Month: December 2024 Page 1 of 2

Scoffers of the Last Days

On December 30, 2024

2 Peter 3:3-7 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, (4) And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. (5) For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: (6) Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: (7) But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

Did you ever stop to meditate on this passage in 2 Peter? I love it when the Lord opens my eyes to something in the Bible that I had not “noticed” before! It’s like finding a little treasure 🥰

Why would in the entire Bible the word “scoffer” appear only once? It must be important. The same Greek word for scoffer is used 13 times in the Gospels only but translated as “mock.” All 13 times were used in relation to Christ. But this time, in 2 Peter 3:3, it is translated as scoffers. That stood out to me. The only time that this word was used was in relation to the end times. I always thought that it was strictly referring to the unbelievers. But notice that in verse 4 it references the scoffers speaking “Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue…”! When the Jews spoke of the “fathers,” it meant that they knew what was written and taught by their spiritual leaders. It’s comparable to “Christians” who belittle what they have been taught in church all their lives. In this case, however, it has to do with the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ignoring end-time prophecy as a believer is scoffing what the Bible teaches.

Is it any wonder that people laugh or look at you like you have two heads when you speak of the Rapture of the Church or anything relating to the Tribulation period? They think we’ve gone nuts! The lack of knowledge of end-time events is increasing daily. People want to go on living their lives without thinking about “the end.” People want to get married, have children, buy a house, or find the ideal job. They don’t want to hear that Jesus is coming soon. The one time that the word “scoffers” is used, it speaks of these same people.

It saddens me that polls have shown that only two percent of pastors today preach on the topic of the end times. TWO PERCENT! Why is that? Is it because they are more interested in growing their numbers. Nearly one third of the Bible revolves around prophecy. If a pastor doesn’t preach on the topic, he is leaving out nearly 33% of the Scriptures! Does that not speak volumes to you? If you are in a church where the topic is not taught, we are blessed with preachers who do teach it online. Don’t miss out on the greatest gift that God has left us! How can we comfort others in these terrifying times if we are not ourselves comforted by God’s warnings? He warns us so we are not surprised when something prophetic occurs before our very eyes! We are seeing the conflict in the Middle East and it has already been prophesied in Ezekiel! Because we are forewarned, we can show peace to the unsaved in the midst of trial and tribulation. Why else would Paul say to comfort one another in 1 Thessalonians 4:18?

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

The phrase “comfort one another” is only found once in all of Scripture and it is in this very passage about the Rapture! Jesus is coming to get His Bride, the Church, before the wrath of God comes upon the unbelieving world. Who are the ones that are to receive God’s wrath? A simple search to the word in the New Testament reveals that it is used 47 times (in the KJV) in 45 verses. Not one of those verses describes the born-again believer covered by the precious blood of Jesus Christ! It can be summarized in the following verse:

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

This verse is used to differentiate between the saved and the unsaved. Who receives God’s wrath? The answer is clear that it is the one who does not believe on the Son. Christ’s Bride most definitely believes on the Son and, therefore, is not going to be receiving God’s wrath, whether at death or during the end times. What do you think happens during the seven-year Tribulation which starts in chapter 6 of the Book of Revelation? The seven seals are opened and it is revealed that those who are living at this time are going to receive God’s wrath:

Revelation 6:16-17 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: (17) For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Friend, why would the Lamb bring down wrath on His Bride? He wouldn’t! Therefore, tell others about the salvation that Christ brings so they too can be part of the Bride who will be raptured before the Tribulation period! If you are a born-again Christian and have never studied this out, I hope you are blessed by it and encouraged in your heart. If you are not born again, I urge you to settle the matter right now! Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Are You Ready?

By Kate Plourde

On December 27, 2024

In Devotionals

The main thing that should encourage a believer today is that God does not leave His children to despair during these times. The times are changing so rapidly and there’s fear in the hearts of mankind: fear of the unknown! When is the next pandemic going to happen and where is it going to lead us? What are these orbs we’re seeing in the skies? Will the new world order happen in our lifetime? Will citizens lose their freedoms in order to corral them? Americans, and the world for that matter, have no idea what is to come. But the born-again Christian isn’t looking to this world for his hope. We look to Christ! Why? Let’s look and see.

The Rapture is an event that will most definitely happen. The timing of the Rapture is uncertain but the event itself is most surely going to happen. This is why it is considered to be imminent. The Thessalonians thought it had already happened and Paul addresses that in 2 Thessalonians.

2 Thess 2:1-3 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. (3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

However, the Scriptures below tell us that it is as definite as Christ’s resurrection. Without Christ’s resurrection, one would have no hope!

1 Thess 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

It is the Word of God, reader! Paul taught them about the Rapture and God saw fit to include this topic in the Bible through His Holy Spirit. (John 14:26) Friend, Christ does not leave us hopeless! He left us with His Word to encourage us during these end times! If we are blessed enough to be alive at the time of the Rapture, we will not see death! How exciting is that!

1 Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

There are approximately 365 promises in the Old Testament about Jesus’ first coming. Every single one of them was fulfilled. God keeps His promises. Therefore, we can rest assured that He will keep His promises of Jesus’ Second Coming! Every single detail in God’s Word will be fulfilled.

Matt. 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Luke 16:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

It is said that 6,000 prophecies in the Bible, and nearly 70% of those prophecies have occurred without failure or error. The remaining nearly 30% will be fulfilled because God’s Word in Matthew and Luke above say so. The comfort that comes from this is that God keeps His promises and we can rest assured that the future ones will be kept to the letter! The Church experienced God’s mercy and grace by providing Himself as the Saviour through Jesus Christ. But God’s judgment must still take place because it is part of His Word. He magnifies His Word above His name!

Psa 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

This truly defines how important that every single thing in God’s Word must be fulfilled! The Rapture is no different. The Rapture is only for those who are truly born-again, live accordingly and long for His coming. To the one who claims he is a “Christian” but does not separate himself from sin, he is not a true believer. One isn’t a true believer just because one goes to church. If he is consistently disobedient to the Word, then he is considered a part of the children of disobedience.

Eph. 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Eph. 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Col. 3:6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

Anyone can believe in God – in fact, the devils believe in Him, but that does not make them saved! In fact, they tremble!

James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Check yourself, reader. If you have indeed been born again, you will strive to live the Christian life according to the Bible. You won’t be sinless, but you will sin LESS. (1 John 1:9-10) If you are not, sure, make sure! If you know that you are not living according to the Bible, then you are considered as part of the children of disobedience. A born-again believer walks after the Holy Spirit’s influence. This is why the Church will not be experiencing the Tribulation’s wrath of God.

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

If you are a born-again Christian and have never studied this out, I hope you are blessed by it and encouraged in your heart. If you are not born again, I urge you to settle the matter right now! Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Merry Christmas!

By Kate Plourde

On December 25, 2024

In Devotionals

The Twinkling of an Eye!

By Kate Plourde

On December 23, 2024

In Devotionals

The topic of the Rapture is what led me to the Lord and it has been something I think about every single day since that day! A miracle occurred when God sent my best friend to visit me on her vacation. She had no idea that I was interested in the future of this world. I read after famous ancient authors looking for answers. She brought along a recording of a Bible scholar who was renown for end time prophecy, Hal Lindsey. He has since gone home to be with the Lord recently, but his message rings in my ears every day! Everything he said was backed up by Scripture. He spoke of the Rapture: I had never heard of such a thing in my religion. It was then that I found the One True God and the salvation He provides! So I pray that you, too, are searching and that this will lead you to Christ, our Saviour!

Three things will happen at the Rapture: the dead in Christ will be resurrected and the born-again Christians who are alive will be transformed in an instant, and will be caught up in the air to be joined with Jesus Christ. This transformation will happen in an instant! The transformation of those Christians who are alive at the time of the Rapture is described in 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 (below) as the corruptible and mortal body being instantly changed to an incorruptible and immortal one (verses 52-53).

1 Thess 4:14-17 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1 Cor 15:51-54 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (53) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (54) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

Isn’t this wonderful? Just as Noah and his family entered the ark and were protected against the flood that affected the entire earth, so shall born-again Christians be taken before the coming Tribulation. If you notice, 1 Thessalonians 4:17 says that we meet Jesus in the air and that we will forever be with Him! How exciting this is to the believer! What an encouragement it is to know that nothing will separate us from Him for all eternity! This is our hope, dear reader! The unbeliever has no hope! I recall that prior to my salvation, I too had no hope! I “hoped” that I would go to heaven but I was never 100% certain.

1Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

Luk 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

You will come to see how prophecy all fits together for those who are saved. We await a wonderful event! Paul encourages the believers in Thessalonica with the promise of the Rapture. In fact, he tells them to comfort themselves together as the end approaches! (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Why? Because this event will usher in the most terrible time this earth has ever experienced since the creation of man! We thought Noah’s flood was bad, well apparently the Tribulation will be worse!

Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

The fear of going through this horrible time is what jumped out at me as I listened to Hal Lindsey’s message that day. It scared me and rightfully so! It should scare you as well if you are not born again.

Keep Looking Up!

By Kate Plourde

On December 20, 2024

In Devotionals

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Could this be the day / week / month / year that the Rapture will occur? If you’re new to this word, and have never heard of this Rapture I write of, we’ll be taking a closer look at its meaning and what it represents to the born-again Christian. It is a message of hope and excitement to all believers who are awaiting the Lord’s return in the clouds for His bride. Read through today’s Bible verses and we’ll explain, and prove, this event can occur at any moment. Let’s cover what the word means and where it is found in the Scriptures.

We are seeing a great divide in Christian circles about the pre-tribulational occurrence of the Rapture. Not only is the topic is being ridiculed by unbelievers but sadly also by believers. They are calling it a “secret” Rapture or escapism by those who believe it will happen before the Tribulation. As Amir Tsarfati and Jan Markell say about being accused of being escapists: YES!!! I always thought that those who scoffed at Christians would be unbelievers. However, it makes perfect sense that it comes from within the Church itself. The devil will stop at nothing in order to divide the church so her testimony for Christ is hindered!

2 Peter 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, (4) And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

The fact that these scoffers are referring to “the fathers,” tells us that they are religious. Is it any wonder that people are not turning to the Church in these end times? So let’s get down to business.

Although the word “rapture” doesn’t appear in the English translation of the Bible, it’s a term that describes the removing of born-again believers from the earth. The Latin words “rapiemur or rapturo” is where our English word comes from. The term “caught up” in verse 17 is elsewhere translated “pluck”: (John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.) We see another reference to it when Philip was snatched away after he witnessed to the Ethiopian eunuch (Act 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.) We are living at a time where the antichrist will come into power. We know we are in that time because Jesus spoke of it in Matthew 24:32-35. He said when the fig tree’s branch is yet tender and puts forth leaves (this speaks of Israel), we know that the end is near. Israel became a nation in 1948. We are that generation that will see His coming; both at the Rapture and at the end of the Tribulation period! The seven-year Tribulation is a time that no born-again believer will go through and a time that you do not want to experience if you are not born again. Prior to the revealing of the antichrist, the Rapture will occur: it can happen at any moment: it is imminent and you do not want to be caught unaware.

The New Testament was written in Greek and, therefore, we will see what the Greek language has to say about the word “rapture.” Strong’s Concordance states this:

G726
ἁρπάζω
harpazō
Total KJV Occurrences: 18
caught, 5: Act_8:39, 2Co_12:2, 2Co_12:4, 1Th_4:17, Rev_12:5
force, 3: Mat_11:12, Joh_6:15, Act_23:10
take, 3: Mat_11:12, Joh_6:15, Act_23:10
away, 2: Mat_13:19, Act_8:39
catcheth, 2: Mat_13:19, Joh_10:12
pluck, 2: Joh_10:28-29 (2)
pulling, 1: Jud_1:23

It will help you if you look up each of these verses in your Bible to see the different uses. The Rapture represents being caught up, taken by force, taken away, plucked, snatched up and pulled away. The word “rapture” isn’t found in the English Bible. But, friend, neither is the word “bible” found in the Bible or the word Trinity. But the concept and description of the Rapture is found in the Bible and, therefore, it’s worthy of study, amen?

If you are a born-again Christian, you may have heard of the various beliefs of when the rapture will occur. To understand why it is important, you need to know when the different beliefs occur. There are three popular schools of thought of when the rapture will occur: the pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation (or pre-wrath) and post-tribulation. Pre-tribulation is defined as occurring before the tribulation. Mid-tribulation is defined as occurring in the middle of the tribulation. And finally, the post-tribulation is defined as occurring after the tribulation.

The latter two beliefs claim that the pre-tribulation rapture was only recently “invented” but there is historical proof showing that this was the belief of the Christians as early as third century AD. This is only one example of the writings of that day:

All the saints and elect of God are gathered together before the tribulation, which is to come, and are taken to the Lord, in order that they may not see at any time the confusion which overwhelms the world because of our sins.-Pseudo-Ephraem (c. 374-627)

Please read his quote and let it sink in. But even before Ephraem, Irenaeus of Lyons (a disciple of Polycarp, who was a disciple of the Apostle John) said:

And therefore, when in the end the Church shall be suddenly caught up from this,” “There shall be tribulation such as has not been since the beginning, neither shall be.”

Proponents against the pre-tribulation Rapture claim that Darby introduced it in the 1800’s. However, we see in this quote that the pre-Tribulation Rapture was not invented in the past 150 years but was taught in the third century! So why do people claim Darby introduced it? People had come out of the Dark Ages where they were not allowed to read the Scriptures for themselves. Priests were the only ones allowed to read and interpret the Scriptures. The Gutenberg printing press came out in 1455 which later produced the Bible in printed form. It is after this that the Reformation took place once people began to read the Bible for themselves. A great revival followed and the devil knew he had his work cut out for him. What could he do to stop this revival? He resorted to the same old trick he used in the Garden of Eden: “Hath God said” in Genesis 3:1. This infiltrated Darby’s heart and the rest is history.

The Apostle Paul spoke a lot about this blessed reunion and we will cover those verses to bring it all together. No other Tribulation viewpoint can explain away these four verses:

Joh 14:1-4 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

After Jesus’ Second Coming, the Millennial Kingdom begins. If the Rapture happens at the end of the Tribulation, how will the Church go to Heaven where Jesus went to prepare a place and THEN go into the Millennium? They will never go to Heaven? That makes no sense at all. Who will populate the earth during the Millennium if all believers are raptured and unbelievers are cast into Hell? Jesus says in verse 2 that He was going to prepare a place for us. Then verse 3 says that He will come again and receive us unto himself so that where He is, we will be also! This fits the pre-Tribulation Rapture belief perfectly!

Don’t Be Deceived

By Kate Plourde

On December 18, 2024

In Devotionals

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4,5

No wonder David was the apple of God’s eye. He did not seek man’s ways to truth. He did not seek after men to solve his problems like many do. Instead, he took the responsibility onto himself and plowed ahead in his faith. David knew that the same God of his salvation would be able to show him the way, teach him through His Word and lead him to truths. And because of this secure knowledge that David had, he would wait on God in order to get his answer.

There are many deceptions today and many more to come as we await the rapture of the Church. Deceiving

2 Timothy 3:13-15 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (14) But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; (15) And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

The Apostle Paul warned Timothy that evil men and seducers would grow worse and worse. We can sense the spirit of antichrist all around us: the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics, the satanic clubs offered in after school activities, AI-produced graphics which make it difficult to distinguish between fake and actual, etc.! How can we distinguish what is evil in a world that is plunging into the devil’s domain? We must be in the Word and stay in the Word. The Word led to Timothy’s conversion and it can keep us from being deceived.

Are we as confident as David? Do we wait on the Lord to answer our questions or work in our every-day problems? Or do we walk ahead of the Lord and try to fix things on our own? I know I have been guilty of doing just that and my solution is not usually the best solution.

This is why it’s so important to know the Word and to rely on it in times of doubt. The Tribulation period will be a time where deception will be at its highest because the god of this world will be in control. The father of lies is a master at telling lies.

Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

This is an excellent reason to be born again before the rapture of the Church occurs! The Lord gives peace to those who seek His guidance and His will. Even if our answer is to wait on Him, there’s a calm assurance that He is working out our situation for our benefit. What a joy it is to be a Christian! I don’t know how the unsaved do it! I really don’t!

Do You Have Peace?

By Kate Plourde

On December 16, 2024

In Devotionals

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. (Psa 119:165)

The structure of this verse is so wonderful when one takes a few minutes to meditate on it. In so doing, we receive a blessing beyond words. The Lord God tells us that we will receive abundant peace if we love His law (the Word) and nothing will be a stumbling block or an enticement to us. Strong’s defines the word “offend” as:

H4383
מכשׁל מכשׁול
mikshôl mikshôl
mik-shole’, mik-shole’
Masculine from H3782; a stumblingblock, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple): – caused to fall, offence, X [no-] thing offered, ruin, stumbling-block.

So many try to find peace in today’s chaotic world. They try to find it in a bottle, drugs or other types of addiction. The enemy has many ways to rob you of your peace. He poses distraction after distraction in order to keep you from finding that peace.

Have there been things in life which have been a stumbling block or an enticement to you? Are you quickly able to discern what should be done? The amount of spiritual discernment one has is equivalent to the amount of time spent in the Word. The more you are in the Word of God, the less you will be coming face-to-face with stumbling blocks and enticements in your own life.

It all boils down to what your priorities are. Do you spend ten minutes in the morning doing a devotional and call that your time with the Lord? How would you like to have only ten minutes of time with your spouse or your children? Would that be enough? Of course not. How much time do you spend on the internet? Is it more than the time you spent with the Lord?

Whatever distracts you from spending time with the Lord has become a stumbling block. There is no peace in that. Instead, you work frantically to get caught up on your work. Priorities – priorities – priorities. How different your day would have been if you had reversed the roles and spent more time in the Word, then your work and chores. There are many distractions today and they can become a huge time waster.

So, how can we receive the abundant peace the Lord promises in Ps. 119:165? We must love His law. You cannot love what you have merely scanned over for a few minutes a day. Don’t believe me? Think of your favorite book – how many times have you read it over? You must have read it more than once because you say it is your favorite. I remember reading The Diary of Anne Frank over and over to the point where I knew what page to find a certain passage! I loved this book – and still do. However, do I love God’s Word more?

Although we have repented and received Christ as our Saviour, it cannot end there. Ten minutes a day in His Word won’t be enough to get you to the point where you “love God’s law”! Loving God’s law doesn’t come with hours of reading either. Loving God’s law comes with obeying it. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (1 Sam 15:22b) You can read the Word all day long but if you don’t obey it, your reading is in vain, my friend.

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. (Psa 119:165) The bottom line is if you love God’s Word by obeying it, He will give you abundant peace to the point where nothing will be a stumbling block or enticement to you. Nothing? That’s what this verse says. Nothing! However, you can only claim this if you love His law and obey it!

Are you being enticed today? Are there stumbling blocks in your life? The more you’re in the Word, the less you’ll have them. It’s a wonderful cure!

What Are You Hiding?

By Kate Plourde

On December 13, 2024

In Devotionals

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psa 119:11)

It has become more important nowadays to spend time reading the Bible in order to make sense of all the insanity. We are bombarded with the fulfillment of prophecy in the news. But does the average Christian even realize it is prophecy being fulfilled? If not, they are missing out on God’s greatest blessing! God does not want the Church to be fretful but to be encouraged!

He not only provides us with this information but He also provides us with directions on how to avoid sinning! When one is born again, he now has the power to say no to sin and not be overcome by it. God’s Word is the only thing in life that comes with a promise such as this. Do you know of anything or anyone who can promise that if you read and hide their product, it will keep you from sin? Nothing can do this. No one can do this, but God! God’s compassion is so great that He provided His Word to strengthen us in time of weakness.

Not only did our Heavenly Father give us His Word to grow by so that we wouldn’t sin, but He also provided His Word so that we could be cleansed should we fall into sin.

BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (Psa 119:9)

The Word will cleanse us and keep us from sin. So why don’t we spend more time in the Word? I believe that ole slew foot has managed to keep the Christian today from the Word by way of distractions and excuses. Today’s distractions are many. Everyone has them. If you’re not in the Word daily and gleaning from it, then you have too many distractions. If you’re not in the Word daily and gleaning from it, you will continuously struggle with sin.

The fact of the matter is this: the believer who does not read the Word is plain lazy. Would you deprive your family from nourishment? Would you deprive yourself? Of course not! When you are not in the Word, you not only allow sin to come into your life, but you cause sin to come into your home. Your children will see it and will follow in your footsteps. So when you do fall into temptation and sin, you have no one to blame but yourself. It isn’t God’s fault, but your own.

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Cor 1:9)

If we fall, we fall because we chose to fall. The more you spend time in the Word, the less time you will have to devote to sin.

NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psa 119:105)

Where Can I Find God?

By Kate Plourde

On December 11, 2024

In Devotionals

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is. Psalm 63:1

Many think that they need to go to church to seek God or have fellowship with Him. Yes, there are places which promote solitude of heart and communing with the Lord seems to be sweeter there. When my husband and I were out sightseeing one day, we came across this quaint and very old church (built in the 1800’s). The surrounding trees showed their age as the branches spread out like an umbrella over the church. If one were searching for God, they might think that this would be the place. But is this really the only place we can find solace?

We also visited the Natural Bridge in Southern Virginia. God’s creation is so beautiful and the work of His Hand is breathtaking. Just walking the trails to get to the bridge were peaceful and serene. All we could hear was the babbling of the brook as it led us to a louder, but small waterfall. As we sat through the Genesis story that evening and watched the light show in conjunction with each day of creation, God’s beauty combined with His Word filled our hearts. But was this the only place we could find solace?

One does not need to look far to see the Lord at work. I believe we live in one of the most beautiful areas in our country, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. One of our outings took us to the top of a mountain and we stopped at a lookout. It was a gloomy day, much like this picture, the rain was coming in and we were hurrying to get to the valley before the storm came in. What a breath taking scene, to say the least. Again, God’s handiwork spoke to me and filled me with awe for a God who intricately created this earth and its beauty. But was this the only place we could find solace?

This same God who created all this, created me as well and all my intricacies.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (Psa 139:14)

Don’t think we’re wonderfully made? Google a picture of the inner ear and it will show us just how intricate our bodies are and reveal a side of God that should overwhelm our spirits! This is only our inner ear, my friends! I could post countless posts of other parts of our bodies that are equally intricate. But the point is that God is the creator of them all. He even numbers the hairs on our head! (Luke 12:7)

Our Lord God should be sought, not only in church or in nature or when we examine His creation, but so we can have a personal relationship with us. He created us for that purpose and we should be seeking to learn more about Him and becoming more like His precious Son. We should seek after God as if we are dying of thirst and can’t get enough of Him when we do come to commune with Him. We can find these beautiful places in our mind’s eye even if we are sitting in our private place as we do our devotions and studying.

For the seasoned believer, God is found each time the Bible is opened. He reveals Himself in so many different ways so that we learn about His character. He cares about us and loves us deeply!

Dear God…
May I seek You early
Before the start of day
And cling to every word
As I go along my way

Are You Worried About What’s to Come?

By Kate Plourde

On December 9, 2024

In Devotionals

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. (Psa 127:2)

The world appears to be plummeting toward the end times just as the Bible says it will. All the signs of 2 Peter 3:3-13 and Matthew 24:4-8 are converging together! There are have been isolated incidents throughout history, but never have they occurred altogether. People are now saying, “What in the world is going on?” It’s a worthwhile question, don’t you think?

It is worthless, fruitless, empty and unsatisfying when one stays up late and gets up early to worry. I never gained a moment’s pleasure or peace from worrying. The Lord emphasizes here how futile it is to worry. In fact, the Lord promises His beloved children rest! He does not promise this wonderful rest to the unsaved. How do I know that? The verse says that His beloved receive sleep. Remember, when we are saved we become the children of God.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Rom 8:16)

We are His beloved! A search to the word “beloved” in the New Testament will show that they were always referring to the brethren in Christ.

Noah Webster defines the word vain as:

Empty; worthless; having no substance, value or importance.Fruitless; ineffectual. All attempts, all efforts were vain.

Empty; unsatisfying. The pleasures of life are vain.

False; deceitful; not genuine; spurious. James 1.

What would I think if my children stayed up nights worrying? I would be devastated; first because my child is worrying. But most importantly, I would wonder why my child feels he cannot turn those worries over to his parents. I can just imagine how our Heavenly Father feels when we take upon our own shoulders the cares of this world which have not even happened yet. Our Father in Heaven loves us so much and wants so much to provide for us and comfort us. He provides comfort through the Scriptures as we read about the end times. We are forewarned and instructed to encourage one another as we await the Rapture of the Church. Why does the world insist on taking this worry upon ourselves? I have heard that 85% of what we worry about doesn’t come to past and the other 15% weren’t worth worrying over. The time and effort spent in worrying could easily be spent in the Word and finding comfort there. The Lord has so many golden nuggets to calm our spirit with. We just have to search them out.

For example, Matt. 11:28-30, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (28 ) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (29) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (30) Good night, are there better verses? After reading these verses, I decided to do a phrase search for “give rest” – here are the results. I need not say anything more. Enjoy!

And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. (Exo 33:14) God’s presence goes with us (His Holy Spirit) and provides rest.

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. (1 Chr 22:9) We find much rest from the book of Proverbs if we heed its warnings.

That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. (Psa 94:13) The chastened man receives rest from the days of affliction.

Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. (Pro 29:17) We receive rest when we have corrected our children – they will delight us.

And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve, (Isa 14:3) Again, the Lord provides more rest from sorrow and fear.

Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon. (Jer 50:34) Our Redeemer provides rest.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Mat 11:28 ) Jesus, our Redeemer, provides the rest we need.

If you are not born again, you fall into the category of those who stay up late worrying. If you are born again, you have the wonderful privilege of resting in the care of your Shepherd! If you’re interested in learning more about the Christ, please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Dear God…
May I always be looking to You
Until I find comfort in Your care
And rest from my burdens of worry
At Your feet will I lay them there