“Happy” Without Christ?

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Jesus tells us that when we seek after righteousness, we will be filled. Sounds like we’ll be happy, don’t you think? But happiness is not something we find by hungering for it, it is something we receive by serving the Lord.

God doesn’t want us to be happy without Christ. God allows us to experience unhappiness in our lives in the same way we experience pain when we step on a nail. The pain tells us something is wrong.

ACTION POINT:

Now, for us to seek happiness without seeking righteousness would be like breaking our arm and then not taking a pain killer and getting it set. Blessing comes when we find the Deliverer. When you hunger for Him, you will have Him. How much of God do you want today?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Get Your Word From God

Ask God for a specific word.

Tie it to scripture.

Know God will use it to grow you and to glorify Him.

Boldness

We have a problem.

4 And the herald proclaimed aloud, "You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,

5 that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. - Daniel 3:4-5

And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace." - Daniel 3:6

Do not worship other Gods.

(for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God), - Exodus 34:14

Problems offer us the wonderful opportunity to live out your faith.

We have made up our minds.

Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. - Daniel 3:13

14 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, "Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up?

15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?"

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.

17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." - Daniel 3:14-18

We are accountable to God alone!

He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, - Acts 4:18-19

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. - Galatians 1:10

Not everyone will be on your team!

Speak the truth of God's word regardless!

Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated. - Daniel 3:19

Because the king's order was urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. - Daniel 3:22

Do not budge on your beliefs.

Love the sinner but warn them of the coming judgment.

13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.

14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. - Matthew 7:13-14

You will stand before God accountable for your teaching of His word.

Jesus had thousands of followers, then they turned against Him because of His teaching of God's word. When He began to be persecuted, they deserted Him.

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. - Matthew 5:1

In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, - Acts 1:15

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. - Luke 10:1

And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach - Mark 3:14

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. - Matthew 17:1

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" - John 19:26

After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. - John 6:66

Sometimes boldness will take you through the fire!

It will cost you.

23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?" They answered and said to the king, "True, O king."

25 He answered and said, "But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods." - Daniel 3:23-25

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire.

27 And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. - Daniel 3:26-27

There is no god like our God!

28 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king's command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.

29 Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way." - Daniel 3:28-29

We serve a living God who walks with you!!!

He is alive!

The tomb is empty!

He has risen!!

Thanks Pastor Kevin!!!

Strength Through Authority

1 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.

2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.

3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.

4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy to have you do this for him,

5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue."

6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.

7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.

8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith."

10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well. - Luke 7:1-10

Kingdom Authority

Are you living a defeated life?

Satan is the great deceiver.

Putting you in the darkness of doubt, he will mislead you with his deceit.

And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." - Genesis 1:28

Dominion definition

To reign, to rule

God has given you His authority.

We lost it because of sin but Christ won it back.

We have been set free from sin by way of the cross.

Do you know this truth?

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,

32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:31-32

17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.

19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. - Romans 5:17-19

Are you reigning in your life?

You have been given that authority by Christ!

Authority definition

Legal right to act

The source of kingdom authority:

It comes from above.

You are under God's authority.

Your authority is backed up by God.

We pray in the name of Jesus who has been given all authority!

He is Lord over all!

By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. - 1 John 4:17

We die with Christ and we are identified with Him.

We rise with Christ and we are identified with Him.

3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.

8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.

9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.

10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. - Romans 6:3-10

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,

18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might

20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,

23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. - Ephesians 1:17-23

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,

5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved-

6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. - Ephesians 2:4-9

You have victory in Jesus!

Jesus destroyed death and hell.

The church is the body of Christ.

Christ is the head of the body.

18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:18-20

who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. - 1 Peter 3:22

The secret of kingdom authority:

You cannot be over until you are under.

All authority is linked to obedience.

If you disobey, you lose your authority.

We are in rebellion.

Bow before the Lord and confess your rebellion.

Bow to His authority.

It will make you strong!

Thank You Pastor Rogers!!!

True Meekness Is Strength Under Discipline

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Meekness is one of the most confused adjectives in all of the Beatitudes because most people confuse meekness with weakness. Jesus said He was “meek and lowly” (see Matthew 11:29), but He wasn’t weak.

The word “meek” means “strength that is brought under control.”

When horse trainers “break” horses, they describe what they do as “meeked.” They don’t cripple the horses or take away their strength. They train them to use their strength in control.

In the same way, God doesn’t come into your life to cripple you. Why would He follow with “for they shall inherit the earth”? God did not make this world for the devil’s crowd. He made the world for you.

ACTION POINT:

Ask your heavenly Father today to break the strongholds in your life, break your strong will, and replace it with His strength under discipline. He will do it, if you give Him permission. This is the heart of true meekness.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Are You Mourning Your Sin?

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Jesus purposefully sequenced the Beatitudes in this order because this is the way we grow in sanctification. First, we see our bankrupt condition (Matthew 5:3) then it breaks our heart (Matthew 5:4).

This word “mourn” speaks of the strongest kind of lamentation, not just a sentimental tear. What we need today are men and women who are broken over their sin.

Proverbs 14:9 says, “Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favor.” Jesus speaks of this favor when He says that we will be comforted. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter who will strengthen us when we are broken over our sin.

ACTION POINT:

Do you know where we ought to be? On our face before God in bitter tears over the barrenness of our lives, the coldness of our hearts, and the wickedness of our attitudes. And what will be the outcome? We will be comforted.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Enemies Of God

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.

19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. - Philippians 3:17-21

13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.

14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. - 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;

30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.

31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.

32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. - Acts 20:28-32

Set your mind on the things of God.

but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. - Mark 4:19

Acknowledge your guilt and shame and know that if you are in Christ, he has willingly taken your sin.

for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.  - Jeremiah 2:13

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2

Let the desires of God drive you, in your decisions, in your family life and your business life.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, - Philippians 3:20

Be aware daily of the coming judgement and live life accordingly.

22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried,

23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.

24 And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.'

25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.

26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' - Luke 16:22-26

7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. - Galatians 6:7-8

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:14-16

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing,

15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. - Philippians 2:12-16

Thanks Marshall!!

Willing to Admit—We Are Bankrupt!

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:3

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

What does it mean to be “poor in spirit”? To qualify as the cruise director for the Titanic? No. Jesus is talking about someone who recognizes himself as spiritually bankrupt in the sight of God. It literally means that we come to the end of our self-reliance.

You will never discover the true riches of the Christian life until you first admit your bankrupt condition before heaven. And some of us don’t want to admit that. But let me remind you of something: God created the world out of nothing. That is His nature. He will not make anything out of you, until you become nothing.

ACTION POINT:

Have you admitted that you are a lost sinner in the sight of God? That you have nothing to offer Him? Friend, if you think you can get to heaven any other way, you are sorely mistaken. You don’t know how holy God is and how sinful you are.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers