daily devotion for August 15th Hunger For The Word They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. Nehemiah 8:1b It is not surprising that chapter 8 opens with a manifestation of a great hunger for the Word among these people in Jerusalem. Notice that this seems to be a spontaneous gathering. No invitations were sent out. No public notice was given. People were hungry for answers to their problems and for guidelines from the Word of God, and with one accord they gathered in this great square before the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the priest to bring the Law of the Lord and to read it to them. This would undoubtedly be the entire Pentateuch--the first five books of the Bible. This indicates the tremendous desire of these people for truth. They listened, while standing, from daybreak until noon! Certainly this long attention indicates how deeply they were aware of their ignorance about life and how much they needed answers from God. They were simply crying out for the Word. Ezra, the priest, the author of the book of Ezra, appears for the first time in the book of Nehemiah. Thirteen years earlier he had led a return from Persia to rebuild the temple and to teach the Law of God. Apparently he had been occupied in that task all through the time of the rebuilding of the wall. But when the people had finished their work, they were desperate to hear from the Word of God, so they sent for Ezra to lead them. It seems to me that we have come to such a time as this again. The prophet Amos predicted that there would come a famine in the world for the Word of God. People would actually be starving for answers to the problems of life. I find everywhere a deep hunger among non-churched people to hear the Word of God. Wherever it is taught with any degree of understanding, they are immediately attracted to it. When the Word is opened up, people begin to understand themselves. When you know God you begin to understand yourself, because you are made in the image of God. These people in Jerusalem were soon growing in self-knowledge as they began to hunger for the Word of God. The great tragedy of our day is how few churches seem to understand this power of Scripture. Lord, create in me a hunger for Your Word. Forgive me for so often taking it for granted.

I've had some trouble with certain Bible chapters; Judges 19 and 20. I thought it was in the Bible because it was seen as acceptable and those chapters have made me give up Christianity for a time and it almost did it to me again, until I did some research into why it was in the Bible. These are the verses that disturbed me: Judges 19:22-30 While they were celebrating, behold, men of the city, certain worthless and evil men, surrounded the house, pounding on the door; and they spoke to the master of the house, the old man, saying, "Bring out the man who came to your house so that we may have relations with him." Then the man, the master of the house, went out and said to them, "No, my fellow citizens, please do not act so wickedly. Since this man has come to my house, do not commit this sacrilege. Here is my virgin daughter and this man's concubine. I will bring them out now; abuse and humiliate them and do to them whatever you want, but do not commit this act of sacrilege against this man." But the men would not listen to him. So the man took the Levite's concubine and brought her outside to them; and they had relations with her and abused her all night until morning; and when daybreak came, they let her go. At daybreak the woman came and collapsed at the door of the man's house where her master was, until it was light. When her master got up in the morning and opened the doors of the house and went out to go on his way, he saw his concubine lying at the door of the house, and her hands were on the threshold. He said to her, "Get up, and let us go." But there was no answer. Then he put her on the donkey; and the man left and went home. When he arrived at his house, he took a knife, and taking hold of his concubine, he cut her limb by limb into twelve pieces, and sent her throughout all the territory of Israel. All who saw the dismembered parts said, "Nothing like this has ever happened or been seen from the day that the sons of Israel came up from the land of Egypt to this day. Consider it, take counsel, and speak!" I was very angered by these verses because the man is supposed to protect the woman, not be a coward and allow the woman to be treated the way she was. So I asked the AI on my browser about that verse and what it said helped me to understand that God was not happy or agreeable to what happened. This is the question I asked, "Why was it considered okay for the husband to not protect his concubine from being raped?" The answer: It was NOT considered morally acceptable or "okay" within the biblical narrative for the husband (the Levite) to fail to protect his concubine. The story of Judges 19 is presented as a horrific example of the moral chaos and depravity that existed in Israel at the time. The book of Judges repeatedly emphasizes the phrase, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6, 21:25). This refrain frames the entire narrative, indicating that the Levite's actions were a symptom of a society that had rejected God's leadership and moral law. The text does not endorse his behaviour; rather, it exposes the depths of human wickedness when divine authority is ignored. The Levite's decision to push his concubine out to the mob was driven by cowardice and self-preservation, not cultural acceptance. The narrative highlights his callousness. After she died, he showed no grief or remorse, treating her body as an object to be cut into twelve pieces to provoke a political response. While the text does not record an immediate punishment for the Levite, his actions are portrayed negatively. His name is not even mentioned, which some commentators view as a form of dishonor. This answer really helped me to understand that this was not considered acceptable behaviour for a man to preserve himself by allowing a woman to suffer instead. I hope this post finds you well and has helped others to understand this part of the Bible better too. Thank you for reading.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: SUNDAY, JULY 5TH, 2026. TOPIC: WHAT IS YOUR DEEPEST DESIRE? AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE MEMORISE: My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. Psalm 130:6 BIBLE READING: JOHN 12:20-21 (KJV) 20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. MESSAGE One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. - (Psalm 27:4) In the Scripture above and many other instances in the Bible, David expressed his desire to dwell in God's presence. In Psalm 63:1-2, he expressed his yearning to seek God early and see His power and glory. In verse 6 of the same chapter, he said that he remembered God upon his bed and meditated on Him in the night watches. Also, in today's memory verse, he said that his soul waited for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning. Watchmen always look forward to daybreak when they would be free to rest and relax, and David likened his intense desire for God to their longing for daybreak. Beloved, what or whom are you seeking? In today's Bible reading, certain Greeks went to worship at the feast in Jerusalem, and when they saw Philip, they said, "Sir, we would see Jesus." If God gives you a blank cheque today, what will you ask for? Will you ask for things that will perish with time, or will you ask to see Jesus? People who seek God only for material things will never truly be satisfied because they will ultimately fade away. However, those who genuinely seek God and His Kingdom always find Him (Jeremiah 29:13) and become truly satisfied, as every other thing they need is added to them (Matthew 6:33). God will always draw near to those who draw near to Him (James 4:8); He showed this clearly in His relationship with David. Do you want God to love you in a special way? Do you want His presence with you at all times? Then your deepest desire should be to always please him (1 Thessalonians 4:1) and to continually grow in your knowledge of Him (Philippians 3:10). Child of God, what is your deepest heart cry? What keeps you awake at night? Do you regularly think of how to amass material things for yourself or how to know God more? Whatever you are hungry and thirsty for will determine what you will get, and as Matthew 5:6 says, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." I pray that you will truly seek God's face and experience the beauty of His holiness, in Jesus' name. REFLECTION: What is your deepest heart cry: material things or Jesus? BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PROVERBS 18-20 HYMN 8: I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR 1. I need thee every hour Most gracious Lord; No tender voice like thine Can peace afford. CHORUS I need thee, oh, I need thee; Every hour I need thee! Oh, bless me now my saviour; I come to thee! 2. I need thee every hour, Stay thou near by; Temptations lose their power When thou art nigh. 3. I need thee every hour il In joy or pain; Come quickly and abide Or life is vain. 4. I need Thee every hour Teach me Thy will; And Thy rich promises In me fulfill. 5. I need Thee every hour, Most Holy one; Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son! PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY, 5TH JULY, 2026 *WHAT IS YOUR DEEPEST DESIRE?* ‎ ‎✓Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to me through Your word and by the help of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for the various encounters at various times and seasons of my walk with You. ‎✓Father, I know there are dimensions of Your power that I am yet to experience, please help me to seek to know more of You and to remain focused, in Jesus' name. ✓Father, please help me to crucify my affection and desire for the things of temporal value; let my hunger be for the things of the kingdom of God, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎✓Father, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, please help me to think on these things, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎✓Father, with all my heart, soul and spirit, please let my deepest desire to know You more, in Jesus' name ‎✓Father, please let my love for You be on the increase daily; to put You first and above all in all my ways. Help me to say 'Yes' to Your will at all times, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎✓Father, please help me that my deepest desire will be to please You above all things, and to encounter Your presence always, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎✓Father, please help me to truly seek to honour You for Who You are, and not my material gains, in Jesus' name ‎ ‎✓Father, please help me to delight myself in dwelling in Your presence at all times, and to draw near to You and to the knowledge of You, in Jesus' name. ✓Father, please help me to hunger and thirst after righteousness, to truly seek Your face and experience the beauty of Your holiness, in Jesus' name. ✓Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Help him to hunger and thirst for Your righteousness and to do Your will at all times, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎✓Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎✓Father, please let every challenge, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name. ‎ ‎✓Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎✓In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16) ‎ #GodBlessOurNation *These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

The Sabbath Truth # 8 Sabbath History. Sunday in the Bible. Many people have pointed to some instances in the New Testament in which “the first day of the week,” Sunday, is mentioned as a reason for worshiping—keeping the Sabbath—on Sunday. But do any one of these eight passages really show or even infer that the Sabbath was changed to Sunday? To answer these questions, let’s look at each one of these Scripture passages in question. 1. “Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb” (Luke 24:1, 2). This story relates the story of Jesus’ followers going to His tomb to finish the sad work of anointing His body for burial. With the Sabbath closing in on them the day before, these women hadn’t had time on Friday to anoint the Lord immediately after His death. Earlier verses confirm that “they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment” (Luke 23:56). Even in their grief, they honored Jesus by keeping all His commandments, including the Sabbath. There are four more passages that refer to the resurrection of Jesus and are similar in nature to the verses above. They are … 2. Matthew 28:1 3. Mark 16:1–3 4. Mark 16:9 5. John 20:1 These verse confirm that Jesus rested in the grave on Saturday and appeared to His disciples in the morning on the first day of week. (See: Should we worship on Sunday to honor the resurrection.) Now let’s look at the remaining three passages: 6. “Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you’ ”(John 20:19). Some claim the disciples met for Sunday worship, but if you examine the verse carefully, you’ll notice the words “for fear of the Jews”—that is the key phrase in fully understanding this passage. This was no Sunday worship fellowship. The disciples were afraid and were hiding from the Jews! Nothing in the verse hints at the first day being holy. 7. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2). Here, Paul is suggesting that believers set aside a gift for the needy brethren. There’s no meeting inferred here. He’s simply asking them to store up a donation at home to be turned in at a later date. 8. “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight” (Acts 20:7). Biblically, days begin at sundown, so this turns out to be the dark part of Sunday—what we would call Saturday night. At daybreak, when it is still Sunday, Paul sets off on a long hike to catch a ride on a ship (verse 13). If Sunday were the Lord’s Day, he wouldn’t have been starting on a journey. And that’s it … These are the only references to Sunday in the New Testament. None of these passages refer to the first day of the week as the Lord’s Day, and none of the verses in any way imply that the Sabbath was changed to Sunday.

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of Deuteronomy, Chapters 23 and 24, and John 21📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 Deuteronomy 23 A Holy People Set Apart Deuteronomy 23 focuses on the purity and distinctiveness of God’s people as they live in His presence. The chapter begins by addressing who may enter the assembly of the Lord, emphasizing that Israel is to remain set apart. These instructions are not about exclusion for its own sake, but about preserving holiness and identity as a people devoted to God. As the chapter continues, there are practical instructions regarding cleanliness within the camp, even in everyday matters. This reinforces a powerful truth: God dwells among His people, and therefore even ordinary aspects of life are to reflect reverence and order. Nothing is outside the scope of His holiness. The chapter also includes commands about how to treat others, particularly the vulnerable. There are protections for those who are fleeing oppression, and warnings against exploiting others for personal gain. Integrity is emphasized in financial dealings, and vows made to the Lord are to be taken seriously and fulfilled without delay. God’s people are to be known for honesty, compassion, and faithfulness. Additionally, there are guidelines that encourage generosity and respect for others’ provision. While there is freedom to meet immediate needs, there is also a boundary that protects ownership and responsibility. This balance reflects God’s wisdom in shaping a just and caring community. Theologically, Deuteronomy 23 reveals that God’s presence among His people requires holiness in every area of life. His people are called to be distinct, reflecting His character through purity, integrity, and compassion. This ultimately points to Christ, who makes a way for all to be brought near, not through external qualification, but through His finished work. In Him, those once far off are brought into the assembly of God. For believers today, this chapter calls us to live with an awareness of God’s presence in every part of life. We are to pursue holiness, walk in integrity, and treat others with compassion and fairness. In Christ, we have been brought near, and our lives are to reflect the transforming power of His grace as we live set apart for Him. Deuteronomy 24 Justice, Compassion, and Remembering Redemption Deuteronomy 24 continues to shape the daily life of God’s people with laws that reflect both justice and compassion. The chapter begins by addressing matters of marriage and separation, providing structure that protects individuals and upholds dignity. Even in broken situations, there are boundaries that prevent further harm and preserve order within the community. The focus then broadens to include various aspects of daily living, especially how people treat one another. There are clear commands to act justly, particularly toward the vulnerable—the poor, the hired worker, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow. God’s people are reminded not to take advantage of others, but to deal fairly and with compassion in all circumstances. A recurring theme in the chapter is the call to remember. The people are repeatedly reminded of their own past—how they were once slaves in Egypt and how the Lord redeemed them. This remembrance is meant to shape their behavior, leading them to extend mercy and generosity to others. Their own experience of God’s grace becomes the foundation for how they treat those in need. Practical expressions of this compassion are seen in commands to leave portions of harvest behind for those who lack provision. This creates a system where generosity is built into daily life, ensuring that no one is overlooked. Justice is not merely legal—it is lived out through everyday acts of kindness and care. Theologically, Deuteronomy 24 reveals that God’s justice is inseparable from His compassion. He calls His people to reflect both, grounded in the memory of His redemptive work. This points forward to Christ, who redeems His people and calls them to live lives marked by grace, mercy, and truth. For believers today, this chapter calls us to live with compassion, integrity, and a constant awareness of what God has done for us. As those who have been redeemed, we are to reflect that grace in how we treat others. In Christ, we have received mercy, and we are called to extend that same mercy in our daily lives, becoming a visible expression of God’s love in the world. John 21 Restoration, Calling, and Following the Risen Christ John 21 closes the Gospel with a powerful picture of the risen Christ meeting His disciples in a familiar setting. After the resurrection, the disciples return to fishing, a reminder of their former life. Despite their effort, they catch nothing through the night. At daybreak, the Christ appears on the shore, though they do not immediately recognize Him. With a simple instruction, He directs them, and their empty nets are suddenly filled. This moment reveals that apart from the Son of God, even familiar efforts fall short, but under His direction, provision and purpose are restored. As they come ashore, Jesus prepares a meal for them, demonstrating care and fellowship. The risen Christ is not distant—He is present, providing, and inviting His followers into relationship. This setting becomes the place of restoration, especially for Peter, who had previously denied Him. Jesus addresses Peter directly, asking him a question that reaches beyond words into the heart. Each time Peter responds, the Christ calls him to action—to care, to shepherd, and to serve. This exchange restores Peter, not by ignoring his failure, but by reaffirming his calling. The Son of God does not discard those who fall; He restores them and reestablishes their purpose within the redemptive plan. Jesus then speaks to Peter about what lies ahead, indicating that following the Christ will come with cost and sacrifice. The call is not to comfort, but to faithful obedience. Yet even in this, the focus remains clear—the command is to follow Him. The path may differ for each person, but the calling is the same. As Peter looks toward another disciple and questions what his path will be, Jesus redirects him. The Christ makes it clear that each believer is responsible for their own walk. Comparison has no place in following the Son of God. The call is personal and direct—follow Him faithfully, regardless of others. The chapter concludes by affirming that the works of the Christ go beyond what is written. What has been recorded is sufficient to reveal who He is, but it is only a portion of all that He has done. This reminds us that the redemptive plan continues beyond these pages, carried forward through those who follow Him. John 21 presents the Christ as the one who restores, provides, and calls His people forward. The risen Son of God meets His followers in their weakness, renews their purpose, and leads them into faithful obedience. For believers today, this chapter calls us to respond to the Christ with a renewed commitment to follow Him. Christian living includes moments of failure, but the Son of God restores and calls us forward. We are reminded to depend on Him for direction, to embrace the calling He has placed before us, and to avoid comparison with others. Above all, we are called to follow the Christ faithfully, trusting that He leads, provides, and fulfills His purpose through our lives. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

Adam Stark Explains The Holy Trinity in JUST 2 MINUTES! Fast Talking! Glory to the Triune God! #trinity #triuneGod #JesusChrist #christianity #fasttalk #fastrap #fastrapping #AdamStark “The Angel of the Lord and the Triune God of Israel” By Adam Stark In the sacred pages of the Hebrew Interlinar Scriptures, we encounter a profound mystery that unveils the multi-personal nature of the one true God. Consider with me the events of Israel’s deliverance under Moses. In Isaiah 63:9–10 we read in the Hebrew: “In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and in His pity He redeemed them… But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; therefore He turned to be their enemy.” Here the inspired text attributes the salvation and redemption of Israel to three distinct yet unified divine realities: God Himself, the Angel of His Presence, and the Holy Spirit who can be grieved. The same divine “He” acts through all three. This is not coincidence. Turn to Exodus 33. In verse 2, Yahweh declares, “I will send an Angel before you.” Yet in verse 14 He says, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” The Angel and the divine Presence are one and the same — the very One who grants rest and salvation to the covenant people. This Angel of the Lord is no ordinary created messenger. He is a conscious, sentient, divine Person. In Genesis 32, Jacob wrestles with a Man until daybreak. The text identifies this figure as both “a man” and “the Angel,” yet Jacob declares he has seen God face to face and lived. He speaks with divine authority, blesses, renames, and is treated as God. Only Yahweh can ultimately forgive sin. Exodus 34:6–7, Psalm 103:3, Isaiah 43:25, and Micah 7:18 all insist that God alone blots out transgressions for His own sake. Yet in Zechariah 3:1–5, it is the Angel of Yahweh who stands before Joshua the high priest and declares, “See, I have taken away your iniquity from you.” The Angel performs the divine prerogative of forgiveness — a clear testimony that He is Yahweh in visible form. Further witness appears in Genesis 1:26, where Elohim — a plural noun — says, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” And in Isaiah 54:5, the Holy One of Israel is both Maker and Redeemer. When these passages are held together, the doctrine of the Trinity emerges with luminous clarity from the Old Testament itself. There is one God — Yahweh — who exists eternally as three distinct Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, sharing the same divine essence in perfect unity. The Angel of the Lord who appeared to the patriarchs, who led Israel through the wilderness, who forgave sin and granted rest — this Angel is the pre-incarnate Son, the eternal Word who would later take on human flesh as Jesus Christ. Thus, the very events of Israel’s exodus and the language of the prophets bear eloquent testimony: the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the Triune God. The salvation accomplished at the time of Moses was the unified work of Father, Son (as the Angel of His Presence), and Holy Spirit. This is the majestic truth embedded in Israel’s own Scriptures — one God in three Persons, eternally blessed, now fully revealed in the New Testament as the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit via the hypostasis hypostatic union.

Daybreak arrives gently and something within awakens. As the world begins again, so does what’s possible. A new day… given, not promised. #Daybreak #MorningLight #NewDay #Gratitude #FaithWalk #HeavenHikes

THE SABBATH TRUTH. # 8 Sabbath History Sunday in the Bible Many people have pointed to some instances in the New Testament in which “the first day of the week,” Sunday, is mentioned as a reason for worshiping—keeping the Sabbath—on Sunday. But do any one of these eight passages really show or even infer that the Sabbath was changed to Sunday? To answer these questions, let’s look at each one of these Scripture passages in question. 1. “Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb” (Luke 24:1, 2). This story relates the story of Jesus’ followers going to His tomb to finish the sad work of anointing His body for burial. With the Sabbath closing in on them the day before, these women hadn’t had time on Friday to anoint the Lord immediately after His death. Earlier verses confirm that “they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment” (Luke 23:56). Even in their grief, they honored Jesus by keeping all His commandments, including the Sabbath. There are four more passages that refer to the resurrection of Jesus and are similar in nature to the verses above. They are … 2. Matthew 28:1 3. Mark 16:1–3 4. Mark 16:9 5. John 20:1 These verse confirm that Jesus rested in the grave on Saturday and appeared to His disciples in the morning on the first day of week. (See: Should we worship on Sunday to honor the resurrection.) Now let’s look at the remaining three passages: 6. “Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you’ ”(John 20:19). Some claim the disciples met for Sunday worship, but if you examine the verse carefully, you’ll notice the words “for fear of the Jews”—that is the key phrase in fully understanding this passage. This was no Sunday worship fellowship. The disciples were afraid and were hiding from the Jews! Nothing in the verse hints at the first day being holy. 7. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2). Here, Paul is suggesting that believers set aside a gift for the needy brethren. There’s no meeting inferred here. He’s simply asking them to store up a donation at home to be turned in at a later date. 8. “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight” (Acts 20:7). Biblically, days begin at sundown, so this turns out to be the dark part of Sunday—what we would call Saturday night. At daybreak, when it is still Sunday, Paul sets off on a long hike to catch a ride on a ship (verse 13). If Sunday were the Lord’s Day, he wouldn’t have been starting on a journey. And that’s it … These are the only references to Sunday in the New Testament. None of these passages refer to the first day of the week as the Lord’s Day, and none of the verses in any way imply that the Sabbath was changed to Sunday.

Isaiah 55:11 Message So are the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They'll do the work I sent them to do, they'll complete the assignment I gave them. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Message Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another--showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 Peter 1:19-21 Message We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard--God's glory, God's voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You'll do well to keep focusing on it. It's the one light you have in the dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts. The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophesy of Scripture is a mater of Private opinion. And Why? Because it's not something concocted in the human heart. Prophesy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God's Word. How to hear and understand the Gospel GOD Confronts Job Have You Gotten to the Bottom of Things? Job 38:1-2 And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said: "Why do you confuse the issue? Why do you talk without knowing what you're talking about? God's Second Set of Questions I want Straight Answers Job 40:6-7 GOD addressed Job next from the eye of the storm, and this is what he said; "I have some more questions for you, and I want straight answers. Job 42:4-7 I admit it, I was the one, I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me,"Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers. I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand-- from my own eyes and ears! I'm sorry--forgive me. I'll never do that again, I promise! I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor." GOD Restores Job I will accept his Prayer After GOD had finished addressing Job, he turned to Eliphaz the Temanite and said, "I've had it with you and your two friends. I've fed up! You have not been honest either with me or about me--not the way my friend Job has. Romans 10:14-17 But how can people call for help if they don't know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust, if they haven't heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? That's why Scripture exclaims, A sight to take your breath away! Grand processions of people telling all the good things of God! But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another; "Does anyone care, God? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?" The point is; Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ's Word is preached, there's nothing to listen to. Acts 26:17-18 "'I'm sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.' Here is Today's Message Romans 15:1 Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Nothing But the Cross Galatians 6:1-2 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. Galatians 6:4-5 Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. God Is Kind, But Not Soft Romans 2:1-11 Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors. But God isn't so easily diverted. He sees right through all such smoke screens and holds you to what you've done. You didn't think, did you, that just by pointing you finger at others you would distract God from seeing all your misdoings and from coming down on you hard? Or did you think that because he's such a nice God, he'd let you off the hook? Better think this one through from the beginning. God is kind, but he's not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change. You're not getting by with anything, Every refusal and avoidance of God adds fuel to the fire. The day is coming when it's going to blaze hot and high. God's fiery and righteous judgment. Make no mistake; in the end you get what's coming to you--Real Life for those who work on God's side, but on those who insist on getting their own way and take the path of least resistance, Fire! If you go against the grain, you get splinters, regardless of which neighborhood you're from, what your parents taught you, what schools you attended. But if you embrace the way God does things, there are wonderful payoffs, again without regard to where you are from or how you were brought up. Being a Jew won't give you an automatic stamp of approval. God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own mind. Ephesians 4:25-28 What this adds up to, then, is this; no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry--but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other's nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.

THE POWER OF PRAYER “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.” —James 5:13–15  Jesus retreated to the Garden of Gethsemane for one reason. It wasn’t to hide from His enemies. It wasn’t to spend quality time with His disciples. Jesus went there to pray. Knowing that, in a matter of hours, He would submit to unimaginable physical, emotional, and spiritual agony, Jesus wanted to spend His remaining hours of freedom in the presence of His Father.  The circumstances were unique, but the discipline wasn’t. The Gospels record several instances in which Jesus set aside time for prayer. Mark 1:35 says, “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray” (NLT).  Luke 5:15–16 says, “But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer” (NLT).  Jesus understood the power of prayer, and He wants us to understand it as well. When we find ourselves in trying circumstances, often the temptation is to strike out at those we hold responsible. Or to get mad at God for allowing those circumstances to disrupt our lives. Or to wallow in self-pity.  But those are things the devil wants us to do because he knows how counterproductive they are. When we’re afflicted, when we’re suffering, or when we’re in trouble, prayer should be our first response, just as it was for Jesus. Why? Well, for one thing, God may answer our prayers and remove the problem from our life. He may directly intervene in our circumstances. The Bible is filled with stories in which He did just that. Even if He doesn’t intervene immediately, He still works in and through us when we take our needs to Him. Prayer affirms our dependence on Him. It puts us in a right relationship with Him. It also allows us to place our burdens in His hands. When we turn our requests over to God, we can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that He will be doing the heavy lifting. Through prayer we also receive the grace we need to endure trouble and grow closer to God.  James 5:13–15 says, “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven” (NLT). The word suffering could be translated as “in trouble” or “in distress.” Is anyone among you in trouble? Are you distressed? Then you should pray. When the bottom drops out, when you feel as though you’re hanging by a thread, when circumstances seem to grow worse by the minute, pray. Pray when you’re afflicted. Pray when you’re sick. Pray when you need forgiveness. Pray when specific needs occur. Pray for God’s will to be done. Just like Jesus did in Gethsemane.  God bless you!