Soul Food

drjean · Mar 21, 2018

Today’s Devotional | March 21 | REVELATION 13:11-18 | 666
Today's Devotional
Memory Verse
Here is wisdom, Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six (Revelation 13:18).

Who is the coming world ruler known as the “beast?” Speculation abounds.

Actually no one can know who the beast is until after the Rapture of the church: “And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming (II Thessalonians 2:8).

While we cannot know who the beast will be, it is clear that the world is getting ready for his appearance. Peace efforts continually fail. Economic conditions become increasingly complex and it is not difficult to understand how buying and selling will ultimately be totally controlled by a super-powerful government. Commerce is already moving on a system of numbers and proposals to make money as we know it obsolete are now on the drawing boards. Computers that speak are common and it no longer seems out of the question to have an image erected during the Tribulation period that will be able to do so. The stage is set for the coming of the man of sin whose number is 666.

It must be emphasized that Christ returns for His church before these things spoken of in Revelation 13 come to pass. With the world now ready for the fulfillment of this prophecy, all Christians must get ready for the coming of their Lord and Saviour. We are to be occupied with Him. We are to look for the coming of Christ — nor the Antichrist.

When will Christ Return? Perhaps Today!

drjean · Mar 23, 2018

Today’s Devotional | March 23 | REVELATION 19: 11-21 | The King Is Coming
Today's Devotional
Memory Verse
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:16).

World conditions could make us despair if we did not have the Bible. Though men have been seeking peace among the nations for generations, wars continue.

PEACE, What a word it is for men to hear;
With peace within there is no room for fear;
Yet peace escapes the fervent search of man;
He cannot find it, though he thinks he can.

William Howard Taft once wrote, “The battlefield as a place of settlement of disputes is gradually yielding to arbitral courts of justice. The interests of great masses are not being sacrificed as in former times to the selfishness, ambitions, and aggrandizement of the sovereigns.” But Mr. Taft wrote those words in 1911 and the world’s most deadly conflicts have been fought since then.

The Bible speaks of continuing wars and rumors of wars. Old Testament prophets wrote of the last days as being a time of unparalleled weaponry. Small nations as well as the great are pictured in preparation for war. And what a war it will be!

Thankfully, Christ will come and end the final war, known as The Battle of Armageddon. He will return in power and great glory, bringing His church with Him. Man’s evil nature will finally have run its course. The Lord will set up His Kingdom and the earth will know real peace.

Through faith, we know His peace within today.

drjean · Mar 24, 2018

Today’s Devotional | March 24 | REVELATION 19:1-10 | The Marriage Supper
Today's Devotional
Memory Verse
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready (Revelation 19:7).

God has chosen to the closest of all human relationships, marriage, to illustrate the Christian life. A bride and groom are drawn together by love. God’s love draws lost people to salvation. A wedding is a time of exchanging promises and of joining together. Salvation occurs when a sinner responds to the promise of eternal life and takes the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. Marriage is the beginning of a life that will be experienced by two who have been made one. After the new birth, the believer and his Saviour go through life together. The Lord never forsakes His own.

There is, however, another great wedding day coming. This will be the fulfilling of the type that we now see in the Christian life. Christ is the bridegroom. The church is His bride. The marriage takes place in heaven after the Rapture of the church and while the Tribulation is raging on earth. It will be a great occasion.

The revelation of the coming marriage of the Lamb makes it absolutely certain that the church will not go through the Tribulation. We’ll miss the Tribulation because we have a date in heaven. We have to attend a wedding. Our wedding.

One of the finest Christians I have ever met said that he was confident the church would not go through the Tribulation because he knew the Lord was sure to care for His bride. Good thinking. And Biblically sound! Though we may go through much trouble, we shall escape the world’s most difficult time.

Better get ready for the wedding!

drjean · Mar 26, 2018

Today’s Devotional | March 26 | REVELATION 20:1-3 | Satan Chained
Today's Devotional
Memory Verse
And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years (Revelation 20:2).

You may not believe in the reality of Satan. If you do not, try resisting him! The Bible is clear in its description of this evil personality and it is a delusion to deny his existence.

Walter Brown Knight wrote: “God’s children are engaged in an incessant warfare. Our adversary, the devil, is an implacable foe. In our warfare, no armistice can be declared. Some are lulled to sleep by the suavity and graciousness of false religionists who deny the existence of our adversary. It is hazardous for God’s children to cease to be watchful and wakeful.”

Satan’s trail is traceable from the Garden of Eden to this present day. Sin and death are his trademarks, temptation his tool. Many become weary in the battle of resisting temptation. Perhaps you are one of those tired soldiers. If so, I have good news for you. There is a day coming when the devil will be unable to tempt anyone.

During the Kingdom of Christ on this earth, Satanic influence will be forbidden. This act reminds us that Satan’s power is limited. We are not to be defeated and downcast. John put it well: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (I John 4:4).

Whatever temptation is troubling you can be overcome: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (I Corinthians 10:13).

Satan will be chained later. But even now, in Christ, we’re free!

drjean · Mar 27, 2018

Today’s Devotional | March 27 | ROMANS 8: 18-23 | Groaning Till Glory
Today's Devotional
Memory Verse
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God (Romans 8:19).

We live in a world where suffering is a part of life. Every hospital reminds us of human suffering. A thousand screaming sirens in the night shriek their message of the reality of suffering. Until the Lord returns, suffering will continue. It is the result of sin.

Even nature suffers. The fall of man affected all of creation. Earthquakes, violent storms, intemperate weather and other convulsions of nature remind us of the effect of sin on creation.

But suffering will end someday. Interestingly, the Bible says that all of creation awaits that day. When Jesus listed the signs of His return, He spoke of increased natural upheavals. Paul compares that to the travail of giving birth; “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22). Nature is eager for the Lord’s return.

Glory later is as sure as suffering now: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Knowing that we would understand degrees of suffering, the Holy Spirit moved Paul to compare suffering and glory. His comparison simply demonstrates there is no comparison. And that is quite a commentary on the coming glory. We have all seen intense suffering even if we have not experienced it. Still, the Bible says, the most heart-moving examples of suffering cannot compare in degree with the glory that awaits us.

While traveling through this world, even Christians may expect some suffering and trouble. Don’t fret. The glory ahead will make it all worthwhile!

drjean · Mar 28, 2018

Today’s Devotional | March 28 | REVELATION 20:4-6 | Reigning With Christ
Today's Devotional
Memory Verse
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years (Revelation 20:6).

Though you may never hold public office in this life, you have a future in government. When Jesus comes to establish His Kingdom on this earth, those who have received Him as Saviour will rule and reign with Him.

That government will be without earthly flaws. There will be no corrupt officials, no crooked politicians and no unjust practices. Political justice and international peace will prevail. Isaiah wrote: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:2-4).

Just what will be our responsibilities in that Kingdom? We cannot say precisely but we know that we will have part in carrying out God’s will on earth.

Meanwhile, we now have an opportunity to share in doing His will by taking the Gospel message to others. Doing His bidding now is good training for the future!

drjean · Mar 30, 2018

Today’s Devotional | March 30 |ISAIAH 35 | The Coming Kingdom

Memory Verse
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose (Isaiah 35:1).

The coming Kingdom of Christ is known as the Millennium because it will last for one thousand years. And what years they will be!

Man’s struggle to conquer the environment will be over. Though a stubborn earth has resisted cultivation and produced only at the continual effort of its inhabitants, people have survived. Think how wonderful it will be when man and nature are again in harmony. Bumper crops will be the rule rather than the exception. All the earth will become productive. Even the deserts will become watered gardens.

The enmity between men and animals will be put away. Hear the prophet describe this millennial scene: “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox” (Isaiah 11:6-7).

Cults and all false teachers will be non-existent. True worship of the Lord will cover the earth: “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9).

When you are discouraged by world conditions or personal problems, remember the coming Kingdom of Christ. This earth has a great future. And so do you, if you belong to Him!

drjean · Apr 3, 2018

Today’s Devotional | April 3 | PSALM 107:1-15 | Speak Up

Memory Verse
Memory Verse: Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy (Psalm 107:2).

Do we honor the Lord more by righteous living or by speaking of His love and salvation?

It’s a bad question.

No such choice should be considered.

The raising of this issue infers that one cannot be consistent in both life and conversation. And that just isn’t so.

Certainly our lives are to be above reproach. Hypocrisy is condemned in the Bible and was often exposed by Jesus. The Pharisees despised Him for revealing their lack of faith and love while going through the motions of being religious. They were examples of those who speak well but live poorly. But their hypocrisy or that of others is no excuse for opting to be a so-called “silent witness.”

The Psalmist was determined to praise God with his lips as well as his life. He declared: “I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 89:1).

A song says, “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.” And it contains an element of truth. Still, most of us have been influenced toward God by someone who cared enough to talk to us about our deepest needs, making application of the Gospel.

Some have difficulty speaking to others or are confined and have few contacts with those in need. I have known a few who wrote letters to share the love of Christ, especially to people passing through severe problems. They let their fingers do the talking.

Christians have something to say.

Speak up. Today!

drjean · Apr 8, 2018

Today’s Devotional | April 8 | JOHN 4:27-38 | White to Harvest

Memory Verse
Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields: for they are white already to harvest (John 4:35).

Procrastination robs many of success.

C. H, Spurgeon said, “…procrastination is the kidnapper of souls, and the recruiting officer of hell.”

Jesus urged His hearers to look on the fields and see that they were white unto harvest. Today, Christians often lift up their eyes to the Sunday School register and say, “We’re doing quite well.” The conclusion is based on comparison to other Sunday Schools or to progress compared to previous weeks or years rather than on the need of the harvest. Such faulty reasoning slows the work of reaping.

The harvest is always white. People are troubled because sin brings heartache and despair. Someone near you is waiting to hear the Gospel. And here you are hesitating. You mean well. You intend to witness — someday. You plan to show up for visitation at the church — someday. You see yourself distributing tracts throughout the neighborhood — someday. Meanwhile every tick of the clock ushers more people into eternity. The harvest is white.

If the harvest was white when Jesus called for reapers, consider its condition now. Unfolding events both in nature and in the nations indicate that time is running out for the world. Earthquakes increase. Signs in the heavens are daily occurrences. Israel is a nation. Russia is a militaristic power with designs on the Middle East. Europe is uniting… reviving the old Roman Empire. Morals are sliding. Cults are legion. The time to reap in God’s great harvest is now.

Don’t delay. Reap today!

Pilgrim · Apr 8, 2018

Amen. Let us use every opportunity encounter to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with someone.

drjean · Apr 8, 2018

We generally only meet most people ONCE! The fear so many Christians have of "what will they think of me" fades into the background when they realize this. The excuse of not witnessing dissolves when realizing it's not about you---it's about Jesus and them.

Here's a thought: What if the person that told YOU about Christ had not done so? Be that person that tells!

drjean · Apr 9, 2018

Today’s Devotional | April 9 | JOHN 7:32-39 | Living Water

Memory Verse
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (John 7:38).

Christians are pictured as rivers of living water.

If they do not give out the Gospel, they become stagnant pools.

When General Grant was stricken with his fatal illness, he felt his need of the Saviour and called for a minister. Simply, the man of God presented the Gospel to him and the General responded, taking Christ by faith as His Lord and Saviour. He was filled with joy and his conversion was evident to the elated preacher.

“God’s kingdom has gained a great acquisition in your conversion, General,” said the minister.

Grant protested, saying, “God does not need great men, but great men need God!” Then the General added, “There is just one thing that I now greatly desire since Christ’s peace has come to me.”

“What’s that?” asked the minister.

“I would like to live one year more so that I might tell others of this wonderful gift of God’s love!” replied Grant.

Sadly, when the end of life comes, we cannot add time to witness. But we have today. And God’s purpose in our lives is to cause living water to flow from us to others so that thirsty souls may be refreshed in His grace. There is no other safe drinking place in all this world. All of the world’s watering places leave people thirsty still.

Consider some who have refreshed their age: Paul, C. H. Spurgeon, Dwight L. Moody, Billy Sunday. And then there are those who have been instrumental in bringing about your salvation. Name some of them.

Who will drink from the river of God’s grace because you have been faithful?

Be a refreshing river — not a stagnant pool!

drjean · Apr 10, 2018

Today’s Devotional | April 10 | LUKE 8:26-40 | Where to Begin

Memory Verse
Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him (Luke 8:39).

In his autobiography, Pierre Loti tells how, as a small boy, reading stories of sainthood led him to aspire to become a saint. He resolved to imitate Simeon Stylites, who lived on top of a pillar and won a great reputation for sanctity. Pierre therefore mounted a high stool in the kitchen and announced his plan to remain there for forty years. His mother, however, would have none of his sanctity in the kitchen and at the end of an hour he was wistfully recording in his diary, “Thus I discovered that it is exceedingly difficult to be a saint while living with your own family.”

Those who study the Bible know that all who are born again are saints. Nevertheless, the lesson is a good one. Testimonies that move crowds and influence strangers may be very weak at home. And it is at home that the acid test of Christianity is given. It is well and good to dream of being used of God on some far-off mission field, but if one is not faithful at home he will be of little use as a missionary. Hudson Taylor said it well: “A small circle of usefulness is not to be despised. A light that does not shine beautifully around the family table at home, is not fit to rush to a long way off to do a great service elsewhere.”

How does your family regard your testimony for Christ? Are you consistent at home? Is your temper controlled by the Holy Spirit? And what about the return of Jesus? If He had come last week, would you have felt comfortable in His presence — considering your actions at home?

Begin your ministry for Christ where it’s most needed — at home!

Pilgrim · Apr 10, 2018

drjean said:
View attachment 225827
Today’s Devotional | April 10 | LUKE 8:26-40 | Where to Begin

Memory Verse
Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him (Luke 8:39).

In his autobiography, Pierre Loti tells how, as a small boy, reading stories of sainthood led him to aspire to become a saint. He resolved to imitate Simeon Stylites, who lived on top of a pillar and won a great reputation for sanctity. Pierre therefore mounted a high stool in the kitchen and announced his plan to remain there for forty years. His mother, however, would have none of his sanctity in the kitchen and at the end of an hour he was wistfully recording in his diary, “Thus I discovered that it is exceedingly difficult to be a saint while living with your own family.”

Those who study the Bible know that all who are born again are saints. Nevertheless, the lesson is a good one. Testimonies that move crowds and influence strangers may be very weak at home. And it is at home that the acid test of Christianity is given. It is well and good to dream of being used of God on some far-off mission field, but if one is not faithful at home he will be of little use as a missionary. Hudson Taylor said it well: “A small circle of usefulness is not to be despised. A light that does not shine beautifully around the family table at home, is not fit to rush to a long way off to do a great service elsewhere.”

How does your family regard your testimony for Christ? Are you consistent at home? Is your temper controlled by the Holy Spirit? And what about the return of Jesus? If He had come last week, would you have felt comfortable in His presence — considering your actions at home?

Begin your ministry for Christ where it’s most needed — at home!

Thank you, Dr. Jean. Good message for all of us. A family that prays together, stays together.

Pilgrim · Apr 10, 2018

drjean said:
Today’s Devotional | March 27 | ROMANS 8: 18-23 | Groaning Till Glory
Today's Devotional
Memory Verse
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God (Romans 8:19).

We live in a world where suffering is a part of life. Every hospital reminds us of human suffering. A thousand screaming sirens in the night shriek their message of the reality of suffering. Until the Lord returns, suffering will continue. It is the result of sin.

Even nature suffers. The fall of man affected all of creation. Earthquakes, violent storms, intemperate weather and other convulsions of nature remind us of the effect of sin on creation.

But suffering will end someday. Interestingly, the Bible says that all of creation awaits that day. When Jesus listed the signs of His return, He spoke of increased natural upheavals. Paul compares that to the travail of giving birth; “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22). Nature is eager for the Lord’s return.

Glory later is as sure as suffering now: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Knowing that we would understand degrees of suffering, the Holy Spirit moved Paul to compare suffering and glory. His comparison simply demonstrates there is no comparison. And that is quite a commentary on the coming glory. We have all seen intense suffering even if we have not experienced it. Still, the Bible says, the most heart-moving examples of suffering cannot compare in degree with the glory that awaits us.

While traveling through this world, even Christians may expect some suffering and trouble. Don’t fret. The glory ahead will make it all worthwhile!

Amen. Sometimes my prayers are mere groans. I'm assured God knows what's on my heart.

drjean · Apr 10, 2018

26 And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for [us] with groanings which cannot be uttered;

Pilgrim · Apr 10, 2018

drjean said:
26 And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for [us] with groanings which cannot be uttered;

What a comfort to know God provides for our needs in such times. Praise Ye The LORD.

drjean · Apr 13, 2018

Today’s Devotional | April 13 | I CORINTHIANS 16 | The Open Door
Today's Devotional
Memory Verse
For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries (1 Corinthians 16:9).

One Sunday morning in 1856, a congregation of well-dressed people had been ushered to their rented pews in Chicago’s Plymouth Congregational Church. Suddenly there was a commotion near the door. Many turned and looked. Something occurred which had never before been seen by that elite congregation. In walked a young man—a 19-year-old salesman. Following him was a poorly dressed group of people that he had gathered off the streets. The young man let them into four pews he had personally rented for the visitors. He continued to do this important work each Sunday until God called him into a world-wide ministry. His name was Dwight L. Moody.

God opens doors of service to those who are willing to serve. But there are always obstacles to overcome in the service of Christ.

Phillips Brooks said: “Oh, do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be strong men and women. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work will be no miracle; but you shall be a miracle. Every day you will wonder at yourself, at the richness of life which has come to you by the grace of God.”

Has God opened a door of service for you?

What is holding you back?

Are there adversaries…problems…obstacles?

They are to be expected, but God is able.

The opportunity is brief — do not delay.

The prize is glorious — do not faint.

Walk through that open door.

drjean · Apr 14, 2018

Today’s Devotional | April 14 | MATTHEW 27:1-10 | Pilate Before Christ

Memory Verse
And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor (Matthew 27:2).

The world speaks of Christ standing before Pilate for judgment. There is a sense in which that was true. But in a greater dimension, Pilate stood before Christ. Rank must be considered. On that day, the earthly judge stood before the Judge of all the earth.

Pilate was uncomfortable. There was something different about this prisoner. He marveled at the calm Christ. Somehow, he must have sensed that his prisoner was in charge of the situation. Pilate was on trial.

On a future day, we shall all stand before Christ. Christians will appear before Him at the Judgment Seat of Christ: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Lost people will stand before Him at the Judgment of the Great White Throne: “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them” (Revelation 20:11).

But we must face the fact that we are standing before Him now! Decisions determine destiny. Christians who long to receive rewards on that great day, must serve now. Lost people who intend to be saved before it is too late should be saved now (see 2 Corinthians 6:2).

What is your answer to the call of Christ TODAY?

Your verdict today will determine His verdict in judgment.

drjean · Apr 15, 2018

Today’s Devotional | April 15 | MATTHEW 27:39-44 | The Crowds at The Cross

Memory Verse
And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads (Matthew 27:39).

When George Nixon Briggs was governor of Massachusetts, three of his friends visited the Holy Land. While there, they climbed Golgotha’s slope and cut from the summit a small stick to be used as a cane. On their return home, they presented it to the governor, saying, “We wanted you to know that when we stood on Calvary we thought of you.” Accepting the gift with all due courtesy and gratitude, the governor tenderly added: “But I am still more thankful, gentlemen, that there was Another who thought of me there.”

All types of people were represented in the crowds at the cross. There were the reckless ones who gambled for the garments of Jesus. They mocked and spat upon Him, rejecting His love and sacrifice. The doubters were there, starting their taunts with their characteristic “if.” Those who were familiar with Jesus but faithless were there. They remembered His promise of resurrection but thought its fulfillment impossible. The religious ones were there, talking about salvation but rejecting the Saviour: “He saved others; himself he cannot save” (Matthew 27:42). The “seeing is believing” crowd was there. They promised to believe if He would come down from the cross.

Jesus died for all. His salvation is offered to all, regardless of previous failure or background. He changes doubters and down-and-outers: And such were some of you: “but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:1 1).

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