Opening the Word

Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Marriage Supper of the Lamb

Marriage Supper of the Lamb

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and asthe voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth’’ (Revelation 19:6)
It had been beautiful, though long (two hours!), ceremony. Now, the wedding party and guests had gathered at the home of the bride's family. In the night twinkled Christmas icicle lights. Tables, decorated beautifully, were arranged on the patio and in the pavilion, next to a swimming pool in which balloons were floating. Romantic music punctuated the night air. The servers began distributing the four-course supper. First served was Seven Seas soup. Next the guests ate tamales, then nachos. Finally (after many were already stuffed), the main course was served - chicken, beef, rice, salad, bread. The guests enjoyed the food, milled around visiting and congratulating the bride and groom. Finally, toasts were made, the newlyweds kissed, and early in the next morning's hours, the guests departed, having celebrated seemingly to their last ounce of energy.
Someday, Christ will present us, His Church, His holy Bride, to Himself - blameless, without spot or any blemish. And we will feast! Can you even imagine the beauty and glory of this great marriage supper? Won't all the trials and trouble we experience on earth seem more than worth it then?

Knowing Christ's intention for us, His Bride, how should you prepare for this soon coming event? (David Woods)

This devotional is the Sunday, August 7, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-08-03T09:00:00+00:00August 3rd, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Marriage|0 Comments

The Character of Antichrist Depicted
The Character of Antichrist Depicted

The Character of Antichrist Depicted

“And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people” (v. 24).

“God is my Fuehrer!”
These words sprang from the lips of Martin Niemöller, pastor of one of the largest churches in Berlin when Adolf Hitler was chancellor of Germany. Well loved, articulate, and a faithful pastor, his congregation included many soldiers, government officials, and individuals of all kinds. However, when Pastor Niemöller stood up to Hitler by refusing to proclaim him as the head of the Christian church, he became a marked man. This statement finally resulted in his confinement to a concentration camp until the end of World War II.
We must remember that the spirit of an antichrist will always be exposed. Truly, his character will be revealed. In the last days another Antichrist, a world leader, will come who proclaims himself to be both Lord and Saviour. He will deceive many, yet he too shall fall when the King of Kings returns! (James Baker)

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:

The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.
(Martin Luther; Public Doman)

*Are we strong enough to stand and say, “God is my Fuehrer”?*
This devotional is the Monday, July 25, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Image Credit: "Martin Niemöller (1952).jpg" by J.D. Noske / Anefo
from Nationaal Archief (CC BY-SA 3.0 NL). Image resized, cropped.

Herald & Banner Press2016-07-27T09:00:00+00:00July 27th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Antichrist|0 Comments

The Servant’s Reward
The Servant’s Reward

The Servant’s Reward

“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward” (v. 42).
Twice, we have sold everything, and gone overseas to do mission work. Both times we sat on the airplane and wondered whether the people of the host country would accept us.
Acceptance in these cases was more critical than just our comfort. We knew both times that, were we accepted, we could more easily present Jesus. As mentioned in Matthew 10:42, sometimes our ministry has included giving a cup of cold water or a little food to someone, in the hopes of showing to him how much we care. Sharing Jesus has repeatedly meant cooking for hundreds of people. It has included gift giving, carrying baskets of food and other necessities into a village, fixing meals for national, Christian workers, preparing snacks for students, and making cookies for neighbors. But all the time the goal was to either eventually, or to show consistently the love and care that IS Jesus.
Yes, ministry is often most effectively done in the little things- with the cups of cold water. Certainly we have taught and preached, but so often it was our attitude of service that spoke the loudest according to the testimonies later heard. Do not be discouraged when your ministry is reduced to a cup of cold water. (Christina Black)

Let my hands perform His bidding…
…All for Jesus, all for Jesus
All my days and all my hours.
(Asa Hull; Public Domain)

This devotional is the Monday, July 18, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-07-20T09:00:00+00:00July 20th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Service|0 Comments

God’s Judgment on Irreverence
God’s Judgment on Irreverence

God’s Judgment on Irreverence

“And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed” (Numbers 12:9)
Last Christmas, my manger scene took center stage on top of my piano. Joseph is about 10 inches tall and carries a lamp and staff. The baby rests in a manger of hay, while a lamb and a donkey lie nearby. Everyone is overshadowed by a watching angel. Mary kneels, hands crossed over her heart, gazing on her baby. But what always stands out to me is that the Mary depicted in this scene is blonde.
You do not have to look long in our world to see that mankind in his natural, sinful state is prejudiced. We see the world from one viewpoint (ours), which of course must be the best. Now, perhaps the artist who created my manger scene set was simply uninformed, since it isn’t likely that a Jewish girl was blonde-haired and blue-eyed, but it still illustrates my point.
It’s even worse to find prejudice among God’s people. I have to wonder how long Miriam and Aaron had allowed their racism against Moses’ Cushite wife to fester until finally it displayed itself in an ugly show of disrespect.
But the same God who created an unfathomable amount of variety in plants and animals in our world, also loves the variety and diversity of humanity. He heard Miriam and Aaron’s complaints spoken out of prejudice against one of his own and judged them. (Ashlee Englund)
Where can prejudice be found in your life?
This devotional is the Tuesday, July 12, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-07-13T09:00:00+00:00July 13th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Prejudice|0 Comments

Giving Adoration to the Lamb
Giving Adoration to the Lamb

Giving Adoration to the Lamb

“Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (v. 12).
Here and now, even before we arrive at that moment, we are overwhelmed. This Lamb is worthy! Through the corridors of time humanity has worshipped at the feet of the unworthy. And, as God warns, “they followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves” (Jeremiah 2:5).
Our Redeemer is worthy! He humbly condescended to become one of us, to be our Kinsman. He alone was sinless and thus qualified as the spotless, innocent Lamb of God. He paid the price no one else could pay; He satisfied the just demands of the holy God and rose triumphant over mankind’s terrifying enemies - sin, death and hell. He is worthy!
Did you notice the “loud voice”? It actually means shouted! Could it be that this angel will begin in clear, dignified, resonant tones, but in the awesome presence of our mighty and glorious Redeemer he is captured and conquered by wonder and his angelic voice will crescendo in uncontrollable adoration, “Worthy is the Lamb…!!!”

For all eternity, we will be endlessly overwhelmed and worship with unashamed abandon our worthy Redeemer.
Don’t you think we should begin such worship now? (Phillip Gumbs)

This devotional is the Sunday, July 10, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-07-07T09:00:00+00:00July 7th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Lamb|0 Comments

The King of Glory
The King of Glory

The King of Glory

“Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory” (v. 10).

Cassius Marcellus Clay, one of our nation’s boxers of renown, said of himself, "It's hard to be humble when you're as great as I am." Athletes are not the only segment of society that hold high opinions of themselves or are worshiped by people who do. A singer who was popular in the 60's was and still is referred to as the King. Both boxer and singer reveled in the adulation given them. But their fame does not begin to compare to that of the King of glory! In that comparison, all the praise, honor, and fame of man’s history would look like a teardrop compared to the world’s oceans.
Who is the King of glory? He is the Lord of hosts. Is He only Lord over the angels of heaven? No. More. He is the Creator and Sustainer of this tiny terrestrial ball called Earth, but He keeps all the orbits of the planets in proper alignment so as to compliment and keep this world functioning. He is the designer of every atom of every living thing. But more than that – He so loved that He planned and executed His redemptive purpose to allow us to be in right relationship with Him now and prepared to live in His house eternally. He is the King worthy of all glory! Amen and Amen! (Lonnie Witt)
<
p style="text-align:center;font-style:italic;">“All the praise and all the glory,
Of earth’s most noted men
Pales before the splendor
Of the coming King of Kings.” (Gordon Snider)
This devotional is the Tuesday, June 28, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-07-02T16:15:00+00:00July 2nd, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: King|0 Comments

The Urgency of Repentance
The Urgency of Repentance

The Urgency of Repentance

Read Revelation 2:12-17
“Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth” (v. 16).
“By order of the circuit court of Johnson County, Kansas, you are hereby summoned to appear for jury service on the date and time of the court indicated below.” Perhaps you have received a letter similar to this in your mailbox. Somewhere in the letter, you may run across the inspiring words, “It is your civic duty.” As if they sense your civic duty is running on fumes, a stern warning also appears. “Failure to obey this summons may be punishable by a fine.” The implication is simple. Show up, or else…
Most humans do not respond well to such enforcement tactics. We want to be free to make our own decisions without aide or coercion. We want options, but not right and wrong. We want choices, but not consequences. God’s reality does not allow for such relativism. With a sense of urgency, God warns the church at Pergamum to repent. Their compromise is leading them toward certain judgment. Such a warning is an act of grace, not harshness. In fact, all of the “or else” messages throughout Scripture reveal the lovingkindness of God. He is “longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”(2 Peter 3:9). (Jason Dodson)

God is a wooing Savior before He is a righteous judge.

This devotional is the Saturday, June 18, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-06-14T09:00:00+00:00June 14th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Repentance|0 Comments

Love Rewarded
Love Rewarded

Love Rewarded

Read Revelation 2:1-11
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death” (v. 11).
As I hear news reports of the torture that Christians in other parts of the world are undergoing and enduring, my heart bleeds for them. I am moved to pray that God will be their constant companion through these times. I remember the three Hebrew Children and the ridicule and testing they were put through before finally being cast into the furnace. God could have delivered them by some miraculous act without them going through the furnace, but when they faced what seemed certain death, God was with them. Those who are today being persecuted, tortured and slain for their faith are finding their God with them in the midst and to the end of their trying.
Though none of us like to think about having to go through the things that our Christian brothers and sisters in other parts of the world are enduring, we need to remember that there are worse things coming if we do not remain steadfast in our dedication and service to our Lord. Our text verse tells us that if we overcome these things in this present life that we shall not be hurt of the second death. Revelation 20:14 tells us that the second death is the casting of death and hell into the lake of fire. (Larry DeOrnellis)
"When our ears hear, and our hearts respond, we come into a love relationship with God and that love is rewarded by not being hurt of the second death."
This devotional is the Saturday, June 11, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-06-08T09:00:00+00:00June 8th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: love|0 Comments

Jehovah’s Appearance
Jehovah’s Appearance

Jehovah’s Appearance

Read Genesis 12:1-7
“And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him” (v. 7).
I’m glad that we still have an altar! The patriarchs in the Old Testament regularly built altars at the site of a theophany; a place where God had appeared to them. It would seem natural to build an altar to commemorate the appearance of God.
There is a theological significance to an altar. Altars in the Bible were places of sacrifice. But, beyond that, the altar was also a place that marked the site of God’s appearance and presence. Many churches no longer have altars at the front of the sanctuary. This is disturbing to me. I’m grateful for the many times when I, personally, have met God at an altar! The continued use of the altar in the worship of God is vitally important. The altar is a place where God’s people can just come and bask in His presence or seek His guidance and power in their lives.
It may be that many believe the altar is just a place where one seeks God for salvation and sanctification. And it certainly is that; however, the altar can be utilized often just to bring the people of the church together into the presence of God! Let’s allow the altar to be a place where all are welcomed to come into the presence of the Lord. Don’t allow the altar to be only an article of furniture in the sanctuary. Use it! (KDK)

Who can tell all the love
He will send from above,
And how happy our hearts will be made,
Of the fellowship sweet
We shall share at His feet,
When our all on the altar is laid.
(Elisha Hoffman; Public Domain)

This devotional is the Monday, May 30, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-06-01T09:00:00+00:00June 1st, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Altar|0 Comments

Choose Only the Best
Choose Only the Best

Choose Only the Best

But one thing is needful and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:42)
Martha, rushing back and forth preparing to serve a meal for at least twenty, glanced to where her sister Mary sat, and murmured to herself, “What is she doing? Does she not realize her responsibilities? She is wasting her time!”
Life can be extremely hectic and stressful with barely a solitary moment. That is how life is many times, but in all this, am I allotting God only a moment of my time? Have I confined Him to the devotional room yet not invited Him into the kitchen? Have I greeted Him at the door in the morning then left Him behind as I labor “for Him”? Have I heard His sweet invitation to learn of Him yet neglected to come, be still at His feet when He would speak to me?
As His child and disciple, I must carefully guard my time. The devil would use genuine responsibilities and jobs that have to be done to prevent me from having any quality time with Jesus. If I do not spend quality time learning of Jesus through His Word and prayer daily than I have failed to honor Him with my time and cut myself off from my spiritual food. My one-on-one time with Jesus is the most crucial part of the day. If it fails to take place, whatever prevented it from happening is now driving a wedge between me and God.
My responsibilities are an important part of my service to God; however, in Christ’s eyes one thing must be my first priority: Listening coupled with obeying His voice. (Erika Fenstermaker)

“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” — Jesus (Matthew 6:33)

This devotional is the Wednesday, May 25, 2016 entry of Opening the Word

Herald & Banner Press2016-05-25T09:00:00+00:00May 25th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Choices|0 Comments