Samuel took a stone and set it up. ... He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the Lord helped us."
-1 Samuel 7:12
MY granddaughter began reading aloud from an old hymnbook, "Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I'm come."* She stopped and asked, "Grandma, what does Ebenezer mean?" Together, we discovered that an Ebenezer is a kind of memorial made of stones; it symbolizes God's help and guidance.
My granddaughter and I talked together about things that remind us of God's love. We remembered the story of Jacob's dream and God's promise to bless him. (See Gen. 28:10-22.) Jacob poured oil over the stone he had used as a pillow and set it apart as a memorial of his encounter with God. We read about Joshua leading the tribes of Israel across the Jordan River. (See Josh. 4.) A representative from each tribe carried a stone from the middle of the river, and Joshua set them up together as a permanent reminder of God's care.
We, too, can have "Ebenezers." It is good at times to look back -- to how we came to know God, to healing, to answered prayers -- and to remember that God who was mightily present at those times walks with us day by day as our guide and our help.
Elvie Klein (Queensland, Australia)
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
DON'T BE AFRAID
Jesus said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
-Mark 6:50
TO me, the world is a frightening place. Law-enforcement officials claim that crime is falling, but it isn't from what I can see. It seems that just when I begin to feel safe, acts of terrorism occur again. Health and financial issues are constant worries as well, and to top it off, we in Kansas face yearly threats of tornadoes.
In Bible times, people struggled with similar problems, including natural dangers. One such struggle occurred after Jesus left his disciples to go to the hills to pray alone. The disciples began struggling to cross the sea in the middle of a storm. While they were straining to row against the wind, Jesus came to them, walking on the lake. When they cried out, thinking him a ghost, Jesus identified himself and told the disciples not to be afraid. As soon as Jesus entered the boat, the storm ended.
I need to hear these words, "Don't be afraid," in my heart all the time. I find that only the grace, love, mercy, and power of Christ can get me through times of fear. Feeling Christ's presence allows us to face life's scary moments with the assurance that we are not alone. No matter what happens, we are eternally safe with Christ who is our strength.
By Willard Stringham (Kansas, USA)
-Mark 6:50
TO me, the world is a frightening place. Law-enforcement officials claim that crime is falling, but it isn't from what I can see. It seems that just when I begin to feel safe, acts of terrorism occur again. Health and financial issues are constant worries as well, and to top it off, we in Kansas face yearly threats of tornadoes.
In Bible times, people struggled with similar problems, including natural dangers. One such struggle occurred after Jesus left his disciples to go to the hills to pray alone. The disciples began struggling to cross the sea in the middle of a storm. While they were straining to row against the wind, Jesus came to them, walking on the lake. When they cried out, thinking him a ghost, Jesus identified himself and told the disciples not to be afraid. As soon as Jesus entered the boat, the storm ended.
I need to hear these words, "Don't be afraid," in my heart all the time. I find that only the grace, love, mercy, and power of Christ can get me through times of fear. Feeling Christ's presence allows us to face life's scary moments with the assurance that we are not alone. No matter what happens, we are eternally safe with Christ who is our strength.
By Willard Stringham (Kansas, USA)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
DEFEATED AND BRUISED!!!!
We have been warning you here at Watchmen of the Wall Ministries about the coming persecutions to hit this earth. We have been trying to get you prepared for the events, we believe, are signaling the coming end of this age. We truly believe that the imminent return of Jesus Christ is at hand.
But, if I may, I want to digress just for a moment. My thoughts this morning are filled with something else. This morning, as I write this to you, my heart is rejoicing inside. Tears flow in rejoicing at this wonderful thought that fills my heart and mind. Thanks be to Jesus Christ for what he has done. THANKS BE TO GOD ALMIGHTY FOR AN EMPTY TOMB! Thanks be to God this morning that we know there is a borrowed tomb that no longer holds its victim. I know this is not Easter, but we should not wait for an appointed holiday to rejoice in what Jesus has done for us.
You see, more than even the Cross, where he gave his life for the wages of sin, if he had stayed dead from the Cross, we would be in very deep trouble. To me the empty tomb is just as important, maybe more, than the Cross. Isn’t it funny so many people wear crosses about their necks, but no one wears an empty tomb on a necklace around their necks! I celebrate the fact that he gave his life for the payment of our sin, but I celebrate even more the fact that God raised him up from death, and he rose from the land of the dead, because something special happened for us there.
God promised in the garden of Eden, when man lost it all to Satan’s trap, that he would take back what the Devil had stolen. Even though Satan had won the battle at present, God promised in the end he would win the war! And in the process, he would bruise his heel on the head of Satan, putting an even bigger bruise on his head! I want you to know, because of the empty tomb, victory is ours! Victory over sin, victory of the shackles that had us chained to Satan, victory over our own weakness, victory over depression, victory over sickness, AND VICTORY OVER ETERNAL SEPERATION FROM GOD IN HEAVEN. We can hold our heads up high, wipe the tears of defeat from our eyes, and boldy proclaim; “whom the SON sets free, is free indeed”!
He came out of that tomb with the key to unlock disease, sickness, depression, loneliness, despair, sin, and unforgiveness. And I must mention here the greatest gift to us, besides the gift of Salvation, is the wonderful gift of the power and presence of the HOLY GHOST! Without the gift of his spirit, we cannot make it thru life’s trappings, nor can we say we belong in the family. Rejoice with me today, if you are a born again, spirit filled child of God. Rejoice you have been given victory. Rejoice with me in knowing the only one left crying today, is Satan, defeated and bruised! If you don’t know this victory in your heart, you can. Reach out to him in prayer, and you will receive it.
But, if I may, I want to digress just for a moment. My thoughts this morning are filled with something else. This morning, as I write this to you, my heart is rejoicing inside. Tears flow in rejoicing at this wonderful thought that fills my heart and mind. Thanks be to Jesus Christ for what he has done. THANKS BE TO GOD ALMIGHTY FOR AN EMPTY TOMB! Thanks be to God this morning that we know there is a borrowed tomb that no longer holds its victim. I know this is not Easter, but we should not wait for an appointed holiday to rejoice in what Jesus has done for us.
You see, more than even the Cross, where he gave his life for the wages of sin, if he had stayed dead from the Cross, we would be in very deep trouble. To me the empty tomb is just as important, maybe more, than the Cross. Isn’t it funny so many people wear crosses about their necks, but no one wears an empty tomb on a necklace around their necks! I celebrate the fact that he gave his life for the payment of our sin, but I celebrate even more the fact that God raised him up from death, and he rose from the land of the dead, because something special happened for us there.
God promised in the garden of Eden, when man lost it all to Satan’s trap, that he would take back what the Devil had stolen. Even though Satan had won the battle at present, God promised in the end he would win the war! And in the process, he would bruise his heel on the head of Satan, putting an even bigger bruise on his head! I want you to know, because of the empty tomb, victory is ours! Victory over sin, victory of the shackles that had us chained to Satan, victory over our own weakness, victory over depression, victory over sickness, AND VICTORY OVER ETERNAL SEPERATION FROM GOD IN HEAVEN. We can hold our heads up high, wipe the tears of defeat from our eyes, and boldy proclaim; “whom the SON sets free, is free indeed”!
He came out of that tomb with the key to unlock disease, sickness, depression, loneliness, despair, sin, and unforgiveness. And I must mention here the greatest gift to us, besides the gift of Salvation, is the wonderful gift of the power and presence of the HOLY GHOST! Without the gift of his spirit, we cannot make it thru life’s trappings, nor can we say we belong in the family. Rejoice with me today, if you are a born again, spirit filled child of God. Rejoice you have been given victory. Rejoice with me in knowing the only one left crying today, is Satan, defeated and bruised! If you don’t know this victory in your heart, you can. Reach out to him in prayer, and you will receive it.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
THEY ALSO SERVE
Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
-Exodus 4:10 (KJV)
GOD would not allow Moses to use a handicap as an excuse to back away from what God asked him to do. After Moses reluctantly agreed, he found that with God's guidance, he was able to lead the people out of bondage.
Through the ages, God has strengthened and worked through those with impairments. Their accomplishments have been a witness to what is possible when we realize that God is with us. John Milton, the British poet who wrote Paradise Lost, was blind. Speaker and writer Helen Keller was both deaf and blind. Both are awesome examples of the power of God. When we have an emptiness, God fills it.
When I become despondent because of the physical impairments of my advancing years, I remember the nation that grew from Abraham and Sarah, who seemed too old to have a child. If I give myself to my church and community, God will still work through me. In whatever I do, I can serve as a witness that God will use my gifts and talents, despite the limitations that come with aging.
Raymond Bottom (Mississippi, USA)
-Exodus 4:10 (KJV)
GOD would not allow Moses to use a handicap as an excuse to back away from what God asked him to do. After Moses reluctantly agreed, he found that with God's guidance, he was able to lead the people out of bondage.
Through the ages, God has strengthened and worked through those with impairments. Their accomplishments have been a witness to what is possible when we realize that God is with us. John Milton, the British poet who wrote Paradise Lost, was blind. Speaker and writer Helen Keller was both deaf and blind. Both are awesome examples of the power of God. When we have an emptiness, God fills it.
When I become despondent because of the physical impairments of my advancing years, I remember the nation that grew from Abraham and Sarah, who seemed too old to have a child. If I give myself to my church and community, God will still work through me. In whatever I do, I can serve as a witness that God will use my gifts and talents, despite the limitations that come with aging.
Raymond Bottom (Mississippi, USA)
Monday, July 13, 2009
WHAT WILL YOU CARRY THRU THE TRIBULATION?
This statement will turn a lot of people off. There are a lot of churches and many preachers, on TV and in your community, that preach a gospel of escapism. Simply put, there will be a lot of Christians who will not receive what I am about to say, and therefore not be ready for the coming persecution, because they have been led to believe by denominations and big time ministers that we will not be allowed to suffer the persecution of the tribulation.
WAIT BEFORE YOU TURN ME OFF!!!!!
Answer this one question; can you find anywhere in the Bible where God did not allow his children to go thru persecution for his name? Indeed, Jesus and quite a few apostles spoke about how you would be tried and persecuted, and how you should count it an honor by God to be given such a chance! Sure, God came in just in time when the judgment of the wicked, or before the untimely death of the child of God, was at the point of happening. Noah was delivered from the judgment upon the world (the flood), but he was never spared from the persecution of believing the word from God to build a boat on dry land to a people who had never saw rain. Even Jesus, who was spared the judgment of a sinner’s Hell, because he was not a sinner, was not spared the beatings, mocking, and persecution for aligning himself with God the Father. Have we forgotten the scriptures that tell us “the servant is not greater than his master”, meaning whatever road the master had to take, so does the servant take as well. And that servant is not a better or special person, what the master suffered so will the servant suffer.
If you study the “tribulation” period, then you will notice many things are happening. Before the return of our Lord, a few things must happen. This devotional will not allow me to cover all points, but suffice it to say this, there is a period of persecution on the saints, there are people here to endure this persecution (check your bible), and that is no reason for a rescue from God. Are you prepared for the coming persecution? There are plenty of ministers who will tell you otherwise, and give you a nice, pretty word so you won’t worry about it. So is the Devil’s job, to keep you from being concerned about your walk with God, and keep you from being prepared for what lies ahead, hoping you will fall by the wayside. Think about this; if I am wrong, what do you stand to loose? You will be getting out of here when the bad stuff happens. BUT, ARE YOU WILLING TO GAMBLE? What if I am right? What will you do then?
There are a few things you can do, if you will dare to believe what I am saying. God has shown us here at Watchmen of the Wall ministries there is hope. I want to focus on one, possibly the most important, tool you will need. Here it is: A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH JESUS CHRIST! Here is what I am talking about, not some salvation experience when you were five. I am talking about someone who has entered the very bedchamber of God, thru the Holy Ghost, and received his own Mt. Sinai experience. Someone who has stood in the very presence of God almighty, and he has communed with him, and spoken a word to him to encourage him. Maybe he gave this person a personal word, along with a scripture, and that became something no Devil, no evil spirit, no trial or trouble can ever take away. They cannot be shaken in their mind; they know they have been with God himself. And that personal word, from that experience, will carry you thru all the turmoil, chaos, and terror that are to hit the face of this earth, like a dam bursting its reservoir of water. I say this in love, only those who have had this, will be able to stand in this coming tribulation. Do you have that? Is there an experience in your life with Jesus Christ that transcends anything natural, cannot be explained? Would people call you crazy if you revealed it out loud? A supernatural experience where he spoke to you and you know you had been with the Lord? They are real my friend, don’t let today’s ministers and denominations fool you, the supernatural power of God is still real today! Get this experience with God before it is too late.
WAIT BEFORE YOU TURN ME OFF!!!!!
Answer this one question; can you find anywhere in the Bible where God did not allow his children to go thru persecution for his name? Indeed, Jesus and quite a few apostles spoke about how you would be tried and persecuted, and how you should count it an honor by God to be given such a chance! Sure, God came in just in time when the judgment of the wicked, or before the untimely death of the child of God, was at the point of happening. Noah was delivered from the judgment upon the world (the flood), but he was never spared from the persecution of believing the word from God to build a boat on dry land to a people who had never saw rain. Even Jesus, who was spared the judgment of a sinner’s Hell, because he was not a sinner, was not spared the beatings, mocking, and persecution for aligning himself with God the Father. Have we forgotten the scriptures that tell us “the servant is not greater than his master”, meaning whatever road the master had to take, so does the servant take as well. And that servant is not a better or special person, what the master suffered so will the servant suffer.
If you study the “tribulation” period, then you will notice many things are happening. Before the return of our Lord, a few things must happen. This devotional will not allow me to cover all points, but suffice it to say this, there is a period of persecution on the saints, there are people here to endure this persecution (check your bible), and that is no reason for a rescue from God. Are you prepared for the coming persecution? There are plenty of ministers who will tell you otherwise, and give you a nice, pretty word so you won’t worry about it. So is the Devil’s job, to keep you from being concerned about your walk with God, and keep you from being prepared for what lies ahead, hoping you will fall by the wayside. Think about this; if I am wrong, what do you stand to loose? You will be getting out of here when the bad stuff happens. BUT, ARE YOU WILLING TO GAMBLE? What if I am right? What will you do then?
There are a few things you can do, if you will dare to believe what I am saying. God has shown us here at Watchmen of the Wall ministries there is hope. I want to focus on one, possibly the most important, tool you will need. Here it is: A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH JESUS CHRIST! Here is what I am talking about, not some salvation experience when you were five. I am talking about someone who has entered the very bedchamber of God, thru the Holy Ghost, and received his own Mt. Sinai experience. Someone who has stood in the very presence of God almighty, and he has communed with him, and spoken a word to him to encourage him. Maybe he gave this person a personal word, along with a scripture, and that became something no Devil, no evil spirit, no trial or trouble can ever take away. They cannot be shaken in their mind; they know they have been with God himself. And that personal word, from that experience, will carry you thru all the turmoil, chaos, and terror that are to hit the face of this earth, like a dam bursting its reservoir of water. I say this in love, only those who have had this, will be able to stand in this coming tribulation. Do you have that? Is there an experience in your life with Jesus Christ that transcends anything natural, cannot be explained? Would people call you crazy if you revealed it out loud? A supernatural experience where he spoke to you and you know you had been with the Lord? They are real my friend, don’t let today’s ministers and denominations fool you, the supernatural power of God is still real today! Get this experience with God before it is too late.
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