Galatians 3:13

 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

Galatians 3:13

Our Rescuer

Jesus is our rescuer. He became the curse meant for us. The penalty for sins is death, as it says in Romans 6:23: “the wages of sin is death.” We deserved that death. We deserved the curse. Jesus took it instead. He hung on the cross for us.

The catch is that we have to realize and understand our need for a rescuer. We have to admit that there is a problem first. We must acknowledge our need for him. Then he will rescue us. Someone who is drowning automatically knows they’re drowning. They do not have to think about it. If someone throws them a life preserver or tries to save them, they will go for it because they know their situation. What about you? What about those you know? Take some time to pray and ask God to help those around you realize their need for a Savior.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,

You are the only one who can rescue us from our sins. You are the Savior. Help me share that good news with the world. Amen.

Philippians 2:14-15

 Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

Philippians 2:14-15

A Toxic Spark

One of the ways Christians can shine the light of Jesus Christ is to do everything without complaining and arguing. Complaining and arguing can be toxic and spread like wildfire. If you have seen what it can do in a workplace, then you know it can be just as dangerous in the church. It only takes one spark to start a fire. In the same way, it only takes one person to create a toxic environment. Complaining and arguing can ruin relationships, friendships, and bodies of believers.

Take some time today to examine your life. Do you tend to be more encouraging or discouraging? Do you lean toward positivity or negativity? Spend some time in prayer and fill your mind with the things of God so you will shine like him instead of distracting people from the Lord.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,

Thank you for who you are and how you love me. Help me be a light for you and fill me with your Word. Amen.

The Question That Has Teeth

 “In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Psalm 56:4 (NIV)

Today’s Devotional

If you have ever rehearsed the brave thing you wanted to say, standing alone in your kitchen, mouthing the words to no one, you already know what it costs to have a conviction you cannot get past your own throat. The sentence is fully formed. The belief is real. And still your voice stays low, or stays silent, because somewhere along the way you learned that speaking up invites consequences you are not sure you can survive.

David wrote Psalm 56 while captured by the Philistines in Gath. He was surrounded by people who wanted him dead, and he asked a question that sounds rhetorical but was not: “What can mere mortals do to me?” He knew exactly what they could do. He had seen it. He asked the question anyway, because the answer he feared mattered less than the God whose word he praised. That sequence matters: praise first, then trust, then the fear losing its grip. He opened his mouth, and the bravery followed the sound.

Your conviction has a voice. It may be out of practice. It may crack when you finally use it. But the God who heard David in enemy territory hears you in whatever room has kept you quiet, and he is not asking for volume. He is asking for the first word.

Time to reflect

These questions will press on something you may have been protecting for a long time. Stay with each one before answering.

What specific conviction have you stopped saying out loud, and when did you stop?

Whose reaction are you most afraid of if you spoke honestly about what you believe?

When David asked “What can mere mortals do to me?” he was naming his fear in the form of a question. What fear would you need to name before your voice could return?

Is your silence protecting you, or is it protecting the people around you from having to respond to something true?

Prayer Of The Day

Lord, I have been quiet for longer than I want to admit. I know what I believe, and I know it matters, but the cost of saying it out loud has kept me still. I confess that I have let the fear of people silence the praise you deserve. I do not need you to make me fearless. I need you to meet me in the first syllable, the way you met David in a room full of enemies. Give me one word to start with. Steady my voice long enough to say it. I trust that you are closer to the sound of honest faith than to the comfort of safe silence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Strengthening Faith

Boldness begins with small, specific acts of speech and presence. Here is where that starts today.

Read Psalm 56 in full, slowly, and circle every verb David uses to describe what God does versus what his enemies do. Notice the imbalance.

Identify one opinion or belief you have softened or hidden in the last month to avoid conflict. Write it down in its full, unedited form.

Say something true to one person today that you would normally keep to yourself. Not an argument, not a confrontation: a genuine conviction, spoken plainly.

Spend five minutes sitting in silence without your phone, and pay attention to what your mind reaches for first. That reaching tells you something about what you have been avoiding.

Pick one routine you follow purely out of habit and skip it deliberately today. Use the gap to notice what fills it.

Before lunch, read Isaiah 41:10. Compare the promise there to David’s question in Psalm 56:4 and notice how the same God shows up in both.

Today Wisdom

Praise is the word David reached for before trust, before courage, before the question that silenced his fear. Your voice is still holding the shape of every true thing you swallowed instead of speaking. The first word you say out loud loosens all the ones behind it.

More Than You Can Count

 “How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!”

Psalm 139:17 (NIV)

Today’s Devotional

When was the last time someone thought about you when you weren’t in the room? Not a passing thought, the kind that flickers and fades before a person finishes their coffee. A real one. The kind where someone pauses mid-step because something reminded them of you, and they stayed there for a moment, holding you in their mind like something worth holding.

Most of us will never know the answer to that question. We move through grocery stores and parking lots and conference calls, and we assume that when we leave a room, we leave the thoughts of the people in it. David knew something different. He had spent years in fields where no one could see him, tending sheep that couldn’t thank him, playing songs for an audience of grass and wind. If anyone had reason to feel forgotten, it was the youngest son left outside while his brothers stood before a prophet. And yet this is the man who wrote, “How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!” He said the sum is too vast to count, a number so large it overflows every container we have for measuring attention.

The word David uses for “precious” carries the weight of something rare, something you hold carefully because it matters too much to handle loosely. And he pairs it with “vast,” a word that breaks open every limit. God’s thoughts toward you are both: infinitely careful and infinitely many. You have never once left the room of his attention.

Time to reflect

Take a moment to sit with David’s discovery. Consider:

When you picture God thinking about you, what do you assume his thoughts contain? Disappointment, indifference, warmth, or something else entirely?

Where in your daily routine do you feel most invisible, and what would shift if you believed someone was thinking of you in that exact moment?

Is there a difference between knowing God sees you and believing God values what he sees?

What would you do differently today if the number of thoughts God has toward you were written on your bathroom mirror?

Prayer Of The Day

God, I confess that I have measured my worth by the attention of people who barely have enough attention for themselves. I have walked through days feeling unseen, and I let that feeling become a verdict. Teach me to receive what David received: the staggering realization that your thoughts toward me are not occasional or obligated, but precious and vast beyond anything I can count. When I feel invisible, remind me that I have never once been out of your mind. Let that truth settle somewhere deeper than my feelings can reach. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Strengthening Faith

Here are a few ways to let the vastness of God’s attention reshape your day:

Set three random alarms on your phone today. When each one goes off, pause for ten seconds and say silently: “God is thinking of me right now.”

Read Psalm 139:1-18 slowly, one verse at a time. Circle or underline every verb that describes what God does. Notice how active his attention is.

Write down the name of someone you know who seems to move through life feeling overlooked. Send them a short message today, nothing elaborate, just enough to say: “I was thinking of you.”

Sit with a pen and try to list every kind thought you can remember anyone having about you. When the list runs out, consider that God’s list for you never does.

At dinner tonight, ask someone at the table: “What is one thing about you that you wish more people noticed?” Listen without rushing to respond.

Today Wisdom

There is a kind of worth that has nothing to do with being noticed by the right people at the right time. It lives upstream of every room you have ever walked into and every room you have ever left. It was there before you arrived, and it will outlast every silence you mistake for absence.

Philippians 2:16

 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.

Philippians 2:16

Hold Firm

Hold firm. Have you ever had that feeling of holding onto something for dear life? When I was little, I remember attempting to climb across the monkey bars and getting halfway across before I fell. Right before I fell, I hung onto the bar as tightly as I could so I wouldn’t fall. No matter what I did, I still fell.

The beautiful thing about God is that when we cling to him, he grabs hold of us and never let’s go. We can hold firmly to him because his Word is a firm foundation and never fails. We can run the race because he runs with us, alongside us even.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the race. May I run the race well and pleasing in your sight. May I hold tight to you. Amen.

The Currency You Already Carry

 “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.””

Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

Today’s Devotional

Adults build resumes; children build sandcastles. The gap between those two activities holds more theology than most sermons.

By the time the disciples stepped in front of those children, they were acting on a logic most of us understand perfectly. Important people have limited time. Access must be earned. You bring something to the table, or you wait outside. They were being efficient, filtering the crowd the way any reasonable gatekeeper would. And Jesus stopped them cold.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” The word that stays with me here is “such.” Jesus could have said the kingdom belongs to children. He said it belongs to “such as these,” which means he was pointing at a quality, not an age group. He was naming a kind of approach: open hands, no credentials, the willingness to walk up to someone without rehearsing what you will say first. The children came to Jesus with nothing prepared. They had no argument for why they deserved his attention. They simply came. If you have spent years building your understanding of faith into something sophisticated, something layered and careful and theologically precise, this verse can feel like a demotion. You worked hard for those layers. And here is Jesus, saying the entrance fee is something you left behind in a schoolyard. Look closer: he is telling you that the door you have been trying to unlock with complexity was open the whole time to anyone willing to walk through it plainly.

Time to reflect

The space between knowing about God and coming to God is worth examining today.

When did your faith start requiring preparation before you could pray, read, or ask for help?

Is there a question you have been refining for years that you could simply bring to God unfinished, right now?

Who in your life approaches faith with a simplicity that makes you slightly uncomfortable, and what does that discomfort reveal?

What would it cost you to set down your expertise for five minutes and just be someone who needs something?

Prayer Of The Day

Lord, we have spent so long learning the right words that we forgot you responded before we had any words at all. We come to you today not with our best thinking but with the part of us that simply wants to be near you. Forgive us for the times we made faith into a performance and forgot it was an open door. Help us to stop rehearsing and start arriving. We do not need to earn your attention. We know this, and yet we keep trying. Teach us again what the children already knew: that showing up is enough. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Strengthening Faith

The simplest faith is often the most honest. Here is how to practice it today.

Read Luke 18:15-17, the parallel account of this same moment, and notice what detail Luke adds that Matthew leaves out.

Pick one prayer you have been postponing because you could not find the right words for it. Pray it today in the most ordinary language you have, as if you were talking to someone sitting across from you.

Find a child in your life, your own or someone else’s, and ask them what they think God is like. Listen without correcting.

Identify one area of your spiritual life where you have added complexity that the original instruction did not require. Strip it back to what it actually asks of you.

Sit somewhere for three minutes with your hands open on your lap. Bring nothing to that silence: no agenda, no request list, no confession. Just presence.

Tell someone today, in plain language, one thing you believe about God. Keep it to a single sentence.

Today Wisdom

“Such as these” is not a standard you failed to meet. It is a posture you forgot you knew. Every credential you earned stands behind you; the door ahead responds to something older than credentials, something your hands still remember if you stop clenching them long enough to find out.

1 Peter 2:5

 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.

1 Peter 2:5

A Living Stone

As believers, you are the foundation of the Christian life. The word foundation means to establish. God builds or establishes his church on believers who have given their lives over to the Lord. Each one of us is a living stone that he is continuously building. When we show him how much we love him and worship him, we please him. We also please him when we selflessly put him above all else. These sacrifices are a beautiful aroma to him.

In order to become a firm foundation, we need to continuously work on our relationship with the Lord through devotion, prayer, and Bible Study. When we are all working on our own personal relationships with the Lord, we will build that foundation together.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,

Help us become a foundation for the Christian faith. May we all work together. Amen.

The Courage to Ask Again

“For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.”

Psalm 143:11 (NIV)

Today’s Devotional

Shame has a specific weight. You feel it settle across your shoulders when you bow your head and realize you are asking God for the same kind of rescue you asked for last month, last year, five years ago. The words form slowly because part of you believes you should have outgrown the need by now.

David knew that weight. In Psalm 143, he is deep inside trouble, and he does something that changes the shape of his request entirely. He says, “For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.” He does not build his case on his own track record. He does not list the ways he has improved since the last crisis. He anchors his plea to God’s character, to God’s righteousness, as if to say: I am not the reason you should answer. You are. David’s prayer works precisely because he stopped trying to earn the right to pray it.

That single pivot is worth more than a year of self-improvement. The person who feels embarrassed to come back to God with the same old struggle has been measuring with the wrong ruler. God’s willingness to respond was never indexed to your progress. It was indexed to his name, his faithfulness, his own reputation for showing up when called. You are allowed to ask again. The quality of the asking was never the point.

Time to reflect

Spend a few quiet minutes with the weight David carried into this psalm, and then turn it toward your own life.

What specific request have you been holding back from God because you feel you should have resolved it on your own by now?

When you pray, do you spend more time explaining why you deserve help or simply asking for it?

Where did you first learn that needing help repeatedly was something to be ashamed of?

Is there a difference between how you treat a friend who asks you for help again and how you expect God to treat you?

Prayer Of The Day

Lord, I come to you again. You know the number of times I have brought this same ache, this same weakness, this same unfinished place in my life. I have tried to clean it up before approaching you, as if you required a better version of me before you would listen. Forgive me for confusing your patience with my performance. I anchor this prayer where David anchored his: to your name, your righteousness, your character that does not shift when mine does. Preserve my life today, not because I have earned preservation, but because you are the kind of God who preserves. I stop measuring my worthiness. I start trusting yours. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Strengthening Faith

David’s prayer teaches us that approaching God is an action, not a credential. Here is how to practice that today.

Read Psalm 143 in full this morning. Notice how many times David names what God is before he names what he needs. Count them.

Identify the one request you have been too embarrassed to bring to God again. Write it on a piece of paper in plain, unpolished language, the way you would say it to someone who already knows.

Find someone in your life who has asked you for help more than once. Send them a message today that says you are glad they asked, and mean it.

For one hour this afternoon, stop trying to fix the thing you keep praying about. Sit with it unresolved. Let the discomfort of not solving it become a form of trust.

At some point during your commute or a walk, say out loud: “Your name, not my track record.” Say it once. Let it land.

Open Romans 8:26-27 and read how the Spirit intercedes when we cannot find the right words. Let that passage answer the fear that your prayers are not good enough.

Today Wisdom

“Preserve” is a word that belongs to things already worth keeping. David asked God to preserve his life, which means he trusted that God still saw value in what remained. Your asking is evidence that something in you still knows where to turn.

1 Peter 2:9

 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

A Chosen People

If you know the Lord, then you are a chosen people! You have been adopted into the family of God. You are a holy nation, part of God’s very own possession! You belong to him! Since you belong to him, you can show others the love, grace, and mercy of the Father. You can show his goodness. He has transferred you from the darkness and into the light. You have been saved and given a new name and identity!

Live as though you are in the light. Live as though you belong to the Lord.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
Thank you for including me in the family of God. May I shine my light to others! Amen.

God Shows No Favortism

 “Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism””

Acts 10:34 (NIV)

Today’s Devotional

In Acts 10:34, the Apostle Peter makes a powerful declaration about the character of God, stating that He does not show favoritism. This realization comes as Peter witnesses the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on a group of Gentiles gathered in the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. The event demonstrates that God’s gift of salvation is for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, social status, or background.

Peter’s words remind us that God’s love and grace are extended to everyone, without discrimination or partiality. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace this truth and to share the message of the gospel with people from all walks of life. This understanding of God’s impartiality should also shape our own attitudes and actions, prompting us to treat others with fairness, love, and respect, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual.

Time to reflect

Reflecting on Acts 10:34, we can apply the following principles to our lives:

Embrace the universality of God’s love: Acknowledge and celebrate the fact that God’s love and salvation are available to all people, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or social status.

Share the gospel with all: Be intentional in sharing the message of Jesus Christ with people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, recognizing that the gospel is meant for everyone.

Treat others with fairness and respect: Let our actions be guided by the understanding that God shows no favoritism, treating all people with fairness, love, and respect, regardless of their differences.

Seek unity in the body of Christ: Strive for unity among believers, celebrating the diversity within the body of Christ and working together to further the kingdom of God.

Challenge prejudices and biases: Reflect on any personal prejudices or biases, and ask God to help you overcome these to better reflect His impartial love.

Prayer Of The Day

Heavenly Father, thank You for the powerful reminder that You do not show favoritism and that Your love and salvation are available to all people. Help us to embrace this truth and to share the gospel with people from all walks of life. Guide us in treating others with fairness, love, and respect, reflecting Your impartial love in our actions. Unite us as believers, celebrating the diversity within the body of Christ and working together to further Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Strengthening Faith

In light of Acts 10:34, consider these action steps to help you embrace and reflect God’s impartial love:

Pray for opportunities to share the gospel with people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life.

Engage in conversations about faith with people who are different from you, seeking to better understand their perspectives and experiences.

Actively challenge any personal prejudices or biases, asking God to help you overcome these and to reflect His impartial love more fully.

Participate in events or initiatives that promote unity and understanding among believers from diverse backgrounds.

Model fairness, love, and respect in your relationships, demonstrating the impartial love of God in your everyday interactions.

Today Wisdom

Acts 10:34 serves as a powerful reminder that God does not show favoritism and that His love and salvation are available to all people. As followers of Christ, let us embrace this truth, share the gospel with people from all walks of life, and strive to treat others with fairness, love, and respect. In doing so, we can reflect God’s impartial love and work together to build a more inclusive and unified body of Christ. Let our lives be marked by a commitment to sharing God’s love with everyone, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or social status. May we be agents of unity and understanding, working together to further the kingdom of God and to demonstrate the life-transforming power of His love and grace to the world around us.

The Deceitful Human Heart

 “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV)

Today’s Devotional

Jeremiah 17:9 reveals the true nature of the human heart: deceitful and desperately wicked. This verse reminds us that our natural inclination is to follow our own desires and pursue our own self-interests, often leading to sin and separation from God. Our hearts are prone to deception, and we can easily be misled by our own feelings and desires.

 

As fallen human beings, we are incapable of fully understanding the depth of our own deceitfulness. This is why we need the transforming power of God’s grace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to bring about true change in our lives. We cannot rely on our own understanding or wisdom, as our hearts are fundamentally flawed and in need of redemption.

Time to reflect

With the understanding that our hearts are deceitful and beyond our own comprehension, consider these points as we seek to live a life led by the Spirit:

 

Acknowledge our inability to fully understand or change our own hearts and the need for God’s intervention.

Turn to God in repentance, asking Him to reveal and heal the hidden deceitfulness within our hearts.

Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead and direct our thoughts, actions, and desires.

Immerse ourselves in God’s Word, allowing it to transform our hearts and minds as we grow in our relationship with Him.

Cultivate a lifestyle of prayer and dependence on God, recognizing that apart from Him, we are helpless to overcome the deceitfulness of our own hearts.

Prayer Of The Day

Lord, we confess that our hearts are deceitful and beyond our own understanding. We acknowledge our need for Your transforming power and grace in our lives. Please search our hearts, reveal any hidden sin, and lead us on the path of righteousness. Help us to rely on Your guidance and wisdom, rather than our own understanding. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and empower us to live lives that honor and glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Strengthening Faith

To confront and overcome the deceitfulness of our own hearts, we can:

Regularly examine our hearts through prayer and reflection, asking God to reveal any hidden sin or deception.

Confess our sins and turn to God for forgiveness and healing, trusting in His grace and mercy.

Prioritize spending time in God’s Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Seek accountability and support from fellow believers, encouraging one another in our walk with God.

Cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship, focusing on the goodness and faithfulness of God.

Today Wisdom

The deceitfulness of the human heart is a sobering reality, but it is not a cause for despair. As we acknowledge our need for God’s grace and guidance, we can experience the transforming power of His Spirit in our lives. By seeking His wisdom and submitting to His direction, we can overcome the deceitfulness of our own hearts and walk in the truth, love, and righteousness that He desires for us. Let us depend on God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit to lead us in the path of true and lasting transformation.

John 17:3

 And this is the way to have eternal life-to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.

John 17:3

The Life Within

True life is knowing Christ. There is nothing better in this world than knowing Him as personal Lord and Savior. Eternal life is knowing the salvation of God’s Son. Many people think other ways lead to Christ or that all ways lead to Him, but that is a lie the world tells so that they do not have to confront their sins or change.

However, Jesus is the only way, as John tells us in chapter 14, verse 6, He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. You can try other ways, but they lead to death, not life. They lead to sorrow, not rejoicing. Most of all, they lead to hell, not life in Heaven with God the Father. He is the one true God. He loves His children so much that He made a way for them to be with Him through Jesus Christ. May you find true life in Him and lead others to the same joy you have found.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
You are the way, the truth, and the life. You are the one, true God. You have given me the hope of knowing you forever in eternity. May others know the same life you’ve given me. Amen.

Number 23:19

 God is not a man, so he does not lie.

     He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
 Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
     Has he ever promised and not carried it through? Numbers 23:19

The Constant God

God is a God who never changes. He is not a man, so he does not think like a man, nor does he act like a man. He cannot be persuaded. Man is so unreliable. Man fails to act and speaks broken promises. We are a sinful people who give in to our flesh and human nature every single day.

We can only think as a human thinks with our human brains. Yet we expect God to act as we act. It is against His nature to act as we act; however, it is because of our flesh and our sin that He has mercy on us. He knows we are weak and give in to our own desires. So we cannot hold Him to our standards; we must instead push ourselves to His standards. This verse tells us that He is trustworthy because He works in His ways, not ours.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
Your ways are perfect, Oh Lord. May I always trust how you work and that you know what is best for me. Amen.

Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled

 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

John 14:1 (NIV)

Today’s Devotional

John 14:1 offers words of comfort and assurance from Jesus to His disciples. These words are just as relevant for us today, as we face various challenges and uncertainties in our lives. Jesus encourages us not to let our hearts be troubled, but instead to place our trust in God and in Him.

 

When we trust in God, we acknowledge His sovereignty, love, and wisdom in all circumstances. Trusting in Jesus means relying on His teachings, promises, and presence in our lives. By doing so, we can experience peace and confidence even in the midst of difficult situations.

Time to reflect

As you reflect on John 14:1, consider the following questions:

 

• What areas of your life are causing you to feel troubled or anxious?
• How can you deepen your trust in God and Jesus in those areas?
• What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God’s presence and Jesus’ teachings in times of trouble?

Prayer Of The Day

Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your comforting words in John 14:1. Help us not to let our hearts be troubled, but instead to place our trust in You and our Heavenly Father. Remind us of Your constant presence, love, and guidance in our lives.

 

Teach us to rely on Your teachings and promises, and grant us the peace that surpasses all understanding. Strengthen our faith and help us to face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Strengthening Faith

1. Identify the areas of your life that are causing you to feel troubled or anxious.
2. Spend time in prayer, surrendering those areas to God and asking for His help in trusting Him more deeply.
3. Memorize John 14:1 or another Scripture passage that speaks to trust in God, and use it as a reminder to turn to Him when you feel troubled or anxious.

Today Wisdom

By trusting in God and Jesus, we can overcome the troubles and anxieties that life brings. When we fix our eyes on the One who is sovereign, loving, and wise, we can experience the peace and assurance that only He can provide.

Acts 13: 47

 For the Lord gave us this command when he said, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’

Acts 13:47

Missions is the Heartbeat of the Church

God made us to be a light to the world. He created us so that we could be His hands and feet, bringing the gospel to the ends of the earth. When we share with others what God has done, we are fulfilling our purpose in this world. As a church body of Christ, it is our job to participate in missions. We should care about what happens to missionaries around the world. We should be a part of their mission work whether that be praying for them as they serve, giving money to missionaries overseas, or even joining them in their mission.

As individuals, we should be participating in mission work, and churches should be participating as well. One way a church can act, is to start praying corporately for those serving overseas- put them on prayer lists, talk about them in prayer meetings, pass out prayer cards to families to start praying for them. If the church begins to act and really make missions and evangelism at the heart of their ministry, they will see their body of believers come alive.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
May my church become active when participating in missions. May it be at the heart of our ministry. Help me see how I can be a part of what you are doing in other countries. Amen.

The Suffering and Triumph of Christ

 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

1 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Today’s Devotional

1 Peter 3:18 points to the incredible sacrifice that Jesus Christ made on our behalf, suffering once for all our sins. This verse highlights the depth of God’s love and grace, as Jesus, the righteous one, suffered for the unrighteous to bring us into a relationship with God. His death on the cross was the ultimate demonstration of God’s love, providing a way for our sins to be forgiven and allowing us to be reconciled to our Creator.

Furthermore, this verse reminds us that although Jesus was put to death in the body, He was made alive in the Spirit, referring to His resurrection from the dead. This triumphant event is the cornerstone of our Christian faith, as it signifies the victory over sin and death, and it provides the basis for our hope in eternal life.

Time to reflect

Reflecting on 1 Peter 3:18, we can apply the following principles to our lives:

• Recognize the depth of God’s love: Be ever mindful of the incredible sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf, suffering for our sins and providing a way for us to be reconciled to God.
• Embrace the gift of salvation: Receive the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, acknowledging that His suffering and resurrection have made it possible for us to be forgiven and brought into a relationship with God.
• Live in gratitude: Let our lives be marked by gratitude for the sacrifice Jesus made for us, striving to honor and glorify Him in all that we do.
• Share the hope of the gospel: Boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, inviting others to experience the forgiveness and reconciliation that can be found in Him.
• Find strength in Christ’s victory: Draw strength and hope from the knowledge that Jesus has triumphed over sin and death, and trust in His power to help us overcome the challenges we face in life.

Prayer Of The Day

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible love You demonstrated through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on our behalf. We are eternally grateful for the gift of salvation and the opportunity to be reconciled to You. Help us to live lives marked by gratitude, honoring and glorifying You in all that we do. Empower us to share the hope of the gospel with others and to find strength in the victory that Jesus has won over sin and death. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Strengthening Faith

In light of 1 Peter 3:18, consider these action steps to help you live in gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice and share the hope of the gospel:

1. Reflect regularly on the depth of God’s love and the sacrifice Jesus made on your behalf, allowing this knowledge to inspire gratitude and devotion.
2. Share your testimony with others, telling them about the forgiveness and reconciliation you have experienced through faith in Jesus Christ.
3. Participate in a local church or Bible study group, growing in your understanding of the gospel message and deepening your relationship with God.
4. Look for opportunities to serve others in your community, demonstrating the love of Christ in tangible ways.
5. Trust in the power of Jesus’ victory over sin and death, and lean on Him for strength and guidance in the face of life’s challenges.

Today Wisdom

1 Peter 3:18 serves as a powerful reminder of the suffering and triumph of Jesus Christ on our behalf. As we embrace the gift of salvation and live in gratitude for His sacrifice, we can find strength and hope in His victory over sin and death. Let us be intentional in sharing the hope of the gospel with others, inviting them to experience the forgiveness and reconciliation that can be found in Jesus Christ. May our lives be marked by gratitude, devotion, and a deepening relationship with God as we honor and glorify Him in all that we do.

Psalm 30:5

 For his anger lasts only a moment,

     but his favor lasts a lifetime!
 Weeping may last through the night,
     but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5

The God who Cares

If you are a parent or know someone who is a parent, then you know that there are moments when children tend to test your limits. You have to discipline and set boundaries, and when you do, they will push those boundaries. Every discipline, however, is important because you can see the bigger picture for your children. You know what they need. God loves us as a parent loves a child, in fact, more than a parent loves a child. Everything he does is for our good. He may be angry for a time, as a parent can be angry with a child, but His anger only lasts for a moment. His goodness, His grace, His love, and His care last for a lifetime.

The same is said of weeping and sorrow. We go through moments of grief with our families, with our experiences and situations, and in life in general. Those moments are momentary compared to eternity with God. God is for us and loves us like a Father. He cares for us, He speaks love and truth over us, and most of all, He never leaves us.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
When I weep, you weep. When I jump for joy, you are overjoyed. You discipline me, you care for me, and you teach me. You are everything to me. Amen.

Our Daily Bread: Asking For Help

 The Bible in One Year: Isaiah 17-19/Ephesians 5:17-33

Today's Reading: Mark 10:46-52

What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. ~Mark 10:51

Asking For Help

Her email arrived late in a long day. In truth, I didn't open it. I was working overtime to help a family member manage his serious illness. I didn't have time, therefore, for social interactions.

The next morning, however, when I clicked on my friend's message, I saw this question: "Can I help you in any way?" Feeling embarrassed, I started to answer no. Then I took a deep breath to pause. I noticed then that her question sounded familiar—if not divine.

That's because Jesus asked it. Hearing a blind beggar call out to Him on the Jericho Road, Jesus stopped to ask this man, named Bartimaeus, a similar question. Can I help? Or as Jesus said: "What do you want me to do for you?" (Mark 10:51).

The question is stunning. It shows the Healer, Jesus, longs to help us. But first, we're invited to admit needing Him—a humbling step. The professional" beggar Bartimaeus was needy, indeed—poor, alone, and possibly hungry and downcast. But wanting a new life, he simply told Jesus his most basic need. "Rabbi," he said, "I want to see."

For a blind man, it was an honest plea. Jesus healed him immediately. My friend sought such honesty from me, too, so I promised her I'd pray to understand my basic need and, more importantly, I'd humbly tell her. Do you know your basic needs today? When a friend asks, tell it. Then take your plea even higher. Tell God! ~Patricia Raybon

Lord, I am needy. I want to share my heart with You now. Help me to humbly receive the help of others, too.

God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. ~1 Peter 5:5

Morning Bible Verse

Wherefore we labour, that, whethter present or absent, we may be accepted of him. ~2 Corinthians 5:9

Morning Prayer

Our Father in heaven, whether poor in provision or poor in spirit, You have provided ways I can help. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Afternoon Bible Verse

For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. ~1 Corinthians 3:11

Evening Bible Verse

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. ~Romans 5:5

Evening Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me have peace as I meditate on what it means that Your are ALWAYS full of steadfast love for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Genesis 13:15

 Genesis 13: 15 – For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

Deuteronomy 4: 25-27 – When thou shalt beget children, and children's children, and ye shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves, and make a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, and shall do evil in the sight of the LORD thy God, to provoke him to anger: I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed. And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.

1 Kings 9: 6-7 – But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people;

Acts 2: 23 – Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain;

Daily Devotion: Who Do You Listen To

 

Daily Bible Verse

And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. ~Luke 5:18

Daily Inspiration

Here we have five men of faith: the man who lay crippled on the cot and the four men who carried him to Jesus. Unable to reach Jesus due to the great crowds that had come to hear him, they opened up the roof and lowered him down. They knew Jesus had the power to heal their friend and would stop at nothing if they could only get him to him.

Daily Prayer

Let us learn from the good examples in Your word, Lord, including these men of faith who used every means possible to bring this man to You to be healed. We cannot make men come to You spiritually, but let us endeavor to pray for their salvation and to speak to them and invite them earnestly to come to You for spiritual healing. Amen.

All We Need Is JESUS!!!!!!

Who Do You Listen To

By Frances Taylor

Who Do You Listen To: The word of God will stand until the end of time. ~Luke 4:24, 27

This passage from Luke follows his going to the synagogue and reading a passage from Isaiah, claiming that it was fulfilled by him. They were so angry that they drove him to the edge of a hill and threatened to throw him over. When I needed a speaker for one of my adult groups, I always asked one of my friends from a different community for the very reason stated in this passage. I always said that an "expert" was someone from somewhere else! I called them; they called me for the same reason. Who do you listen to? When my children were young, the mother of one of their friends was much wiser than I was – even if we said the exact same thing. Do you ignore the wisdom of a friend or relative because you're not sure they know what they're talking about? Life is funny like that. The older I get, the younger the doctors, dentists, and other experts are who I depend on. And the older I get, the more I seem old-fashioned and out of date by my grandchildren! I wonder if the younger experts know what they're talking about, and the grandchildren wonder if I can understand their world. One thing is for sure: we can always depend on the Word of God to never be out of date or out of touch with the world. Yes, we sometimes need to reexamine the Scriptures in light of new knowledge, but the Word of God will stand until the end of time. We need to LISTEN and BELIEVE!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are the Creator of this world that we live in, and You gave US all that we need to know to live a good life as well as to inherit eternal life. Please give us the wisdom to follow Your Word. Amen.

Get Closer to God Day By Day!!!!!

When You Are Happy

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. ~Romans 12:15

Questions Young People Ask - Answers That Work

 Chapter 6: How Can I Get Along with My Siblings?

"On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being 'distant' and 5 being 'close', how would you rate your relationship with your siblings?"

Some siblings are very close. For example, Felicia, who is 19, says, "My 16-year-old sister, Irena, is one of my best friends," And Carly, 17, says of her 20-year-old brother, Eric: "We get along super well. We never fight."

On the other hand, many have a relationship like that of Lauren and Marla. "We fight about everything," says Lauren. "It doesn't matter how trivial the subject." Or maybe you can relate to what Alice, 12, says about her 14-year-old brother, Dennis: "He gets on my nerves! He barges into my room and 'borrows' things without asking. Dennis is such a child!"

Do you have a sibling who gets on your nerves? Your parents, of course, have the responsibility to maintain order in the household. Sooner or later, though, you will need to learn how to get along with others. You can learn that while at home.

Think about the conflicts you've had with your brother or sister. What do you fight about most? Look at the list below, and put a check mark next to the type of incident that makes you steam!

• Possessions. My sibling 'borrows' items without asking.

• Personality Clashes. My sibling acts selfishly or thoughtlessly or tries to run my life.

• Privacy. My sibling enters my room without knocking or reads my e-mails or text messages without asking permission.

• Other...

Identify the Real Issue

Want to hone your skills at identifying underlying issues between siblings? If so, read Jesus' parable of the son who left home and wasted his inheritance. (Luke 15:11-32) Look closely at the way the older brother reacted when his younger brother returned home. Then answer the following questions.

• What was the incident that sparked the older brother's reaction?

• What do you think was the underlying issue?

• How did the father try to resolve the issue?

• What did the older brother need to do to resolve the issue?

Now think of a recent argument you've had with a sibling. Then write your answers next to the questions below.

• What do you think might be the underlying issue?

• What ground rules could you agree to that would address this issue and prevent further clashes?

If your sibling constantly annoys you—bossing you around or invading your space—it might be hard not to let resentment build. But a Bible proverb says: "The squeezing of the nose is what brings forth blood, and the squeezing out of anger is what brings forth quarreling." (Proverbs 30:33) If you hold a grudge, it will result in an angry outburst just as surely as squeezing your nose will cause blood to flow. Then the problem will only get worse. (Proverbs 26:21) How can you prevent an irritation from bursting into a raging argument? A first step is to identify the real issue.

Incident or Issue?

Problems between siblings are like pimples. The surface evidence of a pimple is an unsightly sore, but the cause is an underlying infection. Similarly, an ugly clash between siblings is often just the surface evidence of an underlying issue.

You could attempt to treat a pimple by squeezing it. But you would only be dealing with the symptom, and you may leave a scar or aggravate the infection. A better approach is to deal with the infection and thus prevent further outbreaks. It's similar when it comes to problems with siblings. Learn to identify the underlying issue, and you will get past the incident and right to the root of the problem. You'll also be able to apply the advice of wise King Solomon, who wrote: "The sight of a man certainly slows down his anger."--Proverbs 19:11.

"Problems between siblings are like pimples—to fix them, you need to treat the underlying cause, not just attack the symptom."

For example, Alice, quoted earlier, said about her brother Dennis: "He barges into my room and 'borrows' things without asking." That's the incident. But what do you think is the real issue? Likely, it's related to respect. Alice could deal with the problem by telling Dennis never to come into her room or use her things. But that approach treats only the symptom and would likely lead to further conflict. However, if Alice could convince Dennis to respect her privacy and her property, their relationship would no doubt improve.

Did You Know?

When you leave home, you will at times be surrounded by people who irritate you—workmates and others who seem rude, insensitive, and selfish. Home is the place to learn how to deal peaceably with such challenges.

Learn to Resolve or Avoid Conflicts

Of course, identifying the underlying issues you have with a sibling is only part of the solution. What can you do to resolve an issue and avoid a future confrontation? Try taking the following six steps.

1. Agree to some ground rules. Look back at what you indicated caused conflict between you and your sibling. See if together you can work out some rules that you both agree on, and that address the underlying issue. For example, if you clash over possessions, Rule 1 could be: "Always ask before taking an item that belongs to someone else." Rule 2 could be: "Respect a sibling's right to say, 'No, you can't use that item.'" When making these rules, think of Jesus' command: "All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise to them." (Matthew 7:12) That way, you will make rules that both you and your sibling can live by. Then check with your parents to make sure that they approve of your rules.--Ephesians 6:1.

2. Abide by the rules yourself. The apostle Paul wrote: "Do you, however, the one teaching someone else, not teach yourself? You, the one teaching someone else, not teach yourself? You, the one preaching 'Do not steal,' do you steal?" (Romans 2:21). How can you apply that principle? If you want your sibling to respect your privacy, for instance, then you likewise need to knock before entering your sibling's room or ask before reading his or her e-mails or text messages.

3. Don't be quick to take offense. Why is that good advice? Because, as a Bible proverb states: "only fools get angry quickly and hold grudges." (Ecclesiastes 7:9, Contemporary English Version) If you are easily offended, your life will be miserable. Yes, your siblings will do or say things that upset you. But ask yourself, 'Have I done something similar to them in the past?' (Matthew 7:1-5) "When I was 13, I thought that I was too cool for everyone," says Jenny, "and that my opinion was the most important and must be heard. My little sister is now going through a similar stage. So I try not to get upset over the things she says."

4. Forgive and forget. Serious problems need to be discussed and resolved. But must you call your sibling to account for every mistake he or she makes? Jehovah God appreciates it when you are willing to "pass over transgressions." (Proverbs 19:11) Alison, 19, says: "My sister Rachel and I are usually able to resolve our differences. Both of us are quick to say that we are sorry and then explain what we think was the cause of the clash. Sometimes I'll sleep on it before bringing up a problem. Often, the next morning it's as if the date is wiped clean, and I don't even have to talk about it."

5. Involve your parents as arbitrators. If you and your sibling can't resolve an important issue, maybe your parents can help you make peace. (Romans 14:19) Remember, though, that the ability to resolve conflict without appealing to your parents is like a mile marker—it's a measure of genuine maturity.

6. Appreciate your siblings' good qualities. Your siblings likely have qualities that you admire. Write down one thing that you appreciate about each of your siblings.

Name What I Appreciate

Rather than obsess about your siblings' faults, why not find an opportunity to tell them what it is that you admire about them?--Psalm 130:3; Proverbs 15:23

The Bible acknowledges that a brother or a sister might not always be the closest companion you will have. (Proverbs 18:24) But you can strengthen your friendship with your siblings if you "continue putting up with one another," even when they give you a valid "cause for complaint." (Colossians 3:13) If you do so, your siblings are likely to become less irritating to you. And you may even annoy them less!

"Let your reasonableness become known to ALL men."--Philippians 4:5

Tip

If you have a brother or a sister whom you find difficult to get along with, take a positive view—that sibling is helping you to develop valuable life skills.

"Without my siblings, all my fondest memories would vanish into thin air. To those who have siblings, I would say, 'Don't take them for granted!'"--Marilyn

Action Plan

Some ground rules I could work out with my sibling(s) are:

I can be less irritating to my sibling(s) if I:

What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is:

What Do You Think?

• Why is it important to see the differences between an incident and the underlying issue?

• What advantages do you see in having siblings?

IN THE NEXT CHAPTER: How do you know if you're really ready to leave home?

Role Model: Jacob

Jacob and his brother, Esau, have not spoken in years. In fact, Esau hates Jacob. Even though Jacob has done nothing wrong, he is the one who takes the initiative to heal the rift. He makes concessions. His aim is not to win an argument but to win his brother's affection. Jacob doesn't compromise his principles, but neither does he insist on an apology before making peace with his brother.--Genesis 25:27-34; 27:30-41; 32:3-22; 33:1-9.

How do you handle disputes with your family members? Sometimes you may feel that you are clearly right and your sibling or parent is clearly wrong. In such situations, do you wait for the other person to make the first move? Or can you be like Jacob? When Bible principles are not at stake, will you be willing to make concessions for the sake of peace? (1 Peter 3:8, 9) Jacob didn't let pride divide his family. He humbled himself and won back his brother. Will you do the same with your family members?

Pearl of Great Price: Moses (Chapter 7)

 (December 1830)

Enoch teaches, leads the people, and moves mountains—The city of Zion is established—Enoch foresees the coming of the Son of Man, His atoning sacrifice, and the resurrection of the Saints—He foresees the Restoration, the Gathering, the Second Coming, and the return of Zion.

1 And it came to pass that Enoch continued his speech, saying: Behold, our father Adam taught these things, and many have believed and become the sons of God, and many have believed not, and have perished in their sins, and are looking forth with fear, in torment, for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God to be poured out upon them.

2 And from that time forth Enoch beganto prophecy, saying unto the people, that: As I was journeying, and stood upon the place Mahujah, and cried unto the Lord, there came a voice out fo heaven, saying—Turn ye, and getye upon the mount Simeon.

3 And it came to pass that I turned and went up ont he mount; and as I stood upon the mount, I beheld the heavesn open,and I was clothed upon with glory;

4 And I saw the Lord; and he stood before my face, and he talked with me, even as a man talketh one with another, face to face; and he said unto me: Look, and I will show unto thee the world for the space of many generations.

5 And it came to pass that I beheld in the valley of Shu, and lo, a great people which dwelt in tents, which were the people of Shum.

6 And again the Lord said unto me: Look; and Ilooked towards the norm, and I beheld the people of Canaan, which dwelt in tents.

7 And the Lord said unto: Prophesy; and I prophesied, saying: Behold the people of Canaan, which are numerous, shall go forth in battle array against the people of Shum, and shall slay them that they shall utterly be destroyed; and the people of Canaan shall divide themselves in the land, and the land shall be bareen and unfruitful, and none other people shall dewll there but the people of Canaan;

8 For behold, the Lord shall curse the land with much heat, and the barrenness thereof shall go forth forever; and there was a blackness came upon all the children of Canaan, that they were despised among all people.

9 And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: Look; and I looked, and I beheld the land of Sharon, and the land of Enoch, and the land of Omner, and the land of Heni, and the land of Shem, and the land of Haner, and the land of Hanannihah, and all the inhabitants thereof;

10 And the Lord said unto me: Go to this people, and say unto them—Repent, lest I come out and smite them with a curse, and they die.

11 And he gave unto me a commandment that I should baptized in the same of the Father, and of the Son, which is full of grace and trugh, and of the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and the Son.

12 And it came to pass that Enoch continued to call upon all the people, save it were the people of Canaan, to repent;

13 And so great was the faith of Enoch that heled the people of God, and their enemies came to battle against them; and he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the rivers of watr were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared greatly, so pwoerful was the word of Enoch, and so great was the pwoer of the language which God had given him.

14 There also came up a land out of the depth of the sea, and so great was the fear of the enemies of the depth of sea, and so great was the fear of the enemies of the people of God, that they fled and stood afar off and went upon the land which came up out of the depth of the sea.

15 And the giants of the lands, also, stood afar off, and there went forth a curse upon all people that fought against God;

16 And from that time forth there were wars and bloodhsed among them; but the Lord came and dwelt with his people, and they dwelt in righteousness.

17 The fear of the Lord was upon all nations, so great was the glory of the Lord, which was upon his people. And the Lord blessed the land, and they were blessed upon the mountains, and upon the high places, and did flourish.

18 And the Lord called his people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.

19 And Enoch continued his preaching in righteousness unto the people of god. And it came to pass in his days, that he a city that was called the city of Holiness, even ZION.

20 And it came to pass that Enoch talked with the Lord; and he said unto the Lord: Surely Zion shall dewll in safety forever. But the Lord said unto Enoch: Zion have I blessed, but hte residue of the people have I cursed.

21 And it came to pass that the Lord showed unto Enoch all the inhabitants of the earth; and he behold, and lo, Zion, in process of time, was taken up into heaven. And the Lord said unto Enoch: Behold mine abode forever.

22 And Enoch also beheld the residue of the people which were the sons of Adam; and they were a mixture of all the seed of Adam save it was the seed of Cain, for the seed of Cain were black, and had not place among them.

23 And after that Zion was taken up into heaven, Enoch beheld, and lo, all the nations of the earth were before him;

24 And there came generation upon generation; and Enoch was high and lifted up, even in the bosom of the Father, and of the Son of Man; and behold, the power of Satan was upon all the face of the earth.

25 And he saw angels descending out of heaven; and he heard a loud voice saying: Wo, wo be untot he inhabitants of the earth.

26 And he beheld Satan: and he had a great chain in his hand, and it veiled the whole face of the earth with darkness; and he looked up and laughed, and his angels rejoiced.

27 And Enoch beheld angels descending out of heaven, bearing testimoney of the Father and the Son; and the Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were cuaght up by the powers of heaven into Zion.

28 And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains?

29 And Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it that thou canstweep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?

30 And were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations; and thy curtains are stretched out still; and yet thou art there, and thy bosom is there; and also thou art just; thou art merciful and kind forever;

31 And thou hast taken Zion to thine own bosom, from all thy creations, from all eternity to all eternity to all eternity; and naught but peace, justice, and truth is the habituation of they throne; and mercy shall go before thy face and have no end; how is it thou canst weep?

32 The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, andI gave unto them their knowldege, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Edan, gave I unto man his agency;

33 And unto they brethren have I said, and also given commanment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood;

34 And the fire of mine indignation is kindled against them; and in my hot dispeleasure will I send in the floods upon them, for my fierce anger is kindled against them.

35 Behold, I am God; Man of Holiness is my name; Man of Counsel is my name; and Endless and Eternal is my name, also.

36 Wherefore, I can stretch forth mine hands and hold all the creations which I have made; and mine eye can pierce them also, and among all the workmanship of mine hands there has not been so great wickedness as among thy brethren.

37 But behold, their sins shall be upon the heads of their fathers; Satan shall be their father, and misery shall be their doom; and the whole heavens shall weep over them, even al the workmanship of mine hands; wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer?

38 But behold, these which thine eyes are upon shall perish in the floods; and behold, I will shut them up; a prison have I prepared for them.

39 And that which I have chosen hath pled before my face. Wherefore, he suffereth for their sins; inasmuch as they will repent int he day that my Chosen shall return unto me, and until that day they shall be in torment;

40 Wherefore, for this shall the heavens weep, yea, and all the workmanship mine hands.

41 And it came to pass that Lord spake unto Enoch, and told Enoch all the doings of the children of men; wherefore Enoch knew, and looked upon their wickedness, and their misery, and wept and stretched forth his arms, and his heart swelled wide as eternity; and his bowels yearned; and all eternity shook.

42 And Enoch also saw Noah, and his family; that the posterity of all the sons of Noah should be saved with a temporal salvation;

43 Wherefore Enoch saw that Noah built an ark; and that Noah built an ark; and that the Lord smiled upon it, and held it in his own hand; but upon the residue of the wicked the floods came and swallowed them up.

44 And as Enoch saw this, he had bitternes sof soul, and wept over his brethren, and said unto the heavens: I will refuse to be comforted; but the Lord said unto Enoch: Lift up your heart, and be glad; and look.

45 And it came to pass that Enoch looked; and from Noah, he beheld all the families of the earth; and he cried unto the Lord, saying: When shall theday of the Lord come? When shall the day of the Lord come? When shall the blood of the Righteous be shed, that all they that mourn may be sanctified and have eternal life?

46 And the Lord said: It shall be in the meridian of time, in the days of wickedness and vengeance.

47 And behold, Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of Man, even in the flesh; and his sould rejoiced, saying: The Righteous is lifted up, and the Labm is slain from the foundation of the world; and through faith I am in the bosom of the Father, and behold, Zion is with me.

48 And it came to pass that Enoch looked upon the earth; and he heard a voice from the bowels thereof, saying : Wo, wo is me, the mother of men; I am pained, I am werary, because of the wickedness of my children. When shall I rest, and be cleansed from the filthiness which is gone forht out of me? When will my Creator sanctify me, that I may rest, and righteousness for a season abide upon my face?

49 And when Enoch heard the earht mourn, he wept, and cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, wilt thou not have compassion upon the earth? Wilt thou not bless the children of Noah?

50 And it came to pass that Enoch continued his cry unto the Lord, saying: I ask thee, O Lord, int he name of thine Only Begotten, even Jesus Christ, that thou wilt have mercy upon Noah and hsi seed, that the earth might never more be covered by the floods.

51 And the Lord could not withhold; and he covenanted with Enoch, and sware unto him with an oath, that he would stay the floods; that he would call upon the children of Noah;

52 And he sent forth an unalterable decree, that a remnant of his seed should always be found among all nations, while the earth should stand;

53 And the Lord said: Blessed is he through whose seed Messiah shall come; for he saith—I am Messiah, the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven, which is broad as eternity; whoso cometh in at the gate and climbeth up by me shall never fall; wherefore, blessed are they of whom I have spoken, for they shall come forth with songs of everlasting joy.

54 And it came to pass that Enoch cried unto the Lord, saying: When the Son of Man cometh int he flesh, shall the earth rest? I pray thee, show me these things.

55 And the Lord said unto Enoch: Look, and he looked and beheld the Son of Man lifted up on the cross, after the manner of men;

56 And he heard a loud voice; and the heavens were veiled; and all the creations of God mourned; and the earth groaned; and the rocks were rent; and the saints arose, and were crowned at the right hand of the Son of Man, with crowns of glory;

57 And as many of the spirits as were in prison came forth, and stood on the right hand of God; and the remainder were reserved in chains of darkness until the judgment of the great day.

58 And again Enoch wept and cried unto the Lord, saying: When shall the earth rest?

59 And Enoch beheld the Son of Man ascend up unto the Father; and he called unto the Lord, saying: Wilt thou not come again upon the earth? Forasmuch as thou art God, and I know thee, and thou hast sworn unto me, and commanded me that I should ask in the name of thine Only Begotten; thou ahs made me, and given unto me a right to thy throne, and not of myself, but through thine own grace; wherefore, I ask thee if thou wilt not come again on the earth.

60 And the Lord said unto Enoch: As I live, even so will I come in the last days, in the days of wickedness and vengeance, to fulfil the oath which I have made unto you concerning the children of Noah;

61 And the day shall come that the earth shall rest, but before that day the heavens shall be darkened, and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth; and the heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve;

62 And righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten; his resurrection form the dead; yea, and also the resurrection of all men; and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem.

63 And the Lord said unto Enoch: Then shalt thou and all thy city meet them there, and we ill receive them into our bosom, and they shall see us; and we will fall upon their necks, and they shall fall upon our necks, and we will kiss each other;

64 And there shall be mine abode, and it shall be Zion, which shall come forth out of all the creations which I have made; and for the space of a thousand years the earth shall rest.

65 And it came to pass that Enoch saw the day of the coming of the son of Man, in the last days, to dwell on the earth in righteousness for the space of a thousand years.

66 But before that day he saw great tribulations among the wicked; and he also saw the sea, that it was troubled, and men's hearts failing them, lookign forth with fear for the judgments of the Almighty God, which should come upon the wicked.

67 And the Lord showed Enoch all things, even unto the end of the world; and he saw the day of the righteous, the hour of their redemption, and received a fulness of joy;

68 And all the days of Zion, in the days of Enoch, were three hundred and sixty-five years.

69 And Enoch and all his people walked with God, and he dwelt in the midst of Zion; and it came to pass that Zion was not, for God received it up into his own bosom; and from thence went forth the saying, ZION IS FLED.