Devotions/Scriptures/Inspiration4/30/2025 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things? Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. Acts 7: 48:53 Stephens Defense Here Stephen stands before the Sanhedrin giving a historical overview of the Jews rebellion against God even from the beginning, and making the point that the same rebellion remains in them to this day. We can imagine the angry whispering among the Sanhedrin as Stephen’s history lesson began to make sense. Stephen saw this and knew they were rejecting again the One God sent, just as before. Charles Spurgeon gives this account: "He takes the sharp knife of the Word and rips up the sins of the people, laying open the inward parts of their hearts, and the secrets of their soul…He could not have delivered that searching address with greater fearlessness had he been assured that they would thank him for the operation; the fact that his death was certain had no other effect upon him than to make him yet more zealous.” The council was angry, because Stephen’s message had hit the target. They could not dismiss or ignore what he said. The Sanhedrin reacted with rage instead of submission to the Holy Spirit. Take note that these were prominent, religious, successful men; but rejecting the truth spoken to them, and the God they claimed to be representing, and worshipping. Their actions revealed their hatred, and true condition of their hearts. They listened to him in agitation, gnashing their teeth. “All they could do in their frenzy was to gnash with their teeth. It was not a sudden outburst but the tense rather shows that it was prolonged.” (Gaebelein)
Note: For anyone who may read this, who's been rejected within a church for standing for the word of God without compromise, and told to either be silent, or leave-take comfort in knowing you are following a long line of those who've been through your suffering and persecution, long before you. Untold millions have followed Stephen to their deaths, standing for Christ, and His word, and would not bow to the idolatry, false teaching, and hypocrisy. In these last days, it is only getting worse. I pray for those who've stood alone for Christ, and not waivered, that you will endure, until we stand before Jesus, face to face, and see Him in His glory. Maranatha 4/29/2025 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Isa 54:17 THE CHRISTIAN’S EXPERIENCE Weapons Are Formed Against Him No Christian need expect anything else. As Israel’s experience in the wilderness, so the Christian’s in the world. The devil will try to hinder his progress, the world, too, in various ways—by its cares, snares. The law in his members also will war against the law of his mind. He must fight his way, “fight the good fight of faith,” fight under the banner “Jehovah-Nissi,” fight, “putting on the whole armor of God.” Tongues rise against him. From the days of Cain it has been so, and will be so to the end. Christians need not think it strange if they are mocked, maligned, misrepresented, all manner of evil said against them. So they treated the Lord, and so they will treat His disciples (Joh_15:9). But while this shall be, more or less, the experience of every Christian, learn, over against it.
4/28/2025 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Mat 7:24-27 A Sure Foundation The object of our Lord in this Sermon on the Mount was to convey an accurate idea of the righteousness required in His kingdom. He did so mainly by contrasting it with the spurious forms of righteousness current among men. The mere pretender is placed before us under three figures: (1) the wolf in sheep’s clothing; (2) a thorn bush that has artificial flowers and fruits stuck all over it; (3) a man who builds a very superb mansion, spends no end of pains and money on what can meet the eye, and exposes himself to public criticism. People pass by and admire. On visiting the spot afterwards, they see nothing but a heap of ruins. The house was fine in appearance at first, but lacked the essential thing—the foundation. The semblance of the thing is by no means the thing itself.
4/27/2025 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Isa 55:1-3 +++++++ Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matt 11:28-29 Peace and Victory Through Surrender Take my yoke upon you - Believe in me: receive me as your prophet, priest, and king. For I am meek and lowly in heart - Meek toward all men, lowly toward God: and ye shall find rest - Whoever therefore does not find rest of soul, is not meek and lowly. The fault is not in the yoke of Christ: but in thee, who hast not taken it upon thee. Nor is it possible for any one to be discontented, but through want of meekness or lowliness. (John Wesley)
4/26/2025 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 2Cor 1:20-21 The Sure Promises of Christ The Apostle Paul laid great emphasis on the witness of his conscience. See Act_23:1; Act_24:16. As we pass out of this life, and stand in the revealing dawn of eternity, it will be a blessed thing if we are able to say this much of ourselves. Paul had thought of visiting Corinth on his way to Macedonia, and again on his return journey; but this purpose had been defeated. He was eager, however, that his friends should understand that the change was not due to vacillation on his part, for this would be unworthy of one who stood for the great certainties of the gospel.
4/25/2025 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. Deu 18:9-13 Do You Serve Satan or God-You Must Choose Throughout this nation, in every aspect of life, the Occult, witchcraft, Satanism, and demonic rituals have infested society. Freemasons practice their secret rituals. Those who reach the 33rd degree level, openly worship Lucifer, the devil. College campuses and hospitals have witches practicing in them. Television programs, Harry Potter movies, books, and merchandise is a multi million dollar operation -that teaches kids and people how to cast spells and gain supernatural powers, for their own agendas. Walmart is full of witchcraft and sorcery, and Ouija boards in the toy section for kids. Football games half time shows are Satanic rituals, full of witchcraft and sorcery-and the crowd loves it and participates in it. This country is saturated with the works of the devil, and the evidence is seen every day, by the condition of the country. Lawlessness, lying, corruption and every evil imagination is now commonplace, and those who do not participate in these practices have to live in the environment these evil practices have created. It is a great sign of the days described by John, the end of days.
I've been accused of being gloomy, and unsocial. I've lived a life few would want, and I would not blame them. But, I've overcome the obstacles, one by one-asking God for his direction, and help along the way. He is faithful, and has never failed to bring me out, and supplied every need. As a young girl I became involved in witchcraft, sorcery, and the Occult, by my friends mother, and from there it became worse by getting entangled with other people like her. By the time I received Christ as Savior and was saved in 1978, the evil influences of people like this had brought much heartache and destruction to my life. But, when Jesus Christ manifested Himself to me in my house in 1978, and set me free, He didn't stop there, His word was like a fire in my bones, every passage spoke to me, of how Satan had attempted to destroy me, and that God had the power to change that. When you choose the Lord, you will start a journey in complete opposition to the world, and those who love it-and what Satan has to offer. The battle begins the day you get saved, and continues to the day you join Jesus in heaven. Anyone who tells you different, is lying to you. Over the past 40+ years, my spirit has been as Jeremiah's- grieving over the sin that's saturated every area of life, and those who are trapped in the sin that Satan offers, and entices people to follow him. I know what it did to me, and I can't pretend I don't see. My past experiences has given me keen discernment, and I see people's hearts and intentions. People show you who they are and who they worship, by the things they do, and participate in. Every day, I'm thankful for Jesus rescuing me from the pit of hell I was in, and pray for a world and those He puts before me to pray for, or speak to, that they're eyes would be opened, and they'd turn from their sins, and receive Christ as their Savior. I've seen some of my family members get saved, but also seen some of them die, and without the assurance of heaven. They wouldn't humble themselves, and admit their sins, and allow Christ into their hearts. They died in sin and rebellion. Once you die, that's the end of any chance of salvation-there is no purgatory, or reincarnation. My prayer is that anyone who may be involved in these evil practices, will heed the warnings, and turn from sin and the lies of the devil, and let Jesus into your life, and get saved, and find fellowship with believer's that love the Lord. Let Him heal your spirit, and give you a life of purpose. Lorna Couillard 4/24/2025 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved. Psa 62:6 Our Only Rock and Refuge “I shall not be greatly moved.” The compass trembles and wavers and vacillates, but it trembles back to the pole; it is not greatly moved. I may fall, but I shall rise again. If I am perplexed I am not in despair. If I am cast down I am not, and shall not be, distressed. With such a rock—for who is a rock like unto our God?—may we not with confidence say, “I shall not be greatly moved.” (Biblical Illustrator)
4/23/2025 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1Co 1:26-31 GOD’S GLORY IN MEN’S WEAKNESS Not many wise men after the flesh- Paul now shows the weakness of the human instrumentality chosen to convert the world; not those the world called wise, not the mighty, not the noble, yet the work was moving on with wonderful power. But God hath chosen the foolish things- Men whom the world would call foolish, with a gospel that it called foolishness; yet these "confounded the wise" and upturned the world's philosophies. Base things- Those of lowly birth. Things which are not- People that the world would call "nobodies," and things that it counts as nothing. These are chosen to bring to nought things that are; the existing state of things; the pagan religions, governments, and civilization; these were to be overthrown through the influence of the gospel. That no flesh should glory- That it should be shown that the power was of God. Who of God is made unto us wisdom. "Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1Co_1:24), is wisdom to us. And righteousness- In him we are made righteous, and obtain sanctification and redemption. Christ is all of these to us. He that glorieth- (Jer_9:23). As Christ is our all, imparts every grace that we enjoy, and bestows every blessing, there is no ground for glorying in Paul, Apollos or Cephas, but in the Lord alone. (B.W. Johnson)
4/22/2025 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Luk 12:2-5 The Fear of God Self-Deception.—Hypocrisy is not merely for a man to deceive others, knowing all the while that he is deceiving them, but to deceive himself and others at the same time; to aim at their praise by a religious profession, without perceiving that he loves their praise more than God’s, and that he is professing far more than he practices.—Newman.
4/21/2024 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Purchased by His Blood Another place where this same phrase for power of darkness is used is in Luk_22:53, where Jesus spoke of the darkness surrounding His arrest and passion in the same terms. “These words refer to the sinister forces marshaled against him for decisive combat in the spiritual realm.” (Bruce) “Beloved, we still are tempted by Satan, but we are not under his power; we have to fight with him, but we are not his slaves. He is not our king; he has no rights over us; we do not obey him; we will not listen to his temptations.” (Spurgeon)
4/20/2025 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. Mar 16:9-11 Jesus Appeared First to Mary Magdalene "And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. And very early on the first day of the week, they come to the tomb when the sun was risen. And they were saying among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the tomb? and looking up, they see that the stone is rolled back: for it was exceeding great. And entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, arrayed in a white robe, and they were amazed. And he saith unto them, Be not amazed; ye seek Jesus, the Nazarene, Which hath been crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold, the place where they laid Him! But go, tell His disciples and Peter, He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you. And they went out, and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone for they were afraid.
4/19/2025 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. Luk 23:50-56 Our Lord’s Burial Joseph of Arimathea--He was a disciple of Jesus secretly. He was led to boldly and openly acknowledge Christ, A great trial brought out his character more clearly. When most of the those who had followed Jesus during His ministry had forsaken Him and fled, then the weak on was made strong. He was, all this time, waiting for the Kingdom of God. Quietly preparing himself for full development of Christian character. And he was blessed in doing so. In His own good time God revealed Himself to this timid, yet faithful disciple. (H. G. Hird, B. A.)
God has His agents everywhere. They are not known to us, but are well known to Him, and one word from Him will bring them and their resources to His help. How many are unsuspected lovers of His Kingdom! Who would have thought that Joseph was waiting for the kingdom of God, or that he would have identified its advent with the death on the cross! The body of our Lord was well cared for. They who commit themselves to God will find that He will make Himself responsible for the body, in life to feed and in death to honor; see Mat_6:33; Deu_34:6. The new tomb was so ordered that there could be no possible mistake in identifying the precious body, and that the Resurrection should be beyond question. Love, which clings to the last offices with tender solicitude hastened to express itself with a devotion that braved the hatred of the rulers. Darkness and silence settled on the scene-but this was not the end. (F.B. Meyer) 4/18/2025 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luk 23:39-42 Christ Between Two Thieves Here we have a true picture of human nature as it appears amidst difficulties, and dangers, and sufferings, the appropriate fruits of sin. A care to avoid pain is universally prevalent, but a care to avoid sin is comparatively of rare occurrence. Of this conduct one of the malefactors crucified with Christ afforded a lamentable example. But the other, however bad he had previously been, however much hardened or debased, was brought to true repentance. There was an invisible energy touching his soul and melting it into contrition; the power of the cross of Christ was felt, and it proved the Redeemer to be great in sufferings. Yes, this criminal became humble, his heart believed, and his faith penetrated the vail of the incarnation, realizing what was concealed from an eye of sense, even a ground of hope for his guilty soul. (Biblical Illustrator)
Psa 31:5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. Act 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 4/17/2025 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Luk 23:17-21 +++++++ And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will. Luk 23:23-25 BARABBAS OR CHRIST The release of Barabbas illustrates the evasion of personal responsibility. We always admire courage in the abstract. Look at the position of Pilate. “I must sentence, gentlemen, you choose the culprit.” We may be doing this same thing. How often we allow others to determine our duty. “Will you go if I will?” Alone you must die and give an account to God.
4/16/2025 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. And they laid their hands on him, and took him. Mar 14:43-46 +++++++ And they all forsook him, and fled. Mar 14:50 ALONE IN THE HOUR OF TRIAL "Our Lord forewarned His disciples that their desertion of Him would originate in their misconception of His character and office: “All ye shall be offended in Me this night.” They had seen their Divine Master controlling the very elements themselves, from whence they had concluded Him to be the true Messiah. But now they behold Him bound and led away by an armed band, they begin to think that all their former notions were false, and that the expectations which they had founded on His numerous miracles were delusive. Jesus seemed to them now to be like Samson after his locks were cut: He was become weak as other men. Hence they could no longer repose any confidence in Him, but fled like sheep without a shepherd. And is it not thus with the ungodly? Wherefore do they despise Jesus, but because they know neither His power nor His grace?" (C. Simeon)
4/15/2025 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. Mat 26:14-16 Judas Judas the covetous.—This incident reveals Judas Iscariot. If he had intended to compel Christ to commit Himself, and begin at once His kingdom, the very last thing he could have thought of would be making money for himself out of such a transaction. We should divest our minds altogether of the idea that the case of Judas was an exceptional one. We are warranted in looking at Judas exactly as we look at any other man. He had to be exposed to temptation, but was capable of resistance. He was liable to err, to falter, to fall, but there was provided for him adequate and opportune help.
4/14/2025 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Act 20:29 Paul's Parting Warning For I know this,.... By divine revelation: that after my departing; either out of this world, or after his leaving them now, and proceeding on, his journey: shall grievous wolves enter in among you; false teachers, comparable to wolves, for their craft and cunning, and for their greedy, covetous, and voracious dispositions; and who would be very grievous, troublesome, and even intolerable to them; these, he knew, would enter privily, at an unawares, into their churches, and set up themselves for preachers, without being called or sent: not sparing the flock; fleecing it instead of feeding it, making merchandise of it, and like the Pharisees, under religious pretenses, devour widows' houses, and drain the purses of men; and having as little compassion upon their souls, poisoning them with their errors and heresies, subverting their faith, and bringing them into swift ruin and destruction, as much as would in them lie. (John Gill)
4/13/2025 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. Joh 7:37-38 Jesus-The Springs of Living Water “Let Him come.” Do not mystify yourselves with the metaphysics of the Divine decrees. Take Christ in His plain utterances and remember that secret things belong unto God. He says, “if any man will, let Him come”—believe in His honesty of purpose, and that He means what He says, “It is not the will of my Father that one of these little ones should perish.” “You may perish, but that will be from your own acts, not God’s.”
4/12/2025 Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey. Psa 76:4 The Champion of Good "In Psa_76:2, tabernacle may be rendered “covert,” and dwelling-place, “lair.” God is compared to the lion, that dreaded monarch of beasts, who finds his home in a den, into which no inferior animal may intrude. Even the hunter’s bows and arrows are broken in pursuit of him. As the mountains yielded prey to the young lion, so the hills around Jerusalem, where Sennacherib had pitched his camp, would be full of Assyrian spoil for the armies of the Lion of Judah. The stout-hearted captains of Assyria would there sleep their last sleep, Psa_76:5. Some of the meek of the earth may read these lines, Psa_76:9. They do not avenge themselves. Weak and helpless, they turn their eyes to God, who cannot fail them. When He speaks His sentence of acquittal, no voice will be raised to dispute it. For when He arises in judgment He will save all the meek of the earth. There is a “thus far and no farther” to the wrath of man. God will not allow it to go beyond certain limits, and it is remarkable how He is able to make man’s wrath to subserve His purposes. Bring God the gift of your love. Fear not, ye humble souls, but let your enemies be in fear"! (F.B. Meyer)
4/11/2025 I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge. Psa 71:7 Refuge in God David had recollections of the gentle and strong hand of God supporting him through all his life. His age was sustained and cheered by memories of the rich and constant goodness of God to him. The stream of the Divine blessing had never ceased to flow for his refreshment and support. Whatever or whosoever had disappointed him, God had never failed him. Blessed are they who in old age have a retrospect like unto this.
4/7/2025 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. Psa 46:4 The River of God The grace of God, like a river, is perpetual in its movements. The lake may be stagnant, unless some river runs through it; the canal must be kept as free from any current as possible; but the river is always on the move. So it is with the grace of God in the soul of man. However hidden it may be, it is ever living and ever moving. Geographers tell us that the river Guadiana, in Spain, conceals itself in the earth for some fifteen miles of its course. But it is still there. In like manner, however concealed, the grace of God is at work in the heart of every believer.
The fruit. The river is to make glad the city of God. That is, God’s Church and people; and the great purpose of the river and all its streams is—to make them glad: to bring up a smiling landscape around them, to fill their lips and hearts with praise. (Biblical Illustrator) 4/6/2025 A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Psa 63:1 The Longing Soul Consider the prayer of the Psalm. For what does David pray? Not for what we might have prayed had we been in his circumstances. Put yourself in his place—a fugitive in the wilderness on the edge of what seems ruin. Most of us would have had only one prayer, to be lifted out of the mire. But no prayer for material advantage rises from David’s lips. What he wants is God. His prayer is for God to come nigh; he longs for God as in a dry and thirsty land where no water is. (R. Glover, Christian World Pulpit)
How frequently have believers traversed in their experience this “dry and thirsty land,” where spiritual joys are things forgotten! and how truly can they testify that the only true necessity of that country is the near presence of their God! The absence of outward comforts can be borne with serenity when we walk with God; and the most lavish multiplication of them avails not when he withdraws. Only after God, therefore, let us pant. Let all desires be gathered into one. Seeking first the kingdom of God - all else shall be added unto us." (C. H. Spurgeon.) 3/5/2025 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1Cor 13:11 Traits of Childhood In this verse Paul was talking of childhood in relation to a child's state of maturity, using this as a spiritual analogy. It can be used in both cases. When I was raising my daughter some of the traits that I dealt with in her, remained even as she grew to adulthood. When confronted about a lie, or act of rebellion, she would lie again, to cover the first one, and often, if she was caught in an act of rebellion, she would be sorry she got caught, but there was no real remorse from the heart for the wrong she had done. Much of these traits that developed in her, came from the associations from other kids in school, and older adults who she learned to listen to, and allow herself to be influenced by. I sadly learned over the years, that the decisions, and traits she would adhere to, would come from outside sources, that I had no control over, and could not stop them. I also soon learned, that saying no to her wants and whims, quickly made me the enemy, and fueled her rebellion and hatred of me. This is the ongoing war of trying to bring up kids right, in an ungodly world. It's a war that I found was never-ending, and one of the best tools of Satan, to destroy a family. The analogy in this is-Christians act the same way. Today, many households deal with this, and sadly, many kids learn very early how to manipulate, lie, and get their way, and carry these traits into adulthood, and the rest of society lives with them, and has to deal with them. Another aspect of this is, kids learn their habits, and traits from the adults raising them. Many parents and adults who raise kids today, encourage, and teach their kids to lie, and become rebellious. Drugs, alcohol, and immoral sexual activity is a common occurrence. Cities across the country are dealing with the effects of this, with homelessness, grown adult kids who are abusive, drug addicted and violent, and no regard for anyone but themselves. These are realities that speak of the signs of godlessness in the last days, that Paul describes in 2Timothy 3:1-5.
4/4/2025 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Heb 11:16 Seeking a Better Country "Even in this early period of the world, therefore, there was the confident expectation of the future state; compare the notes on Mat. 22:3l-32. We may remark, that the life of the patriarchs was, in all essential respects, such as we should lead. They looked forward to heaven; they sought no permanent possessions here; they regarded themselves as strangers and pilgrims on the earth."
"The pilgrim life is possible only for those who have seen the city of God beckoning them from afar. Then they strike their tents and follow the gleam. By faith they so comport themselves that God is not ashamed to own them. They will discover, even in this life, that they have not trusted Him in vain, and that the half has not been told. On the mere rumor that a new gold field is found, men sell off everything in their mad rush. How many are disappointed! But none of those that trust God shall be left desolate." (F.B. Meyer) 4/3/2025 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Rom 13:13-14 Be Formed in His Image "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ - Herein is contained the whole of our salvation. It is a strong and beautiful expression for the most intimate union with him, and being clothed with all the graces which were in him. The apostle does not say, Put on purity and sobriety, peacefulness and benevolence; but he says all this and a thousand times more at once, in saying, Put on Christ. And make not provision - To raise foolish desires, or, when they are raised already, to satisfy them. " (John Wesley)
And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) Acts 17:19-21 Nothing New to Offer Here Let's take a look at the people Paul was dealing with in his days: The Epicureans pursued pleasure as the chief purpose in life, and valued most of all the pleasure of a peaceful life, free from pain, disturbing passions and superstitious fears (including the fear of death). They did not deny the existence of gods, but believed that they had nothing to do with man. The Stoics believed that everything was god, and god was in everything. So they believed that all things, good or evil, were from “god,” and so nothing should be resisted, and they believed there was no particular direction or destiny for mankind. Some mocked Paul because he did not speak with the philosophical niceties popular in Athens (What does this babbler want to say?). Others thought Paul was an exotic proclaimer of foreign gods. He preached to them Jesus and the resurrection: Though Paul spoke in a different place, to a different kind of audience, his message did not change in Athens. He focused on Jesus and the resurrection.
Today, in the 21st century, this analogy can be multiplied many times over. Every source of media, and there are many, are filled to the brim with sadistic satire, filthy gestures, and language that could not be put here, because it's so profane. Every intention and actions of the great majority is to demean, ridicule, scoff, or find some fault in anyone who openly stands for their faith in Christ. The great motivation of the day is, what kind of entertainment can be created from this person, or their walk in life. And, most who do this are biblically illiterate-there is no use in attempting to have meaningful dialogue with them; it will only give them fuel for more strife. 2Ti 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 1Ti 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. Those who come here with this mindset, are wasting their time, and would do well to go somewhere else. I have no desire to waste time on idle gossip, and endless stories just for the sake of talebearing; and I have nothing here to tickle your ears. All you will see here is; Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. Lorna Couillard 4/1/2025 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; Acts 17:22-25 THE ONE LIVING AND TRUE GOD "The gospel preacher must avail himself of any circumstance in his surroundings that will enable him to arrest the attention of his audience. He must meet them where they are and take them with him to realms of thought with which they are not familiar. Paul was wise to begin with that altar to the unknown god."
Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill. In the Areopagus. Let the reader keep in mind that this address was spoken in the literary capital of the ancient world, the most cultured city of the earth to which every Roman who sought a finished education resorted to complete his studies, the home of the philosophers, orators, sculptors, painters and poets, and the great university where many thousands of strangers were gathered for study. This ancient city of so glorious history is the modern capital of Greece, and has about 100,000 inhabitants. The times of this ignorance. The times when there was no revelation in to those in darkness. God winked at. Overlooked. Now commands. The gospel is world-embracing. (1) All men, (2) everywhere, are command to repent. This call to repentance is urged because God hath appointed a day; the day of coming judgment, when the world will be judged through Christ. Of this the resurrection of Christ is an assurance. Raised him from the dead (Act_17:31). If Jesus was raised, all men will be raised; hence, the assurance of a general judgment after death. (B.W. Johnson)  Comments are closed.
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Welcome
Two minutes daily of devotions and content that hopefully will add a blessing and thoughtfulness to your day. 
Look To This Day
Look to this day, For it is the very life of life. In its brief course lie all the verities and realities of your existence: The glory of action, The bliss of growth, The splendor of beauty, For yesterday is a dream and tomorrow is only a vision; But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day Anonymous 
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