13 Nov 2024
May godly wisdom bring us hope and may this hope not be cut off. May it quieten our souls and may we find peace. Proverbs 24:14.
Daily Prayer for November 13
In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. Daniel 2:44, NIV Lord our God, we thank you that you work in us and in our lives and that you show us your compassion, no matter what cross we have to bear. We want to rejoice in you and wait patiently until your purpose is fulfilled and your kingdom arises on earth. Protect each one of us. May our hearts find strength and neverfailing joy in Jesus Christ the Savior, always hoping and believing, always looking to you. For you are the almighty God, who will come in Jesus Christ to establish his kingdom among the peoples and at last reveal his truth in its fullness. Then the knowledge of your will shall spread to all peoples, so that good and evil may come before you and be judged according to your mercy and faithful love. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Left Behind in Grimsby Simon Cross As one who could move on, and did, I’m left wondering if my years in a blighted British coastal town made any difference to those I left behind. Read now No Man Is an Island David K. Anderson After four hundred years, John Donne’s Devotions still contain truths we need to hear. Read now Two Months of War Defined My Life Héctor Roldán An Argentinian veteran of the Falklands War experienced rejection in the society that sent him to war, but also healing through comradeship with fellow survivors. Read now Speaking Truth to Power George Fox George Fox, founder of the Quakers, welcomes an opportunity to make his case before the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell. Read now The Natural History of a Prayer Clare Coffey The harvest is great, but the laborers are few. Can a rote prayer make the difference? Read now
Today’s Verse – Proverbs 11:12
A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. —Proverbs 11:12 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Wise folks don’t have to prove their wisdom by disrespecting others and putting them down while belittling them. Instead, godly and wise people hold their tongues and let their lives speak what is good, honorable, righteous, loving, and genuine. Our world is full of cynical sarcasm. Our culture overly rewards people who are quick with belittling and unwholesome quips — those quick and razor-sharp “put-downs” so often in TV sit-coms and on social media. As people of God and followers of Jesus, we are called to redeem others through what we say and bring a blessing with our words (Ephesians 4:29). My Prayer… Holy Father, I ask for your wisdom, patience, and kindness so I can use my speech to bless others and praise you. Please, Father, pour the Holy Spirit into my heart in a fresh way when I am tempted to use my words to hurt, belittle, and insult others. I don’t want to do those things, so I ask for the Spirit’s help. In Jesus’ name, I ask for your help to be more gracious and loving as I speak with others. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
In Your Difficulties, What Is Needed Most?
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, When life crashes in… when the world is hostile and dangerous… when your faith is under attack… when your life is on the line, what is needed most? You need a clear vision of Me. You need to be reminded of Who I AM, what I have done, and Who I will be for you and with you in the future. That’s why I revealed Myself in a vision to John when he was confined to the island of Patmos because of his faithful service to me (Revelation 1:9). On a special Sunday, John did what he had done on the first day of the week ever since that first Sunday I appeared to him and other disciples after My resurrection (John 20:1-23). Only on this special Sunday, I gave him the “apocalypse”: “the revelation of Jesus the Anointed”! The book you call Revelation is an unveiling, a revealing of Me in My eternal glory. This was My message to John in vision form. It was shared with him to bless My people who were facing very difficult trials and persecutions. They needed to be assured their faith was not in vain. They needed to be assured that evil in its manifested forms, such as political propaganda, military might, and religious perversion, would be destroyed. However, what My people needed most was Me. They needed to know that I cared. They needed to know that I was still at work in history. They needed to know that the future was in My hands. They needed to know that I would act. They needed to know that I was there for them. So that is what I gave them through this revelation of Myself to John. As you read these verses, imagine John on the barren and harsh island of Patmos, separated from the churches and people he loved dearly. Imagine his concerns for these churches brought to Me in prayer on that Sunday morning. Now imagine his overwhelming encouragement to receive this vision, this reminder that I AM still connected to him and to those precious people undergoing persecution and that I AM always at work for their ultimate deliverance. Now try to imagine what he saw — this glorious vision of My glory. Join John and be amazed… reassured… and re-energized for your road ahead. Verses to Live Today’s verses record the beginning of John’s vision. The focus is on My glory. Open your imagination, rekindle your sense of wonder, and join John in the presence of My glory. Remember, even when you do not see Me, I AM… I AM still present… I AM still Lord… I AM still glorious. “I will never leave you or forsake you!” (Hebrews 13:5 NRSV) A Voice: [I am the Alpha and the Omega, the very beginning and the very end.] Make a book of what you see, write it down, and send it to the seven churches [which are in Asia]: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. When I [John] turned around to see what sort of voice this was that was addressing me, I saw seven golden lampstands. And among the lampstands, I saw One like the Son of Man right in front of me dressed in a long robe. Across His chest was draped a golden sash. His head and hair were pure white, white as wool and white as snow; His eyes blazed like a fiery flame; His feet gleamed like brightly polished bronze, purified to perfection in a furnace; His voice filled the air and sounded like a roaring waterfall. He held seven stars in His right hand, from His mouth darted a sharp double-edged sword, and His face shone a brilliant light, like the blinding sun. When I saw Him, I fell at His feet. It was as though I were dead. But He reached down and placed His right hand on me. The One: This is not the time for fear; I am the First and the Last, and I am the living One. I entered the realm of the dead; but see, I am alive now and for all the ages — even ages to come. Amen. I possess the keys to open the prison of death and hades. Now write down all you have seen — all that is and all that will be. Regarding the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the heavenly messengers who preside over the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches themselves. (Revelation 1:11-20) Response in Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You! Thank You for always being the I AM on Whom I can depend. You are glorious, both in Your identity and in Your sacrifice. You are the perfect One to connect heaven’s glory to our earthly struggles. I worship You. I adore You. I am in awe of You. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
12 Nov 2024
May the Lord not only grant us divine wisdom, but may we also enjoy its benefits over and over again. May it build us, cause the Lord to establish us, increase, empower and strengthen us. Amen. Proverbs 24:1-5.
Daily Prayer for November 12
For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night…But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:2,4–5, NIV Lord our God, we hold to you and to your promise. Though much is hidden from us, your voice comes clearly to us proclaiming, “Watch and pray. You are to await the day of Jesus Christ your Lord, and you can rejoice now in the midst of strife, distress, fear, and need.” We thank you for your powerful Word. However long the time of waiting may be, your Word remains eternally and will be fulfilled. Your name shall be honored in the proclamation of your Word, your kingdom shall come, and your will shall be done on earth as in heaven. Amen. Recent articles on Plough No Man Is an Island David K. Anderson After four hundred years, John Donne’s Devotions still contain truths we need to hear. Read now Two Months of War Defined My Life Héctor Roldán An Argentinian veteran of the Falklands War experienced rejection in the society that sent him to war, but also healing through comradeship with fellow survivors. Read now Speaking Truth to Power George Fox George Fox, founder of the Quakers, welcomes an opportunity to make his case before the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell. Read now The Natural History of a Prayer Clare Coffey The harvest is great, but the laborers are few. Can a rote prayer make the difference? Read now Why We’re Still Atheists Katja Hoyer Thirty-five years after the Berlin Wall fell, few places are as secular as the former East Germany. A German asks why. Read now
Today’s Verse – 1 Corinthians 11:11
In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. —1 Corinthians 11:11 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “We are all one in Christ Jesus!” Paul told the Galatians (Galatians 3:26-29). Satan, however, constantly tries to divide God’s people. One of his most effective means of division has been to divide men and women — whether in families or churches. Paul reminds us that if Jesus is our LORD, we recognize we need each other as men and women. We are committed to valuing each other. Rather than letting Satan divide us through our differences, we choose to unite around our Savior, who values both men and women, and used them in his ministry! My Prayer… Holy God, in whose image I am made, please give me the courage to value and esteem all others as you value me. I recognize that each person I meet is made in your image, too. So, please help me, dear Father. I do not want racial, social, or gender differences to interfere with the value I place on anyone you bring into my life. Give me the eyes, heart, and words of Jesus to bless and value others as my Savior did. In his name, Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
The Apocalypse
Note from Jesus Dear Precious One, During the first few decades after the completion of My incarnation on earth, sporadic persecution, seizure of properties, ostracism, prejudice, oppression, and executions were brought against My disciples. These persecutions were not throughout the Roman Empire, but there were several times of intense persecution tied to emperors of Rome. Nero was well known as a persecutor because of his power and time in history, as well as a number of events that happened under his rule. For example, there was the fire in Rome and his distaste for Christians as evidenced by the blaming of Christians for the fire and the subsequent execution of many of My disciples. Near the end of the first century, persecution erupted in Asia Minor connected to a cult that honored the emperor Domitian as “lord and god” — language almost identical to Thomas’ confession of Me after My resurrection (John 20:28). Some even hinted that Domitian was really Nero revived from the dead. Christians in Asia Minor — including in the cities listed at the end of your verses today — faced very difficult circumstances. My followers would call no one “Lord and God” but Me. Yet, any time they went to the market, visited the theater, went to their trade guild meetings, did business with the banks, or met politicians or members of the military in the street, they could be challenged to use those words to describe Domitian. When they refused, they faced severe reprisals as politicians in Asia Minor courted the favor and blessing of Domitian as they did with many emperors. The book of Revelation was written to give My disciples hope and remind them of their ultimate victory in Me. Over the next several days, we complete your journey through the New Testament. Our focus will be this Apocalypse: the message you now know as the book of Revelation. Because of his faith, My beloved disciple, John, was exiled off the coast of Asia Minor on the Isle of Patmos. I gave him this message on a Sunday. It was an unveiling or revelation in vision form that contained My message of encouragement to help the churches in Asia Minor as My precious people were facing hostility and persecution. The apocalyptic images of this book were well known when John wrote down this heavenly vision. The underlying message is pretty straightforward and clear. Unfortunately, this core message has often gotten lost in all the fascination with trying to identify the symbols and apply them to exact events and times in your day. The message basically is that Satan has used evil people to corrupt everything that humanity touches, especially places where humans come to power — for example, in the propaganda of politics, the use of the military, and the perversion of religion. In their corrupted form, the evil one has used these venues to mount pressure and persecution on My church and the people who are part of My family. Human and satanic powers were manipulating political agendas and propaganda, misusing the military, and corrupting religion. All these forces aligned to oppose My message, My church, and My people. The result was that the situation on earth looked bleak and hopeless when John received the Revelation. Yet, if My people remained faithful, they would share in My victory. The prayers of the martyrs and the persecuted were heard in heaven by the Father. The Spirit worked in the affairs of both human history and human powers to remove evil from its thrones of power. I would bring My people ultimate deliverance and victory. This cycle (evil people, alignment of powers, persecution, prayer for deliverance, and liberation) has been repeated down through history. Time is also moving toward an ultimate climax in which I will bring the final and ultimate victory for My church and her people. Evil will be banished. The evil one’s power to inflict hurt, damage, and death on My people will be stopped completely and eternally. The separation of the faithful from the Father’s throne will be removed. My people will enter into Our presence — the presence of the Father, Son, and Spirit. They will enjoy the blessings of unending life with Us in joyful fellowship and celebration. Today, we begin this last part of our year-long journey through the New Testament. Be blessed. Be faithful. Be confident. My resurrection guarantees your victory. My return guarantees your life, and your faithfulness will not be forgotten. My place in glory guarantees your joy will be unending. Verses to Live Read these verses slowly and carefully several times. Let the key words melt into your heart. Read these verses out loud. This is a book, an unveiling of My splendor and glory, that was written for your assurance and as a reminder that no matter when or where you live or how difficult the times, your victory with Me is assured and the evil that opposes and oppresses you won’t last. This is the revelation of Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King: an account of visions and a heavenly journey. God granted this to Him so He would show His followers the realities that are already breaking into the world and soon will be fulfilled. Through His heavenly messenger, He revealed to His servant John signs and insight into these mysteries. John, in turn, gave witness to the word of God and to the glorious truth revealed about Jesus, the Anointed One, the Chosen Ruler, by carefully describing everything he saw. Blessings come to those who read and proclaim these words aloud; blessings come to those who listen closely and put the prophetic words recorded here into practice. The finale is approaching. I, John, to the seven churches in Asia: May you experience God’s favor and rest in the peace that comes from the One Who is, the One Who was, and the One Who is coming; from the seven Spirits, the Perfect Spirit, constantly before God’s throne; and
11 Nov 2024
May the Lord give us the spirit of wisdom to help us provide solutions. May this divine insight open doors and bring hope. May all glory go to God. May the spirit of wisdom set us apart and bring us advantage. Daniel 5:14-16.
Today’s Verse – Jeremiah 11:10
They have returned to the sins of their forefathers, who refused to listen to my words. They have followed other gods to serve them. Both the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant I made with their forefathers. —Jeremiah 11:10 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Sometimes, those with the most significant opportunities for God’s blessings spurn them and fall back into the sinful habits of their past heritage and culture. The consequences of their rejection of God and his will are enormous. Israel and Judah are our cautionary warnings from the Old Covenant. For the last ten days in our devotionals, we’ve anticipated our glorious future as God’s children and feasted on the promises of what lies ahead for us in our walk with Christ. Unfortunately, some never climb on board the train of grace. They don’t follow God. They don’t believe in Jesus. They disdain those who do. In the face of their rejection of God and their criticisms of us, let’s ensure we are truly faithful to God’s calling, not just in word but also in heart and deed. My Prayer… Dear Heavenly Father, I look forward to being with you. Yet, dear Father, I face many challenges in my commitment to be faithful. I don’t want to fall into the evil and sinful habits of some who have gone before me and rebelled against you. Please empower my faith to be like those who served you wholeheartedly and embrace my future in glory with Jesus joyfully (Colossians 3:1-4). Please, dear Father, deliver me from any impure deed or thought as I surrender myself wholeheartedly to your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.