Weekly devotionals by Pastor Ray
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Devotional for Week of July 25th 2010 |
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Wormwood
I am taking the liberty this morning to use a word from our study to present a much needed exhortation for our weekly devotional. The word that I am speaking about is “wormwood” (Revelation 8:11). Webster’s dictionary describes it this way: “a bitter, aromatic plant; something bitter, grievous, or extremely unpleasant”. This is an excellent definition of the consequences from repeatedly rejecting the counsel or warnings of God.
Sin would not be tempting if there were no appeal to it, would it? The very nature of temptation is that it is alluring and often provides “seasonal” satisfaction and gratification (Hebrews 11:25). However, the long term effects of compromise are always wormwood, a bitter experience and extremely unpleasant consequences. This fact underscores the importance of spending time each and every day in God’s Word. (See Psalm 119.) Not simply reading it to “check off” the box in the One Year Bible column, but reading it for wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), life (John 6:63), light (Psalm 119:105) and correction ( 2 Timothy 3:16-17). We cannot stop temptation from coming (James 1:13-15), but God promises us a way out ( 1 Corinthians 10:13) in order that we may bring Him glory and prevent those seeds of wormwood from establishing strongholds in our lives.
Just like the star Wormwood in our study this morning came crashing into the planet and spread its bitter poison, so too does this fallen world system seek to come crashing into our lives via the internet, the radio, the television, and so on and so forth. How we need to resist the “gospel according to the god of this world” with the life changing gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16,17; Ephesians 4:17-24)!
Maybe you find yourself dealing with wormwood this morning, and you would ask, “How do I remove this wormwood-like situation or consequence that is eating my life away?” On the one hand, the physical consequences of our sin may never be removed until we go home with The Lord. On the other hand though, we have the promise of Jesus that when we turn to Him in true sorrow and brokenness, “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ( 1 John 1:9) So, beloved, put the tree of Calvary into that bitter experience (Exodus15:22-27), and allow The Spirit of God to refresh you and cleanse you today.
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Devotional for Week of July 18th 2010 |
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He shall wipe away all Tears
My exhortation this morning is regarding a promise of God for all of His people who have shed tears on earth. God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes (Revelation 7:17). Think about that, beloved. There is a time coming when you and I as children of The Living God will stand before Him, and He will wipe away all tears from our eyes. With the same mighty hand that measures the universe and holds the waters of the planet (Isaiah 40:12), God will wipe away our tears. I do not picture Him doing it in rapid fire succession, hurriedly wiping one’s tears and then shouting to the next person in line, “Next!” I picture The Lord doing it gently and with compassion and a love that we have never experienced before, for it will be perfect compassion and perfect love.
We cry so many kinds of tears in this life, don’t we? Tears at the loss of a loved one. Tears of sorrow over a bitter divorce or loss of friendship. Tears of grief due to the condition of the world. Tears of losing the game, or not making the team, or not getting the job. Tears of regret for ignoring the counsel of God and suffering the consequences of doing our own thing. And the list could go on and on…. God in His providence knows all about the causes of all our tears. He in His sovereignty allows them to happen. But there is a day coming when He will wipe all of those tears away. In some strange way, that gives me comfort in the trials that I am facing today. For as we read in Romans 8:28, all things indeed do “work together for good for those who love God and are the called according to His purposes.”
May the God of all comfort touch you today as we worship Him, hear His eternal word, and fellowship together. Remember, beloved, He will swallow up death in victory; “and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces” (Isaiah 25:8). Yes, “weeping may endure for a night” - and sometimes that night is a very long time - “but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
So give the cause of your tears to The One who wept over the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:33-35), and the rebellious city of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44), “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” ( 1 Peter 5:7)
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