STABILITY

AUGUST 1 Bible Reading: Revelation 1:1-7 Key Verse: 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this
prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Key Word: Blessed There is a promise found inside the book of Revelation. To the one who reads the Book, hears the Book, and keeps the Book, the Word of God says that man will be blessed (verse 3). The blessing, I believe, is the joy and stability of knowing and understanding that God is still in control, even in these last days. The day in which we are living is challenging to us as believers, and yet the Lord said in Revelation 1:8, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. It does not take a college degree to understand that knowing God brings stability in chaotic times. The simple can understand it. The learned can understand it. All it takes is for the Almighty God to give us that understanding. One day, a man who loved the book of Revelation, and had no theological training, was criticized and ridiculed by a much wiser theologian who said, You dont understand that book. Its an enigma, a puzzle -- nobody can understand it. The lover of the book of Revelation responded, I understand it. Oh yeah, came the reply. What does it mean? The man thought for a second and then responded proudly, Why, it means we win. Jean Francois Gravelet was a great tightrope walker. In fact, on June 30, 1859, he was the first man to cross the Niagara River on a tightrope. Someone asked him how he managed to cross without falling. He said, Look on the other side in the direction to which you are walking. Do you see that silver star? I placed it there, and I never take my eyes off of it. I put my eyes on that star, and I walk toward it. That gives me stability. Jesus Christ is our bright and morning star. Keep your eyes on Him during these last days, and He will give you that stability as well.

What to do: Focus on the Lord and His work. Occupy until He comes. Pray for your lost loved ones.

ARE YOU READY?

AUGUST 2 Bible Reading: I Thessalonians 4 Key Verse: 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:

Key Words: the Lord himself shall descend from heaven The promise of the Lords return can be found throughout the Word of God. John 14:1-3 says, Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Fathers house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 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. Acts 1:11 promises, Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Revelation 1:7 tells us, Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Many other verses also teach us that the Lord is coming again. The question is, are we ready if the Lord should return today? A tourist was exploring the sights of Lake Como in Northern Italy and came upon a beautiful castle called the Villi Asconiti. Feeling brave, he pushed open the gate and went inside. To his delight everything was beautiful. Flowers were blooming in rainbow colors. The shrubbery was luxuriously green and magnificently pruned to precision. Over to the side, the man noticed a gardener on his hands and knees clipping nearly every blade of grass. The man asked, May I look at the garden? Youre welcome to come in, and Im glad to have you as a guest. The man began to tour the grounds and asked the gardener, Is the owner here today? The gardener replied, Oh no, hes away. When was the last time you saw him? he asked. Oh, Ive never really seen him, said the gardener, but he promised he would come back. The tourist could not believe his ears. But you have everything so beautiful. It looks as if hes coming tomorrow. Could be today, replied the gardener. Thats the reason I keep his garden so beautiful. Every child of God should live that way -- as if Christ is coming back today.

Someone has said, We should be living as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back this afternoon. He is coming again, and I believe soon. Are you ready?

What to do: Live everyday as if it were the day the Lord is returning. Always be doing what you want to be doing when the Lord returns. Never be where you would not want to be if the Lord were to return today.

AUGUST 3 Bible Reading: II Thessalonians 2 Key Verse: 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;

FALLING AWAY

Key Words: except there come a falling away first The church at Thessalonica was being taught false doctrine in regard to the second coming of Jesus; so Paul writes the church and tells them in verse three what the spiritual condition of the church will be like before the Lords return. Simply stated, Paul said that in the last days there would be a falling away from God. The words falling away come from the Greek word apostasia, from which we get our word apostasy. There are those who believe that before the Lord returns there will be a worldwide revival, a spiritual awakening; but according to the Scriptures, that will not be the case. As the church age comes to an end, it will be filled with lukewarmness, complacency and rejection of the truth. We are told in Revelation 3:14-17, And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:. In the last days of the church age the church will grow worse, worldly, and weaker. I believe that we are seeing this today in churches as a whole. How perverted our churches have become can be seen through the music, dress, and lack of spiritual life. But a great illustration of the perversion of the church can be seen through its growing acceptance of sexual perversion as a lifestyle choice. Many churches have joined in this parade of tolerance of promiscuity.

In 1972 the United Church of Christ (not the predominant Church of Christ most people are familiar with today), ordained a homosexual pastor into the ministry. Now, you may wonder why I would bring this to your attention. The United Church of Christ was a predominant church during the early days of our country. They were not called the United Church of Christ back then; they were known as the Puritan Church. Those who, at one time, prayed down Gods wrath on such sins now openly practice it. The church as a whole is falling away into the depths of apostasy. I challenge each one of you not to be discouraged but rather to lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh.

What to do: Occupy until the Lord returns. Stay close to God with a life of devotion. Be a part of a strong Baptist church, and be faithful to its ministries and services.

AUGUST 4 Bible Reading: Romans 14:1-12 Key Verse: 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.

KNEE SHALL BOW

Key Words: every knee shall bow to me Paul was pointing out to these Roman Christians that everyone must give an account to God. Even those who were judging others would one day bow and be judged. For me, just to think of standing before Jesus is a humbling thing. It reminds me of an illustration I read taken from The Kings Business. A number of prominent literary men were assembled in a room in London. The conversation veered to a discussion of some of the great men of the past. One man asked, Gentlemen, what would we do if suddenly Milton entered the room? Ah, replied another, we would give him a standing ovation. And, said another, if Shakespeare entered? We would rise and crown him master of the literary world. And another said, If Jesus entered, what would we do? I think, said Charles Lamb amid an intense silence, we would fall on our faces! Certainly you must agree with me that, to stand before Jesus will be a humbling experience; for certainly He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Friend, have you ever humbled yourself before Jesus and asked Him to be your Savior? Would you do so today? He who bows before Jesus as his Savior need not worry about bowing before Him as his judge at the Great White Throne.

What to do: Have you ever thought aboutI mean, really thought about, standing before Jesus? Think about it. One day we all will. If you are not saved, accept Christ today.

AUGUST 5 Bible Reading: Daniel 8:13-27 Key Verse: 23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are
Key Words: a king of fierce countenance

A FIERCE COUNTENANCE

come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

Joseph Stalin ruled the Soviet Union for twenty-five terror-filled years. It is said that Genghis Khan and Ivan the Terrible were novices compared to the terror of Stalin. He was probably the greatest tyrant the world has ever seen. He exterminated more people in wars, and planned more famines, purges, mass deportations, and campaigns of terror than any other leader who ever lived. He was anti-Europe, anti-America, and anti-Semitic. It is estimated that Stalin killed ten million peasants in his drive to collect the farms of Russia. An additional ten million Ukranians vanished, and another five million died of famine. Stalins secret police shot and hanged whole villages. Millions were forced into slave labor camps to build roads and canals, cut down forests, open mines, and gather harvests. Stalin killed at least a million of his own Communist Party, and he purged the leading generals and thirty thousand officers from the leadership of the Russian Army. All Red Army officers who had gained experience in the Spanish Civil War were brought home and shot. Stalin banished his wifes sister to a concentration camp for writing her memoirs. During and after World War II he supervised the disappearance of some three million Jews in Russia, the Baltic States, and Soviet-controlled Poland. At the time of Stalins death, he was planning the systematic extermination of every Jew in the Soviet Union.

But Stalins terror will pale in comparison to that of the anti-Christ. The anti-Christ is known as the desolator (Daniel 9:27), that man of sin (II Thessalonians 2:2-3), the vile person (Daniel 11:21), the Assyrian [ruthless one] (Isaiah 10:5-12), the bloody and deceitful man (Psalm 5:6)just to name a few of his personality traits. But, glory be to God, before the anti-Christ comes on the scene, we as believers will be raptured into glory. Rather than be in the presence of the anti-Christ, we will be in the presence of the true and living Christ! Indeed, it is wonderful to be a Christian.

What to do: Pray daily for Gods power to witness to others. Stay lovingly strong in these last days.

THE MUSIC AT THE MARRIAGE

AUGUST 6

Bible Reading: Revelation 19:1-8 Key Verse: 1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven,
saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Key Word: Alleluia The theme of Revelation 19 is Hallelujah Chorus. Did you know that Revelation 19 is the basis of Handels great composition that is known around the world? The word hallelujah is used four times in the first six verses. The word hallelujah comes from two Hebrew words: halal meaning praise, and Yahweh meaning Jehovah. So hallelujah literally means praise the LORD! Just a side note -- this word hallelujah is not used in any other place in the entire Bible. In Revelation 19, we also find the word Amen, which means let it be. It is true, Praise the LORD; let it be! Did you know that the words hallelujah and amen are the same in every language? I have preached a number of places around the world, and those two words are the same everywhere. I may not understand a word the people are singing or saying until they say hallelujah, and I say amen. Two Christian men from two different countries were traveling on the same ship and decided that they needed to get away from the crowd to meditate awhile. Each man took his Bible and walked on the deck. They saw each other and then saw the Word of God each held. At that moment, they knew they were comrades in Christ. They did not know how to communicate until one of them said hallelujah, and the other said amen. They embraced and knew that in the Lord Jesus Christ they were brothers.

There is nothing that can lift ones spirit like good, hearty, vocal Godly music. Well, at the marriage supper of the Lamb we will have that music; and for the first time everyone in the assembly will actually be singing. Dr. B. R. Lakin used to say, I believe everybody who can sing but wont sing ought to be sent to Sing-Sing and made to sing. But on this day, we will all want to sing! What a day that will be!!

What to do: Do not wait for heaven to sing. Start today. Take part in every song service. Do not be afraid to sing. Lift your voice up to God. Did you know that singing Godly songs prepares you for worshipping God? Dont believe it? Try it.

CONQUERING THE WORLD

AUGUST 7

Bible Reading: Revelation 6 Key Verses: 1-2 1And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard,

as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. 2And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Key Words: he went forth conquering and to conquer Have you ever considered how the anti-Christ will conquer a society and basically cause the entire world to follow him? Well, the groundwork has already been laid for the world to be conquered, and the weapon Satan has used to lay that groundwork is called humanism. The humanism of
Evolution

The teaching that there is no real evidence that God exists. (The anti-Christ will be their god.) Situation Ethics Man is the final authority for his every action. There are no absolute rules. Moral Freedom Everyone, including children, should be exposed to all viewpoints, including profanity, immorality, and perversion all seen as acceptable methods of self-expression. Self-Sufficiency Man is not accountable to any higher authority. Sexual Permissiveness How do you know your sexual preference unless you try all types of sex?

teaching to justify the mass murder he commits.) After the rapture, the anti-Christ will come on the scene and promise the human race their freedom: freedom from religion and freedom from moral restraints, plus the government will take care of you. Thus, he deceives the world into following him by promising them their freedoms; but the freedoms will be short-lived. For after three and one-half years, the anti-Christ will reveal his true nature. My prayer is that many will open their spiritual minds eye to see the truth before it is eternally too late.

Socialism The government will provide for you. Death Education There is no life beyond the grave. Euthanasia An acceptable way to end life. (The anti-Christ

will use this

What to do: Train your children Biblically, not humanistically. Evaluate your own beliefs, and ask yourself if your beliefs are Biblical or worldly.

ITS REALLY NEAR

AUGUST 8

Bible Reading: Isaiah 11:1-11 Key Verse: 11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand

again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

Key Words: to recover the remnant of his people As prophesied by Isaiah, Jeremiah (16:14-16), Ezekiel (34:11-24), and Jesus Himself (Matthew 24:32-33), the Jewish people are returning to their homeland in mass numbers. The Jews have defied thousands of years of persecution, bloodbaths, and holocaust. Also they have defied the trend toward absorption into other nations. They have retained their racial purity and are returning to the Promised Land, as promised, before the Lord returns. Two kinds of Jews are again populating Israel. From the west come the enlightened Jews those who are educators, doctors, lawyers, and industrialists. From the east come the deeply religious orthodox Jews those who are passionately devoted to rebuilding Zion into an exclusively religious state. Both kinds of Jews will see a promised Messiah in the anti-Christ. The western Jews will

hail him because he offers them a peace treaty that assures them security and freedom from war. The eastern Jews will embrace him because he will permit them to rebuild their temple. Many times in the past people have thought that the return of Christ was at hand. When the Christian era reached its one-thousandth year, many thought that Christ would return. When Islam swept across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, it seemed as though the Lord must return. When the French Revolution steeped a nation in blood and elevated Napoleon to the throne, many cried out that the Lords return was imminent. When Hitler came on the scene and the Jews were being massacred by the thousands, again people cried out, The Lord is coming! But one vital factor was missing in each of these situations: Israel had not been re-birthed as a nation. That is no longer the case, and the fact that Israel is back in her homeland adds more urgency to our message. End-time events can now take their ultimate shape, and the Lords return is really near.

What to do: Make your salvation sure. Put your priorities in order: God, family, job, etc. Pray for Israel.

AUGUST 9 Bible Reading: I Peter 5 Key Verse: 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of
glory that fadeth not away.

COMING CROWNS

Key Words: a crown of glory that fadeth not away All of us like to be remembered! Some men, like Pharoahs of old, built pyramids to perpetrate their memory. Nebuchadnezzar designed hanging gardens; while others did exploits of historical renown, like Alexander the Great- conquering the known world, simply to call attention to their names. But all earthly glory will sooner or later fade away into oblivion, for the world passeth away, and the lust thereof (I John 2:17). The Bible tells us that the wonders which men have made to create a name for themselves will soon be gone. Truly only what is done for Christ will last. We are told that he that doeth the will of God abideth forever, and shall shine as the stars (I John 2:17, Daniel 12:3). But we are also told that the name of the wicked shall rot (Proverbs 10:7).

Dr. Alexander Whyte asked a friend who had undergone great persecution how he was able to endure it. Oh, he replied, I always live with the Judgment Seat of Christ and eternity in mind; and that makes all things much easier to bear. A veteran pastor was scoffed at one day by a scorner who sought to question his motives for serving the Lord. Well, pastor, said the scoffer, I suppose you are going to minister today so you can earn part of a crown. No, no, replied the pastor, Im going to minister today so God can be glorified. The crowns will all work themselves out in the sweet by-and-by. Faithful servants of God go unnoticed here, but someday they will receive a crown of glory which fadeth not away. To God be the glory! Do what you do today for Gods glory, and one day the crowns will come.

What to do: Serve not for man, but serve for Gods glory. Serve with heaven in mind. Always serve with a right Godly attitude.

AUGUST 10 Bible Reading: II Peter 1:10-21 Key Verse: 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy
men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

PROPHECY VS. PREDICTIONS

Key Words: prophecy came not in old time by the will of man There is a difference between prophecy and prediction. Prediction is what man does of his own accord. Prophecy is what God did through Godly men surrendered to His will. Today there are atheists, skeptics, and agnostics that predict the second coming of Christ is a myth. Now while they are certainly not correct, they are also not the first to be wrong in their predictions. Note the following: 1.Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons. --Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949. 2.I think there is a world market for maybe five computers. --Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943.

3.I have traveled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that wont last out the year. --The editor in charge of business books for PrenticeHall, 1957. 4.But whatis it good for? --Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968, commenting on the microchip. 5.There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home. --Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977. 6.This telephone has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us. -Western Union internal memo, 1876. 7.A cookie store is a bad idea. Besides, the market research reports say America likes crispy cookies, not soft and chewy cookies like you make. -Response to Debbi Fields idea of starting Mrs. Fields Cookies. 8.Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible. --Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, 1895. 9.Drill for oil? You mean drill into the ground to try and find oil? Youre crazy. --Drillers who Edwin L. Drake tried to enlist to his project to drill for oil in 1859. 10.Airplanes are interesting toys but of no military value. --Marechal Ferdinand Foch, Professor of Strategy, Ecole Superieure de Guerre. 11.Everything that can be invented has been invented. --Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, U.S. Office of Patents, 1899. 12.The abdomen, the chest, and the brain will forever be shut from the intrusion of the wise and humane surgeon. --Sir John Eric Ericksen, British surgeon, Surgeon-Extraordinary to Queen Victoria, 1873. So do not let the doubters get you down. They will not be the first ones to be wrong about predictions.

What to do: Base your beliefs on Gods Word, not people. Learn Gods Word and apply it daily. As always, occupy until the Lord returns.

THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST

PART ONE

AUGUST 11

Bible Reading: I Corinthians 3:11-15 Key Verse: 13 Every mans work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare Key Words: Every mans work shall be made manifest

it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every mans work of what sort it is.

Four things become apparent about the Judgment Seat of Christ in these verses. First of all, we see the foundation (verse 11). We build upon Jesus Christ. Anything not done for His glory will not last. Secondly, we see the fire (verse 13). Jeremiah declared in chapter 23, verse 29 that Gods Word is like a fire. All the judgments at the Judgment Seat of Christ will be based on Gods Word. Thirdly, we see the fabric (verse 12). Only what is done for Christ will last. Last of all, we know that we cannot escape the Judgment Seat. We read in Romans 14:12, So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. I read the following from the Paul Harveys What Its Worth Department: Gary Tindle was in a California courtroom charged with robbery. He asked and got from Judge Armando Rodriguez permission to go to the bathroom. While the bathroom door was guardedMr. Tindle climbed up onto the plumbing and opened a panel in the ceiling. Sure enough, a dropped ceiling with space between. He climbed upand into the crawlspaceand headed south. Hed gone thirty-some feet when the ceiling panels broke from under him and dropped him to the floor. . . Right back in Judge Rodriguezs courtroom. Gary Tindle could not escape, and neither will we. I trust today that, as a believer, you are living for God, because you cannot escape!

What to do: Do what you do for Gods glory. If you cannot do it for Gods glory, then do not do it. Live with the future in mind.
Please note: Remember the Judgment Seat of Christ is not for the unsaved, but the saved. The Judgment Seat of Christ is where God will judge not our salvation, but our works.

THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST

Part Two

AUGUST 12

Bible Reading: II Corinthians 5:1-10 Key Verse: 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every Key Words: we must all appear

one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

The letter begins something like this, Dear Mr. Taxpayer, in processing your return, we need more information about certain items. If you have ever received a message like this, you are one of almost two million Americans chosen yearly for an income tax audit. Such news would hardly be welcomed, even though the Internal Revenue Service says that the vast majority of taxpayers are honest and have nothing to fear. But the fact of the matter is that in the previous year more than two-thirds of those examined by the IRS did owe more taxes. Most people, however, do not expect to be called in to declare their earnings because only one out of every forty-six tax payers are ever audited. The time is coming, though, when every believer will receive notice of another kind of audit; and no believer will be excluded from this process. Being saved from the wrath to come (I Thessalonians 1:10) does not free us from accountability. Todays scripture reading tells us that we [believers] must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is not a threat; it is a simple statement of fact. Our works here on earth - what we have done for Christ, and what we have not done for Christ - will be revealed. Now, while we do not know everything about the Judgment Seat of Christ, we do know this one thing for sureit will happen. There is no random sampling or random selection process at the judgment seat. One out of every forty-six will be judged, and so will the other forty-five. So I remind you that living without accountability is an impossibility.

What to do: Learn the five rewards given out at the judgment seat: Crown of Rejoicing ~ soul-winners crown, Crown of Glory ~ faithful pastors crown, Crown of Life ~ crown for faithfulness under adversity, Crown of Righteousness ~ live for and love Gods appearing (second coming), and Incorruptible Crown ~ for having a Godly testimony. Make the above things a priority in your life, not to gain a reward but for Gods glory through your life.

AUGUST 13 Bible Reading: I Thessalonians 5:1-9 Key Verse: 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our
Lord Jesus Christ,

DELIVERED FROM THE WRATH TO COME

Key Words: For God hath not appointed us to wrath The next event to take place on Gods prophetic calendar is the rapture. I believe that a thorough study of Gods Word reveals that we, as born-again believers, will not go through any of the seven-year tribulation period. I am convinced that the rapture of the believer will usher in the coming of the anti-Christ and the seven years of tribulation. There is no question that the tribulation period is known as a time of Gods wrath. We are told in 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: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? Revelation 14:10a states, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God. And in Revelation 15:1 it says, And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. But is it not encouraging to know that we, as believers, will not experience this wrath of God? God has promised to deliver us from the wrath to come (Romans 5:9, I Thessalonians 1:9-10, I Thessalonians 5:9, II Thessalonians 1:7-8, Revelation 19:14-15). Now, God does chasten us; but He will never pour His wrath upon His Bride. One of these days the trumpet is going to sound, and we are going to meet the Lord in the air; and just as God took Lot out of Sodom before the fire and brimstone, and just as the Lord put Noah in the ark before the flood, He will call His Beloved home before the tribulation begins. I was on an airplane a while back and the flight attendant said, This plane is headed for Baltimore, Maryland. If Baltimore is not in your plans today, I suggest you quickly disembark. This world is headed for hell and judgment, and if hell and judgment are not in your plans, I would suggest that you make plans to disembark through the rapture.

What to do: Live for God daily. Witness daily. Lift up your head and be encouraged for your redemption is one day closer than it was before.

AUGUST 14 Bible Reading: Habakkuk 2:1-8, 17 Key Verse: 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak,
and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

TERRORISM

Key Words: for the vision is for an appointed time We live in a day of terrorists and terrorism. Since September 11, 2001, we are keenly aware that at any moment we could experience another terrorist attack. Why, if you watch the news at all, you will see continual updates on the possibility of terrorist attacks. These alerts run continually at the bottom of your television screen. We do live in some perilous times, but that should not surprise us for Paul warned Timothy in II Timothy 3:1, This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. The question many people ask is why, why such fierceness and hatred? Osama Bin Laden declared that the goal of terrorism is four-fold according to Paul Keegan in his book entitled, The Gulf Crisis. To force all American soldiers and civilians as well as all western influence out of every single Muslim nation, especially Saudi Arabia. To destroy Israel militarily and through terrorist means. To destroy every single pro-western Arab government in the Middle East. To unite all Muslims throughout the world and to set up, by force, a global Islamic nation adhering to the extreme Islamic fundamentalist rule of the first caliphs [rulers of Islam]. But primarily, terrorism deals with Bible prophecy and the last days. Habakkuk warns us through a vision that there will come an appointed time during the last days that Lebanon will be filled with violence (Habakkuk 2:3, 17). We are seeing that occur right before our very eyes, surely the Lords return is soon; and again I say, Even so, come Lord Jesus. Keep looking up, for the Lord could return today.

What to do: Keep your eyes on Israel, for Israel is the key to all Bible prophecy. Understand that terrorism is a part of the last days. Be faithful to God and witness daily.

AUGUST 15 Bible Reading: Revelation 3:1-6 Key Verse: 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to
die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

STAY AWAKE

Key Words: Be watchful I read sometime back about a device called drive alert. Its purpose is to keep you awake while you are driving. It is a small one-ounce waking aid that fits over the ear like a hearing aid. When your head nods, a buzzer sounds, jolting you from oncoming sleep. It is safer, of course, to pull off the road and catch some sleep before you enter into the twilight zone. But the trouble with sleep is that it often catches you unaware; it creeps up on you. You do not know exactly when you might slip into unconsciousness and thus out of control. In some ways, the same can be said in regard to our spiritual journey through this world. We have not reached our destination yet, so to fall asleep into a spiritual slumber poses a great danger to others and ourselves. For that reason the Lord sounded the alarm at the end of the first century. In the third chapter of Revelation we have the stay-awake message to the church at Sardis, and for the church today. The Lord in essence said, Dont go to sleep! Be alert! Your work is not yet complete. The believers at Sardis had a good testimony, yet they were about to lapse into spiritual unconsciousness. Therefore, they had to be jolted by the Lord into seeing that there was still much to be done. It was not time to sleep. This is a message that we, as believers, need to hear and heed every day. We can easily rest on our testimony and past accomplishments; but that is spiritually dangerous. So in these last days let me encourage you to stay awake and get to serving until the Lord does return.

What to do: Evaluate your spiritual alertness. Is Matthew 6:33 a priority in your life? Are you craving the sincere milk of the Word of God (I Peter 2:2)? Do you count it a joy to pray and have your devotions? Do the things of God thrill your soul?

AUGUST 16 Bible Reading: John 5:19-30 Key Verse: 27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is
the Son of man.

SAVIOR OR JUDGE?

Key Words: hath given him authority to execute judgment Today the Lord Jesus still graciously extends His offer of salvation. He came, died, was buried, and rose again so we could have everlasting life. This everlasting life is offered freely to all (Romans 10:13). But the day is coming when the offer of salvation will end. The slain Lamb, our sacrifice for sin, will become the Lion, bringing judgment upon all who rejected Him (Revelation 5:5-6). In his book, Discover Yourself in the Psalms, Warren Wiersbe recalls the story told by an evangelist years ago. It went like thisIn a frontier town a horse bolted and ran away with a wagon that had a little child in it. Seeing that the child was in danger, a young man risked his life to catch the horse and stop it. The child who was rescued grew up to be a lawless man, and one day he stood before the judge to be sentenced for his serious crime. The prisoner recognized the judge as the man who years before had saved his life, so he pleaded for mercy on the basis of that experience. But the words from the bench silenced all his pleas, Young man, then I was your savior - today I am your judge, and I must sentence you to be hanged. I am sure you see the parallel. Today Jesus stands before this world as its Savior, but one day He will stand before the world as its Judge. Dear friend, if you are not saved, you do not have to face the Lion in judgment. Today the Lamb is waiting and wanting to be your Savior. Trust Him today!

What to do: Accept Christ as your Savior today if you are not saved. If you do not know, make it sure. Pray for your unsaved loved ones and friends and even your unsaved enemies.

AUGUST 17 Bible Reading: Genesis 21:1-11 Key Verse: 9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born
unto Abraham, mocking.

NO PEACE BUT WAR

Key Word: mocking The hatred that existed in Abrahams household still exists today. The conflict between Arabs and Jews is much deeper than a dispute over land. The dispute is theological. It is Judaism versus Islam. Islams theology insists that Islam triumphs over everything else. That is why, when you visit an Arabic city, the Islamic prayer tower is the highest point of the city. A follower of Islam is called a Muslim. The word means one who submits, while the word Islam literally means submission. The Arabs believe that, while Jesus, Moses, and several others were prophets, Mohammed was the greatest prophet. Muslims respect the Bible, including the Torah (Genesis Deuteronomy), the Psalms and even the Gospels (Matthew John); they still hold that the Al-Quram (the Koran) is the only absolute true word of God. Muslims believe that Allah is God, and that he has neither father nor mother, and he has no sons. To the Muslims, Israel is as troublesome as a cornered snake. If the Arabs do not eventually defeat Israel in combat, then Mohammed has lied, the Koran is in error, and Allah is not the true God. These things are absolutely unthinkable to the Muslims. The existence and survival of Israel flies in the face of Muslim theology. As long as Israel survives, Muslim theology cannot be affirmed. It is for that reason that the Muslims are bent on seeing Israel destroyed. Yassir Arafat, the former leader of the PLO, once said, Our objective is the destruction of Israel. There is to be no compromise and no moderation. No, we do not want peace. We want war and victory. Peace for us means the destruction of Israel and nothing else. We shall fight together as one Muslim nation under one flag. We are all zealots of the Muslim faith. We shall all stand together under the Muslim flag. This should not discourage us but encourage us that the Lords return is soon. So hold up your head; hold up your standard; hold up your faith in these last days.

What to do: Pray for Israel. Pray for your lost loved ones. Be vigilant as Satan is working overtime in these last days.

AUGUST 18 Bible Reading: Daniel 12 Key Verse: 4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the
time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

A KNOWLEDGE EXPLOSION

Key Words: and knowledge shall be increased There is a road sign pointing to the second coming of Jesus Christ, and that road sign is found in Daniel 12:4, But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. The literal interpretation of this verse is that during the end time, or what many authors call the terminal generation, an explosion of knowledge will occur. Such an explosion has occurred in the last century. From the time of Adam and Eve until the early 1900s, men walked or rode horses everywhere they went; but in a space of a few short years, man has invented the automobile, the jet plane, even the space shuttle. You can fly from New York to Paris in three hours. Now just think of all the marvelous knowledge involved in developing this modern technology. Why, today you can sit in the quietness of your home and drown yourself in knowledge from the television or internet. Medical science has the ability to keep a corpse breathing for months on life support. Tiny babies weighing less than a pound can survive because of the knowledge involved in areas of high technology. When I was growing up, only one out of every eight high school graduates went on to receive a college degree. Today, six out of every eight high school graduates receive college degrees. We are ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth (II Timothy 3:7). We are the terminal generation. We have knowledge on every hand, but still this generation is searching for truth. They fail to understand that truth is not found in humanistic knowledge; truth is only found in Jesus Christ. John 8:32 says, And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

What to do: Learn, but lean on Scripture (II Timothy 2:15). Do not rely upon human wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6). Understand that a lack of Godly knowledge leads to destruction (Hosea 4:6). Ask yourself, Do I really believe that we are living in the last of the last days? If yes, put God first in your life. If your answer is no, ask God to reveal the truth to you.

AUGUST 19 Bible Reading: Revelation 11:1-11 Key Verse: 9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall
Key Words: and nations shall see

TIMES, THEY ARE CHANGING

see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

The two witnesses will appear on earth during the Tribulation. We are told that the whole world will, at the same time, be able to see the two witnesses in the streets of Jerusalem. My fathers generation could not explain that. How could the whole world see two dead men lying in the streets of Jerusalem at one time? This was not possible in 1900! This was not even possible in 1960! But it is today. We live in a rapidly progressing society, which is indicative of the last days. I read the following article, which gives a good description of how rapidly things have changed and are changing. One evening a grandson was talking to his grandfather about current events. The grandson asked his grandfather what he thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general. The grandfather replied, Well, let me think a minute. I was born before television, penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, contact lenses, Frisbees, the pill and the cell phone. There were no credit cards, laser beams or ballpoint pens. Man had not invented panty hose, air conditioners, dishwashers, or clothes dryers. The clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air. Man hadnt yet walked on the moon. Your grandmother and I got married firstand then lived together. Every family had a father and a mother. Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, Sir. After I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title, Sir. We were born before gay rights, computer dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy. Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and common sense. We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions. Serving our country was a privilege, and living in this country was a bigger privilege. Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins. Draft dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening breezes started. Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends not purchasing condominiums. We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings. We listened to the big bands, Jack Benny, and the Presidents speeches on our radios. And I dont ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey. If you saw anything with Made in Japan on it, it was junk. The term making out referred to how you did on your school exam. Pizza Hut, McDonalds, and instant coffee were unheard of. We had 5 & 10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents. Ice cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel. And, if you

didnt want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail one letter and two postcards. You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600but who could afford one? Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon. And in my day grass was mowed, coke was a cold drink, pot was something your mother cooked in, and rock music was your grandmothers lullaby. Aids were helpers in the principals office; chip meant a piece of wood; hardware was found in a hardware store and software wasnt even a word. Teenagers did not walk around with a cell phone in their ear and drivers paid attention to driving, not talking on the phone. And we were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby. No wonder people call us old and confused and say there is a generation gapand how old do you think I am? I bet you have this old man in mind you are in for a shock! This man would only be 64 years old. Times, they are changing rapidly!

What to do: Since things are happening so rapidly, we must be rapid in our soul winning and service for the Lord. Procrastination is not an option. Be keenly aware of opportunities for service. Teach your children that, while we live in a modern world, we still live by the old, old Book!

AUGUST 20 Bible Reading: I Corinthians 9 Key Verse: 24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth
the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

RUN TO WIN

Key Words: so run that ye may obtain For years joggers have been a common sight on our streets and roads. They are people who are running for health reasons. Several executives who run each day were asked by UPI journalist, Barbara Miner, what they think about while they jog. Their answers varied. One said, My thoughts are a stream of consciousness, mostly of the immediate problems I face. Another said, When I have to hustle all day, its enriching to start off by looking at the sunrise, by watching a squirrel or falling acorn. Still another said, I love seeing other joggers t-shirts, and I wonder what occupation they are in. Miner then referred to Tom Clark, a sports researcher, who observed that the difference between a jogger and a serious runner is mental discipline. The jogger has a stronger tendency to disassociate himself from what he

is doing, which is running. Most joggers said that they use their running time to plan their business day. Few concentrate on running. As I read this article, I was reminded that each of us as believers are in a spiritual race; and in this race there seem to be many joggers, but few serious runners. What are needed today are believers with the commitment and mental discipline required to win the prize. Our service for the Lord will not be rewarded with a crown if we just go through the motions. Let us give full concentration and dedication to the race. Paul said, So run, that ye may obtain (verse 24). We must run to win!!

What to do: Understand that as a born-again believer you are in a race. Run to win. Win souls witness daily. Be faithful in every aspect of life. Honestly put your heart into Gods service.

AUGUST 21 Bible Reading: Revelation 4 Key Verse: 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for
thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

HE IS WORTHY

Key Words: Thou art worthy John tells us in Revelation 4:11 that Jesus is worthy to receive glory and honour and power. Let me give you three reasons why He is worthy. First of all, He is worthy because of creation - for thou hast created all things. Everything was created by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). People talk about creating life in the laboratory, but life is not created that way. Men can only take what God has created and synthesize that life-like substance in a laboratory. I heard a story about a scientist arguing with God. The scientist said, You are not the only Creator, I can make man. So God said, OK, lets see you do it. The man walked over to pick up some dirt, but God stopped him and said, Get your own dirt. There is only one Creator. His name is Jesus and He is worthy because of creation. Secondly, He is worthy because of Calvary. Revelation 5:6 states, And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

Jesus is our sacrificial Lamb who died so we could live, not just on the earth, but live with Him for eternity. He is worthy. Last of all, He is worthy because of His conquests. Revelation 5:5 says, And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. The word prevailed is the Greek word nike which speaks of victory. Jesus is our victory! You may have heard of the first U.S. Army air defense artillery guided missile system called Nike Ajax. It is a system far superior to conventional anti-aircraft weapons. No doubt, you have also heard of the sporting goods manufacturer called Nike. Nike is a symbol of victory. Jesus is our victory. He has won. He has prevailed. Victory over the world, death, the anti-Christ, and Satan is assured. I am glad that I am on the winning side. Praise be to Jesus, He is worthy!!

What to do: Praise God everyday; for He is worthy. Let praise be your goal in life rather than gloom and doom. Tell others about Jesus. Teach praise of Jesus to your children. Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. (Psalm 150:6).

YOUVE GOT TO BE THERE

AUGUST 22

Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:1-25 Key Verse: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of
some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Key Words: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together Technically, you could say that our text verse is not prophetic; but it does deal with the last days. To be more specific, it deals with us as believers not only being faithful in our church attendance, but also exhorting others to be faithful in their church attendance as well. Have you ever wondered why people fight traffic, pay high prices for tickets, and sit hours on a hard seat just to watch a baseball game? I really never saw the need for it or the sense in it; although for years people have told me, You have to be there to feel the enthusiasm generated from just being in the stadium. My response is, Id just as soon watch it on television.

I have found that some believers use the same logic as reluctant sports fans when they think about church attendance. They cannot see why going to church is all that important. They figure they can avoid the inconvenience by sitting at home in a comfortable chair while praying, singing, and reading their Bible, while others are saying, Youve got to be there!! In the house of God there is a sense of brotherhood, worship becomes more powerful, and the assembling together encourages others while fulfilling the command of not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. Always remember, if you ever begin to think you do not need to attend church, you have got to be there to get the full impact of the service. Remember as well, we are not to attend church services less and less in the last days, but more and more.

What to do: Be faithful to Gods house. Invite others who are not being faithful. Pray for others who are slothful in attendance. Always remember CH_ _CH means nothing unless UR in it.

OPPOSITES

AUGUST 23

Bible Reading: John 5:39-47 Key Verse: 43 I am come in my Fathers name, and ye receive me not: if another
shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

Key Words: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive Down through the annals of time men have speculated as to who the anti-Christ might be. Some have said that Hitler was the anti-Christ; others said Mussolini was the wicked one, and still others believed Anwar Sadat was the son of perdition. Some years ago, many believed that Henry Kissinger was the anti-Christ. Now, I readily admit to you that I have no idea as to who the anti-Christ is, but I do believe he is alive today-ready to put his evil plan into action. While I do not know who the anti-Christ is, I do know that the anti-Christ is just the opposite of Christ in at least the following ways: Christ came from heaven (John 6:38); the anti-Christ will come from hell (Revelation 11:7). Christ came in His Fathers name; the anti-Christ will come in his own name (John 5:43).

Christ humbled Himself (Philippians 2:8); the anti-Christ will exalt himself (II Thessalonians 2:4). Christ was despised and afflicted (Isaiah 53:3); the anti-Christ will be admired and lauded (Revelation 13:3-4). Christ came to do His Fathers will (John 6:38); the anti-Christ will come to do his own will (Daniel 8:24). Christ is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11); the anti-Christ will be the evil shepherd (Zechariah 11:16-17). Christ is The Truth (John 14:6); the anti-Christ will be a lie (II Thessalonians 2:11). One layman noted the problem with some of his fellow church members who seemed called to oppose every aspect of the church. He said, Some people are born again, and some are born against. Well, the anti-Christ is born against everything that is Godly and righteous. Praise God, as a believer, I will not have to live with the anti-Christ on earth because I will be living with Christ in heaven. How about you?

What to do: Make sure you are saved (John 5:39). Do not wait until you leave to take a Godly stand; do so today. Be steadfast, as the spirit of anti-Christ already exists today (I John 4:3).

AUGUST 24 Bible Reading: Hebrews 2:1-9 Key Verse: 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the
Key Words: but we see Jesus

THE PLANE RIDE

suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

The following story was told by Donald Greg Barnhouse: Some years ago, I had to go out to Los Angeles on a plane from New York. The hostess seated a girl twenty or twenty-one years of age beside me. Obviously the girl had never flown before. Over the loudspeaker, the hostess said, Fasten your seatbelts; the girl did not know what a seatbelt was. I helped her and asked, Youve never flown before? And she said, No, this is my first time. As I spoke to her, she opened her pocketbook, and there was a picture of a GI, a fine, rock-ribbed New England face.

I said, Youre going out to see him? Yes, she said, hes coming home. Im going to see him. I talked to her. They had gotten married a year and a half before, had a honeymoon of just a few days, then he had gone to the coast and left for Korea. Now he was coming back home; she was going to see him, and that meant more to her than anything else. Nothing else counted for her; her whole soul was in her eyes. As I told her how to fix the seatbelt, I said, Now dont be worried, the engines are going to whirl and youll think that something is going to happen, but it isnt. Theyre just testing the engines and when they quiet down, then there will be the moment of pull and youll feel the takeoff. She was interested in everything she was doing, but most of all in the young man in the cellophane-bordered picture in her pocketbook. He was her bridegroom; she was his bride; she was going to see him. You wonder sometimes why Christians live as they do and make the choices they make. They are on their way to see their Bridegroom, yet they go right out and live in the world as though it made no effect in their life at all. Why do people live the way they live in light of the fact that Jesus is coming again? This is the blessed hope. We are going to see Him.

What to do: Do everything you do with the second coming in mind, and it will change some things you do. Say everything you say with Jesus second coming in mind, and it will change some things you say. Go every place you go with the second coming of Jesus in mind, and it will change some places you go.

THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON

AUGUST 25

Bible Reading: Joel 3:9-17 Key Verse: 17 So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my Key Words: so shall ye know that I am the Lord your God

holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.

Joel, chapter 3, is a reference to the last battle on earth. We know it as the Battle of Armageddon. This battle will take place in the valley of Megiddo. This battle is also a further fulfillment of the promise that God gave in Genesis 3:15, And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

These words were spoken by the Lord to the serpent, Old Satan himself. Here is the promise that Satans head will be bruised, and all Satan can do is bruise Jesus heel. When a persons heel is bruised, it causes pain; but it does not bring death. But when you bruise the head, you destroy the person. Someone has said that the great purpose of the Battle of Armageddon will be to attempt to annihilate Christ. Satan has always wanted the rulership of this earth, but the rulership has been promised to the Son of God (I Corinthians 10:26, 28). Satan has on many occasions attempted to do away with Christ. His first attempt was made through Herod, who had all the children up to two years of age slain in an effort to kill the Christ Child. The second attempt made by Satan was in Matthew 4, when he took Christ up to the pinnacle of the temple and urged Him to jump off. The third effort was made through the Pharisees, who tried to have Christ stoned to death (John 8:59). The fourth attempt was made by having Christ condemned by the Sanhedrin and crucified. The final attempt is in the Battle of Armageddon, and Satan will fail. To God be the glory! We are on the winning side!

What to do: Are you on the winning side? Have you accepted Christ as your Savior? If not, do so today. If you are saved, are you living for God? Now, I mean really living for God 1) soul-winning, 2) demonstrating Gods love, joy, and peace, and 3) can others see Jesus in you?

AUGUST 26 Bible Reading: II Timothy 3:1-7 Key Verse: 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come... Key Words: This know also
II Timothy, chapter 3, gives nineteen characteristics that will be present in the last of the last days. Now, while there are nineteen characteristics of these last days, there are five keys to understanding this particular portion of Scripture. First, Paul tells Timothy to know this. Simply put, Paul was saying - understand these things, mark these things, highlight it, dont miss it. Second, note the words last days perilous times shall come. The word perilous means difficult, but it is in a progressive state. In other words, as time passes, each generation will grow worse and worse. (See II Timothy 3:13.)

KNOW THIS

Third, we need to recognize that the conditions described in our text are conditions within the church. Obviously, those kinds of sins have always existed, but in the last days they exist within the church. We are warned in II Timothy 3:5, Having a form of godliness, but denying the power [authority of God over our life] thereof: from such turn away. Fourth, the seemingly chief of all the sins of the last days, the one that opens the gates of hell for all the others to enter in is, men shall be lovers of their own selves. (vs 2). People will be consumed with self. Now, the horror of that is that men only see themselves as right, which makes them impossible to teach; and this grieves the Holy Spirit and quenches the power of God. That is the reason in the last days there are fewer and fewer revivals, and less and less assembling together, and more and more emphasis is placed on the secular, not the spiritual. May God grant the remnant that remains faithful to Him His grace to carry on.

What to do: Put God first, not secular activities. Sincerely ask God to reveal His will to you for the last days. Be teachable! And as always, occupy till the Lord returns.

AUGUST 27 Bible Reading: Revelation 21:1-8 Key Verse: 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the
first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

NEW THINGS

Key Words: a new heaven and a new earth From the book of Revelation you read about six new things. There will be a new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2), a new song (Revelation 14:3), a new name (Revelation 3:12), and new things (Revelation 21:5). It is the new heaven and the new earth that John primarily focuses on from Revelation 21:1 through 22:21. John not only tells us what will be in the new heaven and new earth, he also tells us what will not be there. He lists for us six things that will be missing. 1.There will be no more sin (Revelation 21:27). Sin brought the terrible condition that we see before us today. Praise God - there will be no more sin!

2.There will be no more curse (Revelation 22:3). Time and space will not allow us to cover the subject, but to God be the glory - there will be no more curse! 3.There will be no more sorrow (Revelation 21:4). The word sorrow gives the idea of mourning, being of a heavy heart. Hallelujah no more sorrow! 4.There will be no more pain (Revelation 21:4). In that eternal home there will be no more sickness, no need for hospitals, no more need for health insurance or Medicaid, no more heart disease or cancer praise God!! 5.There will be no more separation (Revelation 22:4). We will be with the Lord forever. Amen and amen! 6.There will be no more darkness (Revelation 22:5). As you read about our new home, does it not make you want to say, To God be the glory!? Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

What to do: Live everyday with eternity in mind. We have a reason to be joyful. Show it!! Always remember this old earth is not our home, we are just passing through.

AUGUST 28 Bible Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 Key Verse: 6 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.

CHRIST REIGNS ON EARTH

Key Words: The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb Isaiah, chapter 11, deals with the one thousand year reign of Christ on earth. We know it as the Millennial reign of Christ. The Millennial reign of Christ will be a time of peace because Satan will be bound (Revelation 20:2); sin will be purged; and the Savior will reign. The Millennial reign will be a time of complete peace. In our Scripture reading for today, the Holy Spirit selects three wild beasts and declares that the day will come when they will be led about by a small child. Not only will this be so, but the wolf will also dwell with the lamb, the leopard with the kid (goat), the young lion and the fatling together. The cow and the bear will feed

together and their young ones will sleep together. The nature of a lion will be changed so that he shall eat straw like the ox. Think of it, even a baby will be able to play with poisonous serpents and there will be no danger of harm to them. Isaiah 65:25 repeats the promise, The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpents meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD. When the nature of wild beasts is changed, it will certainly be as it was in the Garden of Eden. You will remember that everything was brought before Adam to see what he would call it. There is no indication that any animals were the enemies of man. There is an indication that their nature was changed when the curse was put upon the earth because of sin. Genesis 3:14, And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life. The Scriptures tell us that the serpent was cursed above the cattle. We can only interpret that to mean that all cattle and beasts were cursed because of mans sin, but the serpent was certainly cursed more. But not so during the Millennial reign of Christ. It will be a time of absolute peace - something the earth has not known since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden.

What to do: While the earth has no absolute peace, you can be at peace with God by being born again (Romans 5:1); and you can have the peace of God through a righteous relationship with Him (Philippians 4:7). Be a peace-maker, not a trouble-maker.

AUGUST 29 Bible Reading: Matthew 12:22-37 Key Verse: 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they
shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

THE ULTIMATE RECALL

Key Words: every idle word We are told in Revelation 20:12, And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

The vast, detailed record being kept by God is beyond anything that we could imagine. Have you ever wondered how these open books mentioned in Revelation 20:12 could contain so much information that man could be judged from them? I recently read that at Princeton University in New Jersey they are perfecting a mini-chip that can contain thousands of photographs along with the entire Encyclopedia Britannica; and if that is not enough, it can move at over 2,000 revolutions per minute. Fantastic!! If man, through scientific endeavors, can produce such a wonder for instant recall of information and pictures, how much more an infinite God! Consider the startling truth of Matthew 12:36, That every idle [empty, useless] word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. The books will be opened and words and deeds will confront the sinner. No one will question the record. The courts transcripts will be accurate and complete, nor can the verdict be appealed. The only way to escape the ultimate recall is to ask the Savior to save you now, before He becomes your Judge, for There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, (Romans 8:1a).

What to do: If you are not saved, accept Christ today. If you are unsure of your salvation, make it sure today. Understand that being born again is the most important decision that one will ever make.

AUGUST 30 Bible Reading: Revelation 22:12-21 Key Verse: 20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

GET YOUR PRIORITIES IN ORDER

Key Words: Surely I come quickly Steve Covey wrote a book about how people ought to prioritize things. He illustrated his point by saying that a professor walked into a class with a wide-mouth jar. In that jar he put some big rocks, and asked the students, Is this jar full? They nodded their heads in agreement. He said, No, the jar is not full. The professor took some gravel and sprinkled it on top of the rocks, shook it down, and smoothed it off. Then he asked the students, Is the jar full now? Again they said, Yes, its full.

No, he said, its still not full. Then he poured some sand on top of the gravel, shook it good, and smoothed it off. When he asked the students if the jar was full, some were hesitant to answer because he had proven them wrong before. He said, Ill answer for you, its not full yet. Then he poured some water over the sand and it filled every crevice of the jar. Then he asked, Now is the jar full? The class timidly nodded their heads yes. He said, Youre right! Then he asked, What have you learned? One student lifted his hand and said, Things are not always as they appear to be. Another said, There is always room for more. The professor said, All of these are good answers, but that is not the real lesson. The lesson is if I had not put the big rocks in first, it would be too late to put them in. The moral is take care of the big [important] things first. What are the big rocks? Well, a lot of things you think are important will turn out to be gravel, sand and water. Always put God first, for the day is coming when the Lord will return quickly!!

What to do: Always put God first (Matthew 6:33). Are your priorities in order?

CARRY ON

AUGUST 31

Bible Reading: Luke 19:11-28 Key Verse: 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and
said unto them, Occupy till I come.

Key Words: Occupy till I come The word occupy means to carry on, so we are to carry on about the Masters business until He returns. John Corts tells the following story, When I was sixteen years old I went with about eight of my cousins out to grandfathers farm for a big celebration. The kids wanted to go out and work in the fields, but grandfather said that was not such a good idea. We begged and finally grandfather said, Alright, but you will not come in until the end of the day. We were all so happy. There we were riding on the tractor and pitching hay, and for about an hour it was wonderful. Then the sun came up, the hay went down our collars, we all began to get all gritty and grimy, and we asked grandfather to take us

home. Nope, we are going to stay out here all day, he said. But its hot, we all whined. At noontime we were all hot, miserable, tired, and whining, We want to go in. Again we heard the words, Nope, we are going to stay out here all day. About three oclock there came an incredible thunderstorm and the lightning was striking across the sky. Surely we will go in now, we all thought, but we were wrong. About five oclock, we finally heard the words we had hoped for, Alright, we are going in. When we got to the house, we all got a bath and had supper. We were all so proud that we had done it we had stayed in the fields all day. After supper grandfather gathered us all together and said, Children, God has blessed us. We have a fine farm. Weve got a good heritage. God has blessed us. There have been times when we were hot and tired and grimy, and we wanted to come in but we didnt. We stayed in the fields, we carried on. Do you know why some churches are thriving spiritually? They have carried on. When Jesus comes, will He find us occupying [carrying on]?

What to do: Carry on-day by day, moment by moment. Understand it is always easy to do what we want to do, but serving God is not something that we do naturally, it comes supernaturally. Stay close to God. Remember, winners never quit and quitters never win.

I deeply appreciate the help of

Cathy Fortenberry Sandy Lancaster Glenda Myrick Mary Parsons John and Tascha Piatt Reba Pontbriand And my lovely wife, Linda

Without God using these people to help this devotional would not have been possible.

Dr. Mike Rouse