Prophetic Prospective Daily Devotional

Matthew 24:34

2009-11-06T08:16:00.003-05:00

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

For further study - Matthew 24:27-36

The passage for our devotional reading today is another portion of the "Olivet Discourse", the message Jesus gave to His disciples during "Passion Week".

After teaching all day, on Tuesday afternoon of "Passion Week", Jesus started back towards the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus where He was staying, the days before His crucifixion.

As He left the Temple Mount area He had told the disciples that Herod's Temple would be destroyed and there would not be "a stone upon a stone". The disciples questioned Jesus as to when this Temple destruction would take place and they wanted Him to give them some signs of His Second Coming.

In Matthew 24 the Lord does not give any information about the Temple, as to when it would be destroyed. Jesus, in the account of the Lord's message on the Mount of Olives, in Mark 13 and Luke 21 does respond to the first question from the disciples.

The Lord did answer the question, requesting signs of His Second Coming back to earth, Matthew 24:4-26. In the passage we are reading today Jesus tells of His Second Coming, verses 27-31.

Verse 29 reveals that the Second Coming takes place, after the Tribulation Period. Remember, the Rapture is not mentioned in Matthew 24. The Lord's return to earth when He steps on the Mount of Olives, Zechariah 14:4, is what is in focus in this passage.

After telling of His return to earth, actually to the spot where He was seated teaching those gathered to listen to Him, then as He often did, the Lord used a parable to draw some conclusions.

At the peak of the Mount of Olives there are a number of fig trees. Remember, the time was the spring, since Passover was just a day away. As Jesus noticed the "fig trees" He would use them as an illustration.

Let me say Jesus is not referring to the "fig tree" as the nation of Israel. The "fig tree" is an example of how in the spring the new leaves will pop up on the bare limbs after the winter.

Jesus said that like the new leaves on the "fig tree", the signs, prophecies, that He gave that day would precede His Second Coming. Then Jesus said, "This generation, the ones seeing these things that He had talked about, verses 4 to 31, this generation shall not pass away until all these things be fulfilled", verse 34.

In other words the people that see all the signs, Matthew 24:4-31, when they see these prophecies being fulfilled, look up because they will be the generation alive when Jesus Christ comes back.

Remember, the Rapture takes place at least seven years before the Second Coming. I believe we are "the generation" seeing the signs happening and "the generation" that will see Jesus Christ come back.

PRAYER THOT: Help me Lord, to alert as many people as possible, alive in this generation, to be prepared for the Rapture, which happens before the Second Coming and could happen today.

Zechariah 12:1

2009-11-05T06:50:00.004-05:00

The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.

For further study - Zechariah 12:1-14

Though we consider the book of Zechariah as one of the "minor prophets", I believe he is one of the "major Prophets", based upon his prophetic passages relative to the first coming of Jesus Christ, second only to Isaiah. In addition there is great prophetic significance in the book for the Second Coming.

As we begin our devotional reading for today, by reading the first verse of chapter 12, we are made aware of the foundation for the Lord's authority for giving prophetic truth to this ancient Jewish Prophet.

It's plain and simple, the Lord is not only a "giver of prophetic truth" but also the Creator, the One who "stretched forth the heavens and layeth the foundations of the earth and formeth the spirit of man within him".

Prophecy is unique to Christianity and the Bible for just that reason, the Creator of all things knows what will happen in the future. Creation and prophecy go hand in hand.

Next, the prophet focuses on the city of Jerusalem in the end times, verses 2-3. Verse 2 speaks of Jerusalem as a "cup of trembling".

Remember, this is "apocalyptic" literature, using a "symbol" to communicate an absolute truth. The rule for interpretation of apocalyptic literature is that another scripture passage will give the interpretation.

Proverbs 23:31 speaks of the "juice of the vine and when it is red, when it giveth it's color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright", the liquid is intoxicating and the exhortation is "to not look upon the cup."

This Zechariah passage is speaking of Jerusalem, a "cup of trembling," as being intoxicating. Those who have control over Jerusalem, and in particular the Temple Mount, to them it will become "intoxicating".

Verse 3 is speaking of how that control of the Temple Mount becomes a "heavy burden", a heavy weight too burdensome to lift. Today, those who control the Temple Mount, the "Islamic Trust", have become intoxicated with that power.

As usual I can only pick the "mountain peaks" of blessing in each passage. For example, look at verse 10, this verse has been misunderstood as it relates to its time frame. The verse does not happen after Jesus comes back, that's not until Zechariah 14:4, but instead it's happening today.

As the Jews stand praying and mourning today at the "wailing wall," or better known as the "Western Wall", they are looking directly at the location where Christ was crucified, where His hands were pierced.

The Jews, not yet realizing it, are "mourning" today for the One they pierced. Notice in verses 11-14 that this "mourning" is done with the wives and husbands separated. That's the way the religious Jews worship and pray today at the Western Wall.

As the Jews today are "looking upon Him who they have pierced" it is evident that we are living in the time Zechariah wrote about, the end times. Remember, Zechariah 14 is the Lord's return but, seven years earlier the Rapture takes place, and it could happen today.

PRAYER THOT: Thank You, Lord, for prophecy that alerts me to the nearness of the Rapture. Help me to live in light of these precious truths.

Daniel 10:12

2009-11-04T07:08:00.003-05:00

Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

For further study - Daniel 10:1-21

Our key verse for today's devotional reading is the very best statement found in the Bible for studying Bible prophecy. I'll get to this two-part reason for studying prophecy in a moment, but first some background on the extended passage.

Daniel is in his late 80's and under the leadership of the Medo-Persian Empire as he writes this prophetic passage, verse 1.

Daniel, in an effort to understand the times in which he was living and wanting to serve the Lord with more intensity, started a three week fast, verse 3, waiting to hear from heaven about the future of his people, the Jewish people.

The heavens heard Daniel's cries and the Lord God dispatched a "heavenly visitor" to the earth to meet with Daniel. A close look at the description of this "heavenly visitor" indicates that it was a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, verses 5-6, as compared to Revelation 1:12-15.

When Daniel saw the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prophet fell on his face, on the ground before the Lord. I love what Jesus said about Daniel, verse 11, "Daniel, a man greatly beloved." What a commendation from the "heavenly visitor" for a mere man. By the way, there is not one negative word written about Daniel in the entire Bible.

Now we come to verse 12, the two-fold purpose for studying prophecy. The Lord told Daniel that from the first day he "set his heart to understand the times", the Lord had started to come to meet with him.

The student of Bible prophecy can indeed understand the times in which we are living today. We must understand the times today so that we can make decisions today that effect tomorrow. Therefore, we must know today what will happen tomorrow.

Then, the second reason, or the result of studying Bible prophecy, is also in verse 12, "and to chasten thyself before thy God." In other words, once we understand the times we are living in, we must get our hearts right with God.

In verse 13 and 20 of our extended reading we see that Satan will dispatch "evil angels" to take control of "world leaders" for his own purpose.

The phrase "Prince of Persia", verse 13, is referring to a Persian leader that was a "demonically" controlled, "prince." Prince in this passage is a word used to describe "angels" and in this case, "evil angels".

Notice that Michael, the "archangel", is described as "one of the "chief princes", verse 13. This "Prince of Persia" is the villain, Haman, in the book of Esther, the evil leader who wanted to eliminate all Jews from the earth.

The "Prince of Greece," in verse 20, is none other than Antiochus Epiphanes of Daniel 11:20-35.

In the last days, Satan will dispatch "evil angels" to take control of world leaders to assist in his "Satanic game plan" for the last days, Ephesians 6:12.

Now, as Daniel, we can understand the times and why world leaders do what they do in our world today. Some times in this wicked world we see many world leaders that are actually under Satanic control. This "demonic activity" will only intensify as we draw closer to the Lord's return.

PRAYER THOT: Help me, dear Lord, to chasten my heart and live for you more so as I understand the times by my knowledge of Bible prophecy.

Ezekiel 34:30

2009-11-03T08:13:00.004-05:00

Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord GOD.

For further study - Ezekiel 34:11-31

As we read the extended portion of our devotional for today there is one thought that is very evident, the Lord God is going to do something as it relates to the restoration of Israel and the setting up of the Davidic Kingdom.

We know this because the Lord God tells us what He is going to do and He makes it very clear not only what He is going to do, but also that He is the One who is speaking.

Between verses 11-29 the Lord repeats one phrase 18 times. The prominent phrase is, "I will", "I will" search out my sheep, verse 11. "I will" seek out my sheep, verse 12. "I will" gather them from the countries and bring them into their own land, verse 13. And " I will" feed them in a good pasture, verse 14

I have only given you four of the eighteen "I will's" of the Lord. These "I will's" are promises of restoring a Jewish people to a nation called Israel. I've often said, if God's Word says something one time, I believe it and that settles it for me. Once God's Word says something eighteen times we must pay attention.

From Ezekiel 1-32 God gave the Jewish prophet, Ezekiel, a "message of retribution". From Ezekiel 33-48 the prophet's message is "restoration", restoring the Kingdom people, the Jewish people; and restoring the Kingdom practices.

Speaking of the Kingdom, the Lord confirms the promise of the yet to come Kingdom, in verses 23-25. The Lord, through Ezekiel, tells the Jews that King David will be resurrected and will become a "shepherd" over the Jewish people.

The Lord tells the reader that the resurrected David will be a "prince", mainly because Jesus Christ is the "King" during the coming Kingdom Period.

The Lord says that there will be a "covenant of peace" made between God and King David. David returns to be a "prince", a co-regent with Christ in the Temple that Jesus builds, Zechariah 6:12.

A spiritual application of these promises, to the Jewish people, for us as Christians, is what God does in the last days with King David. David was a flesh and blood character, a man of like passion, and yet the Lord God returns David to an important place of service during the Kingdom.

God has a plan for each of us. We must be prepared to do His will in our life once we determine what His will is for each of us.

PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord for the opportunity to serve You. Please help me to be the servant that You want me to be, for Your glory.

Jeremiah 31:35-36

2009-11-02T08:10:00.003-05:00

Thus saith THE LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; THE LORD of hosts is his name: If those ordinances depart from before me, saith THE LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.

For further study - Jeremiah 31:1-40

The date June 7, 1967 marked one of the most important days in Israel's modern day history. On that date, after almost 2,000 years, the Jewish people reunited their “holy city” of Jerusalem.

The Israeli Defense Force stormed off the Mount of Olives, down through the Kidron Valley, through the Lion Gate of the Old City, and on to the Temple Mount to capture this sacred piece of real estate for the Jewish people.

This was a very emotional moment for paratroopers who captured the entire Old City on “day three” of the Six Day War. Israel fought this war on 3 fronts and was victorious. The Israelis were under attack from the north by Syria, from the east by Jordan, and from the south by Egypt.

I remind you of this benchmark in Israel's history because of our devotional reading for today, as it relates to that day. The prophet Jeremiah 2,500 years ago foretold of a time in history future from his day that the Jewish people would return to their land after centuries of being scattered around the world.

Jeremiah 31:8-10 tells of how the Lord will bring the Jewish people from all over the world back "home." Jeremiah 31:17 reveals that these Jews gathered from the “four corners of the earth”, will be brought back into their land, into their own borders. Notice in Jeremiah 31:23, the Lord promises to give back to the Jewish people their Hebrew language.

Jeremiah 31:38-40 talks about the return of Jerusalem to the Jewish people, which was partially fulfilled on the date, June 7, 1967. I say partially because the city of Jerusalem will be a center of controversy until the Messiah, Jesus Christ, sets up His kingdom. Jesus Christ will reign over His kingdom from Jerusalem for 1,000 years.

Our key verses, Jeremiah 31:35-36, reveal to us the commitment of God Himself to His plan for the Jewish people. The only way that God would break His promises to the Jewish people would be if the sun, moon, and stars were to be destroyed in the heavens.

Jeremiah 31:31-33 records the "New Covenant" that is given to the Jewish people. The New Covenant lasts forever. It is referring to the time that the Jewish people accept Jesus Christ as Messiah and Saviour, and He becomes their God. It's a time, as well, when the Jewish people will be His people. This prophecy has yet to be fulfilled.

As we think of the reunification of Jerusalem on June 7, 1967, and with the other prophecies of Jeremiah 31 being fulfilled, we can know that the prophecy of Israel's salvation will also come to pass, seemingly in the near future.

PRAYER THOT: Thank You, Lord, for Your commitment to the Jewish people in the past, and the future. It is an assurance of Your commitment to me, as well.

Isaiah 51:11

2009-11-01T08:26:00.003-05:00

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

For further study - Isaiah 51:1-23

This chapter in the prophetic book of Isaiah is like a "songbook" that contains great songs with lyrics, made up of Bible doctrine.

Our key verse is a prime example. Read slowly verse 11 and you can almost hear the melody that has been assigned to these words. In fact, the words of the verse speak of "singing and joy" as the way those that have been redeemed will return to Zion, Jerusalem.

Notice the "joy", it is "everlasting joy", joy that is forever. This is not "happiness" which is based upon "happenings" but instead "joy" that comes from the Lord. When you have "Godly joy", joy that comes from the Lord, "sorrow and mourning" shall flee away.

The One that gives us that " joy" along with a "song" for us to sing is the Creator of all things, verses 13 & 15. He is the "Lord thy maker". "The One who stretched forth the heavens and laid the foundations for the earth, the One who divided the seas."

As the Creator, He can give us a song to sing and everlasting joy. The Creator is the same One who will protect His people, verses 16 & 23. The phrase "cup of trembling" is speaking of those who are "intoxicated with power", the ones the Lord will bring back to reality through judgment.

Before we leave this passage, look back to verse 3 and let me explain the "truth" found in this passage. This verse is speaking of the most sacred piece of real estate in the world, "Eden, the Garden of the Lord".

The Temple Mount in Jerusalem is the original sight of the "Garden of Eden". (See my audio series, "Return to Eden".) This fact has been known by all Orthodox Jewish academic scholarship from the "beginning", 5,770 years ago.

Judaism believes that the original Garden of Eden is on the location of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem today. God's Word says that this is where all joy, gladness, thanksgiving, and the "voice of melody", singing, emanates from in our old world.

But notice the verse again, the Lord will return this spot to the Jews in the last days, Ezekiel 36:35 and Joel 2:3. This of course is the reason for Islam's strong desire to take control of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Where the Lord began all things, He will return to in the last days. It will be the restored "Garden of Eden" on the location of the Creator's Kingdom headquarters, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord for the Word of God that explains current events in light of Biblical prophecy.

Exodus 25:8-9

2009-10-31T08:02:00.003-04:00

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

For further study - Exodus 25:1-40

For our extended reading today we have selected more verses than usual. However, I think you will benefit by reading all forty verses of Exodus 25.

This chapter is God's instruction to Moses and the Jewish people on how to build a "dwelling place" so that he could "dwell among His people."

Exodus 26 actually gives details on the "tabernacle" itself. Chapter 25 gives the details of three pieces of furniture that will be in the Tabernacle, a "transportable worship center," and later in the "permanent worship center," the Temple.

These implements are the "ark," the "table of shewbread" and the "menorah," the golden candlestick. I hasten to remind you that each implement in the Tabernacle and/or the Temple, the sacrificial system performed at the Temple and all the activities of the Temple were all prophecies of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Let me take these three implements found here in Exodus 25 and explain that indeed they did look forward to the coming Messiah.

First, the "table of shewbread", this implement was to hold the twelve loaves of bread, a special type of bread, that would be made every sabbath and then this new bread would replace the week-old bread.

By the way the priests on duty that day were allowed to eat the older bread, that week-old bread, which they said was still fresh. This "table of shewbread" is a picture of Jesus who said in John 6:35 that He was the "bread of life".

The second item, the "menorah", the golden candlestick, would stand in the "Holy Place" in the Temple and give light for the priestly activities inside the "Holy Place".

This “seven-branched candelabra” was fueled by "virgin olive oil" which the priest would use to refuel the "menorah" each day. Remember Jesus said in John 8:12, 9:5, and 11:9 that He was the "Light of the world".

The third implement is the most sacred of these three implements, the "ark of the covenant". It was a rectangular box made out of "shittim wood" and covered with pure gold.

It had four rings, one at each corner by which the priest would transport the "ark". Inside the "ark" would be the "tablets of the Ten Commandments," a "container of manna" and the "budding almond rod." The "ark of the covenant" was indeed the "mercy seat" where on Yom Kippur the High Priest, once a year, would pour the “sacrificial blood”.

The "ark" represented the person of Jesus Christ and His redemptive work, the shedding of His blood. It was a model of Him to come. By the way, when you have the "real thing" you no longer need the "model."

The Temple that Jesus Christ will build at His Second Coming, Zechariah 6:12, will no longer need any of these implements, because He is the Messiah, the one these implements foreshadowed.

The Temple that will stand on the Temple Mount during the coming Tribulation Period (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15, II Thessalonians 2:4 and Revelation 11:1) will have all three of these implements in it because it is a "false temple" for a "false messiah", Antichrist.

That Tribulation Temple is ready to be built, all preparations have been made for that Temple. The only thing that must happen before the Tribulation Temple is erected is the Rapture of the Church, which could happen at any moment.

Thus in light of the "any moment" Rapture of the Church, which includes me and you, if your saved. Let's keep looking up...........

PRAYER THOT: Dear Lord, help me to live in light of the "any moment" Rapture of the Church, which includes me.

Genesis 12:3

2009-10-30T07:46:00.004-04:00

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

For further study - Genesis 12:1-9

The Lord's promise to Abraham, known as the "Abrahamic Covenant" was made to Abraham before he ever left his home in Ur of the Chaldees. God promised this Gentile man that He would make him a great "nation" with a piece of the land to go along with the nation.

This nation would be a blessing to all people of the world, if they blessed the nation that Abraham would Father. As you continue to read through the book of Genesis, you will see that the promise to Abraham was also confirmed to his son and his grandson; Isaac, Genesis 26:2-3 and Jacob, Genesis 35:12.

Remember, Abraham is not the “father” of the Arab world but the father of the “Jewish nation”. The Abrahamic Covenant is the first of four covenants that God has made with the Jewish people. The "Land Covenant," Deuteronomy 30, is an extension of the Abrahamic Covenant.

To be a "nation" of people, you must have a piece of “real estate”. God mentioned to Abraham in Genesis 12 that the land he passed through on his way South from the "Fertile Crescent", modern-day Syria, that the land would be given to him and his seed, the Jewish people, verses 5-7.

In Genesis 15, there is additional information about the Abrahamic Covenant and the land promised to Abraham in the covenant. We will look at Genesis 15 in another devotional but suffice to say that the Abrahamic Covenant was what is called a "blood covenant." This is a covenant that, if broken, results in the giving up of the life of the one who breaks the covenant or promise.

Genesis 15 says that Abraham actually slept and only the Lord made the covenant, thus this is an "unconditional covenant", only the Lord is responsible for the promises and their fulfillment. By the way, Genesis 15 explains that the land promised to the descendants of Abraham, the Jewish people, will be ten times what they have today, more on that when we come to our devotional reading in Genesis 15.

What is such a blessing to me is that the Lord makes commitments or covenants and obligates Himself to keep them. Some churches say that God has finished with Israel and turned His blessings on the Church. That is what is called "Replacement Theology" - God has replaced the Jews with the Church and has no future program for the Jews.

That is not the case according to our reading today. The Abrahamic Covenant is "forever," as given to the Jewish people. Therefore, we can rest assured that any promise the Lord makes to Christians about eternal life will be fulfilled also.

Should the Lord break His covenant with the Jews, He could break His promises to us as Christians. He cannot break either of the promises, the Abrahamic Covenant or the promise of eternal life to the Christians.

The Lord does have a program for the Jews in the future and we can see the stage being set for that program to come to pass, seemingly in the near future.

PRAYER THOT: Thank You Lord for being a covenant keeping God.

Revelation 6:17

2009-10-29T04:06:00.003-04:00

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

For further study - Revelation 6:1-17

This sixth chapter of Revelation is the prophecy of six of the seven Seal Judgments that will come upon the earth and it's inhabitants during the seven year long period of judgment known as the Tribulation Period.

Throughout the entire time of the Tribulation Period there are twenty-one judgments, “three sets of seven” , seven "seal" judgments, seven "trumpet" judgments and seven "vial" judgments that unfold.

These twenty-one judgments get progressively worse and will intensify as the Tribulation Period unfolds. These initial six judgments in Revelation 6 are the beginning of the terrible time to come upon the earth.

A quick look at the six judgments reveal how the seals are broken on the “sealed book”, most likely a single scrolled book, and each seal is broken by the Lamb, verses 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12. The “Lamb”, of course, is the person of Jesus Christ, who will bring these judgments upon the earth in the Tribulation Period.

The judgments are released upon humankind on the earth, after the Rapture. All six of these judgments happen in the first three and a half years of the seven-year long judgment period.

In verses 1 and 2 we see a man on a "white horse", who is the "Antichrist". This satanically energized person is the one who tries to fool the world into believing that he is the long awaited Messiah.

Verses 3 and 4 reveal a man on a "red horse" who comes to take peace from the earth, it's the judgment of "war" released upon humankind.

The man on a black horse, verses 5 and 6, is the judgment of famine, which when it calls for a "measure of wheat" for a "penny" that is referring to enough wheat to make bread for a family of four for one day at the cost of a days wages, a penny.

The fourth seal is depicted as a man on a "pale horse". When this judgment is released "one-fourth of the earth's population is killed." That will mean 1.5 billion people will die as a result of this judgment.

Verses 9 - 11 describe those who will be "martyred" for their testimony. They are not Christians but people who will come to Christ after the Rapture, during the first of the Tribulation Period.

The sixth seal, verses 12 - 14, will be "ecological" judgments upon the earth, earthquakes, and in the heavens.

These judgments that happen early in the Tribulation Period are events that seemingly are in the process of coming about today. Jesus said when you see these things happening, Matthew 24:4-7 and 32-34, you can recognize that this is the time of His return to the earth.

However, remember that the Rapture of the Church takes place seven years before He comes back to earth. The fact that we can see the stage being set for these six seal judgments, indicates that the Rapture could not only happen at any moment but it could happen soon, even today.

PRAYER THOT: Help me Lord to live today as if the Rapture could happen this day.

II Corinthians 12:9

2009-10-28T08:32:00.003-04:00

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

For further study - II Corinthians 12:1-10

As we come to our reading today, I am eager to share several thoughts with you about the experiences of the Apostle Paul. These experiences in the life of Paul will give us insight into biblical principles that we each can appropriate for ourselves.

Let me remind you that Paul was a brilliant man. Some scholars have said he was one of the five greatest minds that ever lived. His writings are masterpieces of literature, from a worldly perspective.

Paul tells us that in order for him to not be exalted above measure, above what he should be. The Apostle Paul was given, by God, a "thorn in the flesh", verse 7. We don't know exactly what the "thorn" was except that it was something physical, a physical ailment of some type.

Verse 8 tells us that Paul went to the Lord in prayer to request the removal of the "thorn." It is with this backdrop of weakness that God's divine power is displayed. Just think of the awesome statement from God to Paul, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

Even as I wrote God's statement I had to pause to think about it. This philosophy is opposite to what the world, even some elements of the Church, believe is for today. We are told all you do is pray and God will heal you. That was not the case with Paul. God's plan for Paul was to make manifest in his life the power and strength of God in his weakness, his physical ailment.

Notice in verse 10 that Paul says he took pleasure in his infirmities because it was for the "sake of Christ" that this was happening to him. In weakness Paul knew he was made strong. This is such a blessing to each of us as we face everyday with our own weakness. His grace is, indeed, sufficient.

But now look again at the beginning of our reading for today, verses 2-4. Paul writes that he knew a man who about 14 years earlier was caught up into heaven, the “third heaven”. Let me explain the three heavens.

The “first heaven” is where the sun and the clouds are located. The “second heaven” is where the stars and galaxies are located. The “third heaven” is where God and Jesus are today. You see the first heaven “by day”, the second heaven “by night” and the third heaven “by faith”.

Paul spoke of himself as "a man in Christ" and not as one of great worthiness or as one who had achieved spiritual excellence. Paul was "caught up" into the third heaven in the will and plan of God. By the way, the phrase used here "caught up" is the same phrase describing the "Rapture" in I Thessalonians 4:17.

Paul experienced the "Rapture," the event that he had explained to the people in Thessalonica. Remember Paul's last words in II Timothy 4:8, he was looking forward to a "crown of righteousness" as he eagerly looked for Jesus to Rapture the Church into heaven.

He had the experience of the Rapture and wanted to go to heaven in that way, instead of by death. I want that also, don't you?

PRAYER THOT: Lord, help me to understand Your strength through my weakness and also eagerly await Your call for me to join You in heaven.

I Corinthians 15:52

2009-10-27T05:58:00.002-04:00

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

For further study - I Corinthians 15:51-58

In my King James Scofield Reference Bible there is a "headliner" above verse 51 in our extended text for today's devotional. It reads "All believers will not die." This is what I call a "blessed hope".

I've often said I don't want the "undertaker" to take care of me, I want the "upper-taker", Jesus, at the Rapture, to deal with me at the time of my departure from this world.

In other words I want to be in the group of believers who will not die but instead will be "translated" into the heavenlies as Jesus shouts and I am called up to meet Him in the air at the Rapture of the Church. This is my "blessed hope", and yours as well.

The Rapture is the focus in these last seven verses of I Corinthians 15. I Corinthians 15 opens with the focus on the "Resurrection" of Jesus Christ. The chapter closes with the "Rapture". I must remind you that it is because of the "Resurrection" that we have the "blessed hope" and assurance of the "Rapture".

I Thessalonians 4:13-18 tells us of the procedure of the Rapture. The "archangel" shouts and the "trump of God" sounds and "Jesus shouts". Then the "dead in Christ" rise first and we, which are alive and remain on earth should be caught up to join Jesus in the air, as we enter the heavenlies.

Paul writes the Church in Corinth about the Rapture about five years after he introduced the subject to those in the Church in Thessalonica, I Thessalonians 4:13-18.

In our devotional passage for today we are given more details about this "blessed event". Paul tells us it will happen "in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye", verse 52a. Remember, the "twinkling of an eye" is much, much faster than even the "blink of an eye".

The "dead in Christ" are raised, incorruptible. We that are alive at the Rapture are changed. We put on incorruption and immortality. This all happens faster than you can blink your eyes, and that is fast. We can all then join in the chorus singing in harmony with Jesus, "O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory?", verse 55.

We'll also join together to sing the "thank you chorus", "Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.", verse 57.

Paul concludes this passage with our "marching orders". He tells us to "Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord", verse 58. We do this because we know that our labor for Him is not in vain.

Prophecy is so very practical. As we better understand the next event on God's timetable for the future, the Rapture, we see how then we should live until He calls us to join Him in the heavenlies.

PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord for the promise of the Rapture. Help me to live for You today knowing how close we may be to the Rapture.

Romans 14:10

2009-10-26T08:47:00.003-04:00

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

For further study - Romans 14:1-13

Paul is writing to the church in Rome, in chapter 14, at least the first part of the chapter, about a problem among the people of the church.

There are those who are saying, "We can eat this or that but we must not eat the other." Then there are those who say, "We esteem this day more important than any other and you don't do that." Paul addresses these issues in several ways.

Paul says whatever we eat, if we are Christians, it's unto the Lord, verse 6 Also, what day we esteem, that will be done unto the Lord as well. In fact, Paul says, if we are alive we are living unto the Lord, or we should be doing so, verse 8.

Then Paul exhorts the Romans, as well as each of us today, to stop judging one another any more. Paul says what must be judged is that we must not put a stumbling block or occasion to fall in our brothers way, verse 13.

Paul then asks the question, "Why doest thou judge your brother, verse 10, especially in light of the fact that we are all going to stand before the "Judgment Seat of Christ" one day.

This is not a judgment to determine whether we are saved or lost. That will be determined before we ever get to the "Judgment Seat of Christ". There will be only "saved" people at the "Judgment Seat of Christ".

Verse 12 states that "Every one of us shall give an account of himself to God." The "Judgment Seat of Christ" takes place right after the Rapture of the Church. When we leave this earth at the time that Jesus shouts to call us up to join Him in the "air", I Thessalonians 4:13-18, we stand before the Lord right at that moment, in the "twinkling of an eye", I Corinthians 15:52.

After departing earth we are “face to face with Jesus”, in order that we can give an account of ourselves. It's at the "Judgment Seat" where we are judged to determine that our works are those which qualify as our "righteous acts", Revelation 19:8. These "righteous acts" make up our "wedding garment" for the "marriage ceremony" and the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb".

Also at the "Judgment Seat" we will be given "crowns" as rewards, crowns for bringing our bodies under subjection, I Corinthians 9:27; for being soul-winners, I Thessalonians 2:19; for not yielding to temptation, James 1:12; for helping young believers grow in the Lord, I Peter 5:1-14; and for eagerly looking for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, II Timothy 4:8.

We will then take these crowns to the throne, where Jesus is seated, and we cast them at the feet of Jesus in thanksgiving for what He has, is, and will do for us, Revelation 4:10.

Paul has a great question for each of us as we close our time in the Word for this devotional, why do we judge our brothers and sisters?

PRAYER THOT: Help me to live today, Lord, knowing I will stand at the "Judgment Seat of Christ", to receive crowns to cast at Your feet in thanksgiving. Help me not to judge others, but to make sure I am not a stumbling block.

Acts 5:38-39

2009-10-25T05:44:00.001-04:00

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

For further study - Acts 5:29-42

As we come to the fifth chapter of Acts we see recorded here, continuing persecution of the early church, in fact a church less than one year old was being persecuted.

In Acts 5:17-28 we see the record of the "second persecution," with the apostles being placed in jail for teaching about Jesus Christ and "The Way". It was while the apostles were in a "common prison" that an “angel of the Lord” released them and told them to "go, stand and speak", verse 20.

The High Priest and the Captain of the Temple gathered the apostles together and told them, "you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine", verse 28. What a testimony it was for these men who were following the directions of Jesus Christ, given to them before He ascended into heaven.

Peter answered these Temple leaders, "we ought to obey God rather than man", verse 29. That is our call for today, as well, to obey God rather than men. Notice the wisdom of the one member of the council overseeing this incident, verses 34-39.

The man, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, had watched the entire proceedings and told the other Temple leaders, verse 38, "If this work is of men, it will come to nought". Gamaliel's next statement shows his great wisdom, verse 39, "but if it be of God you can not overthrow it; lest haply you be found even to fight against God."

What a profound statement. The statement was also prophetic, Isaiah 46:9-10. In retrospect we now know it was not of men but of God as Gamaliel said.

The last three verses of Acts 5 reveal how these handful of apostles spread the message of the gospel, the story of Jesus, around the world.

First of all, they rejoiced in the fact that they were to be found worthy of suffering shame for the name of Jesus, verse 41. Verse 40 reveals to us that the apostles were actually beaten for preaching the gospel.

Their response to this persecution was that, as recorded in verse 42, these men went out "daily", not just on Sunday, but daily they went out to teach or preach Jesus. They also went into the "marketplace", in fact, onto the Temple Mount, to teach and preach Jesus. These men not only went "public" but they went "private" as they went to "every house" to talk to the people about the Lord.

Let me remind you once again of the message. They would "teach and preach Jesus Christ". They weren't teaching politics, social issues, war or no war, presidential elections, or any other issue except Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and what that meant to the Jews they were contacting.

This plan must have worked, look how the gospel has spread over these two thousand years. But wait a minute, the work is not done yet. We must work until He comes. We must today go out and follow the plan and preach Jesus to all people.

PRAYER THOT: Help me Lord, to be focused on the job of winning people to You and doing it in the way that You said, one by one.

John 16:13

2009-10-24T06:54:00.002-04:00

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

For further study - John 16:1-15

Today I have chosen a very practical portion of scripture for our devotional reading, a passage that is practical and prophetic.

John 16 takes place at the end of the "Passover Seder" that Jesus and His disciples were observing the night before Jesus would be crucified the next afternoon at 3:00pm on the day of "Passover".

Jesus was still teaching His disciples at the meal before His arrest, followed by the night of beating and Crucifixion the next day. He was also trying to comfort and encourage His disciples, these men who had traveled with Jesus for the last 3 1/2 years leading up to "Passion Week." These men were very anxious not knowing what would happen to them.

Jesus had told them that He was going to be crucified. For the last six months before the Lord's death the disciples were aware of what would happen to Jesus but fearful of what might befall them.

Jesus told them that it was actually expedient that He must die, "go away", verse 7, because if He did not depart the earth the "Comforter" would not come to them. Using the term "Comforter", Jesus was referring to the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit, verse 8, would "reprove the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment". Verses 12-14 give us much insight into the ministry of the Holy Spirit, which is somewhat different than what the world thinks that ministry is today.

Jesus said that He must depart so that then the Holy Spirit would be able to come. Don't misunderstand, the Holy Spirit is "omnipresent," He is always present, but the Lord was referring to the new, unique ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 13 says that the Holy Spirit “shall not speak of Himself ". Any activity that would attract attention to the Holy Spirit is not of God, according to Jesus. Verse 14 says that the Holy Spirit's ministry is to glorify Jesus, "He should glorify Me."

No one should ever praise the Holy Spirit for what He, the Holy Spirit, has done. The Holy Spirit should not speak of Himself but only “glorify Jesus”. There is another ministry for the Holy Spirit according to Jesus. Jesus said, verse 12 that "He had many things to tell us but we may not be able to bare them."

Therefore, Jesus must go so He can send the Holy Spirit to "guide us into all truth", verse 13, and "to show us things to come".

I often tell those who hear me preach and say that I have given them so much information they don't know if they can assimilate it into their brain, I tell them that it's in their brain, having entered through their "ear gate" by listening to me, and that the Holy Spirit will teach them the prophetic truths of God's Word.

What a blessed thing that Jesus did for us, not only His death, burial and resurrection that gives us eternal life, but His sending of the Holy Spirit to teach us “things to come”.

PRAYER THOT: Thank you Jesus for sending us the Holy Spirit to teach us things to come. Allow the knowledge of these prophetic truths to help us live our lives as we await Your soon return.

Luke 21:24

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And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

For further study - Luke 21:20-28

For the third straight day we go to the "well" of the "Olivet Discourse" for a "prophetic prospective" that applies to our day as well as to the day Jesus spoke these words on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem and Dr Luke recorded them for us so that we might be able to read and learn from this passage, today.

Verses 5 and 6 of Luke 21 are parallel verses to both Matthew 24:1-3 and Mark 13:1-3. Jesus, while teaching on the Temple Mount on Monday afternoon of "Passion Week," made an astounding statement as He walked from the Temple, through the Eastern Gate, across the Kidron Valley and onto the Mount of Olives.

Jesus looked back at the “twenty-one story” Temple shining brightly on the Jerusalem horizon, because of the gold on this worship center, and the Lord made a prediction that one day in the near future there would not be a stone standing upon a stone on this majestic Temple.

The disciples gathered quickly around Jesus to ask Him more about His statement concerning the Temple. In the record of the "Olivet Discourse" filed in Matthew 24 Jesus does not respond to the question of the disciples as to when His prophecy would be fulfilled.

However, in our devotional reading for today, Luke records what the Lord told the disciples about the destruction of this Temple. In Luke 21:5-28 you have Luke's version of the entire "Olivet Discourse".

In verses 20-24 you have the answer to the disciples question about when the Temple would be destroyed. Jesus said, verse 20, that when they saw "armies" gathered around Jerusalem that would be a "significant sign" as to when the Temple's destruction would take place.

Jesus told the disciples that when they did see the "warning signs" to "flee to the mountains", verse 21. In the context of historic fact about the Roman Army who surrounded Jerusalem and the Temple for three years we can see how things unfolded.

General Titus gave the order to destroy the Temple and this mighty Roman Army followed through on that infamous day in 70 AD. I believe the Jews in 70 AD fled to "Masada" a "fortress stronghold" built by Herod the Great at the southwestern corner of the Dead Sea.

I make this statement because of verse 24. This verse gives us information about what happened the day the Temple was destroyed and literally ripped apart, stone by stone with no stone remaining upon another as the Roman Army finished their destructive work.

By the way, the prophecy of Jesus was fulfilled almost forty years to the day after the Lord gave this prophecy. Notice verse 24 again, it is detailing how when the Temple was destroyed the Jews were scattered to the nations of the world.

Then another prophecy about Jerusalem appears. The prophecy is that the Temple Mount will be "trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled". "Gentiles", the United States, European Union, the United Nations, Arab Nations and all Gentile nations of the world who play a role in having control of the city of Jerusalem today and in particular the Temple Mount.

These Gentiles will continue to do so until Jesus comes back to Jerusalem and destroys the "Gentile world powers." The stage is set for this prophecy to be fulfilled. Remember, the Rapture happens first and then these prophecies are fulfilled.

By the way, the Rapture could happen today!

PRAYER THOT: Help me to understand Your prophetic warnings and to then apply them to my life as I live expectantly awaiting Your return, even so come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Mark 13:30

2009-10-22T08:24:00.003-04:00

Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

For further study - Mark 13:28-37

Our devotional recently was from Matthew 24:1-14 which is a record of the "Olivet Discourse" as reported by the disciple, Matthew. Luke also recorded the "Olivet Discourse", Luke 21:5-38.

Our devotional for today Mark 13:28-37 is a section of Mark's record of the most "profound prophetic conference" ever held on the Earth with Jesus, the Messiah, as the teacher.

As we discussed in the devotional from Matthew, the first portion of the Lord's message dealt with six major "signs" of the soon coming of Jesus Christ, His second coming to the Earth. We drew an interesting parallel between the "signs" Jesus gave, Matthew 24:4-7, and the "seals," the sealed judgments found in Revelation 6.

As we look at Mark's record of the "Olivet Discourse" we bypass additional "signs" that we will look at in another devotional. At the conclusion of the Lord's discourse, He used a parable to emphasize how to recognize the time and nearness of His coming. It's the parable of the "fig tree".

Jesus would often use the natural surroundings of where He was teaching to drive home His point. Let me remind you that this parable is not using the "fig tree" as the nation of Israel.

It's a simple illustration of how in the spring, which was the time of the year when the discourse was given, two days before the spring Feast of Passover. The Lord says to His disciples, "notice that when leaves show up on a bare limb of a fig tree, it means summer is near".

Then Jesus says, "so likewise when ye shall see these things", these things were deception, war, famine, pestilence and earthquakes, the sealed judgments, know that it will be His time to return to Earth.

Our key verse even gets more specific, verse 30. "This generation shall not pass, until all these things be done", Jesus will come back to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.

When the Lord referred to "this generation" He was not referring to those with Him that day on the Mount of Olives, they have passed away. Jesus was referring to the generation who "sees these things", the "signs".

Therefore, those people who are seeing "these things", they are the people who will not pass until He comes. The people who are seeing these things are "we" that are alive today. Some of this generation will die but the main group could well be the "generation" that sees Jesus come back to the earth.

PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord for your "prophetic word" that gives the evidence of the nearness of Your soon return, which helps me to be watching for this "glorious appearing."

Matthew 24:30

2009-10-21T03:01:00.001-04:00

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

For further study - Matthew 24:15-31

Our devotional reading for today, the extended reading, is a continuation of the Olivet Discourse that Jesus gave on the Mount of Olives on Monday afternoon of "Passion Week", the week of the Lord's death, burial and resurrection.

Jesus was responding to the questions from His disciples about the "signs" that they could look for in the time leading up to His Second Coming. Remember, Matthew 24 is not referring to the Rapture, but the Second Coming of Jesus.

The Lord set there on the Mount of Olives teaching His disciples, and mentioned deception, wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilence and earthquakes in different places around the earth, Matthew 24:4-7. All of these "signs" are events that lead up to the Lord's return to the earth.

Then in verse 15 of our extended reading the Lord refers to the prophecy of Daniel the Prophet that ministered 500 years before Jesus. Daniel had spoken of the Temple in Jerusalem being desecrated with the "Abomination of Desolation" during the seven-year period in advance of the Lord's return.

The "Abomination of Desolation" will be when "Antichrist" walks into the Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and claims to be God, II Thessalonians 2:4. That's when the False Prophet erects a statue, an "image" of the Antichrist, in the Temple and makes all the world to worship this "image", Revelation 13:14-17.

The Satanic creatures, Antichrist and False Prophet, desecrate the Temple, the "Abomination of Desolation" which happens at the mid-way point of the seven year Tribulation Period, Daniel 9:27. Jesus warns the Jews that when they see those things happening to flee Jerusalem.

What this means for us today is that as we quickly approach the coming of the Lord we will see preparations for building a Temple in Jerusalem. All of the preparations have been made. The Temple can be erected in a manner of days. But before they start building the Temple the Lord must call His people, Christians, up to be with Him at the Rapture.

We are quickly approaching the time that Jesus was teaching about; however, please remember that the Rapture happens at least 3 1/2 years before the "Abomination of Desolation".

All preparations have been made to build the Temple for this prophecy to be fulfilled. The only thing that must happen before the Temple is built is the Rapture, and that could happen today. Keep looking up.

PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord for the prophetic passages that describe the day of Your coming. Help me to look eagerly for your return in light of the evidence that the Rapture could happen today.

Zechariah 8:23

2009-10-20T06:22:00.005-04:00

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

For further study - Zechariah 8:13-23

Zechariah, along with Haggai and Malachi, were the three prophets who had a ministry of foretelling the future, actually pre-writing history, about 2,500 years ago after the Babylonian Captivity .

You might remember that all of prophecy has either a short-term fulfillment and/or a long-term fulfillment. By that I mean that prophecy given by the ancient Jewish prophets would be fulfilled in the near future as compared to a last days prophecy that will be fulfilled near the time of the Second Coming of Christ.

This is the case with Zechariah, his prophetic ministry was effective in his day as he exhorted the Jews who had returned from the Babylonian Captivity to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.

However, as in the case of our devotional reading for today, Zechariah was writing about a time yet future. This would be a time during his Kingdom period of 1,000 years, which indeed is yet future.

The Lord reveals to Zechariah that the Jews will be scattered among the heathen, the nations of this world, for a period of time. This has been the case since the Jews were scattered to the four corners of the earth, verse 13, because of their disobedience to the Lord.

This scattering of the Jews happened in 70AD. Verses 15-19 reveal to us that the Lord will gather these Jews back into Jerusalem, and Israel, for the purpose of becoming their Messiah. The Lord will be their God, and the Jews, His people.

In these verses, verses 15-19, the Lord reveals to the Jews how they will then live. By the way, we Christians might well benefit from the message to the Jews for daily living as we appropriate these instructions for our daily living as well, verses 16-17. This is prophecy made very practical.

Verses 20-23 tell us of the time when Jesus rules and reigns from His Temple in Jerusalem, Zechariah 6:12-13, and what will happen among the nations of the world at that time. People will actually search out Jews and go with them, because they will have heard that God is with them, verse 23.

Of course the Jews will lead these from among the nations, up to Jerusalem, where Jesus will be ruling and reigning from the Temple. Jerusalem has always been and always will be the center of the earth, Ezekiel 5:5.

God has a plan for the Jews in the future, He is not finished with His chosen people. The Church, Christians, have not replaced the “people of His plan”, the Jewish people.

Everything that is happening among the Jewish people today is setting the stage for Bible prophecy to be fulfilled.

PRAYER THOT: Thank You, Lord, for Your Word that reveals Your plan for the future and the people of the future.

Daniel 9:24

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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.

For further study - Daniel 9:1-27

In this ninth chapter of Daniel's prophecy, the ancient Jewish prophet is around 85 years old and had just come under the Medo-Persian Empire after seventy years under the Babylonians.

I give you this information because it helps us to see how Bible prophecy helps us to determine where we are on God's “prophetic time-clock”.

Verse 2 tells us of what Daniel got from his own devotional time, reading God's Word. Daniel was reading from the book of Jeremiah 29:10 and 25:11, where the prophet Jeremiah, almost one hundred years before the fact, revealed that the Jews would be out of the land of Israel for a seventy year period of time so that the "land of Israel" could get it's "seventy Sabbaths".

By reading God's Word Daniel could determine where he was in God's time. Notice as you read verses 3-23, Daniel, once he realizes where he was in God's “prophetic time”, he confessed his sins, the sins of his people and looks for the Lord's direction for his life.

You may not know that there is not one single negative word said about Daniel any place in the entire Bible. There is, by the way, in this chapter a "commendation", from the heavenlies, for Daniel, verse 23.

God gives Daniel a glimpse into the future with the prophecy of the “seventy weeks of Daniel”, verses 24-27. God has a "special plan", the seventy weeks of Daniel, (490 years); for a "special people", the Jewish people; and a "special place", the Holy City of Jerusalem; all of these in verse 24.

In this devotional I won't have the time to deal with the entire prophecy that extends from Daniel's day until the day of the Lord's return to earth. I would love to share with you the special blessing of Daniel 9:25-26 where we can see how the Lord set the time when the Messiah would appear on the earth.

The time for the appearance of the Messiah, verse 25, would be after 69 of the “70 Weeks”, or 483 of the 490 years of Daniel’s prophecy. This timing would be from when King Artaxerxes, the King of Nehemiah's day, gave the command to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls and streets of the city, some time in April 445BC.

The time would extend until the crucifixion of Jesus in April of 30 AD. This passage actually lays out for us when the Messiah would show up in Jerusalem.

In fact, Daniel even added information about the destruction of the Temple, which took place in 70AD, to the time mix. This prophecy pin-pointed that the Messiah would be crucified, "cut off", verse 26, and that it had to happen before the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, which was done by the Roman army.

These two verses set the time for the appearance of the Messiah on the earth. Jesus Christ fulfilled every prophetic detail, proving He was the Messiah and that He came right on time, according to Bible prophecy.

Next time we are in Daniel for our devotions, I will look at Daniel 9:27 and be more specific about the Lord's return. All the prophecies of Daniel, referring to the Lord's first coming and what would happen, were fulfilled in every detail. By the way, fulfilled prophecy sets the stage for future Bible prophecy to be fulfilled.

Keep your focus on the "special people", the Jewish people, and the "special place", Jerusalem, to know where God is on His time clock.

PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord for Your prophecies that help me understand the times in which we're living. Help me to live in light of Your soon coming.

Ezekiel 28:14

2009-10-18T06:08:00.004-04:00

Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

For further study - Ezekiel 28:13-19

In our devotional reading for today I have selected a parenthetical portion of a prophetic passage of prophecy against the "Prince of Tyrus", verse 2, and the "city of Zidon", verse 21.

In our extended reading, verses 13-19, we have a passage of punishment against the angel “Lucifer”, who God created and positioned as an "anointed cherub", verse 14. Lucifer was the one who the Lord placed over all that He had created.

This is information that will help us to understand the "fall of Lucifer" and his punishment as the "adversary", the Devil, that old serpent, Satan.

There are several things to notice in our reading. Lucifer was in the Garden of Eden and he was there after his creation which took place on the first day of creation, right after Jesus created the "heavens" and before He created the "earth", Genesis 1:1, Job 38:4 and 7 and Ezekiel 28:13-14.

Notice the synonymous terms in this passage, the "Garden of Eden" and the "Holy Mountain of God". These two phrases refer to the same location.

It was in the Garden of Eden that Lucifer revealed the iniquity in his being and allowed "pride" to bring this most prominent of all “created angels” to a place where the Lord would cast him out of the Holy Mountain of God, verse 16.

We know, by the text, that Lucifer was beautiful. Possibly the most beautiful creature created by Jesus, verse 17. The "beauty" of Lucifer is a key factor in the downfall of this angelic "superstar". A parallel passage that deals with the downfall of Lucifer is Isaiah 14:12-15.

In this prophetic passage from Isaiah we see that the "pride" of Lucifer, this most beautiful of all creatures, was what made manifest the sin within. In this passage Lucifer used the phrase, "I will". Lucifer would exercise his “free will” to his own detriment, his downfall.

Revelation 12:3-4 gives us the understanding that when Lucifer rebelled against the Lord, one-third of all angels created also rebelled and were cast out of the "third heaven" and into the "first heaven" above us, where the sun and clouds are located, Ephesians 6:12.

The study of "angels" is very significant in the study of Bible prophecy. As was the case at the first coming of Christ, so also will be the case in His Second Coming. Angels, both good and bad angels, play a key role in the events of the last days. (See my CD audio series on "Angels".)

The practical aspect of this devotion is that we must know the enemy, Satan, and also what brought about his downfall, from his position of prominence. It was "pride" that brought Satan down. We must run from "pride," and to the Lord.

PRAYER THOT: Help me Lord to flee from pride as I serve You, realizing that every good and great thing comes from You and You alone.

Jeremiah 30:7

2009-10-17T02:21:00.005-04:00

Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.

For further study - Jeremiah 30:1-11

Starting with the thirtieth chapter of Jeremiah we move into the section of this prophetic book referred to as the "messages of consolation", where Jeremiah, "the weeping prophet", reveals his heart and the prophetic Word of God that is somewhat of a "consoling message" to the Jews who had heard the previous messages of retribution.

Jeremiah 30-33 are the four chapters where the Lord uses the ministry of Jeremiah to console the Jewish people. As the prophet begins this section he does so in chapter 30 with a mix of retribution and consolation.

Jeremiah lets the Jews know that though they will go into the Babylonian Captivity, and indeed they were taken captive by the Babylonians, that the Lord would bring them back into "the land of their forefathers", verse 3.

Jeremiah told the Jews that they would actually "possess the land" as promised to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, verse 3b. This passage has a "double fulfillment" as is the case in other prophetic passages as well.

This means that there would be a "near term fulfillment" of these prophecies, and these prophecies were fulfilled, the Lord did return the Jews to the "land of their forefathers." The "long term fulfillment" of these prophecies, that the Jews would come back into the land in the last days, is in the process of being fulfilled, even today.

Verse 8 says that the "yoke" of the enemies of the Jewish people will be broken in the future, and that "King David" will be raised up to be co-regent with Jesus Christ as the Lord rules and reigns at the Temple in Jerusalem in the future Kingdom.

Notice verse 7 and the warning of "troublesome times" for the Jewish people, which is also yet future. I'm referring to the seven year "Tribulation Period" that takes place after the Rapture of the Church.

Jeremiah referred to the "time of Jacob's trouble" which is the last three and a half years of the seven year "Tribulation Period". The "time of Jacob's trouble" is like no time ever in the history of the Jewish people, verse 7.

It will be a time when the Lord dispatches the Archangel Michael, Daniel 12:1, to keep the Jews from being totally eliminated. God promised Jeremiah that there will be a great number of Jews to be saved, both physically and spiritually, out of the "time of Jacob's trouble".

By the way, as we watch the events of today unfolding and those things happening in Israel and among the Jewish people, it seems to be an indication that we are quickly approaching the "time of Jacob's trouble".

Remember, the Rapture takes place before the Tribulation, and the Lord's shout for us to join Him in the heavenlies could happen today.

PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord for Bible prophecy that alerts me of the times I'm living in. Help me to live for You as I await Your return.

Isaiah 45:18

2009-10-16T05:12:00.000-04:00

For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

For further study - Isaiah 45:1-25

I hope you have some time to spend in this forty-fifth chapter of Isaiah. This is an excellent chapter of God's prophetic Word that reveals prophetic events that will happen, some of them only 150 years after they were given.

Other prophecies contained within the verses of this chapter will be fulfilled in the future, certainly future from Isaiah's day but also future from today.

The chapter also confirms that God is the creator of all things, which gives Him the authority to reveal the future, the Creator can tell you what His creation will face at a future date.

There is no way I can point out everything I would like for you to see in this devotional reading for today. I'll hit some "high points" but please spend a good amount of time reaping a harvest of great truths from what I do not cover.

I must bring to your attention the name "Cyrus", verse 1. This is the man, Cyrus, the leader of the Medo-Persian Empire, that allowed Zerubabbel and fifty thousand Jews to return to Jerusalem after the Babylonian Captivity.

They returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple by permission of Cyrus and with funding from Cyrus as well.

Isaiah pre-wrote history that was fulfilled 150 years after he penned the prophecy, as found in Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1-4. The record of the fulfillment of this prophecy is found in Ezra 1 and 2.

Notice the verses that confirm that God created the heavens, the earth and all that in them is, verses 7-8, 12 and 18. The Lord gives testimony to "who He is" also in this chapter, verses 5-6 and 21-22.

This is a message from the one and only true God, through His spokesman, the Prophet Isaiah. God makes a commitment to save and give an everlasting salvation to the Jewish people, verses 17, 22 and 25. This is a prophecy that is yet to be fulfilled. Current events indicate we are in the process of moving toward the fulfillment of that prophecy.

Let me conclude my thoughts with verse 19, what a blessing this chapter is to the Jewish people, the "technical recipients" of these promises. It is also a blessing to us who are Christians who receive a "spiritual blessing" from these truths.

But you know, of course, that the entire book of Isaiah, in fact, the entire 66 books of the Bible are the spiritual "milk and meat" that we need on a daily basis. That's why the statement that God made about not speaking in "secret" is so good.

We all have His Word available to us so that we can receive the blessings from our time of reading and study of it. Dear Friend, join me as we "feast" on the "Word of God".

PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord, for Your Word that You have spoken openly to me and all who will read it. It is a blessing Lord, to have the Creator of all things communicate with me daily.

Psalms 139:14

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I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

For further study - Psalm 139:1-24

I love this chapter written by King David, which speaks of the attributes of God and how He watches over me because He brought me into existence. I am privileged to share these thoughts with you today from our devotional reading.

David, the King, was also a musician who writes this Psalm like it was a hymn with three verses. Verse one presents our wonderful Lord in His "omniscience", verses 1-6.

"Omniscience" means that the Lord is "all knowing". David refers to "the Lord" who "knows me", verse 1; my "down-sitting", verse 2; and my "words", verse 4. That is an awesome thought, what God knows about me.

The "omnipresence" of God, another characteristic of my Lord, is presented in verses 7-12 by the Psalmist. It's interesting to note that David uses the truth of how we can not "flee from Thy presence", verse 7, in explaining that the Lord is present everywhere and at all times, and we can never "get away from Him".

Why in the world would we want to be out of His presence, even if it was possible? The only answer is that we would be living in "sin" and ashamed to be in His presence. The other great aspect of His "omnipresence" is that He is always there to take care of us, what a blessing that is for each of us.

Verses 13-18 present the "omnipotence" of the Lord. He is "all powerful". I especially love these verses written by David about our Lord and how He made me and knows everything about my person, body, soul and spirit.

Because He is "omnipotent", "I am fearfully and wonderfully made", verse 14."My body is not hidden from Him, even when I was in my mothers womb", verses 13-16. These verses are the greatest proof that "abortion" is "murder", blasphemy against the Lord.

He knew me before I was born and possessed me at that time. Actually, He knew me in "eternity past," Jeremiah 1:5.

As the second King of Israel concludes this marvelous passage on the attributes of the Lord he brings to our attention the reality that the world is an "enemy " of our Lord. David writes of a "perfect hatred", verse 22. There is a "hatred of those that hate the Lord". That is a pretty heavy thought.

The prayer that David uses and gives us to use also, in the last two verses, verses 23-24, is a prayer that we should, or at least I should, pray every day as I await the all-knowing, always present and all-powerful Lord who will keep me until He calls me to meet Him in the air at the Rapture, which could happen today.

Rehearsing the characteristics, attributes, of the Lord, on a daily basis, will prepare me, and in fact, each of us, for the future and our departure to be with Him, forever.

PRAYER THOT: Lord, please search me, know my heart, reveal any wicked way in me, and lead me in thy way, everlasting.

Exodus 23:17

2009-10-14T07:57:00.002-04:00

Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the LORD God.

For further study - Exodus 23:14-19

Exodus 20 records the giving of "the law" to Moses on Mt Sinai. This "law," better known as the "ten commandments," was given to the Jewish people to show them there would be no way to be good enough to have merit with God by keeping the law.

In fact the "ten" are only a small part of the "total law" that must be kept. There are over "six hundred laws" that make up the requirements for the Jewish people. Of course, the Lord knew no one could keep all of these laws so He put a "sacrificial system" in place, "the shedding of blood" to atone for man's sin.

Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy give us additional information about the requirements, the "law", for the Jewish people. Let me show you one of those over six hundred "laws" that is found in our devotional reading for today. Notice verse 19, "thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mothers milk".

This "thou shall not" is where the Jewish people get the requirement for "kosher". The Jews believe that verse 19 tells them they cannot mix meat with dairy. If meats are served in a meal they cannot have dairy products with the meat and vice versa.

Now please notice verses 14-17. The Lord gives to the Jewish men the directive, the "law," that they must "appear" before the Lord for three feast days each year; the Feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles.

These three Jewish feast days are called "pilgrim feast days" which means the Jewish men must "appear", be seen, by the Lord for these three feast. The Jews would have to travel to the tabernacle or the temple for these three feast days.

Remember, the Glory of the Lord would rest on the “ark of the covenant" in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle or the Temple. The Jews must appear before Him for these feast days. A close look at the Gospel of John reveals that Jesus did go up to Jerusalem for each of these “feast days” every year.

Even today religious Jews make their way to Jerusalem for the “feast days” even though there is no Temple in Jerusalem. When the Temple is rebuilt, every year every Jew will travel to Jerusalem for these “feast days”. In fact, we who are saved will go up to Jerusalem at the Feast of Tabernacles every year during the 1,000-year Millennial Kingdom.

There are today many Christians that go to Jerusalem every fall for the Feast of Tabernacles in anticipation of what we will do when Jesus comes back.

PRAYER THOT: Thank You dear Lord for today giving us a glimpse of what we will be doing to honor you in the future. Help us to honor you each and every day in the present.