We are to receive the Word of GOD by the Spirit, so I strongly urge you to pray before you receive the Devotional. Let Christ take the lead in your Spiritual Development.
Introduction
Good morning, friends, or whatever greeting fits when you receive this.
To start off: the title of this message was given to me last week Sunday already, and I spent the whole week waiting on the Lord for when I could write it. I was not given the go-ahead until this morning, on my Sabbath, when God permitted me to write to you.
This teaching, I warn you, cuts ever so slightly deep to the bone. In this world it is different to look at yourself rather than at other people. It is difficult to find fault in our own actions rather than in the actions of others. Usually, when we see someone do something that brings out anger in us, it’s that very thing in us that we are angry at.
This was just the prep work before we begin. Let us now go and be quiet before the Lord.
2. Scripture with Devotional Reflection
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (KJV) “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
As we read here in 1 Corinthians, we are not our own. You see, it has become the norm in this world to “own your body,” you know — all those self-help people who declare, “Become the best you that you can be.” The problem is that the best “you” that you can be is still guilty.
It is only through the price that Christ Jesus paid on that cross that the guilty verdict on us is removed and replaced by the word “Forgiven.” God’s law states clearly that the penalty for sin is death.
We can stand in rebellion against the Word of God (which means we are guilty), or we can accept the Word of God and lay ourselves down before the throne. Like this:
Romans 12:1 (KJV) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Now you see, some would read this and the question in their hearts would be “But how?”
When you are out in public — striking up a conversation with someone in the shops, at the petrol station getting fuel, or on that late-night cold drink run — you have that moment to lay yourself down and declare Jesus to someone (if you are led to do so).
A living sacrifice before the throne means you put your needs aside and give yourself to God so He can do with you as He pleases. Because if you are not given over to God, then you are given over to this world.
And being given over to this world, you might see some stuff. Your day-to-day life may become stress-free, you might see things fall in your favor quite often, and you might even see massive prosperity. You see, this world can bless you too, because as long as you are given over to this world, the message God has written on the walls of your heart will never get spoken.
God can bless you exceedingly and above all expectation — but God’s blessing looks a little different. You won’t have the Ferrari if that Ferrari will take you away from Him. But if it won’t, indeed that car might stand in your driveway as a physical reminder of God’s mercy for you. And then you can be certain that very car will be used to minister. Because God works with purpose — nothing He does is “just for fun.”
Let’s look at this a little deeper:
2 Timothy 1:9 (KJV) “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”
Before the world began — that’s crazy to think about! Every step you take, every breath you breathe was given and ordained by God.
When we hold this Scripture in our hearts and can declare it truthfully, it is where “I” ends and God begins. When our lives are handed over to God, it is with the full knowledge that they weren’t ours to begin with.
And the moment we accept that, even our speech changes. Go and speak to a believer who truly walks a road with God and see how long it takes before the conversation turns to God.
I confess here before you: when my mentor and I speak, the most worldly thing we say is the “hello, how are you” when we see each other — other than that, it’s all about God. Because that’s who it’s about. It’s not about us. None of this is. Yet we have self-inserted into a lot of things — it’s part of the human condition where we find ourselves in this moment.
Luke 14:8–10 (KJV) “When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.”
You see, God has a plan for each and every one of us — and His plan is perfect for us.
I want you to understand something: everything God is doing is for us — from His Son on the cross to the destruction of their world (yes, their world, not ours).
There are so many times in life where this very choice in Luke 14 is spoken about. I want you to think about this from a Father’s perspective. You all know God wants what’s best for us. So when this choice of where we sit comes, God is testing our hearts to make sure His Word is rooting deeper and deeper into us.
Because we are children of God, are we not? God’s Word declares it so beautifully. But if we can humble ourselves in this world — where the portion God has given us is enough, where we become thankful for just drawing breath, where the fear of the Lord is our greatest strength — then we have truly followed The Way.
The beautiful thing is we follow The Way in a spiritual sense first. Because we lay ourselves down in the grave — the end of “I” — and are resurrected in a new man.
When someone from the world gets saved, all their worldly friends disappear. God willing, some actually follow them to Christ, but for the most part the world has their heart, so the world will take them.
When you become God’s child (who you always were, you just needed to accept it), you die in their eyes; you are dead to them. For them it is like attending a funeral.
So, friends, in closing this morning: I pray this sits in your heart, that you can truly understand God’s heart for you — to die to this world. That your heart not be of this place anymore, that the end of “I” ends in the Living Water, and that who comes out is a Spirit-filled one of God.
Because His plans for us are beautiful; they are perfect. But as long as the “I” in the mirror is god, then God has no place in your life.
I know these are harsh words, but we live in harsh times. Rather harsh words from one who cares for you than the words this world would have you believe.
Written by the hand of a servant of God Son of David
Selah. Shalom
5. Resources
Playlists:
Find all playlists compiled on SoundCloud (and feel free to share with your loved ones.)
We have added the ability for you to download the music you heard in the devotionals. You can listen to the song before hitting the “Download” button to know it is the right song you wanted. For now at least, these are free downloads and my hope is that I can keep it free. Enjoy!
We are to receive the Word of GOD by the Spirit, so I strongly urge you to pray before you receive the Devotional. Let Christ take the lead in your Spiritual Development.
Introduction
This morning was not the hardest to know what this message would be about, because the LORD has been preparing me for it for days. This really should be seen as a continuation of my last note on the first 14 verses of this chapter.
It is September 22nd today, and we have an interesting few days ahead of us, which might be the most significant Rosh Hashanah and Feast of Trumpets in about 2000 years. Not to talk about the recent blood moon and its significance, while verse 23 here clearly states the significance of the New Moons according to the custom and here in prophecy.
2. Scripture Text
Isaiah 66:15-24 KJV
[15] For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. [16] For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many. [17] They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine’s flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD. [18] For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. [19] And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles. [20] And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD. [21] And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD. [22] For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. [23] And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. [24] And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.
Yesterday was the memorial for Charlie Kirk in America, and I was not led to watch that, but instead was listening to a teaching on Revelation, but from the report there was a major call to return to GOD. Here, from me, the call is the same, as it was by the Priest that I was listening to as he explained his understanding of Revelation and how we will face a nuclear situation on earth. That was not surprising for me, how he got to it maybe, but I know that Prophecy speaks of eyes melting in sockets and tongues in the mouth. I know about the cleanup and marking of corpses found and that it will be a great work, as much as I have been guided in the Spirit what my efforts will be. Regardless of where you stand in your faith, or your neighbour; prophecy is locked in, and each will fall to the side of prophecy according to our word and deed. Yes, minds are made up, friends! It appears, mostly, that humanity insists to remain in their rebellion against the Throne of their Creator. Nations are signing treaties and the nuclear talk is a common discussion at negotiations, even how it will be used to power man’s lust for power for Artificial Intelligence to become some sort of Saviour against ever increasing threats to the population, exploiting every open door in electronic systems. It is a profound time to be alive, and we who remain alive for it, will face the complexities of it, and its wars, if not saved by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
There will be a remnant left on earth, even the book of Revelation speaks of that. I have spoken about calculations, how at least about 2.3 Billion (or 29.6%) of the current population would remain behind, if it had to play out at this time. Some of us are waiting for a rapture, which may come through the grave just like Christ, and every one who slept in Christ since. Indeed, the time might soon come, where the living will envy the dead.
This weekend, as I was led to work on some songs for future devotionals, including for this devotional I will record today, GOD sparing; I was taken to this moment where the shofars will sound on Temple Mount. Oh, we live in the highlight time in prophecy, as we await the return of our King Jesus, which this section of Isaiah 66 also points to. Preparations were also made for upcoming devotionals, like 2 Kings 20, when King Hezekiah’s prayer was heard of the Lord and he was granted an additional 15 years to live, and Isaiah prayed for proof from GOD to Hezekiah, that what Isaiah said would come to be. This, at a time, where 3 of my family members are in medical care following their own brush with the frailty of our mortality. All of this, as I see the rise of this dark kingdom that the anti-Christ spirit is establishing here on earth.
In my consideration of this time, as I pondered on the scriptures and saw the fulfillment of prophecy rolling open like a scroll, I was reminded in the Spirit, that GOD is Eternal (i.e. not subject to time.) I was comforted, knowing that at the Throne of GOD, this war is won already, it is us that are walking through time to that certain outcome. In eternity, it is done, in time, it is still to come. One thing is very clear to me; we are in that “look up moment” for our redemption draws near.
4. Verse of the Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
Matthew 28:19 KJV
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
In conclusion, I have to ask the question: Is your mind made up? Do you stand for Jesus Christ, or are you on the enemy’s side? Yes, indeed, that is determined by the fruit, our words and deeds. It is not like a voting booth, but more like a citizenship. You need to reside in your choice and live it out fully. Remember what was written about a lukewarm faith in Revelation 3. I know, when I inspect the masses, as I stand on post, on watch; mankind’s minds surely seem to be made up, and who is left who have not heard of Jesus Christ? Yes, even those who are offended at the mere mention of His Name have heard it. The Gospel has been preached, the message has been given. That is done! Isaiah 66 speaks of what was once considered a distant time in the future, while we are seeing the opening “ceremonies” of a world intent on a war against the Will and Word of GOD.
All eyes on Jerusalem, the barometer of the earth, foretelling of the coming storm.
Selah.
Shalom in Jesus Christ.
May GOD be with all His children, may He bless and keep us.
Yeshua.
Amen.
6. Resources
Playlists:
Find all playlists compiled on SoundCloud (and feel free to share with your loved ones.)
We have added the ability for you to download the music you heard in the devotionals. You can listen to the song before hitting the “Download” button to know it is the right song you wanted. For now at least, these are free downloads and my hope is that I can keep it free. Enjoy!
We are to receive the Word of GOD by the Spirit, so I strongly urge you to pray before you receive the Devotional. Let Christ take the lead in your Spiritual Development.
Introduction
This morning, I had the title for today even before I sat down. To be more transparent, some of the music that will go out with the audio versions of this note was made yesterday already, and I didn’t know. You see, I was given Isaiah 66 to read yesterday too, but I was limited to only make the music, not to make a note on it, then. As I sat down and wondered in the Spirit where I should read from this morning, the Lord brought me back to what was prepared. Somewhat strange to me still, just about half of it, not the entire chapter.
2. Devotional Reflection
How often have you heard me speak of a parallax error? Well, a parallax error can be made if you don’t read a measurement from the right angle of observation, and our observation of the Word is not always “from the right angle.” Our viewpoint is “compromised” as we consider Heavenly things from a worldly perspective. As long as you have heard me speak of this “parallax” matter, it is as long as what the LORD has been preparing me for this morning’s message. Knowing this, I also know this, that some matters should really be revealed to you by the LORD, when you are ready to hear it. For when you learn some truths, your faith in God will require you to make changes to your life, which if I “blab” it out, will leave you further compromised. There is some protection in ignorance, which of course, is dealt with by Christ as He prayed, “forgive them Father, for they know not what they do (in my own words from memory.)”
Today’s scripture from the remarkable prophet of the LORD, Isaiah, is something that we must approach with reverence for GOD. We must be careful of our viewpoint, because this speaks to a time that is before and behind us. While it was ahead of Isaiah then, for us it is split, some of it behind us in the past, and some of it ahead. The greater concern is for that which may just be for today, our current time. I say again, in warning, to approach this in reverence for GOD.
Now, we may think that some of this points to a time back in the late 1940’s, but this here actually speaks to a future date, which we might just see in our generation. This parallax error is largely due to misinformation and sown for that purpose by the enemy of our Lord.
How many times shall I take you back to 2 Kings 17 and Ezra 9? Yes, 2 Peter 2 and Jude 1 comes in automatically, but shall we forget the Amalekites too? Shall we forget who inhabited Canaan, and how Israel never completed the instruction they received from GOD in this regard? The LORD said that they will become a “net” for Israel if left alive. Friends, this is looking at just a small portion from this extract from Isaiah 66. Who is Israel? Who are Jews? What about those that the Lord said, who call themselves Jews, but are not? The wheat and the tare, standing together on the field that is ready to be harvested. And this, my best attempt at this time, to speak to matters unknown at large. Ezekiel 37 speaks of all twelve tribes of the House of Jacob, and the state of Israel today, mostly resemble just 1 tribe, Judah, though there is a remnant of Levi there, and even less of the other 10 tribes from the House of Jacob, better known as Ephraim or the House of Israel. But, the study of this is enormous. But, if you have that information, and you know the beginnings of what took place in 1948, and how it was birthed by the Balfour Declaration in 1917 and who that declaration was sent to, then you might start seeing the “wool that was pulled over our eyes.” The state of Israel, and the people of Israel are not the same thing. And there are some mysteries regarding that star on their flag that can be learned too.
What this extract here, and also Ezekiel 37 refers to is of all twelve tribes, when the scattered remnant of the entire House of Jacob is brought back to Jerusalem. While the enemy wants us to see it in the past, it remains in our future still. Around the time of the war known as the war of Gog of Magog (Ezekiel 38-39.) Only then will you learn to see who these are that Isaiah writes of here in this chapter, that will be nourished by Jerusalem. For now, much of this lies in obscurity, our viewpoint still compromised, since even the scattered of Jacob’s House, know not their own heritage. Now, we know in part and it will remain in part, till the Lord rings it into full view. (And I believe that will take place in the valley of Jehoshaphat, also known as the valley of Baracha (Blessing) where the Angel of the LORD struck 185 000 of Jerusalem’s enemies in one night.)
But, that is not even the full extent of how we are compromised, neither can I give the full scope of that. The most crucial compromise is the compromise in us, as we remain in a world of iniquities, considering evil things as good. We are “light hearted” regarding sin and all forms of unrighteousness, as the world has been conditioned since we were young, and we were born from that confusion that is many generations deep. Our viewpoint leaves us without a proper reverence for GOD, friends. Mankind stands fully compromised at this time, and even repentance comes at half measures for a lack of knowledge, and that is where the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on that cross becomes huge, especially after that prayer. Today, knowledge of the Law of GOD is low too, and so ignorance has become great, but the effect of that ignorance is that mankind have become like brute beasts again, standing in a love of self that is placed equal to murder in hate for one another.
I know, today it might seem that I am somewhat “ranting” and “all over the show.” But, those of you with a deep knowledge of the Word know that I am not. I am speaking from a place of concern for the remnant of the seed of GOD. Maybe, I should just take it down one slight step to be more relatable. I speak from a concern for the sheep of Jesus Christ. Why would you cheer with the enemy, against the City of GOD? Why would you stand without forgiveness at heart? Don’t you know that you condemn yourselves? “Come out of her,” come out of the mindset of this world and its Babylonian systems of the rule of law, before you are judged with that woman and her daughters. Yes, the doctrines of devils.
I know today’s message is unconventional, friends. But, take it to the LORD in the Spirit. Then you will see, I am not just speaking on these view verses, though it speaks to that too. I am speaking to a time that is at the door, and the oil for the lamp falls short to see you through a dark night. For that reason, I believe the LORD will collect many before the night sets in. But, that is my belief, or shall I say my hope, that souls may be saved that may have fallen away in severe trials. Though we read of a great falling away before the abomination of desolation is revealed and those in Judea would have to take their flight. Cryptic, I know, but I pray the LORD to reveal to each as it pertains to them, knowing we are standing shortly before that door.
3. Scripture Text
Isaiah 66:1-14 KJV
[1] Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? [2] For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. [3] He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. [4] I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. [5] Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. [6] A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies. [7] Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. [8] Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. [9] Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God. [10] Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her: [11] that ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. [12] For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees. [13] As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem. [14] And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.
Regrettably I forgot to include the verse of the day into the audio recording..
5. Closing Paragraph
For those receiving this message more than a week in future, you may have seen some evidence of this play out already, how much of it, I don’t know. I know, we are heading to a time of trumpets, how much for now, I don’t know.
We have added the ability for you to download the music you heard in the devotionals. You can listen to the song before hitting the “Download” button to know it is the right song you wanted. For now at least, these are free downloads and my hope is that I can keep it free. Enjoy!
We are to receive the Word of GOD by the Spirit, so I strongly urge you to pray before you receive the Devotional. Let Christ take the lead in your Spiritual Development.
Introduction
I did not know how to approach this morning’s quiet time, or rather how I would be met following yesterday morning’s quiet moments. I was apprehensive and was ready for the possibility that GOD would keep me in silence once more, hopeful that I may receive a message this morning for you, but also for me.
2. Scripture Text
Romans 12:2 KJV
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
That brings us to the Verse of the Day on this 17th of September 2025, where Paul speaks of a renewing of the mind. And while we, today, might be familiar with the process, we might also be restrained by what we consider acceptable practices. There is a slight parallax error again, considering how this verse begins, not to be conformed to this world. What is then from this world, and what is from GOD, isn’t that exactly what this verse addresses? What shapes your thinking? What is acceptable in your sight, and is that in alignment with the “perfect will of GOD?”
Now the answer to this is an obvious one, and because of the simplicity of the answer many might brush right over it because it is obvious… And never truly implement it. Yesterday, I received from the Word, but was restricted from sending out anything at all for the intended date. I was not to write a note (like this) or to create a song, I was simply given the instruction for the date, “I have nothing for you.” As it happened, the message was intended for a very significant date, September 23rd. Who knows why that is significant, maybe I will leave that one for you to find out? Maybe the LORD will testify for Himself, as we look up.
The Verse of the Day, friends, speaks of searching out the Will of GOD. That we must not just go along with any and everything, but search out the will of GOD in all things. The renewing of the mind comes in by the Word of GOD received by the Spirit of GOD in us. That means we cast out the old ruler, the carnal thinking of man, and accept the faith in God, through Jesus Christ, which may take us to some unorthodox handling of matters, in contradiction of the expectation of this world and those who love it. Unconventional handling of matters, like giving away things without charge, being helpful in the moment, when all others would walk right past. That is what this Verse is about, when Christ Jesus rules in us, not our own wants and needs, but that we have surrendered all to the reign of Christ in us. Maybe, we need verse 1 of this chapter too, right?
Romans 12:1 KJV
[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
And just like that, the Verse of the Day is transformed by the Word of GOD into so much more than what we could know by our natural-self. In fact, that is speaking itself too, to the renewal of the mind, by faith and the Word of GOD, friends. It is not me giving you this. It comes straight out of the Bible. Who then gives a measure of faith? And what renews the thinking of a man but that faith? Is that faith in the things of this world, or from the Word that GOD has made available to us? Moreso, within, by the Holy Spirit working in alignment with the Word of GOD that makes the Will of GOD known to mankind. Jip, the answer is in reading your Bible.
Yesterday, I gave nothing, because I was given nothing to give, but look at what I received along the way:
Amos 5:13 KJV
[13] Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.
Is it that there is nothing to say, that the Truth is not known? Are we quiet for our own sake, or because of obedience? Is there something to say? Look at what else I received…
Romans 1:18-32 KJV
[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; [19] because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. [20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: [21] because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. [24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: [25] who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. [26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: [27] and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. [28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; [29] being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, [30] backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: [32] who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
And indeed, my daily reading didn’t stop. I also received this:
Isaiah 65:1-25 KJV
[1] I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name. [2] I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; [3] a people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; [4] which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; [5] which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. [6] Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom, [7] your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom. [8] Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants’ sakes, that I may not destroy them all. [9] And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there. [10] And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me. [11] But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. [12] Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not. [13] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: [14] behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit. [15] And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name: [16] that he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes. [17] For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. [18] But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. [19] And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. [20] There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. [21] And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. [22] They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. [23] They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. [24] And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. [25] The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.
Oh, friends, I received it, but it was not to be sent out yesterday, but today. And yes, this message, GOD willing, will reach you by September 24th. (Now those who follow my notes on the YouVersion Bible App, will get this a week before, as I get it.)
Friends, how does the Verse of the Day read now for you? And please know this too, you really should read all of Romans 12 at least to gain a fuller understanding. See my note as a mere advertisement for the Word of GOD. This note cannot contain the wealth of all that is set apart for those who will come in and partake of the Bread of Life. No, you have to sit down, you have to invest the time and you must bend the knee before the Almighty GOD. That, I can’t do on your behalf.
4. Verse of the Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
Romans 12:2 KJV
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Verse of the Day is the anchor verse of the devotional.
5. Closing Paragraph
As this devotion goes out on all the platforms, more should be seen than when I wrote it here today. GOD will testify for Himself, in your life, but maybe just maybe, to the World at large. Will we hear the Trumpet Sound on GOD’S Holy Mount? Shall there be a shout from Heaven? We were called to be ready at all moments to testify of Jesus Christ, not?
What is the Renewal of your mind, and what shapes it into what is new that does not conform to this world? The Word of GOD, once made flesh in the Name Jesus Christ.
Selah. SHALOM.
6. Optional Reading / Study Expansion
Note of Confirmation:
(I include this “note/letter” that was specifically sent to me this morning. I read this after the audio recording, once I had said what I had to say from the LORD. Here it is, as I received it, bar a bit of formatting for the blog. You have to determine if it is as much a confirmation for you as it was for me, and undoubtedly also for my Brother in Christ.)
“Title: Spoken
Date: 20250917
Good morning, friends. I come to you again in the early hours of the morning—5:27 AM. Now, what is strange about this morning is that I woke up and asked the Lord if He was calling. He said, “You can rest.” Yet here I sit in the quiet, because within me I felt that if I am awake, I should start my day the right way, and that is with God.
As I was sitting and doing my daily reading in Ezekiel 38 and 39 for this morning, this word was given to me: Spoken. Now, it is an interesting thing, because this isn’t the title for the message to be given on Friday, but a title of a message meant to be delivered to the SternWatch Group, and then as far as the LORD takes it.
Spoken
Now many children have heard the famous saying come from their parents’ mouth: “I have spoken.” Usually followed by the end of that argument. Yet we as believers come to the LORD with a list of problems and faults, and and and.
Now, I’m not saying not to bring your grievances before the LORD—He actually instructs us to do exactly that:
Philippians 4:6–7 (KJV)
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
And this is now the part that will probably fall a little harder on some than others. But how often, after those prayers, God answers—and yet we still argue in another direction? We are all guilty of the same.
But this morning, as I write this, I want you to understand something. As your parent ended an argument with “I have spoken,” I want you to take this into your heart: the LORD has spoken.
With everything that you do and say, let that be to bring honor to your Father in Heaven. Be peacekeepers—whether that be at work, at school, or wherever you find yourself. Speak the peace of the LORD that dwells within you into all things that you do.
And in every situation, ask your Heavenly Father, “What’s next?” and then use the same principle you did with your parents and apply it here: The LORD has spoken.
Now, you see, this is the nice part of the message given today.
The Calling
As the clock of this world ticks past midnight, and the nations gather, I want you to know that the LORD has spoken—to every country, every nation, and every people. Missionaries have gone out, preachers have preached, prophets have prophesied: The LORD has spoken.
But now we live in a rebellious world, one that heard what God had to say and replied, “I’ll do it my own way.”
Psalm 81:11–12 (KJV)
“But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels.”
And then, this to be inserted for a specific people:
Hosea 4:17 (KJV)
“Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.”
Friends, I want you to know I’m not doing this out of my own will, but that of Him who sent me.
Now, the missionaries will not speak the Word of God unless they are paid. The pastors’ stages have gotten bigger, and the pulpits wider. And the prophets? They speak of good “tithings” when they feel like their viewership is getting a bit lower.
I look at this world from my post, and I know the moment is coming when everything the LORD has spoken will come to pass.
Amos 8:11–12 (KJV)
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.“
So, friends, I want you to take this as it is meant to be taken in your life: this is a warning, written by the hand of one given to give these warnings. I take no pleasure in this, as it has even smacked me across the hand. But rather across the hand than there being no good fruit on the tree.
The time for “feel-good, have-a-blessed” devotionals is—or has—run out. Only the LORD decides that. But this isn’t one of them.
Go read the Scripture, those of you that won’t blue-tick this message, and see what God has SPOKEN.
Written by the hand of a servant of the Living God,
Son of David
Selah.Shalom.”
PS: In transparency, the author here and I do work closely together, so I am not blind to that at all. The Question is rather, what has the LORD SPOKEN to you?
7. Resources
Playlists:
Find all playlists compiled on SoundCloud (and feel free to share with your loved ones.)
We have added the ability for you to download the music you heard in the devotionals. You can listen to the song before hitting the “Download” button to know it is the right song you wanted. For now at least, these are free downloads and my hope is that I can keep it free. Enjoy!
We are to receive the Word of GOD by the Spirit, so I strongly urge you to pray before you receive the Devotional. Let Christ take the lead in your Spiritual Development.
Introduction
Shalom. Greetings, my friends.
A week ago, I came to the LORD and He had nothing for me for that day. Since then, the LORD has given me direction for quite a few songs to write, which I would like to share with you heading into the period of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets. I call you to a spiritual “stock-take,” almost as if we are checking if there is enough oil for the lamp to last us through the dark night Christ warned us about, when no man can work. May this music bring you comfort, and even correction if it is needed at this time.
Shalom
(Today is exclusively Musical – Please follow one of the links to the audio)
2. Verse of the Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
Ephesians 2:18 KJV
[18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
[11] Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; [12] that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: [13] but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. [14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; [15] having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; [16] and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: [17] and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. [18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. [19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; [20] and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; [21] in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: [22] in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
We have added the ability for you to download the music you heard in the devotionals. You can listen to the song before hitting the “Download” button to know it is the right song you wanted. For now at least, these are free downloads and my hope is that I can keep it free. Enjoy!
We are to receive the Word of GOD by the Spirit, so I strongly urge you to pray before you receive the Devotional. Let Christ take the lead in your Spiritual Development.
Introduction
I looked at the calendar, it says we are in Spring (Southern Hemisphere) and yet, when I look out into this world, it is withering. The grass, as chaff, ready to be consumed by fire, while the Word is doing some kind of pre-burning, to keep us safe from raging flames. The grass is dry, and yet some recklessly play with fire, thinking that they can control the spread of it, not knowing that the tempest may visit them at any time. We are like grass, here today and gone tomorrow, but in the Word, we may endure forever.
2. Scripture Text
Isaiah 40:8 KJV
[8] The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
[6] But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
All of us know those times where things come against us like waves of the oceans in the ebb and flow against the coastline rocks. At times, those waves come at us so high that we think we might be washed out, or dragged into the deep abyss. Truly, it is as Christ said, that every day brings its own trouble, and some days it feels like the assault may never end. By the Spirit, we test these things, to see if it is of GOD and whether the self is in need of cleansing. Isaiah coins it so precisely here in verse 6 of Isaiah 64, and we see that fading away around us all the time.
I had such a weekend, friends; and I thank GOD for our Saviour, Jesus Christ, without Whom I would not be able to endure. It was one thing on the next, without the previous thing disappearing, the one instance was played upon the next as layers of molten rock. And though the LORD guided me that I will not be using all of Isaiah 64 this morning, permit me to give you a little from it, so you can see Isaiah knew this too.
Isaiah 64:9-12 KJV
[9] Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people. [10] Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. [11] Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste. [12] Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things, O LORD? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?
I have no doubt in me, we are living in the last days of this age. And, while I am sure that there were those that felt the same way during the previous World Wars; this time it does seem to be building up to this great assault against all that is good of GOD in this world. As I look around me, I see this withering grass, how the Lord is preparing many to be collected and our time is running out. As the days of Noah, when the rain came and they did not perceive their judgment had come. I have no doubt that GOD will collect many at this time, even to the point that it will be as it is written, the living will envy the dead. For some it may be like that already, while for others it may seem just another day as all those that came and went before. “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth:” and all I have to give, is the Word of GOD.
Do you stand in a field that withers away in Spring as if Winter is next? Is your world being consumed around you, as if some unseen flame is licking at everything? Or, is the decay of this world meeting you unnoticed; is it just another day, thinking, “My Lord delays His return?”
There are many that have visited the emergency rooms in the past few days that may have some alarm to announce to others. Is it just another day, or is the tide moving in, the sea level rising against the dust? Are you holding onto the Word of Life, or are you being washed away, little by little, fading like the flowers in the field our Verse of the Day speaks of?
4. Verse of the Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
Isaiah 40:8 KJV
[8] The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
This is the Achor verse of Today’s Devotional Note
5. Closing Paragraph
Our Lord does not delay His coming, He will show up right on time, even in an hour we think it not, just as He said. For some of us, it will be at those emergency rooms, for others, it will be like a thief in the night, while we were sleeping. The question is, do you hold on to the Word of GOD, even the Word of Truth and Life?
Selah, Shalom.
6. Optional Reading / Study Expansion
Background Reading:
I leave a mild suggestion for you to read Isaiah 40, Ezekiel 34 and Isaiah 64
Prepare for The Feast of Trumpets 2025
7. Resources
Playlists:
Find all playlists compiled on SoundCloud (and feel free to share with your loved ones.)
We have added the ability for you to download the music you heard in the devotionals. You can listen to the song before hitting the “Download” button to know it is the right song you wanted. For now at least, these are free downloads and my hope is that I can keep it free. Enjoy!
We are to receive the Word of GOD by the Spirit, so I strongly urge you to pray before you receive the Devotional. Let Christ take the lead in your Spiritual Development.
Introduction
Good morning, friends. I greet you again in this midnight hour. If you’re wondering why these
messages are written in the midnight hours: it’s to shine a light even after night has taken
possession. In light of everything happening in the world right now, things are up in the air — the
The fire is lit and the night is fast approaching when we cannot work. So for now, while we can, let’s
do.
The message today was given to me on Sunday: Faithfulness. When it was written on the walls
of my heart it definitely caught me by surprise. But I have known God to do His pleasure, and I am just a willing servant. So today let’s speak about this faithfulness that we as believers
experience. It comes in four parts.
2. Four Part – Scripture with Devotional Reflection
Part One: Breath
Isaiah 42:5
“Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein.”
The very breath you’re breathing while reading or listening to this devotional is a gift from God. It’s a faithful gift from God. No power on earth can make you breathe fewer breaths than God has destined for you. This is beautiful for the believer and terrifying for those who are in unbelief — another word the Bible uses to describe them is Antichrist.
So why is this beautiful for us and terrifying for them? Every descendant of Adam receives breath from Almighty God; therefore, those who curse God do so using the very breath He gave them. Think about that for a moment: people on TV using the Lord’s name like a comma, friends who have limited vocabulary and spew words of hate, even rebellious people in the streets — at least some of them — are using God’s breath to speak curses.
Now you might be thinking, how does this lead to faithfulness? You see, God’s faithfulness to His Word — namely:
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Right there in John 3:16 God’s Word says whosoever believeth in His Son shall not perish but have everlasting life. That is His faithfulness with the breath in your lungs. He waits patiently for the day you lay yourself down and choose Jesus as your Lord and Savior; your breath then becomes a tithe given back to our Father in heaven — in the form of praise and worship, in prayer, or even in serving as a teacher or evangelist. When you give your life to God, you soon realise your breath does not even belong to you.
Part Two: Time
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
We all have time to walk into the path God has so perfectly designed for us — not because we deserve it, but because of God’s love for us, as we read in John. Because of that love, He has given us time; He is long-suffering toward us.
Now I want you to look at yourself. Is there someone in your life toward whom you are long-suffering? Is there someone you are walking a long road with? Maybe some say they were hurt by the church — I’m sure many can relate to being hurt by someone in the church building, or by someone who once gave good tithes yet, when hard times came, were as quiet as the wind in the middle of the desert.
We have a limited amount of time. Every second the clock ticks brings us either closer to perfection in Christ or a little lower into the lake of fire. The common denominator in all of this is time. Like your breath, your time is given by God in His faithfulness to see you come and take your seat at the wedding feast. So by that measure, what you spend your time on is what you are tithing to. Who would have guessed that tithing isn’t just throwing money at church projects pastors want to do?
See the picture in full: your breath is tithed when you speak, and your time is tithed when you become still before the LORD. You are either paying your time-tithe to the world, or you give it back to the One who gave it to you in the first place — your Creator, God Almighty. A lot more can be said on this subject, but that is another teaching altogether.
Part Three: Love
1 John 4:9–10
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
All of this points right back to God. We often — and we must be careful of this — place ourselves at the head of our lives. You can see this playing out in the world right now: turn to any news station, TV series, or movie and look at who is in focus. You will find man highlighted bright and clear.
2 Timothy 3:1–5
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.’
Haven’t you seen it? When you speak to someone, their point is always the most important; they’ll even speak about things irrelevant to the current topic just to have the last word. We truly live in dangerous times. This is where 1 John 4 comes in — remember that whenever you deal with someone, God loves them because Christ died for them too. That is good for us as believers to know: it wasn’t us who chose God, but God who chose us. We bring honor to His name when we say, “Here I am, Lord,” giving back the very love God gave us.
By giving back, I don’t mean giving away; I mean being in relationship with God — spending time with Him, praying, reading His Word, and honoring Him with our breath, our time, and our love.
Part Four: Spirit
Now we have reached probably the most challenging thing for a believer to grasp. Let’s start with Scripture and let the Lord lead from there.
Joel 2:28–29
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.“
I want to highlight something many simply read and pass by: “poured out on all flesh.” This is a significant statement. For the believer, the Holy Spirit works in us to fulfil the words of Christ. It is not we who do miracles; it is God through His Holy Spirit in us that causes miracles to take place. Without the Holy Spirit, my friend, this world would destroy you — and I mean that honestly.
To the believer, the Holy Spirit is a Friend and the seal of God on our foreheads. We belong to God, and any Spirit-filled believer knows the comfort of the Holy Spirit. To the unbeliever or Antichrist, the Holy Spirit stands as witness to all your doings and comings and goings before the throne of God. The things you thought no one saw — the Holy Spirit saw, and is testifying to God. Nothing happens without it passing before the throne. It is in God’s faithfulness that He sent the Holy Spirit to strengthen us against ourselves, to bring righteousness into us so that our prayers may be heard before God, and to seal us for the days in which we stand. It’s God’s faithfulness that He wants to see us returned to Him as good and faithful servants — children of the living God.
3. Verse of the Day
From the YouVersion Bible App (Extended from verse 28)
Galatians 3:28-29 KJV
[28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Friends, in closing I want you to consider deeply (Selah) what we have just learned and quickly realise where you are standing. Turn away from those things that bring uncleanness into your life. Give back to God that which He has blessed you with: the breath, the time, the love — and, most of all, honour the Holy Spirit who indwells you. So that the report given back to the throne of God is that of a good servant, not of a rebellious one.
Written by the hand of a servant of the living God
Son of David
Selah, Shalom.
5. Resources
Playlists:
Find all playlists compiled on SoundCloud (and feel free to share with your loved ones.)
We have added the ability for you to download the music you heard in the devotionals. You can listen to the song before hitting the “Download” button to know it is the right song you wanted. For now at least, these are free downloads and my hope is that I can keep it free. Enjoy!
We are to receive the Word of GOD by the Spirit, so I strongly urge you to pray before you receive the Devotional. Let Christ take the lead in your Spiritual Development.
Introduction
There is something that is more dangerous than ignorance and that is half an idea. I am aware of that, and so often I find sections I cannot claim to have more than just half an idea. In better language, I do not carry in me a full revelation yet. Not in this, here in Isaiah 62. But, it is what I was called to bring this morning, this and a little from Isaiah 63.
2. Scripture Text
Isaiah 62:1-12 KJV
[1] For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. [2] And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. [3] Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. [4] Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. [5] For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee. [6] I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, [7] and give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. [8] The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured: [9] but they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness. [10] Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people. [11] Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. [12] And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.
[1] Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. [2] Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? [3] I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. [4] For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. [5] And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. [6] And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.
Almighty Father, You know I don’t know what to write here today. By Your Holy Spirit am I guided and without Your guidance, I am like stranded on a desert island. This is the scripture that I was led to, even though in myself I have nothing to give. Remember LORD, I stand in Thy service, I labour for the sake of Thy Name. Your Will be done, Holy Father. Your Portion, not mine. Shalom, Amen.
(I will wait on the LORD.)
I was guided to add the following:
Isaiah 11:11-16 KJV
[11] And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. [12] And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. [13] The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim. [14] But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them. [15] And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dryshod. [16] And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.
Next I am guided to give you this, so you may understand Assyria in Isa 11:16
2 Kings 17:1-6 KJV
[1] In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel nine years. [2] And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him. [3] Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents. [4] And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison. [5] Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years. [6] In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.
Besides this that I have given you from the scripture, I still do not know what the LORD wants me to write here to you, but that I am to give this that I have. Yes, even this here to let you know that I am hopeless without the LORD.
Then: Shall we then forget Who we are joined to by the invitation of the Son of GOD? Shall we forget how those that were bidden to the wedding feast did not come, but had excuses. How were we gathered up from the streets so the wedding feast may continue, in the parable of Jesus Christ? Have we not been called to put on the wedding garments? Have we not been grafted into the cultivated olive tree through Jesus Christ? Who then is Ephraim and Judah, but the northern tribes of Israel that were taken into a long lasting scattering upon the hills and mountains, all the nations of the earth; and Judah who was scattered later, though some still remember who they are, not all do.
Friends, don’t you see Who this in Isaiah 63 is? Do you not understand that He, the Son of GOD will return and also fulfill this that is written here in Isaiah, because of the scattering in 2 Kings 17 too? That is still outstanding, and just as it speaks in Isaiah 63, Christ also said,
Luke 18:8 KJV
[8] I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
A partial knowledge is dangerous friends, it is the thing that gives birth to false doctrines and sects, and it is by no means my intention to sow any confusion. But you should know that the concept of marriage that we get to hear in the New Testament, is not new at all. Part of that is about the Spirit of GOD that comes to indwell with mankind, while a literal fulfillment of GOD’S Tabernacle coming down to His children on Earth is that city that even Abraham was searching for. A city, not built by man’s hands, but by GOD.
In errors of understanding has man ventured into replacement theologies, while the Truth is more profound and harder to understand, though it be in prophecy, that the Messiah would join the Houses of Judah and Israel (Ephraim) back together again. Indeed, even the law of Moses makes provision for strangers, just as we also saw in the ministry of the Apostle Paul, even as we hear that the seed of faith in God is sown into those who would receive it, and by it, GOD’s Son, Jesus Christ.
Here, in the period of GOD’s grace, He has called to Himself, all those who would receive Him. Friends of the Throne of GOD, praying in their hearts, for His Will to be Done.
It is on my heart to let you know at this stage, that I feel like this devotional today is all over the show, but I am assured from within that I am on point. Something that might only open up to me, later.
It is clear from scriptures that GOD will restore all of Israel, all the tribes, in the appointed time, just as we found in Ezekiel 37, and from as it appears to me at this stage, it requires Ezekiel 38-39 too, to establish that as an everlasting bond. By the Testimony of Jesus, Prophecy will come to fulfillment, even as we encounter that across many generations.
More and more now, the books of prophecy are opening up for understanding, while we still know in part now, we are promised a time when we will receive a knowing of all, and be known ourselves in full. And it is to that perfection, even in the Light of our Father GOD and the Son, that we march on to; even the City of GOD.
As beautiful as that promise is that will be fulfilled, we must not miss that there is a valley of tribulation between that and where we are now, but that those troubles are largely set aside for the wicked, not for the children of GOD. I can’t give you all, because I do not have it in a full form, and partly so, I believe, not to reveal the entire plan to GOD’s enemies. What I do read though, is of a full restoration, by the One who Created all.
There is a marriage and we are invited. Shall we then make the same excuses others made at their visitation, even as Christ rode into Jerusalem on a donkey? How do we do in us, what they did to Him upon the cross? If we deny our Groom, shall we attend the wedding feast? Surely not, if He cast off those of His own brethren. And Paul makes it clear that the grafted branch can just as much be removed as the cultivated olive tree’s own branch. And this is where my heart is filled with compassion, for only those who know the Word of GOD can receive what I have written here, and those to whom it is revealed by the Holy Spirit of GOD.
What is becoming more and more clear is that mankind is fully brought before a choice in their lifetime, for or against Christ Jesus, the Son of GOD and our betrothed Groom. Christ is the branch through Whom we are grafted into every promise we read in the Word of GOD. Our Husband has taken our burdens upon Himself, and paid it in full. There is no doubt in me that I am saved by Jesus Christ, even though it is entirely fulfilled to the stipulations of the Law as received by Moses. We are entirely hidden in Christ, He is our frontline and defense. We enter into GOD’s Kingdom by the Name of our Husband, His only begotten Son. We have part in the promises of GOD to Israel, even as it was given to Abraham, because of Jesus Christ, our Groom and Husband. By marriage then, are we saved from going the route of the wicked, for our Husband took our sin upon Him, and paid it in full to bring the law to no effect for us. We are not judged, because our husband stood trial on our behalf. The debt is paid, and we are made free from the penalty of sin.
Now, this morning appeared somewhat unorganised to me at first. I also learned that I can only give out what I have to give, and that the LORD will add to it according to His pleasure. The Honour then goes to GOD, for I am somewhat lacking still, even in how to phrase things. None of what I wrote here is unknown to me, but the sequence of it, and inclusions of it here, I cannot claim any wisdom for it to myself. The Word is too much for me to pour out in proper measure, for if I do it, I might drown someone. (Now I am guided to include the Verse of the Day here.)
4. Verse of the Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
1 Peter 3:15 KJV
[15] but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
So, in myself I would like to leave a question for you to consider today: How would you know to trust in the LORD if you never tried? You can’t claim you went for a swim, when you only stared at the water. You have to submerge yourself and actively move through the water; then, you did swim. Swim in the Word of GOD, friends. Become One with the Word of GOD. Be married.
Selah, Shalom.
6. Resources
Playlists:
Find all playlists compiled on SoundCloud (and feel free to share with your loved ones.)
We have added the ability for you to download the music you heard in the devotionals. You can listen to the song before hitting the “Download” button to know it is the right song you wanted. For now at least, these are free downloads and my hope is that I can keep it free. Enjoy!
We are to receive the Word of GOD by the Spirit, so I strongly urge you to pray before you receive the Devotional. Let Christ take the lead in your Spiritual Development.
Introduction
Have you ever been on your way somewhere, and somewhere on that route you just get this feeling, “I am not going in the right direction?” At that point, you are uncomfortable, even if the GPS shows you are heading to your destination. Something is “off,” and you are uncomfortable with your surroundings.
Friends, sometimes, I feel like that, when I read the Word of GOD and compare my life to it. Then, I am not so comfortable. Now today, that same “feeling” entered me, when I read these verses in Colossians. I am concerned that what we have understood before, is not quite what I read here.
2. Scripture Text
Colossians 3:1-4 KJV
[1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
“If ye then be risen with Christ…” speaks actively of the present moment, not some time in the future. It speaks to the right now, are you risen with Jesus Christ?
Oh! But that is just the beginning, friends, from the Verse of the Day, this morning, I was led to this:
Isaiah 61:1-11 KJV
[1] The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; [2] to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; [3] to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. [4] And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. [5] And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. [6] But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. [7] For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them. [8] For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. [9] And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed. [10] I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. [11] For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Without any doctrine upfront to predict the understanding, what does this say? Remember, this was written before Jesus came.
If ye then be risen, how do these prophetic words reflect? How does the time of reward look now? I feel “blindsided” by the teachings of men. As if… I was sent in a direction that doesn’t match up to what the Word of GOD is saying. If we stand in reward, who then are these strangers (aliens) that perform the servitude?
What I thought was in the future at first, well… It appears to be applicable right now, like with the verse of the day. And what was shown for the future, after the resurrection, and that seems different now, somehow, considering also what we have learned about the City of GOD in our last devotional.
Yesterday we learned of “saved nations” after the white throne judgment. And today, we are seeing this, a form of restitution taking place in the fair judgment of GOD in Jesus Christ, the coming King. Then I see how Satan raises an army for himself when he is led loose after the thousand years. Is it because of these, that stand in service during a time called peace, the being coherenced to rebellion again?
The verse of the day, and supporting verses there, even if you read further on there in Colossians; that speaks to an immediate moment in our lives, as we seek the Kingdom of GOD first, which Christ says is in us, where He and the Father will make their abode, according to John 14 we looked at yesterday too. But, Isaiah 61, that was written in the past, even before Christ came in the flesh, and it speaks of a moment we have not reached yet.
How do we then get to be on the “rest side” of Isaiah 61, and not on the side of those that rebuild and work the fields of it? Well, we look further in the text of Colossians where we are given what applies in our immediate life, to get to the “right side” of things, in righteousness.
Colossians 3:5-17 KJV
[5] Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: [6] for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: [7] in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. [8] But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. [9] Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; [10] and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: [11] where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. [12] Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [13] forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. [14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. [15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
From our previous revelations in the scriptures, we now know that Israel is not forgotten by GOD, even when they attacked Qatar just in the last day or so. We know they largely do not see their Saviour in Jesus Christ yet, and that they were blinded to bring the Gentiles in by grace, just as we have learned in Isaiah too. Here in Isaiah 61, we read of the rebuilding of cities again, and we learn who will do the labour. These labours shall come from those caught on the wrong side of the period of grace, without accepting Jesus Christ (before He returns to judge the world.) If we have accepted Jesus now, then Colossians 3 should be alive and actively functioning in our daily lives, right?
Now, to compile a few of the past devotions, let me state it like this then: If we have the “Vision Ahead” and we can see the “City Ahead” we must stand on “The Road Ahead” to reach our destination. And it is in the likeness of this doctrine shared by Paul to the Colossians, also that shared with others and by others of Jesus Christ, that speaks of the Kingdom of GOD. Yes, so basically the entire New Testament. I told you, we do not arrive at a “retirement village” type of Heaven, but a reward with Christ to rule and reign, and today we see over who we will reign with Christ. But, that ruling and reigning begins within, as we “mortify our members…” as Paul wrote here to the Colossians.
Up to this moment, we have not even looked at the contents of these two chapters in scripture referenced in depth. So far it has just been “positioning” to read and learn from it. Now that we know what is for now, and what is to come… Shall we look at what it says? And all this, starting with the verse of the day, that most will read in isolation of what has been shared here with you in this note. What does it say?
These two chapters, friends, are huge! So much so that I will have to go beyond my usual “quiet time” to look deeper at what it means to be “risen with Christ” and that is if we can reach it today. Because there is a bit of a matter that we must visit in the book of Luke that will challenge your considerations on these matters, as Christ reads from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue:
Luke 4:16-21 KJV
[16] And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. [17] And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, [18] The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised, [19] To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. [20] And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. [21] And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
Now, if that was fulfilled then, where do we stand today, as we still wait for most of Isaiah 61 to come, even though most are somewhat ignorant of it. It opens up this huge consideration of what plays out in times to come, and what is at work within us now, by the Holy Spirit that was poured out on us, and as we are hid in Christ, right now, as He stands at our Father’s Throne. How much of what we have read this morning is at play in a Spiritual manifestation of prophecy, while we wait still for our reward to come with Jesus Christ? At this moment, we are still standing in servitude. Do you see that? And if you don’t, may I ask, “Is Colossians 3 effective in your daily life?” You see, if it isn’t, you might not realise where you are right now, and what it is to come in the millennial reign of Jesus Christ, right here on earth, from Jerusalem. So much of what Isaiah writes about here is already true for us in Christ, as we, as His bride, are covered in His righteousness; like a Spiritual cloak that is hung upon our shoulders, some refusing.
I know, friends, this message is heavy in significance and requires an enormous consideration, but there is no diluted version. The start to our entry into the Kingdom of GOD, is here and now, by the Holy Spirit of GOD and righteous living, mortifying those old members Paul writes about to the Colossians.
Now, we stand in this “review.” We look at our own lives through this scope of application of the effective working of GOD’S grace, through the Spirit of truth and separation unto God, as we are called out of this world, to the Kingdom of GOD, becoming ambassadors for the Kingdom, while we remain here in the world still; awaiting our redemption and perfection in Jesus Christ. It is huge!
4. Verse of the Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
Colossians 3:1 KJV
[1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Verse of the Day is expanded to form the root text and starting point for the devotional today
5. Closing Paragraph
And still, the message of Salvation remains so simple a child can understand. Faith in Jesus Christ, gets us home to be with GOD forever.
There are more, friends. What lacks is time in our day, a slackness of mind and unwilling hearts. Those are the choices we face day by day, as we implement matters like Colossians 3 into our lives in agreement with the Will and Word of GOD.
Selah, Shalom.
6. Optional Reading / Study Expansion
Background Reading:
To Start:
Colossians, Isaiah 54-63 and The Gospel of Luke (at least, but all if possible)
Then:
The Letters to the Churches and Church leaders (Timothy, Titus and Philemon) and Revelation.
Optional extra:
Romans, Hebrews, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel (All the Prophetic Books in the Bible, if possible)
Ideal:
Read the entire Bible in a “as it happened” sequential reading (Sequence provided by the Blue Letter Bible)
7. Resources
Playlists:
Find all playlists compiled on SoundCloud (and feel free to share with your loved ones.)
There are a few ways in which you can partake in the Daily Devotional:
Watch at:
Listen at: (Please go to YouTube Link, my SoundCloud Pro account will be inactive until I have funds to activate it again)
We are to receive the Word of GOD by the Spirit, so I strongly urge you to pray before you receive the Devotional. Let Christ take the lead in your Spiritual Development.
Introduction:
While the world is constantly bringing bad news, and one nation wants to devour another; as they speak of all out control of the masses, and natural disasters coming upon the earth…. Remember this, shared with you today, too.
2. Scripture Text
Isaiah 60:1-22 KJV
[1] Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. [2] For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. [3] And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. [4] Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. [5] Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee. [6] The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD. [7] All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory. [8] Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? [9] Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. [10] And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee. [11] Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought. [12] For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. [13] The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious. [14] The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. [15] Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. [16] Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. [17] For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness. [18] Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. [19] The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. [20] Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. [21] Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. [22] A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.
This is the prophesied future of Jerusalem and the nation of the LORD. And wouldn’t you know it, that the nations will bring their substance into it.
Isaiah 60:14 KJV
[14] The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
Both, from Isaiah and Revelation; who are these? And friends, this is after the White Throne judgement.
Revelation 21:8 KJV
[8] But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
No wonder so many want to claim the birth rights of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But still, who are these that bring in their substance into the City of GOD, and who are those that suffer the second death? Remember, this is also after Satan was loosed to draw the four quarters of the earth after him to make war against the rule of Christ in Jerusalem. The Word speaks of a New Heaven and a New Earth and the New City of Jerusalem descending from Heaven in Revelation 21. Yet, who are these saved nations, even those that hated Israel, to bow at their feet? This here, is those of a new day, an eternal day.
There are a few lines in Isaiah 60 that sound strange from our current perspective.
Isaiah 60:8 KJV
[8] Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?
Fly? Now friends, either these are not from mankind, or these are using some form of flying devices. Now, we know from scripture some strange sights recorded by the likes of Elisha who witnessed Elijah’s departure to GOD in Heaven (2 Kings 2:11), even of fiery chariots, and wheels-within-wheels Ezekiel saw (Ezekiel 1:16). And so, my concern is always for those that may go after a false messiah that was prophesied, showing lying signs and wonders. Even as they (the scientists) are monitoring the approach of Atlas 3I in all of its strangeness. And that, as Israel approaches a significant feast day.
Friends, the scope of a related Bible Study on this topic of the City Ahead is enormous. And that, from all appearances, on the far side of the 1000 years of peace with Christ ruling on earth and the White Throne judgment. That is even beyond the establishment of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ on Earth, which follows the deliverance of Israel and the Church of Jesus Christ. It is beyond a catastrophic judgment coming upon the earth, where the inhabitants of the earth are thinned. It is a lifetime of Bible study, while Jesus said not to concern us with the day of tomorrow.
Oh, we know this too, that wasted places will be rebuilt:
Isaiah 58:12 KJV
[12] And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.
[4] And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.
The future of mankind stands in the domain of GOD, and He is the ruler of that which is to come. The study of this is enormous, and in a quest of knowledge, it can be followed or we can trust in the LORD our GOD, and His favorable promises in this regard. Nevertheless, the LORD will educate those with a calling for it. But, it is in all these things that I have become convinced that there is a future for man on Earth, even a renewed Earth, or all together New, for the City of GOD will come to Earth and GOD will make His abode with us, once the wicked elements are removed.
I must admit, that my own knowledge on this topic is still lacking, and to a certain degree, I think it might just be by purpose. In the changing of times and seasons, I have learned that April 1st used to be the date of New Year, that Israel kept a lunar calendar and that the Sun and moon will later not give its light, when the LORD becomes the Light. All these matters exceed my capacity of understanding and of learning in the time period of a generation that I was given to by the LORD. But, it does not concern me all that much, for far better is it to learn about the LORD of all this, and to trust Him in all.
If the LORD is my LORD on this day, and if I walk towards Him day-by-day, then will He be my LORD every day that He gives me, even unto eternity, if it pleases Him.
What I have learned is that man speaks of things he cannot know, for it remains in the domain of GOD. As today is determined by GOD, so will be the case tomorrow, if tomorrow comes for me at all, still will it remain for those who remain by the will of GOD.
4. Verse of the Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
John 14:1 KJV
[1] Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
It is not by chance that the reading for today and the Verse of the Day lines up as it does. We are guided to see something we might not have considered before. For those that want to dive in a little bit deeper in this alignment of scripture, there is so much more to be found. I have put together a bit of a trail for you, but know that even this is still just in part. However, it might just wet your appetite to study the Word of GOD more.
Let us start from the Verse of the Day, in context, as it joins up with the look at the City Ahead:
:
John 14:1-31 KJV
[1] Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. [2] In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. [4] And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. [5] Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? [6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [7] If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. [8] Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. [9] Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? [10] Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. [11] Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. [12] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. [13] And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. [15] If ye love me, keep my commandments. [16] And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [17] even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. [18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. [19] Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. [20] At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. [21] He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. [22] Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? [23] Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. [24] He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. [25] These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. [26] But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. [27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. [28] Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. [29] And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. [30] Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. [31] But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
In John 14, Jesus gives more than just a vision of the “City Ahead,” He also gives what it is that will get us to enter into that city. But, as I said above, this is a deep dive study for deeper knowledge on the topic. Below, I will give you a list so you can follow the trail.
Abraham’s Vision of the City
Hebrews 11:8–16 — Abraham looked for a city “whose builder and maker is God”2
Hebrews 12:22–24 — Describes the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God
Genesis 12 & 15 — God’s covenant with Abraham, promising a land and a future
Ezekiel 40–48 — Vision of the restored temple and city layout
Zechariah 8 — God’s promise to dwell in Jerusalem again
New Testament Fulfillment & Revelation
John 14:1–3 — Jesus prepares a place for us (already in by the Verse of the Day expanded above)
Revelation 21–22 — The New Jerusalem descending from heaven
Galatians 4:26 — “Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all”
6. Closing Paragraph
It seems like this world is heading to a different place in their viewpoint, where the kingdoms of man may be glorified, which is a recurrence of their rebellion against GOD at the Tower of Babel.(Genesis 10:8-10 & Genesis 11:1-9) According to the Word of GOD, there will be some success in this venture for a short while (Daniel 7:21-22, 8:23-25 and Revelation 13:5-7), but we know Who wins in the End and that was the subject of our devotional today.
Let your heart not be troubled, believe in GOD and believe in Jesus Christ.
Selah, Shalom.
7. Resources
Playlists:
Find all playlists compiled on SoundCloud (and feel free to share with your loved ones.)
