Recent Devotions
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands”. Psalm 100:1 KJV While reading my Bible, I became intrigued by the word “noise” in the above verse. Why was it not written as a joyful sound, joyful song, or joyful melody? The term “noise” appeared to be a peculiar choice for the opening of this Psalm. According to the Blue Letter Bible, “noise” translates as “rûaʿ” which means to shout, raise a sound, cry out, or give a blast. Strong’s Definition explains it as to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound). Strong’s Concordance explains…
“Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord:” Psalms 102:18 ESV The beginning lines of this Psalm appear to be the remnants of a great tragedy that left the writer shattered and wounded. We read of distress, a broken…
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter…
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“He appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.” (II Chronicles 20:21) What do you do when you are under attack and greatly outnumbered by the enemy? King Jehoshaphat found himself and the people of Judah in just such a situation. They were outnumbered and he knew it. Worse still, he had no answer. He called for the entire nation to come together and fast as he did the only thing possible—seek God. “For we have…
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NKJV) It was a mixed crowd that gathered that day. In fact, the crowd may have been larger than any previous such event had drawn. This was no family picnic or social gathering. The scene unfolding before them was ugly, gruesome. It was a crucifixion. Simon, a Cyrenian, had been compelled by Roman soldiers to carry the crosspiece of a cross for one of those about to be crucified. Had he heard of this Man now heading to His…
“Because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins.” Leviticus 16:30, NIV. The Day of Atonement was the most solemn and sacred day in Israel. On this day, the high priest would cleanse himself before entering the Most Holy Place. He would enter into the Holiest of Holies with the blood of an innocent lamb who was sacrificed, to make atonement for the sins of all of the people. This was a day of fasting, repentance, and humility. The entire Nation of Israel would…
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15 The third attribute of God that David mentioned in this Psalm is “longsuffering.” As we read the Old Testament, we know that this word certainly describes God’s patience in His dealings with the Nation of Israel. Repeatedly, they went against His commandments and walked in their own way. He sent prophets to warn them of the consequences, but they refused to listen and turn from their sin. When Jesus began His ministry on earth, the Jewish leaders did not…
