

MOUNTAINS QUAKE BECAUSE OF HIM

"Mountains quake because of Him and the hills dissolve; indeed the earth is upheaved by His presence, The world and all the inhabitants in it."

- Nahum 1:5

THE WHOLE CREATION GROANETH

"For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now."

- Romans 8:22

THE EARTH IS BROKEN ASUNDER

"The earth is broken asunder, The earth is split through, The earth is shaken violently. The earth reels to and fro like a drunkard And it totters like a shack, For its transgression is heavy upon it, And it will fall, never to rise again."

- Isaiah 24:19-20

January 11

Behold, I Am Making All Things New

"And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” - Revelation 21:5

IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATION

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

- 2 Corinthians 5:17

MAKES HIM A NEW CREATION

"A man is not saved against his will, but he is made willing by the operation of the Holy Ghost. A mighty grace which he does not wish to resist enters into the man, disarms him, makes a new creature of him, and he is saved."

- Charles Spurgeon

HE PUT A NEW SONG IN MY MOUTH

"He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD."

- Psalm 40:3

WHEN THAT NEW LIFE COMES

"What we need now for quickening is not so much money and wisdom as the spirit of supplication. Pray for yourself until the new life is infused. When that new life comes, it will lead you to pray for others."

- A.C. Dixon (1854–1925) Baptist Pastor, Bible Expositor

HE IS A NEW CREATION BORN FROM ABOVE

"The Spiritual Life is the gift of the Living Spirit. The spiritual man is no mere development of the Natural man. He is a New Creation born from Above."

- Henry Drummond (1851-1897) Scottish Evangelist, Biologist

BEHOLD, I AM DOING A NEW THING

"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

- Isaiah 43:19

HE BECOMES TO US A NEW SPHERE OF HARMONY

"By faith we are taken into Christ, made at once safe from holy wrath against sin, and kept safe from all perils and penalties. He, our divine Redeemer, becomes to us the new sphere of harmony and unity with God and His law, with His life and His holiness."

- A. T. Pierson (1837–1911) American Presbyterian Pastor

THIS CUP IS THE NEW COVENANT OF MY BLOOD

"In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

- 1 Corinthians 11:25

HE WENT AWAY TO PRAY AND RENEW HIS STRENGTH

"While others still slept, He went away to pray and to renew His strength in communion with His Father. He had need of this, otherwise He would not have been ready for the new day. The holy work of delivering souls demands constant renewal through fellowship with God."

- Andrew Murray (1794-1866) Scottish Missionary, Writer

A NEW COMMANDMENT I GIVE TO YOU

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."

- John 13:34

THE TEXT OF THE NEW LIFE SERMON

"Prayer is the preface to the book of Christian living; the text of the new life sermon; the girding on of the armor for battle; the pilgrim's preparation for his journey. It must be supplemented by action or it amounts to nothing."

- Austin Phelps (1820–1890) American Congregational Minister and Educator

A NEW NAME WRITTEN ON THE STONE

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it."

- Revelation 2:17

BEFORE US IN ITS NEW DIGNITY

"And now the kingdom of heaven arises before us in its altogether new dignity, so that he in it who is least is greater than the greatest who are without and at its threshold."

- Rudolf Ewald Stier (1800–1862) German Protestant Churchman

THAT WE MAY WALK IN THE NEWSNESS OF LIFE

"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

- Romans 6:4

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Words to Think About...

THE FAITH OF CHRIST OFFERS

"The faith of Christ offers no buttons to push for quick service. The new order must wait the Lord's own time, and that is too much for the man in a hurry. He just gives up and becomes interested in something else."

- A. W. Tozer (1897-1963) American Pastor and Teacher

CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

- Psalm 51:10

AND A NEW NATURE

"The Scriptures teach that every regenerate person is the possessor of two natures: one, received by natural birth, which is wholly and hopelessly bad; and a new nature, received through the new birth, which is the nature of God Himself, and therefore wholly good."

- C. I. Scofield (1843-1921) American Theologian, Minister

THE NEW COVENANT IN MY BLOOD

And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood."

- Luke 22:20

TO PRODUCE A NEW KIND OF MAN

"God became man to turn creatures into sons: not simply to produce better men of the old kind but to produce a new kind of man."

- C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) Irish Writer and Scholar

WILL GIVE YOU A NEW HEART

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."

- Ezekiel 36:26

GLORY TO THE NEW-BORN KING

"Hark the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born king." Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!"

- Charles Wesley (1707–1788) English Minister. and Hymnwriter

THE SEED DIES INTO NEW LIFE

"The seed dies into a new life, and so does man."

- George MacDonald (1824-1905 Scottish Christian Minister, Author

A NEW JOY AND PEACE

"As the saints of God meet together Jesus still manifests Himself. And seeing Him, there comes to us a new joy and peace, a new sense of the purpose and worthfulness of life. Seeing Him there comes to us a new power for battle and for conquest."

- Clovis G. Chappell (1882-1972) Tennessee Methodist Clergyman

WHEN WE ARE BORN AGIAN, A NEW LIFE

When we are born again, a new life - the life of God - is put into us by the Holy Spirit. But the old self-life, which is called in Scripture the flesh, is not taken away. The two may coexist in the same heart. "The flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh."

- F. B. Meyer (1847-1929) Baptist Pastor and Evangelist

THEY THAT WAIT ON THE LORD

"But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

- Isaiah 40:31

January 12

The Throne of God

THE LORD HAS PREPARED HIS THRONE IN THE HEAVENS

"The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all."

- Psalm 103:19

I SAW THE LORD SITTING UPON HIS THRONE

"I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left."

- 2 Chronicles 18:18

HEAVEN IS MY THRONE

"Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?"

- Acts 7:49

WHICH ARE BEFORE HIS THRONE

"John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne."

- Revelation 1:4

DAY AND NIGHT THEY NEVER STOP

“Even under his wings, Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."

- Revelation 4:8

GREAT WHITE THRONE AND THE CRYSTAL SEA

"Ordinary human motives will appeal in vain to the ears which have heard the tones of the heavenly music; and all the pomp of life will show poor and tawdry to the sight that has gazed on the vision of the great white throne and the crystal sea."

- Alexander MacLaren (1826-1919) President Baptist World Congress

THE RIVER OF LIFE - THE TREE OF LIFE

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him."

- Revelation 22:1-3

AND THERE SHALL BE NO NIGHT THERE

"And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."

- Revelation 22:5

THE LORD LOOKS DOWN FROM HEAVEN

"The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God."

- Psalm 14:2

THE GATES SHALL NOT BE SHUT

"And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there."

- Revelation 21:22-25

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Words to Think About...

COMING FROM THE THRONE OF GOD

"I refuse to become panicky, as I lift up my eyes to Him and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart."

- Alan Redpath (1907-1989) British Bible teacher and Minister

AS THE APPEARANCE OF THE RAINBOW

"As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking."

- Ezekiel 1:28

HIS EYES BEHOLD THE SONS OF MEN

"The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men."

- Psalm 11:4

I SAW THE LORD ON A THRONE

"In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple."

- Isaiah 6:1

THE ANCIENT OF DAYS TOOK HIS SEAT

“I kept looking Until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow And the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, Its wheels were a burning fire."

- Daniel 7:9

THEN I SAW A GREAT WHITE THRONE

"Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them."

- Revelation 20:11

YOUR THRONE IS FOREVER

"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom."

- Psalm 45:6

HIS SOVEREIGNTY RULES OVER ALL

"The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all."

- Psalm 103:19

January 13

Submit Yourselves Therefore to God

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7

IN ALL YOUR WAYS SUBMIT TO HIM

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

- Proverbs 3:5-6

THE MAN WHO IS NOT WILLING TO SUBMIT

"I believe the man who is not willing to submit to the electing love and sovereign grace of God has great reason to question whether he is a Christian at all, for the spirit that kicks against that is the spirit of the unhumbled, unrenewed heart."

- Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) English Baptist Preacher

SUBMITTING TO ONE ANOTHER

"Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ."

- Ephesians 5:21

IF A MAN REFUSES TO SUBMIT HIMSELF

"Salvation is a definite process. If a man refuse to submit himself to that process, clearly he cannot have the benefits of it. "As many as received Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God." He does not avail himself of this power. It may be mere carelessness or apathy. Nevertheless the neglect is fatal. He cannot escape because he will not."

- Henry Drummond (1851-1897) Scottish Evangelist, Biologist

THE MIND THAT DOES NOT SUBMIT TO GOD'S LAWS

"For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot."

- Romans 8:7

REQUIRED HIS BELOVED TO SUBMIT

"No one else has ever come from infinite heights of glory to such a shameful death. If there had been a better way or another way by which the sin of the whole world could have been taken away, surely God would not have required His beloved Son to submit to such a death."

- John F. Walvoord (1910–2002) Christian Theologian, Pastor

HOLY WOMEN WHO HOPED IN GOD USED TO ADORN THEMSELVES

"For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands."

- 1 Peter 3:5

YET NOT MY WILL, BUT YOURS BE DONE

Saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

- Luke 22:42

OBEY YOUR LEADERS AND SUBMIT TO THEM

"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."

- Hebrews 13:17

THEY DID NOT SUBMIT TO GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS

"For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness."

- Romans 10:3

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Words to Think About...

THEREFORE HUMBLE YOURSELVES

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time."

- 1 Peter 5:6

WIVES, SUBMIT TO YOUR HUSBANDS

"Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord."

- Colossians 3:18

SUBMIT THE LIST TO HIM

"One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy."

- Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015) Christian Missionary and Writer

FOR WHATEVER THE FATHER DOES

"Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner."

- John 5:19

MIND SET ON THE FLESH

"For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot."

- Romans 8:7

THERE ARE FOUR THINGS

"There are four things that we ought to do with the Word of God - admit it as the Word of God, commit it to our hearts and minds, submit to it, and transmit it to the world."

- William Wilberforce (1759-1833) British Politician and Philanthropist

AS THE CHURCH SUBMITS TO CHRIST

"Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands."

- Ephesians 5:24

January 14

There is a Man on the Throne

What an awesome thing to think that the Creator of all things would create Himself as a man; sacrifice Himself as a man for our sins, and is now seated at the Right Hand of the God the Father. This means that a man is sitting on the Throne of God at this very moment.

This man, Jesus Christ, walked among us, experienced living in this human body with all its frailties, wants and desires. He knows what its like to be one of us in our base humanness. There is a man on The Throne that knows our inner thoughts and struggles in this life and He is coming back to the earth, possibly in your lifetime.

SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE THRONE

"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

- Hebrews 12:2

TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH

"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."

- Revelation 3:21

TO HIM THAT SITS ON THE THRONE

"And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

- Revelation 5:13

DRAW NEAR TO THE THRONE OF GRACE

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

WILL WIPE AWAY EVERY TEAR FROM THEIR EYES

"For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

- Revelation 7:17

I HEARD A LOUD VOICE FROM THE THRONE

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them."

- Revelation 21:3

IF YOU HAD A THOUSAND CROWNS

"If you had a thousand crowns you should put them all on the head of Christ! And if you had a thousand tongues they should all sing his praise, for He is worthy!"

- William Tiptaft (1803-1864) Church of England Cleric

AFTER THESE THINGS I LOOKED

"After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.' Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne. And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance."

- Revelation 4:1-6

NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME

"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

- John 14:6

THE LIVING CREATURES GIVE GLORY AND HONOR TO HIM

"And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and eve."

- Revelation 4:9

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Words to Think About...

THIS CONFIDENCE WE HAVE

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."

- 1 John 5:14

NOW THE MAIN POINT

"Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens."

- Hebrews 8:1

WHAT IS MAN?

"What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

- Psalms 8:4

A THRONE SET IN HEAVEN

"And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne."

- Revelation 4:2

JESUS IS KING OF KINGS

"Death may be the King of terrors... but Jesus is the King of kings!"

- D. L. Moody (1837-1899) American Evangelist, Teacher and Preacher

HE IS THE RADIENCE OF GLORY

"He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high."

Hebrews 1:3

HE IS THE SOLUTION

"Jesus Christ is not a problem; He is the solution to every problem for life, for death, and for eternity"

- Harry Ironside (1876-1951) American Bible Teacher, Theologian

THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD

"To the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen."

- Jude 1:25

THE THRONE OF GRACE

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. "

- Hebrews 4:16

THE SON OF MAN CAME

"The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God."

C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) Irish Writer and Scholar

January 15

He Who Has Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear

"He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. " - Matthew 11:15

HE WHO PLANTED THE EAR, DOES HE NOT HEAR?

"He who planted the ear, does He not hear? He who formed the eye, does He not see?"

- Psalm 94:9

AND WILL TURN AWAY THEIR EARS FORM THE TRUTH

"And will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths."

- 2 Timothy 4:4

IF THE LORD SHOULD ALWAYS BE SWIFT TO HEAR US

"If the Lord should always be swift to hear us, how slow should we be in hearing him, and while we have our desires, forget most of our duties."

- Abraham Wright (1611–1690) English Theological Writer

LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

- Revelation 3:6

WHILE THEY ARE STILL SPEAKING I WILL ANSWER THEM

"It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear."

- Isaiah 65:24

THEY HAVE EARS, BUT DO NOT HEAR

"They have ears, but they do not hear, nor is there any breath at all in their mouths."

- Psalm 135:17

I THANK YOU THAT YOU HEARD ME

"So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.”

- John 11:41-42

THE LORD HAS OPENED MY EAR

"The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not disobedient nor did I turn back."

- Isaiah 50:5

FROM HIS TEMPLE HE HEARD MY VOICE

“In my distress I called upon the Lord, yes, I cried to my God; and from His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help came into His ears."

- 2 Samuel 22:7

HIS EARS ARE OPEN TO THEIR CRY

"The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry."

- Psalm 34:15

THEY HAVE EARS, BUT CANNOT HEAR

"They have ears, but they cannot hear; they have noses, but they cannot smell."

- Psalm 115:6

YOUR EARS ARE OPEN, BUT NONE HEARS

"Hear, you deaf! and look, you blind, that you may see. Who is blind but My servant, or so deaf as My messenger whom I send? Who is so blind as he that is at peace with Me, or so blind as the servant of the Lord? You have seen many things, but you do not observe them; Your ears are open, but none hears."

- Isaiah 42:18-20

AFTER LISTENING TO THE MESSAGE OF TRUTH

"In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise."

- Ephesians 1:13

IF I COULD HEAR CHRIST PRAYING FOR ME

"If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me."

- Robert Murray McCheyne (1813-1843) Church of Scotland Minister

HE WHO HAS EARS, LET HIM HEAR

"Other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great.” As He said these things, He would call out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

- Luke 8:8

SOME PEOPLE DO NOT LIKE TO HEAR

"Some people do not like to hear much of repentance; but I think it is so necessary that if I should die in the pulpit, I would desire to die preaching repentance, and if out of the pulpit I would desire to die practicing it."

- Matthew Henry (1662-1714) Nonconformist Minister, Writer

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Words to Think About...

FAITH COMES FROM HEARING

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."

- Romans 10:17

HE WHO HEARS MY WORD

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life."

- John 5:24

THE HEARING EAR

"The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made both of them."

- Proverbs 20:12

HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER

“For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

- 1 Peter 3:12

I HEAR A VOICE IN THE SILENCES

"In the silences I make in the midst of the turmoil of life I have appointments with God. From these silences I come forth with spirit refreshed, and with a renewed sense of power. I hear a voice in the silences, and become increasingly aware that it is the voice of God."

- David Brainard (1718-1747) American Missionary to Native Indians

EARS TO HEAR ARE ALWAYS RESISTING

“You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did."

- Acts 7:51

HEAR O PEOPLE, ALL OF YOU

Hear, O peoples, all of you; listen, O earth and all it contains, and let the Lord God be a witness against you, the Lord from His holy temple."

- Micah 1:2

AND DID NOT HEAR IT

"But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."

- Matthew 13:16-17

GOD HAS GIVEN US TWO EARS

"God has given us two ears, but one tongue, to show that we should be swift to hear, but slow to speak. God has set a double fence before the tongue, the teeth and the lips, to teach us to be wary that we offend not with our tongue."

- Thomas Watson (1620-1686), Puritan Preacher

IF YOU CANNOT HEAR HIS WHISPER

"Do not let the loud utterances of your own wills anticipate, nor drown, the still, small voice in which God speaks. Bridle impatience till He does. If you cannot hear His whisper, wait till you do. Take care of running before you are sent. Keep your wills in equipoise till God's hand gives the impulse and direction."

- Alexander MacLaren (1826-1919) President Baptist World Congress

BEHOLD THEIR EARS ARE CLOSED

"To whom shall I speak and give warning that they may hear? Behold, their ears are closed and they cannot listen. Behold, the word of the Lord has become a reproach to them; they have no delight in it."

- Jeremiah 6:10

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How Can I Be Saved?

You’ve probably seen John 3:16 posted somewhere on a sign, written on a freeway overpass, at a concert, at a sporting event, or even read to you as a little child. This verse is a simple one. There are 20 monosyllables (single words) in the verse. The Gospel is meant to be simple for everyone!

Be sure of your Salvation. Right now, and pray this simple prayer with a sincere heart...
“Lord, forgive me for my sins. I confess that I am a sinner. Come into my heart and make me the person you created me to be. I receive your gift of pardon through Jesus dying for me on the cross to save me. – Amen”

It was once determined in a court of law that a pardon is only a pardon when it is accepted. There is a true story about a man that refused his pardon. A judge ruled that a pardon is only a pardon when it is accepted. When you prayed that prayer and accepted God’s pardon for your sins, you became a new creation in Christ.

The Bible teaches that you are saved by faith through Jesus. Grow in the Grace that was just given to you, seek God in His word (The Bible) and go out tell somebody!

January DEVOTIONALS 1-15

DEVOTIONALS ON THIS PAGE

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January 01

But You Cannot Discern the Signs of the Times

Words to Think About...

January 02

At The End of The Age

Words to Think About...

January 03

The Gospel is Written in the Stars

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January 04

Receive the Crown of Life

Words to Think About...

January 05

All These Are the Beginning of Sorrows

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January 06

But Be Not Conformed to this World

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January 07

So Are My Ways Higher Than Your Ways

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January 08

There Will Be Plagues and Pestilence

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January 09

The Lord Lift Up His Countenance Upon Thee

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January 10

And Earthquakes, in Diverse Places

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January 11

Behold, I Am Making All Things New

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January 12

The Throne of God

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January 13

Submit Yourselves Therefore to God

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January 14

There is a Man on the Throne

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January 15

He Who Has Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear

Words to Think About...

Prophecy News daily Links

Praying For the Nations

366 Daily Devotionals - Morning

366 Daily Devotionals - Morning

366 Daily Devotionals - Morning

366 Daily Devotionals - Morning

366 Daily Devotionals - Morning

People in The Last days

366 Daily Devotionals - Morning

People in The Last days

Church Signs

Famous Last Words

People in The Last days

Famous Last Words

Famous Last Words

Famous Last Words

Bible in the News

Famous Last Words

Famous Last Words

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