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Daily Devotionals for April 29, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 15:10-12(KJV): 10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. 11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more than the hearts of the children of men? 12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. Proverbs 15:10-12(Amp): 10 There is severe discipline for him who forsakes God's way, and he who hates reproof will die (physically, morally, and spiritually). 11 Sheol (the place of the dead) and Abaddon (the abyss, the final place of the accuser Satan) both are before the Lord; how much more than the hearts of the children of men? 12 A scorner has no love for one who rebukes him, neither will he go to the wise (for counsel).

Thought for the Day

Verse 10 - Correction and reproof keep a man on the path of life. Just as a child requires correction to learn the things that will help him grow and mature properly, we all need the correction of our heavenly Father to avoid the things that can destroy us. Notice that the death spoken of is physical, moral, and spiritual. All who are without Christ are spiritually dead, though they do not know it. Only with Christ and by His guidance can we safely journey through this life.

"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)" (Ephesians 2:1-6).

Verse 11 - If hell and the place of the dead are visible to God, how much more are men's hearts visible to Him? We may be able to deceive people into thinking that we are good Christians, but God sees our hearts. If we are not walking in the truth, He knows it. We will reap what we sow. If we belong to Christ, our lives should show it.

Verse 12 - Fools despise correction and their pride keeps them from coming to the wise ones for guidance. Their lusts and desires lead them. If they do not repent and turn to Jesus, their end will be hell. The Lord does not desire that anyone should perish, but because He has given each of us the gift of free will, we choose whom we serve, either God or Satan. We may think we can choose to serve ourselves, but this is not an option. If we serve ourselves, we are serving Satan. God has given us, His children, the task of sharing the Gospel with those around us so that they will have the opportunity to accept Christ as their Savior and escape hell (2 Peter 3:9). May we welcome the Lord's correction so that we will not open the door for Satan to attack us through our rebellion and sin. May we also pray for and witness to the lost so that they may be saved and escape the torments of hell.

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Father God, thank you that You are a good Father to me. Deliver me of any rebellion that would cause me to ignore Your leading in my life. Strengthen and help me, so that I will always be an obedient child. I do appreciate Your patience toward me. Give me patience with those around me who do not know You. Let me share the gospel in love with each of them. Thank you, for delivering me from hell. I am grateful for the promise of Your presence with me in this life and the promise of heaven to come. Lord, watch over all of Your children and keep us from evil. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. From: Steven P. Miller @ParkermillerQ,  gatekeeperwatchman.org Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups, Sunday, April 28, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida., USA.  X ... @ParkermillerQ #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller, #Eldermiller1981 GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sparkermiller.JAX.FL.USA

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Daily Devotionals for Saturday, April 27, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 15:6-7(KJV): 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. Proverbs 15:6-7(Amp): 6 In the house of the (uncompromisingly) righteous is great (priceless) treasure, but with the income of the wicked is trouble and vexation. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge (sifting it as chaff from the grain); not so the mind of the self-confident and foolish.

Thought for the Day

Verse 6 - The income of the wicked comes with trouble, while the righteous have "much treasure." Some people have a hard time believing this is true because they know righteous Christians who are struggling with finances. To understand the meaning of this verse, we must first understand what the Bible means by "treasures" and "true riches."

Money cannot buy health or save someone's life. The Bible says that we are to seek God's true riches, not this world's riches. His riches are things that money cannot buy. How can money deliver a wayward teenager from drugs and sin? How can money buy peace in our souls in the face of fear all around us? How can money save a soul from hell? Only God's riches are available to do these things. We are truly rich when we have faith in God.

Certainly, God does want to bless us with material things, but it will be Him that we are seeking when these things come, not the things themselves. Many today are seeking God for what He can do for them, instead of asking God how they can serve Him. We cannot seek mammon and God at the same time.

"If you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust in the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Luke 16:11-13).

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).

"Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye need all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:31-33).

Verse 7 – The lips of the wise share godly knowledge, claiming the promises of God. However, claiming only material things is foolish. Many today are heard claiming cars and houses but seldom heard claiming souls. Our priorities should be right when claiming and confessing. The Lord's greatest desire is for us to grow in Him and to bring others to the knowledge of His love. He will take care of our needs if we seek Him first.

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Father, we come to You in Jesus' most precious name, thanking You for Your love for us. Lord, You see the areas in our lives that are not in balance in the area of material things. We ask that You reveal those to us and help us to walk in the path of righteousness and Your holy balance in these areas. Deliver us from any lust for the things of this world, and give us a vision of the rewards that await us in the world to come when we do Your will. Let us not worry about finances, but rather cast all of our cares upon You, for You care for us. Heal us today spirit, soul, and body so that we might serve You by walking in a victorious Christian life. Let our lights shine so that truly others might see Your love in us. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen. From: Steven P. Miller @ParkermillerQ,  gatekeeperwatchman.org Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups, Saturday, April 27, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida., USA.  X ... @ParkermillerQ #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller, #Eldermiller1981 GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sparkermiller.JAX.FL.USA

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Daily Devotionals for Friday April 26, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 15:5(KJV): 5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. Proverbs 15:5(Amp): 5 A fool despises his father's instruction and correction, but he who regards reproof acquires prudence.

Thought for the Day

If we love our earthly fathers, we respect and obey them. As adults, we are grateful that they disciplined us out of love and protection. These things are true not only of our relationships with our natural fathers but also of our heavenly Father. To enter the Kingdom of God, we must have a child-like heart of trust, knowing He loves us far more than any earthly father could and His instructions are for our good. We are blessed when we remain teachable, with child-like faith, and yield to our Father's correction. "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein" (Luke 18:16-17).

Jesus is our supreme example of obedience, desiring to always please His Father. He never did anything except what His Father desired Him to do. He was obedient to the point of death, yielding Himself to the cross. The sacrifice of the perfectly obedient Son of God made it possible to save many disobedient sons.

Obedience is the evidence that we are true disciples of Christ. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). For most Christians, learning submission to Our Father's will is the hardest lesson to learn, but if we rebel at His leading, we will suffer for our disobedience. God never wants us to be hurt or suffer at Satan's hand, but if we disobey God, we may reap the consequences of our sins. The Bible gives numerous warnings that obedience brings blessing and disobedience leads to destruction: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it" (Isaiah 1:18-20).

Cleansing and forgiveness are available to us when we come to Christ. Our sins, which have left a deep stain upon our souls, will be forgiven and our souls cleansed. As new creatures in Christ, we are made as white as snow. Many suffer under the burden of guilt for their sins. This is unnecessary, because "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness..." (1 John 1:9-10 AMP).

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for loving me so much that You sent Your Son to die for my sins. I do not understand a love like that, but I am eternally grateful for it. I also appreciate Your hand of correction in my life. I know without it, I would have gone astray and the enemy would have destroyed me. Lord, help us to be obedient to Your will. Give us a greater desire to serve You and others. Keep us from the evil one. Bless our loved ones and keep them in Your hand. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. From: Steven P. Miller, @ParkermillerQ, Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups GatekeeperWatchman.Org Friday, April 26, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida., Duval County, USA. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sparkermiller.JAX.FL.USA, https://www.facebook.com/StevenParkerMillerQ Instagram: steven_parker_miller_1956, Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParkerMillerQ Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/gatekeeperwatchman, https://www.tumblr.com/gatekeeper-watchman,

Pinterest: @gatekeeper-watchman, https://www.pinterest.com/GatekeeperWatchman1/ Tags: #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller, #Eldermiller1981

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Daily Devotionals for April 25, 2024 

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 15:2-4(KJV): 2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

Thought for the Day

Verse 2 - Throughout Proverbs, we are admonished to guard what we say because what comes out of our mouths will determine if we are wise or foolish.

Verse 3 - No one can hide from God because He "sees all" and "knows all." The Lord is omnipresent (present everywhere) and omniscient (knows all things). No one can hide a word or deed from Him. That the unsaved do evil without restraint is understandable, since they do not know God. But many Christians act as if God were on vacation and not watching all they do. If we believe that He hears our conversations, would we speak to family and friends the way we do?

Speaking critically to and of one's spouse is one of the things that erodes a marriage. Consistent use of negative words and critical comments will lead to the destruction of the marriage, which can escalate to divorce. The threat of divorce should never be used to manipulate a spouse. Using divorce as a threat is like speaking murder to the marriage.

Words can accumulate in the spirit and cause one to react lovingly or hatefully to what is spoken. The Bible warns each spouse not to return "railing for railing" but "blessing for a railing." As kind words are returned this stops the cycle of "railing for railing." "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it (1 Peter 3:7-11).

We are admonished in the Bible to seek peace and do good. We should never take our anger out on anyone, especially our mates. We are to give our anger to Jesus and ask Him to remove it, replacing it with His forgiveness, love, and patience. Often, after people get married, they become rude and unmannerly and stop being courteous to one another. The Lord calls us to be as courteous to our mates as to any sister or brother in Christ. We should be kind to one another, and think about saying and doing nice things that edify our spouses and build our marriages. Let us be as a tree of life, our tongues producing words that nourish and delight the souls of others.

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, I am thankful that You are an "all-seeing" and "all-hearing" God, as this brings me great comfort to know You are watching over me at all times, and that You hear every word and prayer that I pray. You are a wonderful Father who not only loves me, but You love the whole world. I thank You that You are concerned about all the little things that concern me and the things that I perceive as big things. Lord, to You, my concerns are never too small to miss Your attention, nor are they too big that You cannot take care of them because You are sizeless!! YOU ARE GOD!! Lord, may this truth be planted strongly in my spirit and those I pray for. Lord, meet the needs of the thousands of people who write us for prayer. Touch them and meet their needs according to Your will. Let each of them know how much You love and care for them. I know You will come and save them! I ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

From: Steven P. Miller @ParkermillerQ,  gatekeeperwatchman.org Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups Thursday, April 25, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida., Duval County, USA.  X ... @ParkermillerQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sparkermiller.JAX.FL.USA, Instagram: steven_parker_miller_1956, #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller, #Eldermiller1981

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Daily Devotionals Tuesday; April 23, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 14:34(KJV): 34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

Thought for the Day

In this verse, Proverbs points out that corporate righteousness exalts a nation, while corporate sin brings reproach. Every blessing comes directly or indirectly from God's grace. It grieves the heart of God, that instead of being grateful for all the blessings God has bestowed upon mankind, many blames Him for the problems in the world. They do not understand that sin has created the issues.

Keeping God's Word brings blessing. Some nations, though they follow false religions, are blessed in some aspects of their society because they practice scriptural principles. Many people do not realize what tremendous things Christianity has accomplished for the betterment of our lives, especially here in the United States. Many here enjoy a good life with abundance, not realizing that they owe our prosperity and freedom to a book that many are taught to despise - the Bible. Many of our founding fathers were godly men who used Biblical principles to construct the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Any unbiased historian knows that the Bible has had a much greater influence in the shaping of our nation than what is currently being taught in our schools.

When the Bible's influence is strong, it affects culture in positive ways. When a society rejects Biblical principles, evil will be reflected in its cultural choices. We see this today worldwide, as both young and old people are embracing unbiblical things. Choice of dress, food, music, and entertainment are all reflections of how we embrace or reject God's Word. Rebellious, anti-Christian music, for example, has become firmly established in society, despite its dangerous influences of encouraging lust, sexual promiscuity, suicide, rebellion against authority, and so forth.

We must repent and return to righteousness so that our nations will be exalted. Sin brings reproach to us–individually and corporately. "God be merciful unto us, and bless us, and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth" (Psalm 67:1-5).

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for this nation. May I be a righteous influence to those around me, thus affecting this society for good. Forgive us for the sins of our nation. Lord, bring revival to our land and turn sinners to the gospel so that they might be saved. Lord, deliver our children from the Satanic influences in today's society. Protect them from the evil one. Show them the way of the Lord. Help me to be a good example to young people and influence them to follow You. Forgive us of our national sins of lust, materialism, pride, witchcraft, murder, abortion, and sexual sins. Deliver us from evil. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. From: Steven P. Miller, @ParkermillerQ, Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups GatekeeperWatchman.Org Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida., Duval County, USA. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sparkermiller.JAX.FL.USA, https://www.facebook.com/StevenParkerMillerQ Instagram: steven_parker_miller_1956, Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParkerMillerQ Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/gatekeeperwatchman, https://www.tumblr.com/gatekeeper-watchman,

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Life and Death in the Power of the Tongue:  What the Bible Says about Freedom of Speech

The very concept of freedom finds its roots in the Bible in one of the most famous quotes of Jesus: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). According to this scripture, we can only be free by knowing the truth. To arrive at the true definition of “freedom of speech,” we need to define the terms “freedom” and “truth.” The basic definition of “freedom” according to Webster’s Dictionary is as follows: (1) The quality or state of being free: as the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action. [1] Freedom involves a choice.

 Man – A Free Moral Agent

The Bible tells us that in the beginning, God created man as a free moral agent. When God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden, He, in His wisdom and love, gave them all they needed for a happy and fulfilled life. He also gave them free will; however, some instructions (commands) came along with it. God told them they could eat the fruit of all the trees in that garden except one. He warned them that if they ate of that tree they would die. They were allowed the freedom to choose to obey God and live forever with Him or rebel against His commands and die. All men are given the free will to choose to do good or evil. We know the fate of Adam and Eve; because they listened to the devil and disobeyed God’s instructions, they fell from their intended place of blessing, and sin and death began operating in their lives. Therefore, we can see that freedom has responsibilities and consequences.

 Perversions of True Freedom

The founding fathers of the United States of America established this nation by setting forth many Biblical principles in its Constitution and Bill of Rights. One of those tenets is “freedom of speech.” In the Bill of Rights, the First Amendment essentially gives us the freedom of speech, religion, press, petition, and assembly. However, by declaring these freedoms, the founding fathers never meant to endorse the rights of those who would do wicked deeds, such as allowing pornographers to peddle their perversion and evil freely; nor did they intend these freedoms to allow those with a spirit of anarchy the right to burn our national flag, nor the rights of parents to kill innocent babies by abortion. The laws of society should be changed to impose penalties on evil perversions of true freedom.

Qualifications of Supreme Court Judges

True freedom must have boundaries set by standards that define what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. For those standards to be established, penalties must be imposed upon those who violate them. National freedom is defined by the government. When a government establishes its standards according to the Bible’s standards, the corporate national life will produce blessings for all. However, if a government allows all manner of evil to be spoken and done in the name of freedom, society will deteriorate and become evil. This is why the appointment of moral and highly qualified judges to the Supreme Court is so crucial because they are responsible for interpreting the Constitution correctly.  Their moral principles will affect the ruling on the many cases that come before them. Certainly, a nominee should possess the necessary qualifications for the appointment, but character and philosophy are important factors in the selection of all judges, and especially at the Supreme Court level as life and death decisions will come before them. The traits of honesty, wisdom, fairness, compassion, firmness, and good judgment are vital in those holding this office. As Christians, we should pray that the Lord would grant us good judges at all judicial levels. The Bible admonishes those in authority to receive instruction from the Lord and to serve Him with fear and respect.

Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.  Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:10-11

Penalties Should Be Imposed for Criminal Acts

Do we have the freedom to commit criminal acts? Yes, but if we do, then we also should face the penalties imposed for committing those evil deeds. We are free to choose to do evil, but not free from the consequences of our choices. The Bible outlines many principles for the good of society as a whole; keeping them brings blessing and order to society. The practice of evil brings destruction. If any man’s freedom imposes harm on another, then it is not the freedom that our founding fathers intended to extend to the people. If any man’s use of his freedom of speech perverts the minds of our children, then we have the right to rise and say that is not the kind of speech that we will tolerate.

Pornography – A Perversion of Free Speech

Pornography should never be protected under the First Amendment as freedom of speech because it is an evil that is doing great harm to our society. Among the many evil fruits of this sin are broken marriages, the spread of sexual diseases, and the extreme sexual perversions that incite sexual predators to rape and kill women and children. The devil is furnishing the pornographers with an escape from their evil deeds by using the First Amendment as their legal way to get by with what they are doing. This is a perversion of freedom of speech. Certain religious deeds fall under this same thing. Freedom of religion gives us the right to worship as we are led by God, but if any religious deeds harm or destroy people, it should not be protected under the Constitution. Acts of terrorism, in the name of God, fall in this same category. Biblical principles and guidelines influenced the forming of our Constitution; those same guidelines should interpret our Constitution at the judicial level.

Should Christian Morals Influence Public Life?

Many Americans have believed the lie that we should not allow those who practice Christian religious morals to impose those good principles on the public. What is wrong with influencing the public with good? True Biblical standards will always create an environment for the good of all, while wicked standards will allow evil to overcome good. If Christian and Biblical moral practices are not incorporated into our national life, evil men will impose upon us their wicked interpretation of “freedom” i.e., the right to do evil in the name of freedom.

Biblical Definition of Freedom

If our definition of freedom is not based on the Biblical definition, then it is not true freedom. Jesus said that the truth would set us free. Since Jesus Himself is The Truth, His words to us will free us. Bondage is the alternative to freedom. The devil brings men into bondage by tempting them to sin, being careful not to tell them that the wages of sin are death. Bondage from sin comes in many forms–addictions, stress, fear, unforgiveness, torment, etc. The only way to escape from bondage is to come to Jesus repent of our sins and find His love and forgiveness.  He then will disciple us and teach us His Word and His ways so that we will be set free from every bondage that sin brings.

Then said Jesus to those Jews who believed in him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We are Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house forever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:31-36

From: Steven P. Miller, @ParkermillerQ, Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups GatekeeperWatchman.Org Monday, April 22, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida., Duval County, USA. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sparkermiller.JAX.FL.USA, https://www.facebook.com/StevenParkerMillerQ Instagram: steven_parker_miller_1956, Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParkerMillerQ Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/gatekeeperwatchman, https://www.tumblr.com/gatekeeper-watchman,

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Daily Devotionals for Monday, April 22, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 14:32-33(KJV): 32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. 33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is amid fools is made known. Proverbs 14:32-33 (Amp): 32 The wicked is overthrown through his wrongdoing and calamity, but the (consistently) righteous has hope and confidence even in his death. 33 Wisdom rests (silently) in the mind and heart of him who has understanding, but that which is in the inward part of (self-confident) fools is made known.

Thought for the Day

Verse 32 - The wicked person is destroyed by his evil doings, since men reap what they sow. The righteous have an entirely different fate. When we belong to God and are “born again,” we do not have to be afraid when we face death. The One who has conquered death is with us, as we make the transition from this life to heaven. The most wonderful promise that belongs to every Christian is that we shall not taste death. Yes, our body dies, but the spirit of every believer in Jesus Christ lives on and will meet Jesus and their loved ones who knew Him in heaven. Then, at the resurrection of the dead, we shall rise and receive our new immortal bodies.

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:51-57).

During His ministry on earth, Jesus had the power to raise the dead, as seen in the story of Lazarus (John 11:21-45); but at some point, those raised from the dead, died again. Jesus just saved them from premature death. Many have been raised from the dead throughout history by Spirit-filled believers; however, only one was resurrected from the dead and that was Jesus Christ! By His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered death and hell for all who believe in Him. The resurrection of the remainder of the dead will not occur until Christ returns to the earth to judge them. For Christians, there is no longer any fear of death because its power is broken through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Praise God!

Verse 33 — God's wisdom resides within those who belong to Him. Because of this, we have access to His wisdom and knowledge for the answer to any problem. Self-confident fools will eventually show themselves as such; for what is in a man will at some time or other surface for others to see. All who desire to know Christ do not need to remain foolish and self-confident. If we seek Him, He will give us the power to follow and obey Him. We will not need to fear death or hell, for those who know Christ and love God has the promise that they will be with Him eternally.

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the promise of eternal life. I am so thankful that my name is written in the Book of Life. Lord, I pray that every member of my family comes to know You and the power of Your resurrection life. Thank you, that as Christians, when it is our time to cross over into heaven, we do not have to fear. Death is the last enemy we shall face, and because You have overcome death and hell, we will not even feel its sting. Lord, we are grateful for the promise that we shall once again see all of our loved ones who are in Christ because they live in You. Lord, comfort those who have lost loved ones with the knowledge that they shall indeed see them and love them again in our heavenly home. I ask this in Your Son, Jesus' name. Amen. From: Steven P. Miller @ParkermillerQ,  gatekeeperwatchman.org Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups, Sunday, April 21, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida., USA.  X ... @ParkermillerQ #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller, #Eldermiller1981 GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sparkermiller.JAX.FL.USA

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for Sunday, April 21, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 14:31(KJV): 31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

Thought for the Day

Throughout Scripture, God expresses His love and concern for the poor: "If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth" (Deuteronomy 15:7). "I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor" (Psalm 140:12). "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor..." (Luke 4:18 AMP).

The Lord is interested in every soul. His nature is to seek and help the poor, and He commands His children to do likewise. When we treat the poor with equity, we honor God. Giving money or material things to the needy, or reaching out with His love in other ways, creates opportunities to lead people to Christ by demonstrating His love to them. The Greek meaning of the word, “salvation” includes deliverance from sin, sickness, danger, lack, and poverty. Jesus came to save us from our sin and its effects upon us, both in this life and eternity. He came to redeem us not only from our sins but our sickness and poverty as well. "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).

As God's children, we are promised abundance in both material and spiritual things, which are far more valuable. The Lord wants to bless us so that we can bless others. How can we give to others if we are poor? We must learn how to receive God's blessings to pass them on to others. Helping the needy, the poor, the sick, or prisoners is the same as giving to the Lord Himself, and He shall reward us. To ignore or reject them is to reject Christ, for which He will reject us. "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you since ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you since ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal" (Matthew 25:40-46).

Prayer Devotional for the Day Dear heavenly Father, thank you for Your sacrifice on the cross to save me from my sin and deliver me from the curse of sickness and poverty. Lord, strengthen me now, to use the blessing of health to serve You and Your people. Lord, direct me in my giving so that I might help those who are hurting and needy. Guide me in giving to those ministries that are making a difference in the world. Lord, may the gospel of salvation go out to others who have never heard the good news. Help me to be sensitive to the cries of the poor and not turn a deaf ear to any that I can help. Lord, may all of Your children rise above selfishness and as a corporate body reach out to the world of needy people. Strengthen us all for that task. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. From: Steven P. Miller@ParkermillerQ,  gatekeeperwatchman.org Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups, Saturday, April 20, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida., USA.  X ... @ParkermillerQ #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller, #Eldermiller1981 GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sparkermiller.JAX.FL.USA

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for April 19, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 14:26-27(KJV): 26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:26-27(Amp): 26 In the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is strong confidence, and His children shall always have a place of refuge. 27 Reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.

Thought for the Day

Verse 26 - Many verses in Proverbs speak about a holy "fear of the Lord." The Amplified Bible sheds light on this phrase: "In the reverent and worshipful fear of the LORD is strong confidence." Those who reverence the Lord believe His word. We have already seen on Day 55 that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Respect and understanding of God produce a desire in us to obey Him. Keeping God's Word brings us under His protection; those who fear Him are promised a long life, strong confidence, and refuge.

Verse 27 - The worshipful fear of God is like a fountain of life. By walking in His path we avoid the traps leading to death. What is true worship? Some equate singing songs with worship. One can worship God while singing, but singing alone does not mean that one is worshipping. It is the voice of the heart that God hears, not just the song's words. The highest form of worship is obedience. God has a name for those who draw near to Him with their lips but not their hearts: "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, these people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me..." (Matthew 15:7-9).

The heart of man speaks louder to God than his words. God considers men's hearts and is not influenced by outward appearances. When told to anoint a king to replace Saul from among Jesse's sons, Samuel was impressed with the fine appearance and stature of the eldest, but the LORD told Samuel, "…Look not on his countenance, or the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

Without God, all men's hearts are wicked and deceitful. We must be "born again," to get a new heart, so that we have the Holy Spirit, and are made able to obey the Lord. We can align our words with His Word, making them acceptable to Him. David knew it would require God's strength and redemption to make his heart's meditations and the words he spoke acceptable to Him. This is true of us too! We need to make David's prayer our own: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for Your many promises of blessings. I am thankful that You are my refuge and I can run to You when I am in trouble. I am also grateful that You keep me from the devil's traps. Lord, I do love You, and I ask that You cleanse my heart from anything that is not like You. Strengthen me to walk worthy before You and my fellow men. Restore the "fear of the Lord" to Your people today. Lord, forgive us when, in certain areas, we have become too casual about the things of God. Instill in us, Your people, a reverential fear of Your Holy Name and Word. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. From: Steven P. Miller @ParkermillerQ,  gatekeeperwatchman.org Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups, Friday, April 19, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida., USA.  X ... @ParkermillerQ #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller, #Eldermiller1981 GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sparkermiller.JAX.FL.USA

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for April 18, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 14:22-25(KJV): 22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. 23 In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. 24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly. 25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

Thought for the Day

Verse 22 - Evildoers bring evil on themselves, but the Lord shows loving-kindness to those who are good to others. As we have seen in other lessons, Jesus "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). Good works flow out of our relationship with God. The more we know Him, the more we love Him and allow His Spirit to change us. This enables us to do more good works, followed by more of His mercy and truth, and so on; an endless cycle of blessing!

Verse 23 - The principle of sowing and reaping is easily seen in the area of work. Those who work hard will have a profit for their labor. Those who waste their time will end up in poverty. I have known people who talked about certain things they wanted to do, but because they did not invest the time and work needed, they never accomplished their desires. They were talkers, not doers. I hear many Christians talk about increasing their prayer life, but most never seem to do it. I have failed in this area myself. I remember a time when I was going through many difficult trials and facing new problems daily. The Lord spoke something to my spirit that I have never forgotten, He said: "If you prayed about your problems as much as you talk about your problems, you would not even have the problems." We must diligently work at maintaining a healthy prayer life; it does not come easily.

Verse 24 - This verse speaks of the wise as wearing a crown of riches. A wise man's wealth is his wisdom. We are rich indeed when we have the wisdom of God. With His wisdom, nothing is impossible to us. We noted in Day 1 that wisdom is the ability to discern the soundest course of action in a situation. This is a true gift, a priceless "crown of riches;" for wise decisions lead to abundant life (John 10:10).

Verse 25 - Those who speak the truth can save lives. This can happen in court cases; the charge against an innocent person can be dropped because of the truthful testimony of a witness. A faithful witness is also one who shares the truth about Jesus with others. The Bible itself is a faithful witness of Christ (John 5:39); its truths can save people. A deceitful witness, whether in a courthouse or preaching a false doctrine, endangers others. Spreading lies has destroyed many people. We should not believe everything we hear, but bring all things to God in prayer and measure them against His Word. Jesus Himself is the truth (John 14:6); we can trust Him to let us know what is truth and what is a lie.

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, I am thankful for Your mercy and truth each day. Thank you for forgiving me and being patient with me when I fail You. I ask for the desire to be more diligent in my prayer life. I need help in my own life, and I also need the burden to pray for others who need Your help. Likewise, I lift my brothers and sisters in the Lord and ask that You minister to each of them in the area of their lives where they have the greatest need. Encourage those who are weary, give faith to those who are losing hope, grant strength to the weak, and health to the sick. Bless all of Your children and keep us all from evil. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. From: Steven P. Miller @ParkermillerQ,  gatekeeperwatchman.org Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida., USA.  X ... @ParkermillerQ #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller, #Eldermiller1981 GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sparkermiller.JAX.FL.USA

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Good Morning, have a nice day☀️

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Why are you coming to my life and now you leave me without excuses ,why .can you face the problem don't run ,face it its and talk . I want you to know that all I want is a close sure ,

I am not leaving you dear 4/16/2024

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for April 17, 2024 

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 14:20-21(KJV): 20 The poor are hated even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. 21 He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

Thought for the Day

Verse 20 — The fact that the poor are hated even by their neighbors explains why there is often so much violence in poor neighborhoods. The Bible calls poverty a curse. It breeds many problems, such as filth and sickness. In many areas, the poor do not have access to healthy foods, and their poor nutrition results in poor health. It is demoralizing to live in a poverty-stricken region. Poverty crushes any hope for improvement. Depressed people stop trying to better themselves. This breeds irresponsibility, which becomes a hotbed for rebellion. In some cases, the poverty is so extreme that total exhaustion and starvation strip the people of any desire or hope for life. The only way to break the cycle of poverty is to bring the gospel to the poor and support those ministries that will bring the needed provisions to those who lack them. We can be redeemed from poverty and anything else that misrepresents God to the world. God blesses His people when they follow and obey Him (Deuteronomy 28:1-6).

We cannot keep God's commandments by ourselves; we can only keep them by enabling the Holy Spirit. If we rebel and go our own way, the law of sowing and reaping will bring a curse upon us. Poverty is a part of that curse. Money is not the answer to poverty, since it only takes care of the surface problems. As the American government has discovered; throwing money at the issue through welfare programs only compounds it. Money never solves the root problems of hatred, violence, irresponsibility, or fear. Only a change of heart that comes from knowing Christ can accomplish that. When hearts are not changed, the curse continues (Deuteronomy 28:15-20).

Verse 21 - The rich man has many friends; but love for his money and what it can obtain for them, is at the heart of many of these friendships. The rich man's money can also make him proud, causing him to sin against God, his fellow man, and himself. Christ owns the earth and the entire universe. He gave up His position of supreme power and wealth and became poor to save us, that we might become rich in His blessings (2 Corinthians 8:9). Those who are merciful to the poor are happy and blessed, for they follow in the steps of Jesus Himself.

Prayer Devotional for the Day Dear heavenly Father, I am so grateful that I know You. You have blessed me greatly, and I am thankful for that goodness toward me. Father, strengthen me to walk in obedience to Your commandments daily. Lord, help me also to be sensitive to the needs of others. I desire to be a giver and reach out and help those who are poor. Help me not to ever demean or look down on those who are less fortunate than I am, but rather let me lift them and give them hope and encouragement. Help me to trust You for daily provision and to give of those things that I do have. I can always share a smile, encouragement, faith, love, and prayers with others. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. From: Steven P. Miller@ParkermillerQ,  gatekeeperwatchman.org Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida., USA.  X ... @ParkermillerQ #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller, #Eldermiller1981 GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sparkermiller.JAX.FL.USA

[gatekeeper-watchman]

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for April 17, 2024 

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 14:20-21(KJV): 20 The poor are hated even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. 21 He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

Thought for the Day

Verse 20 — The fact that the poor are hated even by their neighbors explains why there is often so much violence in poor neighborhoods. The Bible calls poverty a curse. It breeds many problems, such as filth and sickness. In many areas, the poor do not have access to healthy foods, and their poor nutrition results in poor health. It is demoralizing to live in a poverty-stricken region. Poverty crushes any hope for improvement. Depressed people stop trying to better themselves. This breeds irresponsibility, which becomes a hotbed for rebellion. In some cases, the poverty is so extreme that total exhaustion and starvation strip the people of any desire or hope for life. The only way to break the cycle of poverty is to bring the gospel to the poor and support those ministries that will bring the needed provisions to those who lack them. We can be redeemed from poverty and anything else that misrepresents God to the world. God blesses His people when they follow and obey Him (Deuteronomy 28:1-6).

We cannot keep God's commandments by ourselves; we can only keep them by enabling the Holy Spirit. If we rebel and go our own way, the law of sowing and reaping will bring a curse upon us. Poverty is a part of that curse. Money is not the answer to poverty, since it only takes care of the surface problems. As the American government has discovered; throwing money at the issue through welfare programs only compounds it. Money never solves the root problems of hatred, violence, irresponsibility, or fear. Only a change of heart that comes from knowing Christ can accomplish that. When hearts are not changed, the curse continues (Deuteronomy 28:15-20).

Verse 21 - The rich man has many friends; but love for his money and what it can obtain for them, is at the heart of many of these friendships. The rich man's money can also make him proud, causing him to sin against God, his fellow man, and himself. Christ owns the earth and the entire universe. He gave up His position of supreme power and wealth and became poor to save us, that we might become rich in His blessings (2 Corinthians 8:9). Those who are merciful to the poor are happy and blessed, for they follow in the steps of Jesus Himself.

Prayer Devotional for the Day Dear heavenly Father, I am so grateful that I know You. You have blessed me greatly, and I am thankful for that goodness toward me. Father, strengthen me to walk in obedience to Your commandments daily. Lord, help me also to be sensitive to the needs of others. I desire to be a giver and reach out and help those who are poor. Help me not to ever demean or look down on those who are less fortunate than I am, but rather let me lift them and give them hope and encouragement. Help me to trust You for daily provision and to give of those things that I do have. I can always share a smile, encouragement, faith, love, and prayers with others. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. From: Steven P. Miller@ParkermillerQ,  gatekeeperwatchman.org Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida., USA.  X ... @ParkermillerQ #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller, #Eldermiller1981 GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sparkermiller.JAX.FL.USA

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for April 17, 2024 

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 14:20-21(KJV): 20 The poor are hated even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. 21 He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

Thought for the Day

Verse 20 — The fact that the poor are hated even by their neighbors explains why there is often so much violence in poor neighborhoods. The Bible calls poverty a curse. It breeds many problems, such as filth and sickness. In many areas, the poor do not have access to healthy foods, and their poor nutrition results in poor health. It is demoralizing to live in a poverty-stricken region. Poverty crushes any hope for improvement. Depressed people stop trying to better themselves. This breeds irresponsibility, which becomes a hotbed for rebellion. In some cases, the poverty is so extreme that total exhaustion and starvation strip the people of any desire or hope for life. The only way to break the cycle of poverty is to bring the gospel to the poor and support those ministries that will bring the needed provisions to those who lack them. We can be redeemed from poverty and anything else that misrepresents God to the world. God blesses His people when they follow and obey Him (Deuteronomy 28:1-6).

We cannot keep God's commandments by ourselves; we can only keep them by enabling the Holy Spirit. If we rebel and go our own way, the law of sowing and reaping will bring a curse upon us. Poverty is a part of that curse. Money is not the answer to poverty, since it only takes care of the surface problems. As the American government has discovered; throwing money at the issue through welfare programs only compounds it. Money never solves the root problems of hatred, violence, irresponsibility, or fear. Only a change of heart that comes from knowing Christ can accomplish that. When hearts are not changed, the curse continues (Deuteronomy 28:15-20).

Verse 21 - The rich man has many friends; but love for his money and what it can obtain for them, is at the heart of many of these friendships. The rich man's money can also make him proud, causing him to sin against God, his fellow man, and himself. Christ owns the earth and the entire universe. He gave up His position of supreme power and wealth and became poor to save us, that we might become rich in His blessings (2 Corinthians 8:9). Those who are merciful to the poor are happy and blessed, for they follow in the steps of Jesus Himself.

Prayer Devotional for the Day Dear heavenly Father, I am so grateful that I know You. You have blessed me greatly, and I am thankful for that goodness toward me. Father, strengthen me to walk in obedience to Your commandments daily. Lord, help me also to be sensitive to the needs of others. I desire to be a giver and reach out and help those who are poor. Help me not to ever demean or look down on those who are less fortunate than I am, but rather let me lift them and give them hope and encouragement. Help me to trust You for daily provision and to give of those things that I do have. I can always share a smile, encouragement, faith, love, and prayers with others. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. From: Steven P. Miller@ParkermillerQ,  gatekeeperwatchman.org Founder of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida., USA.  X ... @ParkermillerQ #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #Ephraim1, #IAM, #Sparkermiller, #Eldermiller1981 GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sparkermiller.JAX.FL.USA