1 Corinthians 1: 18

PRAYER THOT: Thank you, Lord, for such a rich passage of Scripture that You have given us through your dear servant Paul. Help me to appropriate all the truths of this passage for my own daily living.


Philippians 3 vs.20 - For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
For further study - Philippians 3:10-21
Our key verse and the extended reading for today are the same verses we used last time we were in Philippians. However, this time I have a different focus.

The first verse of our extended reading, verse 10, is a great verse to use as the model for being able to press toward the mark of the high calling of God.

Knowing Jesus, the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His suffering, and being willing to give our lives for Him is the "mode of operation" for the Christ-like life.
Verse 13 reveals how Paul was not hung up on himself and his knowledge and position in life. Paul realized he had not arrived, he was forgetting the things of the past and reaching into the future. Paul's energy was focused on pressing toward the mark and it was the mark set by the Lord's calling of this servant to be used in His service.
Our key verse contains the secret of how Paul was able to better know the Lord, forgetting the things of the past and pressing toward the mark.

Paul's citizenship was not here on earth, it was in heaven.
Verse 20 says, "our conversation is in heaven". An alternative interpretation of the Greek word for "conversation" is "citizenship".

Notice a second step here, Paul was constantly looking for the Lord Jesus Christ to come from heaven to get us and take us to be with Him forevermore, into eternity future.
Verse 21 shows us that when Jesus Christ comes He will change this old worn-out body of ours, and fashion it like His glorious body. What a relief that will be, our old bodies for eternity fashioned in the likeness of the Lord's glorious body.
By the way, that process will be almost instantaneous, 1 Corinthians 15:52. It will be done, "in a moment in the twinkling of an eye." The "twinkling of an eye" is much faster than a "blink of the eye", and that's fast.
These are blessed verses and I wanted to use them again to glean another, different blessing from them. I pray you got that same blessing.
PRAYER THOT: Thank you Lord, for the promise of our new citizenship and the fact that You will make our old bodies like Your glorious body, even so come Lord Jesus, quickly.
Philippians 4 vs5 - Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

For further study - Philippians 4:1-23

What a practical book Paul's letter to the Church at Philippi is for the Christian today. What a powerful passage Philippians 4 is for each of us in these days before the coming of the Lord. And what an encouraging word is contained in our key verse for today's devotional reading.

In fact, in five words Paul reminds us of what we must constantly keep before us on a daily basis, "the Lord is at hand", verse 5. Contained within these five words is what drives us to appropriate all of the great Biblical principles that are in Philippians 4 and in fact, all of the practical passages of Philippians.

"The Lord is at hand" is telling us that His shout for us to join Him in the air, the Rapture, is an "any moment" event that is "imminent", an event that could happen before you finish reading this devotional thought for today.

That makes me want to offer up the Apostle John's prayer of 2,000 years ago, Revelation 22:20, "Even so come Lord Jesus." But should He tarry, because "He is not willing that any should parish but all should come to repentance", II Peter 3:9, we can look to all of God's provisions for us in Philippians and in particular chapter four .

Philippians 4 is a very practical pattern for our own personal relationship with Jesus and a productive relationship with our fellow Christians. As I often say, I can't get to every "precious nugget" in this passage, but only some of the highlights.

Verse 4 reflects the theme of the entire book of Philippians, "a joyful mind". I didn't say a "happy mind" but a "joyful mind". There is a difference. Happiness is based on happenings. Joy is based on our relationship with Jesus Christ.

"Rejoicing in the Lord always," verse 4, means to have that "Godly joy" that Jesus gives, all the time. In verses 6-9 we see how that can happen. We don't need to worry but "pray," verse 6. Sometimes we get that backwards, we don't need to "pray", but worry. Verse 8 tells us to "think", we need to "think" right, we must think on things and about things that contain "virtue" within them.

Verse 9 is the action verse, Paul says, "You've read about my ministry and my example, now go out and "do" what you have seen, heard and learned from me. To be able to rejoice, we must pray, think and do. By the way, remember, we can "do" all things through Christ who strengthens us, verse 13.

There is one more nugget before I close, verse 19, "My God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus." That promise includes not only financial but physical and spiritual needs as well.

What practical provision Paul gives us in Philippians for our personal journey through life as we await His "any moment" shout for us to join Him in the heavenlies.

PRAYER THOT: Help me to keep the reality of Your "any moment" return in mind as I appropriate Your provision for these days, awaiting Your shout to call me to be with You forever.

Proverbs 1 vs.7 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
For further study - Proverbs 1:1-29
The book of Proverbs written by King Solomon is packed with tidbits of spiritual refreshment. A daily dose of Proverbs is worth every minute spent reading and meditating upon its contents.
Our key verse, verse 7, speaks of "knowledge". We will look at the impact of "knowledge" in a moment. Before we do that, let’s take a look at the entire book of Proverbs. There is a goldmine of nuggets that will bring true riches to you as you read them each day.
Someone has said that a "Proverb a day will keep the devil away". I commend to you Proverbs as additional reading after our daily devotionals.

What you will find is a number of sayings, a collection of sayings from Solomon that contain Divine wisdom applied to the earthly, everyday conditions of the people of God.

Notice in our key verse a definition of the beginning of "knowledge".

"Knowledge" does not come with University training but by a "fear of the Lord". I don't mean that we are to "fear the Lord" like we fear someone who can bring harm upon us. The term "fear of the Lord" is a "reverential fear" that is also a "hatred of evil". This is the "fear" King Solomon is referring to in the verse.

The Word then states the source of "true knowledge" is that "hatred of evil" and the "reverential fear of the Lord" that is the beginning of “knowledge”. This world's thinking is focused on the wrong source for true "knowledge."
The Lord Jesus Christ was the "Creator" of the heavens and earth and all that is in it and on it. There is only one way you and I can know anything about our origins and that is by reading the account written by the only One that was there, "In the beginning".
The eyewitness to Creation was Jesus Himself and if we want to have knowledge of that time we must read the Lord's account of this time in history, as recorded in the first and second chapters of Genesis.
Then, through a "reverential fear" of the Lord that causes us to read His Word, we gain "knowledge" which contains wisdom and instruction. "Fear" is a great thing when focused on the Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER THOT: Give me, dear Lord, a "reverential fear" of You, which will bring me knowledge, wisdom and instruction for my everyday life.

Proverbs 15 vs3 

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

For further study - Proverbs 15:1-33

Someone has said that a Christian should read one chapter of Proverbs every day of the month. In fact that works very well because there are 31 chapters in Proverbs. May I encourage you to read today this 15th chapter of Proverbs. It is packed with wisdom for everyday living.

As you read through this nugget of God's wisdom please notice verse 3. What an awesome thought, "the eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good."

These words remind me of other verses that convey that same truth to the reader: Proverbs 5:21 --- “the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord”: Job 34:21 --- “His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all His goings”: Jeremiah 16:17 ---- “Neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes”: Jeremiah 32:19 --- “For thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of man”: Hebrews 4:13 --- “neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight”.

John the Revelator wrote in the description of the resurrected, glorified person of Jesus Christ, found in Revelation 1:12-16, that His eyes, verse 14, were as a "flame of fire." A further word study of this description would indicate that the Lord has “x-ray vision”. He sees all, everywhere. His eyes are upon our every activity, our every word, our all.

What an awesome thought as we await the One described in Revelation that will call us up to be with Him forevermore. This truth should be used to bring us more in line with “His image” as we prepare to enter into “His eternal presence”.

PRAYER THOT: Lord help me this day to live my life before you, the One who sees all that I do, both good and evil.


Proverbs 21 vs30 

There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

For further study - Proverbs 21:1-31

I had you read the whole chapter today in our extended reading because Proverbs is such a practical book for believers to read on a daily basis. Someone said, "a Proverb a day keeps the devil away."

It is a great idea to read a Proverb every day of the year and glean from your readings wisdom beyond what you have today. I have found that to be the case with me. As an example of this, let me share several blessings from my reading today.

The hearts of our political leaders are truly in the hand of the Lord and He is in control of all “governmental leaders”, both the saved and the lost, Proverbs 21:1. Any financial gain we make thru deception only leads to a terrible time, Proverbs 21:6, even unto death.

The writer of the Proverbs, King Solomon, spoke of a proper work ethic and that those who “love pleasure” will end up as the poor. This is a lesson very needed in our society today.

As one who often opens his mouth before thinking about what is being said, I really pray for God's help to understand, Proverbs 21:23. I can stay out of trouble, if I watch my mouth and tongue more closely. Have you ever had that problem? You don't have to answer.

If we know Christ as Lord and Saviour, Proverbs 21:26, gives us instruction for our giving.

The last verse in Proverbs 21 is “prophetic”. It talks about the "day of battle". I know this verse, written around 3,000 years ago, has application down through the millennia. It is also looking to that final "day of battle" that takes place at the end of the Tribulation Period, the Battle of Armageddon .

This “final war” will be the one where Jesus intercedes to defeat the forces of Satan who are trying to kill all of the Jews remaining on earth at that time, Revelation 19.

Notice the verse says even though you prepare for war, your safety is in the Lord. Jesus Christ will come to defeat Satan and all of his forces and set up the “kingdom”, the Kingdom He has promised to the Jewish people.

According to other prophecies in God's word, this “day”, the “day of the final war”, is quickly approaching. However, I must remind you that seven years before this “final war” the Rapture will take place and all Christians will be called up to the heavenlies. That day could be today.

PRAYER THOT: Thank you for your Word, the Bible, given to me, instruction on how to live.

Proverbs 23 vs.31 

Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

For further study - Proverbs 23:20-35

This is a unique passage of Scripture in light of the ever increasing number of church members who believe it is alright for them to take a "social drink," have an intoxicating beverage.

On the radio recently, a long time Bible-believing Bible teacher made the statement that he saw nothing wrong with a Christian having a "social drink" . This Radio Bible teacher, the voice of a great, long time ministry, I believe went against not only the Word of God but against the spirit of the Word.

The writer of Proverbs addressed the issue head on. He writes to us to not be "among the winebibbers." Some may say, "I'm not a drunkard”. If that is your response, please keep reading through our entire devotional and the extended reading for today, especially the last 7 verses.

The writer reveals the lifestyle of one who "tarries long at the wine," verse 30. Please notice verse 31. The exhortation is "to not even look at the wine when it is red, when it is moving in the cup." In other words, when the "juice of the vine," the grape juice, in a cup starts to move, the grape juice has fermented and thus it is intoxicating. It is at that time one should not partake of this intoxicating beverage.

There is an interesting restriction that is placed upon the "kings of Israel" found in the last chapter of Proverbs. Proverbs 31:4-5 reveals that Kings cannot drink wine, intoxicating liquid. The reason is that a King that drinks intoxicating beverages would forget the law and pervert their judgment of matters pertaining to the King's subjects.

Our key verse for our reading today has an interesting connection to a prophetic passage for the last days. Zechariah 12:2 refers to Jerusalem as a "cup of trembling" which is "apocalyptic literature." In apocalyptic literature, the writer of Scripture is using a "symbol" to communicate an absolute truth.

In light of our key verse, verse 31, a "cup of trembling" would mean that Jerusalem will be "intoxicating" to those who control it in the last days. Those who have control of Jerusalem and in particular the Temple Mount, are, and will be intoxicated with that power as we move closer to the return of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem to build His temple on the Temple Mount.

Such is the description of the situation at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem today. Moslems control the Temple Mount, which is the most sacred piece of real estate to both Jews and Christians in the entire universe. TheseMoslems have become “intoxicated” with that power. Bible prophecy is moving very close to complete fulfillment.

PRAYER THOT: Thank You, Lord, for instructions for my daily life and the standard I should keep as I await Your soon return to earth.

Psalm 2 vs.6 - Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

For further study - Psalm 2:1-12

What a powerful passage of scripture the Psalmist gives to us, actually a very prophetic passage of Scripture. In essence we are reading for today the order of the establishment of the Kingdom to be set up in Jerusalem.

This will be an eternal Kingdom to be ruled over by the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.

Let's take a journey through this Psalm, with the Kingdom in mind, and notice how it comes to pass. Verse one reveals that the heathen, Gentiles, will rise to power as the leaders of the world. These Gentile world powers will continue to gain power and control in the world all the way up to the Lord's return.

It will be these Gentile nations, who come against God and His chosen people with the intention of destroying them, Psalm 2:2-3. God's reaction is very interesting, He laughs, Psalm 2:4. This is laughter that comes from awareness that the Gentile world leaders are unable to do what they want to do, that is to destroy His people, the Jews, and His plan for the End Times.

However, it is at this time that the World leaders believe they are really what they think they are, when the Lord unleashes His wrath against them. He will do this from His "holy hill of Zion," which is the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Notice that the Lord God gives this power and position to His Son, Jesus Christ, Psalm 2:7. God will give the heathen, the Gentile world to His Son, Psalm 2:8, and Jesus will break them in pieces, like a potters vessel.

The “Lord's Kingdom”, which is in perfect harmony with all prophetic passages that relate to this coming period of time, is yet in the future.

In the last three verses of our extended reading, Psalm 2:9-12, we see that the Lord, and prophecy are very practical. Since this is the way history will be played out in the future the Psalmist suggest that the readers must be wise. This is suggested to the kings and judges of the earth. Then he instructs the people of the world to serve the Lord with fear, which is the beginning of wisdom.

I love this next instruction, "Kiss the Son." Kiss Jesus Christ, in other words, honor, love, obey and serve the Son of God. Then the Psalmist tells of the blessings that will come to them that put their trust in Him.

This wonderful chapter is evidence that prophecy tells of the future and the Lord's rule and reign from Jerusalem. But it also reveals to us how practical prophecy is as well. It recommends the study of prophecy to you and me for the blessing we will receive and the motivation to live for Him and serve Him until He comes to call us up to be with Him at the Rapture, which precedes the establishment of His Kingdom by seven years.

The Rapture can take place at any time, and it could be today!

PRAYER THOT: Help me to understand prophecy so that it becomes practical in my daily life.

Psalm 19 vs.9 - The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

For further study - Psalm 19:1-14

This passage selected for our reading today is so rich. Our key verse has prophetic significance which we must consider and will do so in a moment. But first, let's look at several great truths found in Psalm 19.

The very first verse of our extended reading is such a blessing. We are given the way to see the "glory of the Lord" - we just look up to the heavens. During the fourth day of creation, Genesis 1:14-19, the Lord uttered three words, "the stars also" and the "star-filled"

heavens appeared.

This space is not large enough to even consider the extent of those three words. Might I suggest you take some time in the near future to stop to view the heavens. Notice the handiwork of the Lord and see how the heavens declare "His glory." I have done this and have been blessed.

Verse 2-4 reminds us how we fail to observe the passing of each day and each night. The truth is that like precision clockwork each day and night appear and then are gone. The passage speaks of the sun how the Lord has a special dwelling place, a tabernacle for it each night. That, of course, from my perspective - while those on the other side of the earth with another perspective.

Notice what the Psalmist, this Psalm written by King David, says about the Word of the Lord which is the "law of the Lord." Reading the Lord's Word, which is perfect and sure. will lead you to Him as Savior and make you wise. The Word will also show us any secret sins that must be dealt with, verse 12.

Before we come to our Prayer Thot, please notice verse 9. It starts out, "the fear of the Lord." That phrase is a statement of Old

Testament piety meaning "reverential trust" with "hatred of evil."

Next, in verse 9, a statement about judgment - judgment to come. Let me remind you of two of the future judgments, the Great White Throne and the Judgment Seat of Christ.

The Great White Throne, Revelation 20:11-15, is where lost people will stand to be sentenced to the Lake of Fire joining Satan, Antichrist, and False Prophet. The Judgment Seat of Christ, II Corinthians 5:10 and Romans 14:10, will be a time for Christians, when Jesus will hand out rewards for those "righteous acts" we have done in His power and for His glory.
Notice how the Psalmist refers to the judgments, "true and righteous." Someone will only stand at the Great White Throne if they have never trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. All

Christians will stand before Jesus at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

We must prepare today for that judgment, in a future tomorrow.

PRAYER THOT: Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight (Psalm 19:14.)

Psalm 24 vs10 

Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

For further study - Psalm 24:1-10

When reading through the Bible, as you come to Psalm 22, 23 and 24, you see three aspects of a "shepherd," the "good shepherd," the "great shepherd" and the "chief shepherd." In Psalm 22, the Psalmist reveals the "Good Shepherd" as the “shepherd” who gives his life for his sheep, John 10:11.

The Psalmist gives us a graphic picture of death by crucifixion. This Psalm is a prophecy of the Messiah who would give His life for the salvation of all who would come to Him for eternal life.

Psalm 23 depicts the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the One the Psalmist is writing about, as the "Great Shepherd." The writer shows the "Great Shepherd," "brought again from the dead through the blood of the everlasting covenant," Hebrews 13:20, is the One that tenderly cares for the sheep.

In our devotional reading for today, we focus on the "Chief Shepherd," I Peter 5:4, who appears as the "King of Glory," the One who comes to reward the sheep. Four times in Psalm 24 the Messiah is referred to as the "King of Glory," verses 7-10.

As we begin to read through this 24th Psalm we see that the Great Shepherd was also the "Creator," verses 1 and 2. The truth is, that the only way He could be the “Chief Shepherd” and the “King of Glory” is that He was the “Creator” of all things and that all of Creation belongs to Him.

The Psalmist then tells us that the only way we can "ascend to the hill of the Lord" is if we have "clean hands and a pure heart," verse 4. By the way, the next verse in our reading reveals to us that our salvation, the way to clean hands and a pure heart, comes from Him, verse 5.

Verses 7-10 speak of the coming Messiah, referred to here as the "King of Glory." I have heard a song that uses these four verses as the words to its melody. It is a beautiful song, which, of course, is what the Psalms are, “songs to sing”.

Let me go back to the reference in I Peter 5:4 that speaks of the "Chief Shepherd," the "King of Glory." Notice the Chief Shepherd brings with Him when He comes a "crown of glory" for all of us, as Christians, that have "fed the flock," I Peter 5:2. That means we have helped other Christians to grow in the Lord as we have been "examples to the flock," I Peter 5:3.

I look forward to receiving from the "Chief Shepherd" a "crown of glory" when the "King of Glory" comes. I want to give back to our Lord this crown, Revelation 4:10, in thanksgiving for what the "Chief Shepherd," the "King of Glory" has done for me.

PRAYER THOT: Help me, Lord, to be at the task of "feeding the flock" by being the example you want me to be so I will receive the "crown of glory" from the "Chief Shepherd" when You come.


Psalm 83 vs1