17th

July17
Paul's Fourth Shipwreck - Acts 27

Be sure to consult your maps as you read this account of Paul's voyage and shipwreck. In 2 Cor. 11:25, written some three years before, Paul mentioned he had been in three shipwrecks; so the one described in this chapter would be his fourth. Paul was willing to take any risk to carry the Gospel to the lost world. Are we?
The Voyage to Fair Havens (27:1-8)
Paul was accompanied by Luke (note the "we" sections) and Aristarchus (see 19:29 and 20:4; also Phile. 24 and Col. 4:10). How comforting it must have been to Paul to have these men at his side! The centurion, Julius, was kind to Paul, for "when a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him" (Prov. 16:7, NKJV). The centurions in the Bible are usually presented as kind, intelligent men. Julius permitted Paul a visit to the church gathering at Sidon, which refreshed the apostle physically and spiritually. At Myra, they changed ships.
From the very beginning, the voyage was not encouraging. "The winds were contrary" and they "sailed slowly many days" (v. 7). The ship finally arrived at Fair Havens.
Paul's Warning of Danger (27:9-14)
It was now October; "the fast" referred to in v. 9 was the Day of Atonement. Sailing was dangerous for several months after the fall season began, and there was some debate whether or not the ship should continue to Rome. Directed by God, Paul warned them that the voyage would be disastrous, but the centurion would not listen. There were at least five factors that contributed to this wrong decision by the centurion: Much time was spent (v. 9). Whenever we get impatient, we usually rush ahead and disobey the will of God. We should not be like the horse that rushes ahead, or the mule that lags behind (Ps. 32:9), but like the obedient sheep that follows the shepherd.

18th

July18
Paul Gives some Expert Advice

The centurion listened to the pilot (master) and the owner of the ship, and not to God's messenger. The centurion had faith-but his faith was in the wrong people! God's wisdom is far above the wisdom of men. The person who knows the Word of God knows more than the "experts" (Ps. 119:97-104). While knowledge is important, we also need wisdom (James 1:5).
Discomfort. "The haven was not commodious to winter in" (v. 12). The centurion could not see staying three months in an uncomfortable place.
Majority rule. He took a vote (v. 12), and Paul was out-voted! In the
Bible, the majority is usually wrong; yet today the common excuse is "Everybody's doing it!"
Favorable circumstances. "The south wind blew softly" (v. 13) The very wind they needed came along and seemed to prove how wrong Paul was. We must beware of "great opportunities" and "ideal circumstances" that seem to contradict the Word of God. Each of the above factors can work in the lives of Christians today. We must be careful to obey God's Word by faith, even when circumstances seem to prove us wrong.
The Storm (27:15-26)
The balmy south wind soon turned into a terrible storm, as is usually the case when we disobey the Word of God. "Euroclydon" is part Greek and part Latin, a word that means "east wind and north wind." Note that Luke uses "we" in this section, indicating that all the crew and prisoners were busy trying to save the ship. First, they pulled in the little boat that was behind the ship (v. 16). Then, they put cables around the ship to help hold it together (v. 17). The next move was to pull down part of the sail, leaving enough to steady the ship (v. 17b). The next day they began to lighten the ship by throwing out some of the cargo (v. 18); and by the third day (v. 19) even the "furniture" (which is what the Gk. word means) or gear was thrown out. All of this was necessary because people did not believe the Word of God! (ibid)

19th

July 19
There was no light and no hope! What a picture of lost souls today!

By comparing v. 27 with v. 19, we learn that the "many days" of v. 20 amounted to eleven days. There was no light and no hope! What a picture of lost souls today, driven in the storm of disobedience and sin, without God, without hope! (See Ps. 107:23-31.) Paul then stood up and took command, reminding the men that their plight was the result of not listening to God's warning. But Paul had more than a rebuke for them; he also had a message of hope from God (23:11). God had promised Paul that he would minister in Rome, and Paul believed God's Word. It is faith in the Word of God that gives us hope and assurance in the storms of life. God had also told Paul that the ship would be wrecked upon a certain island, but that all the passengers and crew would be saved.
The Shipwreck (27:27-44)
Three days later, at midnight, Paul's words came true. The sailors heard breakers and knew they were getting near land. They took several soundings and learned that the water was indeed getting shallower and that land was near. Now a new fear arose: would the boat be dashed on the rocks and everybody killed? As a safety measure, four anchors were put out, only to be taken in (literally, "cast off") later on (v. 40). Some of the sailors tried to escape on the small boat that had been taken in before (v. 16), but Paul detected the plot and stopped them. Note that Paul said in v. 31 "you cannot be saved" and not "we" as though he were thinking only of himself and his friends.
For the first time in two weeks, light began to appear, and Paul encouraged the men to take some food. The effects of the storm, the necessity for constant watch, the lack of food from lightening the ship, and perhaps the desire to fast to please their gods had kept the passengers from eating. Without shame, Paul gave thanks before 275 people (v. 37) and set the example himself by eating. (ibid)

20th

July 20
God spared 276 people because of Paul's Faith

As day broke, they saw a creek on an island, cast off (cut off) the four anchors, and, hoisting the sail, headed for this haven. The front of the ship stuck in the mud, while the stern was beaten by the waves. Satan was again at work as the soldiers planned to kill all the prisoners (including Paul), but the centurion believed Paul this time and told all on board to make for land the best way they could. The last statement (v. 44) vindicates the truth of God's promise in vv. 22 and 34: "They escaped all safe to land." They were on the island of Malta.
God spared 276 people because of one man-the Apostle Paul! How precious His saints are to Him! God was willing to spare Sodom and Gomorrah for ten righteous people (Gen. 18), and He did not send His wrath until Lot and his family had safely escaped. God holds back His judgment on this wicked world because the church is still in the world; but when we are taken away, His judgments will fall (2 Thes. 2). Satan tried to prevent Paul from getting to Rome, but God's Word prevailed. "There has not failed one word of His good promise" (1 Kings 8:56, NKJV).
Acts 28 - The Ministry at Malta (28:1-10)
To the Greeks, "barbarians" were any people who did not speak Greek. For three months (v. 11) the party stayed in Malta, and the natives treated them kindly. We can imagine how cold and wet the prisoners were when they arrived on shore! Though Paul was now the leader and savior of the group, he still helped gather fuel for the fire. (See 20:34-35.) Satan, the serpent, attacked him but God protected him. (See Mark 16:18.) The reaction of the natives was exactly opposite to that of the people at Lystra (14:11-19). Beware of trusting the opinions of the crowd!
The leading man on the island was Publius, who allowed Paul and his companions to lodge with him three days. Paul healed the man's father and then cured many of the natives who were diseased. God allowed Paul to perform these miracles to win the confidence of the people who assisted Paul and his party when they left for Rome three months later.

21st

July 21
It appears that the gift of miracles and healing gradually disappeared during Paul's Ministry

It appears that the gift of miracles and healing gradually disappeared during Paul's ministry. God gave Paul "special miracles" at Ephesus (Acts 19) to witness to the Gentiles; and here at Malta, God gave Paul the power to heal. Yet, when Paul wrote from Rome two years later, he reported that Epaphroditus had been ill and had almost died (Phil. 2:25-30); and in 2 Tim. 4:20, he stated that he had to leave Trophimus sick at Miletus.
The Trip to Rome (28:11-16)
The party remained at Malta during November, December, and January; then, taking a grain ship that had wintered on the island, they headed for Rome. "Castor and Pollux" were "patron saints" of navigation, and their images were often carved on ships. We have another "south wind" in 28:13-quite different from the "south wind" of 27:13! At Puteoli, Paul fellowshiped with the believers for a week, probably while the ship was delayed with business.
When the word got to Rome that Paul had arrived (Puteoli was the principal port of Rome), the believers arranged to meet him. Since Paul remained at Puteoli a week, there was ample time to carry messages between the churches. How wonderful it is to be a part of the fellowship of the Gospel and find "brothers and sisters" in Christ wherever we go! "Appii forum" is literally "the Market of Appius" and refers to a town about forty miles from Rome on the famous Appian Way. Here Paul met one deputation of believers; then, ten miles further, he met another group at Three Taverns. (This Latin word translated "tavern" does not mean what the English word commonly means today. A Roman "tavern" was any kind of shop.) "And when we came to Rome" (v. 16). How simply Luke described Paul's arrival at the city he had longed to see for years. There is no description here of the beauty of the city, for Paul was not there as a sightseer, but as an ambassador. See Rom. 1:11-13. (ibid)

22nd

July 22
The Introduction to the Roman Jews (28:17-22)

As in other cities, Paul wanted to begin with his own nation and seek to win them to Christ. See Rom. 9:1-2 and 10:1 for his burden. He began by stating his innocence and then told them the real reason for his calling them together. "The hope of Israel" in v. 20 refers to the resurrection of Christ, and verses 5:31, 23:6, 24:14-15, and 26:6-8 have similar themes. See also 13:27-37 and the notes on 26:6. The resurrection proved that Christ was the Messiah, and all of Israel's blessings rested in Him. Note, however, that Paul did not offer the kingdom to Israel, but rather preached the kingdom of God, which means the Gospel of the grace of God (see v. 31).
The Roman Jewish leaders had not heard any accusations against Paul, but they had heard about "the sect" of Christians which had been spoken against. Three sects are mentioned in Acts: the Sadducees (5:17), the Pharisees (15:5), and the Christians (24:5 and 28:22). The Jews appointed a time to meet Paul and discuss the Word.
The Jews Reject the Gospel (28:23-31)
Paul was not in a prison, but rather in his own rented house, chained to a Roman soldier, but with liberty to have visitors. When the Jewish leaders arrived, Paul explained the OT Scriptures and presented to them Jesus as the Christ. Compare v. 23 with Luke 24:13-35, where Christ used Moses and the Prophets to open the hearts and minds of those two dejected men. There is a contrast in results, however: the Emmaus disciples believed the Word and became missionaries, while the Roman Jews for the most part rejected the Word and would not believe. The phrase "from morning to evening" (v. 23) aptly describes the history of Israel-from the light of God's revelation into the darkness of unbelief (2 Cor. 4).
Please keep in mind that Paul is not making an offer of the kingdom to these men. He had written the Epistle to the Romans three years before, explaining in chapters 9-11 that Israel had been set aside. The church would now take up God's program for the age to come.

23rd

July 23
Paul's Final Words from Rome

For the fifth time in Israel's history, the prophecy of Isaiah 6 was fulfilled. Over 700 years before, God had told Isaiah that Israel would reject His Word and refuse His message. When Christ was accused of being in league with Satan (Matt. 12), our Lord quoted this same prophecy as He gave the Parables of the Kingdom (Matt. 13:14-15). At the close of His ministry, Jesus spoke of this prophecy again (John 12:37-41). Paul quoted it in Rom. 11:8; and now he used it for the last time. God had been speaking to His people for over 700 years-what patience! Verse 28 does not mean that for the first time Paul went to the Gentiles. It simply means that, now that Israel in Rome had been given an opportunity and had refused, Paul would turn to the Gentiles. Paul's hands were free of their blood; he had given them the opportunity to be saved. This had been Paul's pattern from the very beginning (Acts 13:44-49).
Paul was a prisoner for two years, freely preaching and teaching the Word. It was during this time that he wrote the letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and to Philemon. People often imagine Paul chained to a dungeon wall, when actually he enjoyed a great deal of liberty. His first period at Rome lasted from A.D. 61-63; then he was released for about three years, during which time he wrote his first letter to Timothy and another to Titus. He probably visited Philippi, Colosse, and several other Asian churches at this time. He may also have made his intended trip to Spain (Rom. 15:24, 28). He was imprisoned again in A.D. 66, and this time his situation was not so easy. As we read 2 Timothy, written at that time, we see the loneliness and suffering he endured. He was martyred in late A.D. 66 or early 67, having finished his course and kept the faith. (ibid)
A Note from Pastor Shifflett: We started writing these devotionals in 1997, and at that time there were Pastor Wilkenson, Pastor Dobson, Youth Pastor Lockhart, and myself. Later we added Pastor Most. For the past two years I have been writing them alone. My responsibility to be Minnie's chief caregiver has taken up much of my time and it has been a double burden for me. Therefore, because both Minnie and I have added physical problems it is necessary for me to sign off and someone else to take up the torch. Lovingly, Pastor Shifflett

24th

July 24
The Danger of Stubborn Rebellion
Hebrews 7:23-31

I believe that the book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers, who because of persecution, were dispersed primarily throughout Asia Minor. There was a great transition from the old covenant to the new covenant. The faith of the old covenant primarily manifested itself through the civil law as it related to the worship of the temple. Under the new covenant, worship as Jesus described to the woman at the well is in spirit and truth.

Many folk are troubled at the stern nature of the old covenant. We read about this in verse 28. In this verse we read, He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses… However, we need to be mindful that to whom much is given, shall much be required. Therefore, with the added revelation in Christ and grace, our accountability is even greater than that under the law. Those who profess faith, but choose to live a life of stubborn rebellion to the truth need to be mindful of this warning.
Note the warning of verse 29. In this verse we read, Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? What could be worse than the judgment of physical death? The warning concerns apostasy, eternal death and damnation.
In other words, those who profess faith and don’t walk the path of faith and obedience are playing a very dangerous game. They are presuming on the grace of God. To presume on the grace of God is to walk the path of the apostate. I have no doubt that people today put far too much confidence in the simple profession of faith. Now thank God, a simple profession of faith is all that is necessary for salvation, but it is possible to give a sincere profession of faith without really having faith. Not all that glitters is gold. We need to realize that without the reality of a transformed life, an empty profession is worse than no profession. Empty professions like this are of the apostate, not the saint.

25th

July 25
Christ is a Better High Priest

Hebrews 5:4-8

The word “Better” is recorded 13 times in Hebrews. Every time there is a comparison with something else. In our text “better” is not used, but we see Christ’s priesthood to be “better” than Aaron’s. Some years ago, I was talking with a Mormon Bishop and he was bragging that he was of the Aaronic priesthood. Without a stutter, I told him I was of the Melchisedec priesthood. He was dumbfounded and had no answer. 1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Moses built a house, but Christ was Son over the house, Hebrews 3:6. We are the house that Christ built; another name is the family of God. 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. I trust that before you finish reading this page you will realize just what a position we have with the Saviour and that every born again person is responsible before God and men to maintain a testimony of our salvation and relationship we have with Christ. In the above two verses: we are a living stone, a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices unto God, a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation and a peculiar people. Wow! What a responsibility we have and a testimony to live before the world.
Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. And now there is more; we are kings and shall reign with Him throughout all eternity; all this because Christ was of a better order than Aaron. Melchisedec was king-priest in the Old Testament. Christ is the Great High Priest and King of Kings in the New Testament.
Lastly, it gets better, Ephesians 1:4-5 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his (God’s) will. Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

26th

July 26
The Diffusion of Power
Genesis 11:1-9

In this text, we find the first major judgment of God after the flood. As we read in the Bible of a coming one-world government dominated by antichrist, we need to appreciate that the purpose of the enemy is the same here. At the tower of Babel, people united in pride and false religion. It is sad, but shortly after the flood the hearts of people in large numbers turned from God to false worship and self. If God did not intervene in grace, the world would have come to be dominated by evil.
Think about this. Why is it that dividing people was helpful? Because of sin people are quickly and easily misled. However, in time they will come to understand the error. In other words, they have to experience the fruit of sin before they understand the evil of sin. By dividing the people, God maintains the light of liberty on this earth throughout the age. It is this work of God’s grace that stays evil in our world.
The same principle is in our constitution; there is a separation of powers. This principle helps to preserve the country from corruption. One of the problems with the diffusion of power is the diffusion of responsibility, but this is not as great a problem as the concentration of power. In order to divide people, God confused human language. We live in a day of a world economy. As we see in Europe with the common market, this world economy will drive the need for a one-world government. It is when the events at the tower of Babel are reversed that we will come to the destruction and corruption at the end of the age.
We would be wise to understand the corrupting influence of power. Someone has noted that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. This, more than anything else, reveals the influence of sin on the human heart and the greatness and glory of God. The omnipotent is good and altogether lovely. Holiness is God’s primary attribute. His power is limited by His goodness, which includes His love. If this were not true, there would be no redemption, only judgment and damnation. Turning from God most often means the false worship of idolatry and self seeking. These things have no place in a Biblical spirituality.

Reference verses: Genesis 11

1. And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.
2. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
3. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
4. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
5. And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
6. And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
7. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.
8. So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
9. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

27th

July 27

The Messiah is the Chief Corner Stone
Psalms 118: 22-23; Matt. 21:42; Mark 12:10-11

Most public buildings have a corner stone. Sometimes they use a hollow stone and place a time capsule in it, which is to be opened a hundred years after the building was built. When Solomon’s Temple was built all the stones were cut and finished at the quarry. They were then moved to the temple site and set in place. They were all perfect and there was not the sound of a hammer used in setting up the walls. And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building. 1 Kings 6:7

Tradition has it that when the builders were ready to set the corner stone it could not be found. They searched the temple site for it, but it was not there. They returned to the quarry and after clearing tons of debris they found the corner stone and it was then moved to the temple and inserted in its proper place. If the above it true, it is a perfect example of the Jewish nation being unable to recognize the Messiah when He came the first time and after much soul searching in the tribulation they will call upon Him whom they rejected centuries ago. Our text found in both Ps. 118 and Mark 12 records that it was prophesied that he would be refused and Jesus quoted the Old Testament to tell them that He was the rejected Corner Stone. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. Ps. 118:22-23 and And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Mark 12:10-11.

It is sad, but we too reject, many things recorded in the Bible, not because of unbelief, but because we want to live according to the dictates of our hearts rather than according to the Scriptures. Often Christian’s seek an excuse by saying “that verse is not for me.” We even say “that’s your interpretation!” Remember, the Jewish nation rejected their Messiah, let’s not reject His Word.

28th

July 28

The Second Coming of Christ
Psalm 118:19-26

Our text speaks of the rejection of Jesus Christ. We read in Psalm 118:22, The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. When Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, we read Matthew 21:9 … the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. Sadly, a few days later, some of the same people cry, “crucify him”. The multitude of humanity is very fickle. Like Esau of old they will trade their birth right for a mess of pottage.
It is interesting to note that Jesus uses these same words at the end of His condemnation of the Pharisees. The Pharisees were those who believed that they had it all together. They saw the failures of the rest of the people, but in their spiritual blindness, they could not see their own sin. Jesus points it out clearly to them and concludes by saying to them, Matthew 23:39 … Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. For the moment, they rejected Him, but He would be back. He would come again when they open their hearts to Him as a nation and receive Him. The prophet foretells this great event in Zechariah 12:10 … I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son…
The word used in our text is Jehovah. Jesus comes in the name of Jehovah God. There are several texts in the Old Testament where a prophecy is given concerning Jehovah God. Then in the New Testament it is quoted and applied to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is Jehovah God. One example is Isaiah 4:3 and Matthew 3:3. In Matthew 3:3, John the Baptist is identified as this one who would prepare the way for Jehovah, and John the Baptist prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus is coming again. At this time, most people on earth will receive Him. The picture given in the Gospel record is that of a great harvest where the angels gather and separate those who do not believe from those who believe as tares from wheat. At this time, God will cast the tares, the Antichrist and the false prophet, into a lake of fire.

Psalms 118:
19. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord:
20. This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter.
21. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
22. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
23. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
24. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25. Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
26. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.

29th

July 29
Christ’s Coming in Glory

Psalm 102:12-16

In our text, we see a prophecy of the Messiah appearing in glory. At the mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James and John saw Jesus in His glory with Moses and Elijah. The disciples accurately understood this as a picture of the kingdom age. In Luke 21:27 as Jesus speaks of His Second Coming, He says; … they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
We read about this event in Revelation 19:11-14, 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
The disciples focused on the kingdom when Jesus came the first time. What they did not understand is that the blessings of the kingdom are impossible without the spiritual aspects of the kingdom. If people do not receive spiritual truth in their hearts, they will not be able to live in such a way as to experience the blessings of the kingdom. The result of Jesus coming the first time is recorded in John 1:11. Here we read, He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
However, the blessings of the spiritual kingdom are available to all that will receive Him. John 1:12 … as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name… These blessings include a heart full of peace, love and joy. If all people on this earth had such a heart and Jesus was leading us, we would realize all the blessings of the kingdom. The present church ought to be such a kingdom. Those who are lost in sin have a heart full of covetous desire. Judas had a heart full of covetousness, and troubled the disciples. Today, all whose hearts are full of covetousness only bring trouble into the church. It ought not to surprise us that most church conflicts revolve around the use of money. When the kingdom comes to this earth God will remove all this kind of evil. (Matthew 24:31).

30th

July 30
The Messiah Shall be Known for Righteousness
Psalm 45:2, 6-7; Hebrews 1:8-9

The Psalmist has much to say about the Messiah all the way form Psalm 2 through 150. Here we have a very vivid description of the countenance of the Lord Jesus. Thou art fairer than the children of men: There was magnetism about His eyes that attracted people to Him. The features of his face radiated love, kindness and mercy; grace is poured into thy lips: His words were soft and his voice was melodious. It is few and far between that He raised his voice to someone, and then only to defend His ministry or His Father; therefore God hath blessed thee for ever, Psalm 45:2. Therefore, He was endued with power while here on earth and even more now that He is in heaven sitting at the right hand of the Father.

Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Psalm 45:6,7. Our biggest failure is that we do not hate wickedness as He did. If we did, we would crucify our eyes and thoughts. Hollywood and pornography would be out of business. There is an interesting verse in the Proverbs: 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

The following verses are a command! Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years, Hebrews 1:8, 9. The above is referring back to the forty years of wanderings in the Sinai Peninsula. They hardened their hearts against Moses and God. They accepted the negative report of the ten spies and rejected the positive report of the two spies when the way was open for them to go up and conquer the land. They rejected God and His leadership for the conquest, and all that generation who were twenty years and older perished in the wilderness with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, who lived and went into the land forty years later. Don’t harden you heart against God!

31st