Author: Greg Harrell

Thank you, LORD, for this Wednesday that You have blessed us with – and good morning, brother!

Read Daniel 9:3 – 19.

The Bible is filled with numerous examples of powerful prayer being lifted to our Good God, and today’s scripture is certainly a prayer that we should closely examine.

This intercessory prayer of Daniel was prompted by his clear understanding of the times as revealed through prophetic scripture (Jeremiah 25, 29; Isaiah 44, 45); and by Daniel’s heartfelt desire to see God move quickly to restore Jerusalem.  As you read today’s passage, think about the following “what if’s”:

Daniel obviously was interceding in prayer on behalf of Jerusalem and its inhabitants and all Israel – WHAT IF we all interceded in like manner today on behalf of our nation?

Daniel acknowledges that the people of Israel have sinned and rebelled, but the LORD is forever righteous (vv 7) “O Lord, righteousness belongs to You, but to us shame of face, …because of the unfaithfulness which they have committed against You.” – WHAT IF our prayers of intercession were filled with recognition of our nation’s transgressions against the LORD and repentance for the sins we have committed against Him?

Daniel tells the LORD that (vv 13) “all this disaster has come upon us; yet we have not made our prayer before the LORD our God” – but WHAT IF we all as mighty men of God take the initiative and pray for our nation right now, so “that we might turn from our iniquities and understand Your truth.”?

And WHAT IF we confess that our great country is in trouble; that our United States, established by Believers, has lost its way; that we need God now more than perhaps anytime in our history?  WHAT IF we all pray in agreement with Daniel’s mighty petitions before the LORD, and lift up our nation and our people just like he did in closing his compelling intercession (vv 17 – 19)?:

“Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of Your servant, and his supplications, and for the Lord’s sake cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary, which is desolate. O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name.””

WHAT IF?

‭‭II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14 – “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Heal our land, LORD!  Amen!

A wonderful Tuesday morning to you, my friend!  The LORD bless you and keep you today!

Read Philippians 2:5 – 11 (again)

Today, we continue on with our consideration of this passage that so beautifully communicates the humility of Our Lord; His obedience; and His sacrifice for each of us.

This reading is the consummate fulfillment of the prophecy contained in Isaiah 9 (vv 6):

“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;”

At Christmastime, we celebrate the birth of the Child – but we rarely consider all of the implications of the the statement “Unto us a Son is GIVEN”.  But here is what Paul says about a Son being given from our reading today (vv 7 and 8):

“but (Jesus) made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”.

When I was in the Coast Guard, and during other lifesaving training I received, we utilized a four step approach to rescuing a drowning person:  Reach – Throw – Row – Go. The first and best and safest way to rescue someone who is drowning is to reach for them, either directly or with a pole or some other object. And then the next is to throw a lifesaving device to them. Next, you could get in a boat and row to them to save them. The last choice, and the most dangerous choice, is to get in the water and go to the drowning person – this is the last choice because it puts the person making the rescue in the same dangerous environment as the person who is drowning.

Yet, this is exactly what Our Lord and Savior Jesus did for each of us!  When we were dying, He left His throne in heaven and came humbly into the world, living with us and being tempted just as we are, but overcoming both sin and death so that each of us could be saved.  The writer of Hebrews puts it this way (4:15) “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
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This approach to dealing with the issue of sin and evil in a fallen world – that is, creator God who enters into His creation to both relate to and rescue man – is truly unique. No other religion can boast of a Savior like we have in Christ Jesus!

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Amen!  And thank You, Jesus!

Blessings to you on this Monday morning, and may our Good God’s grace and favor be upon you throughout this new week!

Read Philippians 2:5 – 11.

There are some portions of scripture that should cause every Believer to pause and truly reflect, and this is certainly the case with today’s reading. This letter to the early church in Philippi was penned by the apostle Paul from a prison cell (perhaps in Rome). There were several reasons for Paul to write to the Philippians – including addressing some division and discord that had developed among the Believers. And these few verses of today’s reading are squarely directed at dealing with discord by getting the brothers and sisters to focus on the magnificence of Our Lord Jesus.

As you read through these few verses, take note of the following key points:

Paul is calling Believers to let the mind of Christ Jesus be in each of us! But instead of expanding on all of the wonderful and amazing things that could imply, the writer hones in on the true humility of Christ. Paul tells us that Jesus “did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” What a gracious and wonderful Savior we have, brothers! He did not cling to the rights and privileges and deity that He righteously and eternally possessed, but He gave it all up so that He could save each one of us.

I am humbled by the very thought of what Jesus did for me.

And further consider – this concept of God Himself stepping out of heaven and taking on the likeness of man to deal with the world’s sin nature is unique among the world’s religions. Only true Christianity, including a humble Savior who pays the price for sin, once for all, can effectively address the issues and the questions faced by this fallen world. There is no other worldview that can bring the hope that we have as Christians, knowing that Our Lord has made atonement for each of us; and further, that He has defeated death on our behalf!

We continue on with our consideration of these verses from Philippians 2 tomorrow.

Thank You, Jesus, for Your willingness to lay down everything You had in heaven for me. I am humbled by even the thought of it, my Lord! Help me today to walk in a way that will bring glory to You, Jesus! Amen!

Greetings to you, my friend, on this fine Friday morning that the LORD has given us!  And praise Him as we come to the end of this week!

Read I Peter 1:3 – 9.

According to the Gospel accounts, the disciple Peter, among all of Jesus’ disciples, seemed to be the one that was most emotionally expressive. And Peter was the disciple that received a personal restoration of relationship with Jesus (John 21) after having denied the Lord. Peter was therefore well equipped to empathize with and encourage the Believers to which his letter was directed – the displaced and suffering early Church in Asia Minor.

As you read this powerful opening to his first letter to these Believers, notice the amazing words of encouragement and assurance that Peter offers them:

Peter opens by praising God for His abundant mercy as demonstrated by both Jesus AND the living hope that the resurrection of Jesus Christ establishes for every Believer.

Peter then points out that every Believer has an inheritance reserved for him or her in heaven. And this inheritance must be amazing, because Peter doesn’t tell us what, exactly, the inheritance is!  Instead, he conveys what our inheritance is not – it is incorruptible; it is undefiled; and it never fades away.

Next, Peter reminds the Believers (including each one of us) that we are “kept by the power of God through faith for salvation”.  What a marvelous declaration!  The mighty and eternal power of God is establishing us in faith even to the point of our salvation.  According to today’s reading, we all should “greatly rejoice” in this assurance.

Peter then acknowledges the trails that all Believers must face.  Despite those trials, he reminds us that even though our faith is being tested by fire, our genuine faith is much more precious than gold; AND, our faith will be found to praise, honor, and give glory to Our Lord Jesus when He is revealed.

And finally, Peter closes out this portion of his letter with a simple but powerful reminder for each of us: that the END of our faith is the SALVATION of our souls!

My brother, every one of us is headed somewhere – and as Believers, you and I are simply passing through this life on our way to be eternally with Jesus.  And, according to today’s scripture, God’s power establishes our faith as we walk through the trials we must inevitably face while we are here in this world; but, we have an amazing inheritance waiting for us when we get to heaven.

Thank You, God, for encouraging me through Your Word today!  And thank You, God, for giving me the saving faith that I need to walk through every trial that I face, until I am safely in the presence of my Lord and Savior, Jesus!  Amen!

Good Thursday morning, and blessings in the mighty name of Our Lord Jesus to you and your loved ones!

Read Psalm 63.

This famous psalm was written by David as he was in the wilderness of Judah, either before he became king or while he was a fugitive during Absalom’s rebellion.  David’s wilderness experience is beautifully reflected in several of the important passages in Psalm 63.

“O God, You are my God” The psalmist opens with a powerful yet simple repetitive declaration that affirms that God is the only God; the one true living God; and that there is no God other than God.

“My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.”  What an amazing picture of seeking the LORD while in that wilderness place!  My brothers, each of us find ourselves in “the wilderness” from time to time.  It is that place where we feel disconnected; alone; desperate; doubting; insecure; powerless; without choices and without options; and even separated from our Good God, seemingly unable to hear His voice or discern His will. During those times, we would do well to fully embrace the words that David has recorded for us in his psalm:

– “thirst” and “long” for God.

– Quite literally, look for God.

– Praise Him, with your mouth and lips.

– Remember God when you lie down.

– Meditate always on the LORD.

– Return to your testimonies – recall the times that God has helped you.

– Rejoice in His protection.

– Remember that His hand is holding you.

And finally, as we close our consideration of today’s reading, let us return to one of the opening proclamations in this psalm of David  “Early will I seek You”.  My brother, if you are in the wilderness (and even if you are not), I encourage you to start each morning by taking some time to think about our Good God; all of His benefits; His Kingdom; and all that He desires to do in you and through you.

Colossians 3:2. – “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”  Amen!

Each day is a blessing from our Good God!  Good Wednesday morning to you, my friend!

Read Romans 14:7 – 19.

In chapter 14 of his letter to the young church in Rome, Paul specifically addresses food and holy days – these were issues that caused division between the Believers comprising that church.

But as you read the selected verses of what is a fairly complex chapter, read them in the context of other (current) matters that might bring division among today’s Believers.  And as you read, keep in mind that Paul is exhorting all of us, as followers of Christ and as members of His body, to walk with understanding towards each other.  He tells us in vv 7 that we are all in relationship with each other through Christ “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.”; and, because of Christ, we are all His.

So, Paul goes on to caution each of us not to judge our brother, or to show contempt for them in any matter that is simply a part of that person’s own walk of sanctification (that is, the Lord dealing with that other person’s “stuff” individually). But instead, we are to (vv 13) “resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” and to walk in love towards that brother in Christ.
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The Holy Spirit, speaking through Paul, then tells us what is truly important in the Kingdom (vv 17 and 18):  “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.”.

My brothers, there are many, many things that would move to undo the unity of the Body of Christ – our own fleshly desires are divisive; and certainly, we have an enemy that is truly THE divider.  But, if we take to heart the instruction given to us by our Good God, we will overcome these insignificant conflicts, and walk in the power of agreement and love with our fellow Believers.

Because the world is in such turmoil, it needs the unity of the Body of Christ, now more than ever before!  Let us, then, be obedient to this word, and “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (vv 19‬). Amen!

Felicitations to you on this fine Tuesday morning, my brother!

Read Psalm 121. Selah.

This psalm is called “A Song of Ascents”, because it was sung by the people as they made their way up to Jerusalem to worship at the temple or to attend one of the appointed feasts.

For us, this psalm has equal application as “sojourner and pilgrims” (1 Pet 2).  As you read this beautiful passage, let the words speak to you from your perspective as a Believer who is passing through this world on your way to a place that Jesus has prepared for you in the Father’s house (John 14).

And take particular note of the following:

We lift up our eyes to the LORD – He, and He alone, is the source of our help.

When we are on His path, the LORD will not allow our foot to be moved. As we move towards Him, we are being guided; we are under His care – He is always ready to keep us from stumbling.  It is His desire that our journey is both protected and complete.

The LORD never sleeps. His watch over our journey to our place with Him is 24/7.  He is never distracted; He never slumbers; He never fails.

The LORD keeps us and preserves us. In this short psalm, the Hebrew word “shamar” (translated both keep and preserve) is used 6 times to describe the level of detailed attention and protection our Good God is paying to our travels into His presence.  Think about it – we have assurance from the Maker of Heaven and earth that He will keep us and preserve us!

Finally, this “journeying psalm” ends with a wonderful promise for us as pilgrims moving through this fallen world (vv 7 and 8):  “The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.”
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Today, let us receive all of the promises and assurances contained in Psalm 121. And remember that we are just “passing through” on our way to the eternal place that Jesus has prepared for us. Amen!

God’s greatest blessings to you, my friend, as we start another week that He has given us!

Read Luke 21:7 – 19.

To set the context of today’s reading, Jesus and His disciples are watching the offerings being brought into the temple treasury.  Some of the disciples are commenting on the magnificence of the temple buildings, and Jesus responds with a “nested prophecy”, by telling them about both the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the end of days.  Naturally, the disciples want to know when these prophetic events will occur. But instead of giving them a timeline, Our Lord outlines for His disciples (and for us) what to watch for as those days approach; and He gives us guidance on preparing ourselves for the end times.

As you read Jesus’ words this morning, take note of these key points:

There will be deceivers that actually claim to be Jesus. vv 8 – “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He, ’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them.”

There will be wars and commotions and famines and pestilences and fearful sights – through it all, Jesus tells us “do not be terrified”.

As followers of Our Lord, we can expect to be persecuted and literally hunted down by the authorities. And Jesus tells us that this will be our opportunity to testify about Him!  Further, He says not to worry about what we will say, how we respond when we are dragged before the rulers because we believe; Jesus Himself will give us “a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. (vv 15)”
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Our Lord then tells us in this passage that we will be hated by all and even betrayed by family because of His name – so great will this hatred be that some will even be put to death!  But, even through death, Our Savior promises that (vv 18) “not a hair of your head shall be lost.”  Obviously, Jesus is differentiating here between our earthly bodies and our eternal home with Him.  As Paul says it, “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” –
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭5:1‬.

Finally, Jesus makes this simple yet remarkable statement to each of us (vv 19) “By your patience possess your souls.”.  Through His exhortation, He is reminding each of us to live our lives in the face of trials and turmoil and persecution with endurance and quiet grace; to dwell in His peace when there is no peace; and to fully embrace that eternal perspective that He died on the cross to give us.

Lord Jesus, thank You for all that You have given me, even eternal life. Thank You, Lord, for Your peace through trials and persecutions and betrayals. Thank You, Lord, that You will always be with me, and You will never forsake me. Amen!
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Thank You, LORD, for helping us through another week. Good Friday morning, my brother!

Read Psalm 138.  Selah.

David begins this psalm by praising God.  But this is not just your average, one each, off the shelf praise. No, David boldly opens by proclaiming he will praise God “with my whole heart”; and that He will sing praises to God “before the gods (little g)”. That is, David says he will praise God with his entire being and without regard to who is watching.  The psalm’s opening declaration of audacious praise is reminiscent of David’s actions in II Samuel 6 when the ark of God was brought to Jerusalem: “Now as the ark of the LORD came into the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.”.  When Michal confronted David about his celebratory actions, he responded “And I will be even more undignified than this”. Let us all take a page out of David’s book – by praising the LORD with our whole heart; with abandon; without distractions or giving regard to who is watching!

As you read today’s scripture, pay particular attention to the overall structure of this psalm – it actually provides us with answers on why the LORD is deserving of all of our praises:

The LORD is worthy of praise simply because of who He is.

The LORD is worthy of praise when His word is heard and His ways are demonstrated.

The LORD is worthy of praise because of what He has done for each of us.

And here are a couple of noteworthy revelations contained in this psalm:

vv 2 – “For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.”.  The LORD has placed His word above even His name!  He is truth!  This statement is worthy of our reflection.

vv 8 – “The LORD will perfect that which concerns me;”.  Let each of us take ownership of the amazing promise given in this verse. We can walk in complete boldness, knowing that the LORD will deal with “that which concerns me” – the big things, the little things, all of our concerns!

Praise You, LORD, because You are worthy!  Praise You, LORD, because Your word is truth!  Praise You, LORD, because of all You have done for me!  LORD, I praise You today and I praise You always with my whole heart!  Amen!

Good morning, my friend, as we begin this Thursday. May our Good God bless everything you set your hands to on this day!

Read 1 Corinthians 2:5 – 16.

As you read and consider this morning’s passage, it is important to understand the culture of Corinth in the times that Paul is writing this letter to the young church that he planted. Corinth, in those days, was considered “the crossroads of the world”; a melting pot of cultures and peoples; and a key to shipping and commerce. The city was cosmopolitan, and, as we find out in chapter 3 of Paul’s letter, the citizens of Corinth were “carnal” – that is, they had not yet stepped out of the world and into the fullness of their faith.

In this portion of his exhortation-filled letter to the Corinthian church, Paul calls the Believers to begin setting aside the wisdom of men; and instead, embrace the wisdom and power of God. And Paul’s statements in this regard are strong and clear:

“your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”
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“yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.”
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Paul reminds the church that the rulers of the age (that is, worldly rulers) will pass away.

And Paul appeals to these Believers to instead seek the ways of God, as revealed to them by The Spirit. He tells them that if they will pursue the LORD’s “hidden wisdom”, they will see and experience things far beyond what their cosmopolitanism and carnal culture could offer:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”
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Paul closes out this passage by reminding the Corinthian believers that they must fully embrace the Holy Spirit of God in order to see and understand the wisdom of God. He tells them to put away the “natural man”, because the natural man sees the wisdom of God as “foolishness”. Instead, Paul tells the Corinthians to receive the freely-given Spirit, so that they can discern the mind of Christ!

In these crucial times in which we are living, each of us need our Good God’s direction more than ever before. Our worldly leaders might lead us astray; our own fleshly wisdom might misguide us; but The LORD sees across all time and His Way for us is always true and always good!

LORD, completely fill me with Your Spirit. Lead me and guide me, and show me Your good and perfect way. I trust You and I yield myself to You, my LORD. Amen!