December 21 - Saturday

Today’s Reading - 2 Timothy 1 - 4

(2 Tim 4:2 KJV) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

In today’s reading we come across a familiar verse which needs to be the battle cry of the Christian. The words “Preach the word” means to proclaim the word. This saying in the Greek is on my home page. Now to proclaim the Word of God, it does not have to be done necessarily from the pulpit. The proclamation of God’s word needs to go out in every forum possible. The most strongest way to proclaim the word is by word of mouth. We may have all the technology available for mass distribution of the Gospel but we must realize that the majority of the people in the world have never even made a phone call, so the chances that these same people will have access to the Internet or some other electronic medium will probably be nil. Yet, the internet is a great way to get materials into foreign countries so nationals can download them and then hand them out. If you do have a web site, use as little graphics as possible because those in other countries may not have the high speed connections we do and much graphics may hinder them. Now the next word that God gives us is “instant.” This word carries with it the meaning of “urgent.” This does not mean the world may end tomorrow but we have an urgent mandate to send forth the gospel. The truth is that our life may end and that is why God wants us busy and to avoid the fools who come with those ridiculous scenarios.

December 22 - Sunday

Today’s Reading - 1 John 1 - 2

(1 John 1:9 KJV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

In today’s reading we come across this verse which is greatly used to proclaim that if a person confesses their sin, then God will forgive us our sin. One of the great teachings in this verse is found in the word “all.” God will cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He is not going to cleanse just part of it and then leave the rest to us to cleanse by some type of work. Now to understand what God means by confessing we must look at two types of confession. (Mark 1:5 KJV) And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. The word in the Greek behind “confessing” is the word “exomologeo” which carries with it the making of a full and open confession of a verbal nature. This would be akin to someone verbally confessing their sins. We see this in the verse above. If these people were being convicted about their sins, they were not confessing it to themselves, rather they were verbalizing their confession. I guess the psychiatric profession could liken this to a catharsis where someone pours out their feelings and emotions, which would normally be a worldly confession of sorrow ( 2 Cor. 7:10), unless it is being done before the Lord without an audience.

Now the second type of confession is the one we have in our daily verse. It is the Greek word “homologeo” which means “saying the same thing.” Now the first type of confession can easily be done by the unsaved and it is. They make some kind of confession of sin and then a few days later we wonder why they are back sinning again. Then we say they are backsliding Christians. This is dangerous because nowhere in the Bible does God ever refer to a Christian as “backsliding.” Corporate Israel is the only entity which God uses the term “backsliding” to describe their corporate sins and departure from the Law. The only reason that confessing person is not living the Christian life is because they were never saved. Now back to “homologeo.” The only reason that a person can recognize their sin and agree with God in their sinfulness, is because God has opened their spiritual understanding and has granted them salvation. Our unsaved minds are at enmity with God and could never be brought into concert with the mind of Christ by any type of verbal confession unless it has been regenerated. Once salvation takes place, then we can truly agree with God about our sinful past. Once salvation takes place, then we are forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness.

True confession never begins the salvation process, it is a result of salvation. 1 John 1:9 is only applicable to those whom God has already begun His work of salvation. (Col 1:14 KJV) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Once our sins are forgiven, we have a clean spirit. Actually, 1 John 1:9 is only a one time action and is not some type of repetitive formula to get us out of trouble. When a Christian sins, we go to the Lord and ask forgiveness and reconciliation. This is not done because we have lost salvation or negated the work of the cross, it is because God wants us to know where we are weak and need strength. He wants us to know that we are fully dependent upon Him to go through and have victory in the trials which cause us to fall. Our salvation and forgiveness of sins is not based upon continual confession or else the keeping of salvation would be centered upon how many times we confess, basically it would be by works. This is why I cringe when I hear free will people say to others “1 John 1:9” and leave it at that. That verse is not a free ride for sin justification nor is it a promise to unbelievers that God will forgive their sins because they quote it or claim it. There is no such thing in Scripture as a formula for the forgiveness of sin, there is only the cross of Christ. The cross of Christ and 1 John 1:9, can never nor should it ever be separated.

December 23 - Monday

Today’s Reading - 1 John 3 - 5

(1 John 3:9 KJV) Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

In today’s reading we come across this great verse which gives insight into the total cleansing that the salvation of God gives the believer. Here we are told that the true believer cannot sin. Now we must define the term “cannot.” The word “may” is a word of permission but the word “cannot” is a word of ability. A person may not go to the store which means they have not received permission to do so. A person who cannot go to the store lacks the ability to go. This verse has been very much misunderstood, especially since the Christian is still in the flesh and does sin every day, whether by accident or by design. However, the verse says that we do not possess the ability to sin. What could God be telling us? For the understanding of this verse, we have to go to Romans 7 and look at the struggle that Paul had with sin. We will look at one verse but you can read the entire section. (Rom 7:17 KJV) Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. Here the Apostle Paul is telling us that it is no longer him that is doing the sin, but sin that is dwelling in him. What could he possibly mean? The explanation is found in Ephesians 2:5. (Eph 2:5 KJV) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Now let us bring it all together. When the Bible teaches us that the believer cannot sin, it is not pointing to the bodies of flesh that we still possess. It is speaking of the spirit which we now have from the Lord. Paul said that it is not him doing the sin because the real him has now been “quickened” or “made alive” unto God. No longer is he a spiritually dead unbeliever but is alive unto God in his spirit. God never chose to redeem the physical body at this time. It goes into the grave and will decay until He raises it on the last day and reunites the body and spirit in a body designed for Heavenly life. So the true Christian cannot sin in their regenerated souls because Christ has removed every vestige of sin from it. (Col 2:14 KJV) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; The soul of the Christian is clean before God and this is why the Bible teaches that the Believer, upon death, goes to be with the Lord. This is because the soul, being eternally and thoroughly cleansed, is ready for Heaven upon the day a person becomes saved.

On the other hand, the physical body still has ties to this world with all its lusts still intact. So to understand 1 John 3:9, is not to say the Christian will never sin on earth again, but the source of the sin is the body and not the soul. The Christian cannot sin in their soul because it has been cleansed of sin forever. The only difference between the unbeliever committing sin and the believer committing sin, is that those sins of the believer have been atoned for, up until he or she commits the very last one in their life. 1 John 3:9 is not teaching Christian perfection. There are denominations which believe entire sanctification, in that the believer can actually get to the point of not sinning in their life. This can never happen. The soul is perfect because of redemption but the body has not been redeemed and remains imperfect and subject to sin at any time. This is why the Christian, on this side of Heaven, can never reach a point of sinless existence. 1 John 3:9 is teaching us that the soul of the believer is clean and sin can never have any effect upon that redeemed soul. It is eternally clean and kept by the power of God (1 Peter 1:5).

December 24 - Tuesday

2 John; 3 John; Jude

(3 John 1:9 KJV) I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

In today’s reading we come cross this verse which gives us a warning about the personal agendas of some people in the church. We do not know what position he had in the church because in the next verse it states that he apparently had the authority to disallow people from entering the church and ministering. No one knows for sure what rank he did hold and it is doubtful that he held a legitimate position like pastor or elder. He may have been a church boss exercising influence through his wealth and inept church leadership which normally goes under the authority of anyone with a buck. The name “Diotrephes” means “nourished of Jupiter.” Jupiter was the chief Roman god who was husband to Juno. Diotrephes may have been a member of the worshippers of Jupiter and was using influence to destroy this church. There is no specific date given for this writing and we do not know what church is in view. One of the early historians, Eusebius, claims that John was released from his exile on Patmos at about 96 AD, after he penned the book of Revelation and had gone on a journey of visiting churches. So if Eusebius is correct, then 2 & 3 John were written after Revelation. I can’t be dogmatic about that so we will let the scholars argue it out, they don’t have anything better to do anyway.

What is the warning that we are receiving in this verse? I believe God is clearly warning us that we must be very careful about allowing people into the church who have their own personal agendas. Diotrephes was not concerned about the church he belonged to. He was threatened by the Apostle John and that is why John was not allowed in that church. Diotrephes may have been exposed and thrown out if the truth was ever preached in that assembly. The best way a church boss maintains their assumed authority is by keeping out whatever Godly influence they can. Many times church leaders are threatened by those Christians who show promise. The leaders might feel that their cushy job may be threatened if the true Gospel begins to get preached in their assembly. Instead of nurturing those Christians that show promise, these jealous leaders would rather throw them out of the church or suppress them in the same manner Diotrephes did. We also see that Diotrephes was prating, which means he was doing much loud talking. Beware of the person in the church who always seems to have an opinion on everything and everything seems to be their expertise. It is okay to listen but if they begin to start opposing the things of God in your church, then they need to be the ones to leave. (Rom 1:18 KJV) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; God takes the deception of His children very seriously. Be careful who you hear in your church. Be very discerning.

December 25 - Wednesday - Christmas Day

Today’s Reading - Revelation 1 - 3

(Rev 2:13 KJV) I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

In today’s reading we begin the book of Revelation. In the opening three chapters we find seven churches with many problems and also their good points. This teaches us that there is going to be both good and bad in every church assembly. As long as we are in the flesh there will never be a perfect church without any problems. In the church of Pergamos, we read the above verse that the Lord is telling this church that He knows very well where the seat of Satan is. This does not mean that Satan has a personal presence in every church. If he did, that would make him omnipresent and that is a characteristic that belongs to God. Satan can never be in more than one place at a time. Many angels fell with Satan in his rebellion against God and these demons are plentiful enough to call simultaneous evil all over this world. Wherever there is an assembly of believers, there is also going to be a representative of Satan’s kingdom. This means that every church is going to have unbelievers in them which are normally going to oppose the works of Christ. Satan has always had his eye on the church since its inception in the first century. He has always tried to destroy it. He used persecution and now he is using deception, as he comes as an angel of light.

Christ knows where every opposition in every church is. When we read about “Satan’s seat,” it does not mean that Satan is ruling in that church. It is totally impossible for Satan to rule in any church where there are true believers. This is because the Holy Spirit indwells each true believer and there is no way that the Holy Spirit, who is eternal God, can ever be under the authority of Satan. That is akin to blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Satan has no authority over true believers no matter what situation or physical place they are in. (John 14:30 KJV) Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. If Satan has nothing in the Lord, he has nothing in us either. There is a teaching which is being propagated that Satan is king in the churches and that the Holy Spirit is no longer active in the churches. How ridiculous this concept is, because when a Christian walks into church, does the Holy Spirit stay outside the building and then re-enter us upon exiting? How ludicrous some teachings are! Satan’s seat is the Lord telling us that there is going to be opposition to the true Gospel even right in the church itself. Like Diotrephes, there will be those unbelievers who come into a church with their own agenda. Satan’s seat is merely the source of opposition and unbelief in any congregation. Have you ever been to a church meeting where the furthering of the Gospel is discussed? When plans and methods are proposed, right away the opposition goes up. That comes from Satan’s seat. A proposal is made to support two more missionaries along with the approximate cost. Almost immediately opposition arises to the proposal. That comes from Satan’s seat. Any time you hear someone in any milieu challenging the Gospel or opposing it, that will be emanating from Satan’s seat.

Today is Christmas Day and the Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to destroy Satan’s seat and his power. (1 John 3:8 KJV) He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. One of the most effective works of the devil is doubt. If he can cast doubt on anything that would enlarge the Kingdom of God, he will do it. If there is one thing that Satan is sure of that he will always have a seat through his evil tactics. Our responsibility is to find it and fold up his chair and send him packing.

May You All Have A Blessed Christmas Day!

December 26 - Thursday

Today’s Reading - Revelation 4 - 6

(Rev 4:11 KJV) Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

In today’s reading we come across this verse which simply points out to us that Christ is worthy to receive honor, glory, and power. As we look at this day after Christmas, many times the meaning of it is lost in the hustle and bustle of shopping centers and returning gifts, etc. Why don’t we take a moment and just focus on the Lord Jesus. Maybe there is no great theological lesson to be gleaned from the following except that our Lord cares for us and has much patience. When we look at how the Lord Jesus dealt with people, we see He had such a caring nature about Him. Remember when Nicodemus came to Him by night. The Lord did not chide him for coming at night because He knew “Nicky” was probably in fear of the leadership. How about the woman at the well? She was used as a pawn by wicked men who states that she should have been stoned for adultery. The Lord was fully aware of her sins but being the Just Judge of all the earth, He knew very well the evil sins of those men who had set her up. I believe that this woman became a Believer since He told her to sin no more and remember, those born of God cannot sin. What about the Widow of Nain who lost her only son. Jesus had compassion on her and raised her son from the dead. He had said to her, “Weep Not.” For here was the Resurrection and the Life standing right before her ready to show that death has to flee when He arrives on the scene.

How about the Gadarene demoniac? Here was a man that Satan’s demons had indwelled for many years and no one could help him be free from this demonic prison. Then Jesus arrives on the scene and calmly has a dialogue with the demons and then commands them to leave that man. Here was the Prince of Peace bringing a man from the throws of hell to the serenity of Glory. The man was so happy he wanted to follow Jesus wherever He went. The greatest testimony was to return home and tell all he knew of the Lord who gives peace unto His people. Then when the Lord was being crucified for all those on Zion’s Gate Group, he asked His Father in Heaven to forgive those who drove the nails in His wrists. Here was the “Forgiveness of Sins” showing a compassion to those who were causing His life’s blood to flow from the cross, yet He never rebuked His executioners. Remember Peter, how strongly he said he would defend Jesus right to the end? After Peter denied Him, he wept. When Christ was resurrected from the dead, He sent word and said, “tell Peter.” The Lord did not reject Peter, for here was the Friend of Sinners reassuring Peter that he was still loved but that something new was about to happen. Peter did defend the Lord Jesus until his end when he was crucified on a cross. What about us today? We stand firmly on the Rock of Ages who gives us Blessed Assurance that His Amazing Grace will Keep us Safe in the Arms of Jesus until the day mine eyes behold the city, when The Silver Cord Will Break, and I stand on Jordan’s Stormy Banks, and then I will shout while passing through the air, “Farewell, Farewell, Sweet Hour of Prayer.”

December 27 - Friday

Today’s Reading - Revelation 7 - 9

(Rev 7:4 KJV) And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

In today’s reading we come across this section of Scripture which deals with the sealing of the 144,000, which are to be from every tribe of the children of Israel, as the Scriptures says. Many theologians believe this to be 144,000 Jewish evangelists which will go hither and yon to preach the Gospel. This may sound like a feasible explanation but if we look much closer at this particular verse, we will see that this section of Scripture has nothing to do with a set number of Jewish evangelists. Look again at the above verse in the section which reads, “…all the tribes…” Now read the list of tribes and you will find that Dan is missing. Dan was one of the original twelve tribes of Israel. It wouldn’t be that much of a problem except the Bible says “all the tribes.” For many years I have continually advised Christians to always pay attention to the small words and phrases used in the Bible. God has placed everything in there for a certain purpose. If the tribe of Dan is missing, then this list must have something else in view rather than the physical tribes of the nation of Israel. In the Bible, the nation of Israel has also been used as a synonym for the body of believers and that is exactly what is in view in these verses.

In verse 3, the Bible is telling us that the servants of God must be sealed before anything cataclysmic is to take place on earth. Who are the servants of God? The only servants of God in the Bible are the true body of believers. When you look back at the history of Israel, God had to send them into captivity because of their perpetual state of sinning. When you look at the modern state of Israel today, you are not even allowed to mention the name of the Lord Jesus or else you could be thrown in jail for proselytizing. The truth of Scripture is that if you do not have the Son, you do not have the Father. (Luke 10:16 KJV) He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. Here is another truth that theologians refuse to apply to national Israel. The truth is that they despise the Lord Jesus which means they despise God the Father. They have no Savior, except for the remnant, and they are in as much rebellion today as they were 3,000 years ago.

When we look further at Revelation 7:9-10, we will see that the words these people in Heaven are saying is related to salvation. Now some may say there are two scenarios in view, one is in Heaven and one on Earth. However, when we look at the text again in verse 4, we read another small phrase, “…And I heard the number of them …, which connects verse 3 & 4. It brings together as one people, the 144,000 and the servants of God who are the believers. It is also interesting to note that free will, pre-trib people are turning to the Doctrine of Predestination when it comes to Israel. In their belief system, they believe that these are 144,000 Jews. This would mean that God has predestined them to salvation because only the saved can sing the praises of the Lord and proclaim salvation. It is a very dangerous practice to not only misinterpret Scripture, as pre-trib people have done, but to also change their Soteriology in mid-stream to make it fit their desired belief system. That 144,000 is just a representative of all the believers in the world as we read in Revelation 14, that they are sealed with the seal of God in their foreheads. Revelation is a book of much symbolism and we need to be very careful when interpreting it. I admit there is a lot in Revelation that I do not understand but some things are very obvious and we cannot let politics do our biblical interpretation for us. If you are a Christian, then God has sealed you and you are represented by the 144,000, predestined to stand before the Throne and be clothed in white with palm branches.

December 28 - Saturday

Today’s Reading - Revelation 10 - 12

(Rev 10:9 KJV) And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

In today’s reading we come across one of these verses which seem to relay a mighty message through symbolism. John, in his vision, asks the angel for the little book. It is not known what that little book is but it strongly alludes to being the Word of God. Before the Word of God was a book as we know it, it was written on scrolls. This little book is probably the Word of God. When we look at the Bible, it really is a small book compared to many books which are out there. God knows a million times more than the theologians yet writes a little. The theologians know a million times less than God but write more than Him. Go figure! This verse gives a basic characteristic of the Scriptures because to many people it looks as sweet as honey. As they hear the Word of God, they fall in love with sections like the 23^rd Psalm, the story of Noah’s Ark, and others. This is akin to it being in their mouth, giving a sweet taste. The command is that John is to take it and eat it up. This means that he is to read, study, and understand the Words of the Lord. Then we begin to study the Word, we see that much of the underlying teachings of the Bible are very bitter because they speak of judgments and the awesome attributes of God. No longer are they seeing that God is love and that God loves everyone, even the persecutor of His children. One only need read 2 Thessalonians 1 to see that God is going to take “flaming vengeance” on those who disobey the Gospel and to those who persecute His children. A far cry from the idea that God loves everyone. This is why the Bible sounds good and palatable when we hear the love portions, but when we get down into its pages, we begin to find a message of bitterness.

(Ezek 2:8-10 KJV) But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee. {9} And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; {10} And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe. Ezekiel was given a similar message by God as we read above. Ezekiel was to preach the Word of God which was filled with “lamentations, mourning, and woe.” In verse 11 of Revelation 10, John was given a similar assignment, to preach the Word to “nations, tongues, and kings.” They were to hear the same strong message that Ezekiel had to preach. They both were to preach the full counsel of God and were not to hold back on the bitter portion, which would be judgment and condemnation. That message was to be proclaimed to the entire world. While world religions are touting good works, reincarnation, spiritual plane system, 72 virgins, and other false teachings, it is up to the Christian to bring the truth of God and that truth is a bitter pill to swallow.

Many today think that God is a just a nice Grandfather sitting in Heaven and smiling at everyone as they sin uncontrollably. The bitter pill that we Christians must bring is that there is going to come a day of accountability for all the unsaved. The saved had their day of accountability at Calvary and were judged innocent, not so for the unbelieving, rebellious element of the human race. The lamentations, mourning, and woes are coming and it will be the greatest day of mourning in human history. This is why when we ingest the Word of God by understanding its principles, it becomes bitter in our stomach, even for the believer who has to deliver the message. It is like a doctor who comes to a patient and says, “we did all we could.” God also did all He could by sending the Lord Jesus to die for His Elect. Billions will stand before the Lord on Judgment Day, including many church people who just saw the Bible as a tasty treat in their mouth.

December 29 - Sunday

Today’s Reading - Revelation 13 -15

(Rev 14:5 KJV) And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

In today’s reading we come across this verse which teaches us how well-readied the believer is for Heaven. Here we read a section about the believers in Heaven and God makes sure He points out the fact that there is not even a little sin in these people. The word “guile” means “crafty.” There is not even a crafty word in the mouths of these Christians around the Throne of God. That is because the Grace of God washes a person thoroughly for eternity. If you remember back a few days ago when we read that those people that are born of God cannot sin because the seed of God is in them. This Revelation verse teaches us that we are so cleansed from sin that we do not even have any craftiness in our mouth. It shows us how complete we are in Christ. Many do not heed these verses when they look at the salvation program of God. There are too many believers wandering around in a theological wilderness trying to be good and show God how many works they can do to keep their salvation. If there is one thing we cannot do on this earth, it is impress God with us. When the Lord Jesus cleansed us from all sin, only that is what prepares us for Heaven and nothing else. A verse that we don’t like to look at is this one. (Luke 17:10 KJV) So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

Now many will say that we are more than that and that is true, because we are redeemed children of God who are going to rule over the angels and serve God in His temple. Luke 17:10 is teaching us that we need to have the attitude of the servant in all that we do. Since Grace is 100% of God and none of us, we can never adapt the attitude that we had something to do with it, or should we ever cling to an attitude of superiority over the unbeliever. In fact, we should pity the unbeliever, since this world is all they have and when they die, the next thing that will happen to them will be eternal damnation. In my own life, my father who is 84 does some things that make me angry but I ask the Lord to abate it so there will be no spill. I think, how much longer does he have to sit in his easy chair before he will face a life of sins at the Judgment Seat of Christ and be cast into an eternal Hell, unless God saves him before he closes his eyes? I guess we can think that way with all the unbelieving people we know. I am not saying that we are to let them abuse us but I am saying when they act according to unbelief, we need to realize they only have the comfort of this world before they face eternal damnation. Christians can face death with a great expectation of life to follow immediately. This is because we have been cleansed from every sin and when God looks at us, He sees the perfect work of the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

December 30 - Monday

Today’s Reading - Revelation 16 - 18

(Rev 18:4 KJV) And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

In today’s reading we come across this verse which gives us a good warning that the Christian is to come out of the world system. Now this verse is a great salvation verse because when a person becomes saved they are also taken out of the world system, which is represented by Babylon which also represents the kingdom of Satan. We are taken out of the kingdom of Satan and translated into the Kingdom of God. Now this verse can also be a warning to the Christian. We are taken out of the world system but not out of the world. This means that a Christian can still be involved with the world system. We can be involved by means of a pet sin or refusing to give up something that we carried over from the old life. In this verse, God is warning His people to come out of the world system because if we choose to stay and hold on to wrong things, it could turn around and bite us. (Prov 6:27 KJV) Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? This verse is in the context of a man committing fornication or adultery, but the principle this verse conveys can be used in almost every sinful situation, if not all. For example, can a person continue to drink alcohol and not expect to pay the penalties for such a lifestyle? Can a person continue to gamble without really expecting to face financial difficulties? Basically, the overriding principle in this verse is that no matter what type of sinful lifestyle we engage in, we will reap the consequences according to that sin. Remember, what we read concerning the preposition, “according?”

I remember when I was a young Christian, I heard Dr. Charles Stanley preaching on engaging in a sinful lifestyle and he made a statement which has stayed with me to this day. It is, “You will reap what you sow, and there will be no crop failure.” This is why God does not want us sowing anything in the field of the world system, because when harvest time comes, the crop yield could devastate us. God warns us very plainly in Revelation 18:4 that the world system will be receiving plagues for her very rebellion against God. If we sow to the world system, we will partake of those plagues or the consequences of that rebellion. We don’t like to think about it but we must realize that every sin, no matter how small, is an act of rebellion against God. Rebellion against God will reap the rewards of penalty. We won’t lose our salvation if we are a true child of God but we may lose our testimony and future usage in the Kingdom. Think about this for an example, if your church found out you gamble, do you think you will ever be called upon to be church treasurer or even to collect the money? Now you may have repented of your sins a long time ago but the word “stigma” is still in the dictionary and people tend to remember these things. Whenever a Christian teams up with the world system, there is always the possibility that that Christian is jeopardizing their testimony and their usage in the kingdom of God. This does not mean forgiveness is not there, it just means you are reaping the consequences of your unholy alliance.

December 31 - Tuesday

Today’s Reading - Revelation 19 - 22

(Rev 22:1-6 KJV) And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. {2} In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. {3} And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: {4} And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. {5} And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. {6} And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

It is finished! The sin, pain, suffering, sickness, hardships, separations, death, hatred, sorrow, heartaches, temptations, double mindedness, wickedness, prejudice, loneliness, foolishness, vicious attacks, torture, murder, adulteries, fornication, false gospels, darkness, Satan!

It begins! Joy, peace, happiness, rest, purity, truth, love, fellowship, eternity with Jesus and God the Father.

As we end up this full year of Zion’s Gates, we could not end on a more beautiful passage of Scripture which describes the beauty of Heaven. No matter what the true Christian faces here on Earth, the future is very bright. We will live forever with the Lord away from sin and every other thing that caused us consternation here on Earth. Let us be thankful that the Lord Jesus has brought us through another year safely. Some have suffered loss and some have enjoyed gain, but no matter what we faced this past year, we can be thankful that God has everything under control, even when it looks like to us, that it is out of control.