+DEV+ Contentment’s Enemy

Date: June 30, 2015 12:56 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Contentment’s Enemy

Contentment’s Enemy

"Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." Galatians 5:26

Scripture Focus: James 4:1-12

Envy is the enemy of contentment. The two cannot co-exist in a person's heart because, at its core, envy is dissatisfaction with God's provision and lust for something He has given to another. 

Ironically, the objects of our envy will always be incapable of satisfying us. Have you ever attained something you had envied only to discover that it no longer held value or interest for you? Then in an effort to derive more satisfaction, you began to flaunt what you had in the hope that others would now envy you. Envy and conceit go hand-in-hand, spreading like a virus to others. 

Many of us will spend our entire lives struggling with and perpetuating this cycle. How can we ever break free and find lasting contentment? Only Christ can break the cycle. The key is to esteem our treasures in proportion to their true value. The more Christ takes His rightful place as the greatest treasure, the less anything else matters by comparison. Contentment quietly settles into our hearts, and Christ becomes our all in all.

Insight: Contentment is a rare jewel, but it cannot be obtained through direct pursuit. it is always a byproduct and benefit of pursuing Christ. 

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

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+DEV+ How Short The Time Is

Date: June 29, 2015 2:39 AM

Topic: +DEV+  How Short The Time Is

How Short The Time Is

"What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short ... for this world in its present form is passing away." 1 Corinthians 7:29A, 31B

Scripture Focus: 1 John 2:1-17

Deferred gratification is not an easy lesson, especially for children. When eyeing a cheap trinket, the prudence of saving their allowance so they can buy something better in the future is a hard sell. At that age, time moves so slowly it seems like the future will never come; a month might as well be a decade. 

Certainly as adults our sense of time is more developed. Yet when it comes to matters of eternity, we are still very much like children in our comprehension, aren't we? We overvalue earthly concerns like career and marital status, because we cannot perceive how quickly they will pass away. At the same time we undervalue the things which will endure into eternity. 

What does it look like to be driven by kingdom priorities? For that we look to Jesus "who, for the joy set before him endured the cross." With the same joy before us, we fix our eyes on Jesus and obey Him. Content with the life He has given us, we love others sacrificially, make disciples and, in doing so, invest in eternity.

Insight: True contentment requires eternal perspective. We must be convinced that what God has in store for us far surpasses all this world has to offer.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,
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A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Treasures Of The Heart

Date: June 26, 2015 12:46 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Treasures Of The Heart

Treasures Of The Heart

"For where your heart is, there your treasure will be also." Matthew 6:21

Scripture Focus: Mark 10:17-30

One day a promising young man approached Christ. All his life he had tried to keep the commandments in the hope of obtaining eternal life. Yet he knew something was missing. In his heart he believed that Jesus could tell him what he lacked. And he was right. Jesus told him there was only one thing standing between him and God ... his wealth. 

He said, "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." The man's problem was not wealth, per se, but treasure. And treasure can be any number of things: a relationship, one's status, the pursuit of a dream. Whatever the prized possession may be, the test is simple. Are you willing to give it up for good if that is what it takes to follow Jesus? 

Jesus is infinitely more valuable than any other treasure. He promises that following Him will not be a futile pursuit, but will accomplish our greatest possible good. Why then are we so hesitant to relinquish our grip on our treasures? Let's loosen that today.

Insight: Lord, please show me my heart's true treasure. Forgive me for loving other things more than I love Christ. Please help me to treasure him.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

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+DEV+ Required Repentance

Date: June 25, 2015 12:57 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Required Repentance

Required Repentance

"Then some soldiers asked him, 'And what should we do?' He replied, 'Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely - be content with your pay.'" Luke 3:14

Scripture Focus: Luke 23:13-49

There had not been a true prophet in Israel for more than 400 years. An unlikely group of soldiers joined the crowds to hear the message of John the Baptist: Repent! The Messiah is near. 

Almost everyone responded with the question, "What must I do?" When the soldiers asked, John's reply cut deep. Don't extort money, don't accuse falsely, be content with your pay. Soldiers led a hard life with poor pay. Did they not deserve fair compensation? 

Self-justifying one's sin is not difficult. Typically optimistic in our self-assessment, we see only the tip of the iceberg, unaware of the vast majority beneath the surface, a hidden and deadly reality keeping us from fellowship with God. No one finds salvation without becoming broken over the depth of their sin and realizing their helplessness against it. Repentance is needed. Forgiveness is also needed. This is why the Son of God came. Jesus' death and resurrection atoned for sin completely. And His righteousness is freely given to those who believe.

Insight: The Gospel is not only for unbelievers. Every day of the christian life must be lived in light of the cross and focused on Jesus.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

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+DEV+ Secret of being Content

Date: June 23, 2015 11:18 PM

Topic: +DEV+  Secret of being Content

Secret of being Content

"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation ... I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12B-13

Scripture Focus: Philippians 4:10-13

For the Christian, contentment need not be contingent upon circumstance. Compare your situation today to the life of the Apostle Paul, who penned his letter to Philippi while he was in chains. "I have been in prison ... been exposed to death again and again. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea ... I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked" (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). 

With each successive trial, Paul had come to realize more deeply that all he really had was Christ ... and that this was worth more than all the wealth, success, pleasures and comfort this world has to offer. Only by suffering loss, did he grow to value Christ above all. 

Has the Lord allowed any kind of loss in your life? Are you struggling to make sense of hardships that you have endured? Take a leap of faith and respond with thanksgiving. Ask God to use your loss to elevate Christ in your life.

Insight: Lord, I lift up my pain and loss to you. Take and use these trials that I might learn to love Christ more.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

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+DEV+ Rejoice in the Lord always

Date: June 22, 2015 10:33 PM

Topic: +DEV+  Rejoice in the Lord always

Rejoice In The Lord Always

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:4-5

Scripture Focus: John 17:20-26

The Apostle Paul issues it as a command and repeats it for emphasis. "Be filled with joy!" This is a command with universal appeal. What believer does not want to rejoice in the Lord? Surely this is not a difficult command to obey. Or is it? 

How does one rejoice always regardless of circumstance? Does Paul expect believers to turn off their emotions and wear a mask of superficial happiness when nothing could be further from the truth? 

Jesus Himself wept at the death of Lazarus. Elsewhere Paul instructs believers to mourn with those who mourn. So, there must be more to having joy in the Lord than just emotional happiness. The uniqueness of having joy in the Lord begins with its source. It does not come from within us, contrary to what the world may tell you today. It is not derived from our circumstances. Rather, joy comes from the Lord. It becomes ours because we are in Him and He is in us (John 17:22-23). In a mysterious way the joy of the Lord dwells deeply in the hearts of those who belong to Him.

Insight: Is joy the furthest emotion from your heart today? There is no need for guilt. Jesus bids us to come as we are.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

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+DEV+ Following God's Plan

Date: June 21, 2015 10:31 PM

Topic: +DEV+  Following God's Plan

Following God's Plan

"'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May it be to me as you have said.' Then the angel left her." Luke 1:38

Scripture Focus: Luke 1:46-55, 22:39-44

Mary's reaction to the most staggering news any woman has ever received is laudable. Though initially confused, she completely accepted the Lord's will, submitting herself in obedience to Him. Despite what following God's plan might cost her in terms of her reputation and relationship with Joseph, she apparently had no qualms about following it, beautifully expressing her heart to God in the Magnificat, or Mary's Song (Luke 1:46-55). 

It makes sense that so obedient a person would be chosen to be the mother of Jesus. His entire earthly life was one of submission and obedience to the Father, culminating in His willingness to follow God's plan of redemption for mankind no matter what agony it cost. He, too, beautifully expressed His heart to His Father: "Yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). 

Obedience and submission are what God requires of us also if we claim the name of Christ. God will do something beautiful within us - giving us His "family traits" - as we respond to Him in love and adoration.

Insight:  "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12:50)

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

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+DEV+ Serving before Kings

Date: June 19, 2015 1:49 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Serving before Kings

Serving before Kings

"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men." Proverbs 22:29

Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 16:10-23; Psalm 33:1-3

When King Saul was tormented by a spirit of depression and fear after the Spirit of the Lord left him, the recommended remedy was music. A good musician playing the harp could be a balm for his suffering and make him well. David arrived and proved that theory right (1 Samuel 16:14-19, 23). 

Musicians play a vital role in society. Through the sharing of their hearts and instrumental skill, spirits can be lifted and lives can be inspired and redirected. Christian musicians in particular are in a unique position to focus people's attention on the Lord as they worship Him together, and their contribution is incalculable. 

Developing skill can bring people before kings, a gratifying, rare experience. But serving the King of kings, the One most worthy and deserving of our efforts, with the gifts He Himself has bestowed, is infinitely more meaningful and fulfilling. Keep discovering your gifts and let Him be glorified in all you have to offer; your song of praise might resound throughout the earth and heaven.

Insight: The little drummer boy played his best for the king; let's offer him our best since he gave his unsurpassable best for us.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

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+DEV+ The Lord Is My Strength

Date: June 17, 2015 11:26 PM

Topic: +DEV+  The Lord Is My Strength

The Lord Is My Strength

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalm 28:7

Scripture Focus: Psalm 5:11-12; Psalm 59:16-17

The cold bleakness of the operating room was underlined by the loud, meaningless noise grating from the radio, compounding my vulnerability that morning. I was terrified of having surgeons invade my back to operate my damaged L4-L5 disk and anxious about the possible complications. Wearily, I tried to focus on Jesus. 

Suddenly, “He has made me glad - This is the day that the Lord has made” tunes fully flooded the room from the radio, and I was overcome by joy and peace. The Lord knew just how to reassure me that He was near and in charge, through those particular lyrics of a favorite Psalter praising Him. I was able to relax within His warm love. 

Jesus seems to delight in surprising us with new ways of revealing His presence - often amazingly personal, meaningful, and memorable ones. Sometimes it's as though He's singing to us Himself with soothing lullabies and His heart's most expressive melodies (Zephaniah 3:17). Equally He delights in our recognition and appreciation of His companionship and care, the sweetest of songs to His loving ears.

Insight: Our kind Lord touchingly reassures and upholds us in the ways we most need and recognize, drawing us ever closer to Him.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

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+DEV+ He Broke Your Prison Bars

Date: June 17, 2015 1:59 AM

Topic: +DEV+  He Broke Your Prison Bars

He Broke Your Prison Bars

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt...; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high." Leviticus 26:13

Scripture Focus: Exodus 15; John 8:31-36

Moses and the Israelites had just witnessed God's stupendous miracle of destroying Pharaoh and the Egyptian army in the Red Sea (the Red Sea which He had moments earlier parted for them to walk through!). They'd been set free! Their immense feelings of thanksgiving found expression in a song they spontaneously created and in dancing as they extolled Him. It was fitting after what God had done. 

Many of us look back regretfully at the various forms of slavery that bound us in the past. Seeking significance in empty pursuits, we knew no peace. There were worse bondages to unhealthy behaviors, patterns of thought, relationships, and substances. Sin held us captive. Yet God has worked the most stupendous miracle of all: setting us free from that misery by bringing us to peace with Himself through Christ (Romans 5:1-2).We can walk with our heads held high. Can we ever grasp that and express our appreciation enough? There is great cause for joy in your life because He "broke the bars of your yoke" for you!

Insight:  "All glory to Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us." (Revelation 1:5b, NLT)

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

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A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ The Song That Is Our Lives

Date: June 15, 2015 11:35 PM

Topic: +DEV+  The Song That Is Our Lives

The Song That Is Our Lives

"Your principles have been the music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage." Psalm 119:54, NLT

Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:171-172; John 14:15-23

Music has a comforting way of helping us to not feel alone in this world. The companionship of a song in our hearts is a very real pleasure as we hum, sing, or whistle a tune while going about our lives. Instruments, concerts, radios, stereos, the Internet, and the ever-evolving world of listening devices offer us continuous, tailor-made camaraderie. Music brightens our lives and leaves its refreshing mark on us. 

We carry God's guiding words and principles with us like a satisfying song. They become part of us as we listen openly and let them play over and over again in our minds and hearts, leading our steps in a life-giving rhythm and key (Psalm 119:11). We light up whenever we hear them, finding deeper joy, refreshment, and understanding each time as our lives and circumstances adapt to new arrangements. 

But the best companionship of all? The Living Word, Christ Himself, humming inside us and perpetually making us new - unmistakable evidence of the infinite creativity of the Master Composer.

Insight: Jesus lovingly conducts our lives, turning our duets with Him into spectacular symphonies, perhaps not discernible just yet.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

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+DEV+ Sudden Storms

Date: June 15, 2015 1:04 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Sudden Storms

Sudden Storms

"'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26

Scripture Focus: Mark 4:35-41

Wind, water, and waves keep showing up in the Gospels. The Sea of Galilee, a place where all three are found, is the perfect place for a sudden storm. Westerly winds can change quickly to the East. This body of water and its unique characteristics offer analogies to life. Just as gentle breezes can kick up and clouds turn into a furious squall on the Sea of Galilee, storms rush in on our lives. It is all too easy to join the voices of the disciples, saying, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" 

Most of us have asked the question, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" found in Psalm 22, the "Psalm of the Cross." It may seem like God has withdrawn and left us alone. But the truth is, we are never alone; He never leaves His children. During one of those storms on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus was sleeping until the disciples awakened Him, crying out for help. The Creator of this earth ordered the winds to die down and then reminded His followers, as well as you and me, that they need never be afraid.

Insight: Thank you, Lord, for faith that helps us overcome fear and reminds us that you, our Savior, are always near.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

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+DEV+ The Promised One Is Coming

Date: June 11, 2015 10:35 PM

Topic: +DEV+  The Promised One Is Coming

The Promised One Is Coming

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." Matthew 23:39

Scripture Focus: Matthew 24

From the early days of His ministry to walking the steps to Golgotha, Jesus always pressed on with the main mission - the cross. But one theme kept resurfacing, and that was His impending return. His most lengthy teaching on what to expect is found in Matthew 24. Many will show up claiming, "I am the Messiah." We are warned not to be deceived by false prophets. Nations and kingdoms will rise up against each other, famines will break out and the earth will quake. It will be like the time of Noah with people eating and drinking, not regarding what is to come. Even some who appear faithful will fall away. Wickedness will increase and the love of most will grow cold. 

But whoever "stands firm to the end will be saved" (vs. 13). These are the birth pains leading up to the great hope of His return. Jesus wants us to live every day in light of that. He's telling us to make our decisions and set our priorities with the joyous expectation that our Master might be coming back soon, perhaps even today.

Insight: Jesus keep me ready, hold me steady. may i wait with great expectation of my future with you and your kingdom to come.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

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A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Wanting to Be First

Date: June 11, 2015 12:31 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Wanting to Be First

Wanting to Be First

"...Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." Matthew 20:26

Scripture Focus: Mark 10:35-45

I wonder who came up with the idea to ask Jesus for a personal favor. Was it James and John, or was it their mother? All three come to Jesus, but mom does the talking. She asks for her two sons to have the seats of greatest honor next to Jesus in His coming Kingdom. You can almost see this Jewish mother taking it upon herself to secure a good future for her boys. 

Clearly, the disciples still didn't understand the nature of the Kingdom of Christ even though, just before this request, Jesus predicted His death for the third time and described to His disciples how He would be handed over to the religious leaders, then mocked and flogged and crucified. 

The desire to be first dates all the way back to the garden and it crops up in our hearts on a regular basis. Jesus reminded both the mother and her sons, "You don't know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" Jesus didn't come to serve but to be served and, according to Him, the greatest in His Kingdom is the servant of all.

Insight: Jesus takes our pride and our desire to be first and patiently turns us away from ourselves to serve others first.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

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+DEV+ The Gates of Hades

Date: June 9, 2015 10:52 PM

Topic: +DEV+  The Gates of Hades

The Gates of Hades

"For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." Psalm 27:5

Scripture Focus: Matthew 16:5-20

North of the Sea of Galilee, on the slopes of Mount Hermon, rests the ruins of Caesarea Philippi. This ancient temple to Pan, Echo, and Hermes is known as the "Gates of Hades," a cruel reminder of the dark adjacent cave where people sacrificed children and animals to pagan gods. It is possible that this is where Jesus was walking with His disciples when He posed the question that we read in Matthew 16: "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" It was here that Peter proclaimed for them all, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." It was here that Jesus announced, "On this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." 

Two words are used in Greek: Petros, meaning a detached stone, which translates into "Peter;" and petra, meaning a bedrock. Jesus said, "On this rock (petra) I will build my church." On what and whom is the church built? Is it Peter's confession? Is it his teachings? Is it Christ Himself? Yes, to all three. Are you built on Jesus Christ, too?

Insight: On Christ, the solid rock, I stand / all other ground is sinking sand. (Edward Mote, 1834)

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

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A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Evidence that Supports

Date: June 9, 2015 3:38 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Evidence that Supports

Evidence that Supports

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1)

Scripture Focus: 1 John 5:1-13

"Caesariensibus Tiberium Pontius Pilatus Praefestus Iudaeae." These Latin words were found on a stone uncovered at the port city of Caesarea in 1961. The words "To the people of Caesarea Tiberium Pontius Pilate Prefect of Judea" are important because for centuries skeptics doubted there ever was a governor of Judea named Pilate. This stone confirmed otherwise. Scripture names Pontius Pilate as the judge who turned Jesus over to the cross, so this stone was a fatal blow to all doubters. It was found as part of a first century stairway in Herod's magnificent Roman theatre on the shore of the Mediterranean. Now it resides in the Israel Museum.

It is extremely difficult to believe what you cannot see. But sight is not faith, and faith is the road we are called to travel, even when physical evidence is lacking. Archeological finds may confirm our faith, but they are not the source of it. In following Christ, we are called to believe in His name. The Spirit of Christ in us grants all the confirmation we need.

Insight: Faith is not merely human hope. it is the substance of what we believe, and the evidence of faith is Christ in us.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

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A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ We Are A City on a Hill

Date: June 8, 2015 2:15 AM

Topic: +DEV+  We Are A City on a Hill

We Are A City On A Hill

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." Matthew 5:14

Scripture Focus: Luke 11:33-36

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus referred to His people as a light that cannot be hidden. Galileans only had to look up in the night sky to see another light. It was the ancient city of Safed, a town to the North, perched on a mountaintop. Safed has regained its fame since Madonna made her foray into the Jewish mystical practice of Kabbalah. The Bohemian art colony is now the home of a 16th century Abuhav synagogue where an ancient scroll of the Torah is kept locked in one of three Arks on the South wall and is removed only three times a year (Yom Kippur, Shavuot, and Rosh Hashanah) for reading.

Kabbalah, which holds to deep superstitions that stray from the Hebrew Bible, is followed by even some Orthodox Jews today. Jesus made mention of what would become of this bastion of mysticism when He turned his back to those in that mountaintop city and spoke to those gathered around Him below it. "You who are mine," he said, "are the light of the world. Your light must not be hidden under a bowl." Jesus, the Light that is not hidden, eradicates darkness.

Insight: Jesus is the light of the world who has overcome the darkness. Let that good news shine forth from you.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

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A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Jesus Is The Bread Of God

Date: June 5, 2015 12:47 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Jesus Is The Bread Of God

Jesus Is The Bread Of God

"For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." John 6:33

Scripture Focus: John 6:25-51

Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, John 6. Only one story makes its way into all four Gospels: the feeding of 5,000. Again Jesus was on the North side of Galilee, near Capernaum, and the crowds were now coming from great distances to be near the famed teacher. Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with His disciples to teach. But this was not just preaching or healing. This was both because it would be a miracle to teach about life. 

The people were hungry, and as a test, Jesus asked Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" Andrew saw the young boy with five little barley loaves and two small fish... such an insignificant answer to such a great need. Yet, after this meager amount was blessed, the Lord continued handing out food until all had their fill. He then taught the people that He was the true bread, the life they needed. They could eat and be satisfied. "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty" (v. 35).

Insight: The jews thought the coming messiah would renew the miracle of manna in the wilderness. This true bread does more, bringing us life today.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Antiquity In Bethlehem

Date: June 3, 2015 11:59 PM

Topic: +DEV+  Antiquity In Bethlehem

Antiquity In Bethlehem

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." Micah 5:2

Scripture Focus: John 7:25-44

Nine kilometers, six miles... Bethlehem is not far south of Jerusalem. From the first Christmas forward, we have known where the Messiah was born. The chief priests and teachers of the law didn't hesitate when wise men from the East who had followed the star so they could worship the newborn king asked where He was to be born. It was an issue for the "wise" religious leaders in Jesus' adult ministry who thought He'd come from a city in the region of Galilee and couldn't be the Messiah. 

The issue for modern scholars has been whether there is any proof that Bethlehem was even around. In May, 2012, the Israeli Antiquities Authority announced the finding of a seal dating back to the 1st Temple period making mention of Bethlehem, long before the time of Jesus' birth. The age of the tiny clay seal, discovered in a dig outside the old walls of Jerusalem, is the first non-biblical proof that the city was more than just a fabled town with a manger. Jesus was and is real - on this earth and in hearts today.

Insight: Thank you, Lord, that we can trust your word and that, even more, we can trust the one "whose origins are from of old."

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ His Mission Was Set

Date: June 2, 2015 1:18 AM

Topic: +DEV+  His Mission Was Set

His Mission Was Set

"But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it." Luke 9:45

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 3:1-8

Satan didn't know. No human knew. Yet from the first steps of His ministry, Jesus and the Father knew the outcome of this journey. For the second time, Jesus reveals to the bewildered disciples the purpose of His coming. I imagine I would have been just as confused as they were. 

Jesus had just cast out an evil spirit and given a healed boy back to his father. While the disciples marveled at the outward signs of divinity, they failed to grasp the meaning of His words. "Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men" (Luke 9:44). From this passage we learn of Jesus' true purpose: to bring salvation to the world - to you and to me! Nothing short of His death on the cross would accomplish the Father's will. Jesus never faltered. If you take Luke 9:51 literally from the Greek to the English, it says, He "set His face toward Jerusalem" and traveled the road He was asked to follow. His face was set on the cross because His heart was set on you.

Insight: May we live cross-centered lives because of our savior who lived, died, and rose again for us.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm

+DEV+ Our Hair Is Numbered

Date: June 1, 2015 1:21 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Our Hair Is Numbered

Our Hair Is Numbered

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." Matthew 10:29-30

Scripture Focus: Matthew 10:1-42

In this Scripture passage Jesus is sending out His disciples to evangelize the Israelites. He warns them that He is sending them out as "sheep among wolves" (vs.16) and that they will be persecuted. However, in addition to the warning of persecution, Jesus comforts His friends. 

His words of comfort are not what we would expect. He compares the disciples to sparrows whose worth is only half a penny each. Yet not one sparrow will fall to the ground apart from God's care. He then says something profound: the hairs on the disciples' heads are numbered by God. Have you ever stopped to think about that? Every hair is individually numbered. It isn't just that God knows the quantity; He knows which hair is number 5,395! This requires intimate knowledge and care; consequently, the disciples ought not to be afraid. By numbering the very hairs on our heads, God has told us that we are more valued than we ever dared imagine and that He will take us through the dark valleys of life. What a comfort this is!

Insight: We can be bold in our evangelistic efforts knowing that God cares for us so personally and intimately.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm