“Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory [is] above the earth and heaven” (Psalm 148:11-13 KJV). (See also Luke 2:10; Isaiah 56:7; 2 Kings 23:3 KJV.)
“The Bible is written in language that the humblest mind may comprehend; for it is written for the people, and the Lord reveals His truth according to their necessities and their comprehension. Through His servants, the truth is made so plain by pen and voice that none need call for greater evidence than has been given. If this evidence is rejected, any additional evidence would not convince the mind, change the sentiments, and convert the will, were it possible to make it fifty-fold stronger. The declaration to one who wished that a messenger should be sent from the dead to warn his brethren, was, ‘If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.’ BEcho August 19, 1895, par. 5
“When the truth is brought before the mind, the Lord impresses the heart. An instance of this, and of the result of rejecting these divine impressions, is recorded by Luke. Christ, preaching at Nazareth, announced Himself as the Anointed One. The Spirit of God accompanied His utterances, and convicted hearts of their truth. All bore witness to the gracious words that fell from His lips. But temptations of Satan’s own devising came in, and the people, naturally unbelieving, were readily overcome. They were borne on in their skepticism until they were ready for violence and murder at the thought of the assumption of Jesus; and if an angel of God had not been by His side, they would have hurled Him headlong over the precipice.” BEcho August 19, 1895 par. 6
Dear Heavenly Father, I acknowledge times when You have impressed my heart with Truth. Yet, maybe for fear of public ridicule, I failed to follow Your divine promptings. I chose to be unbelieving. Now I have entangled myself deeper in the interests of the world, and I need Your deliverance. Please bless me to cooperate with You and be wisely led forward to obey You and be a blessing to all within my influence, according to Your will and Your Word: The Holy Bible. Please bless me to love You and fully believe Your Word. In the name of Jesus, I pray and thank You. Amen.
NOTE: These devotionals began as daily texts to encourage my academy roommate and dear friend of nearly 50 years, until she suddenly passed a few weeks ago (Feb 2023). Now I continue to compile and send them to anyone who wants to receive them and to her family in honor of their mom. First, I pray and look for a Bible verse or passage and find a suitable commentary (or vice versa) and add a prayer. Some days, only a Scripture and prayer are ordered. I might even add a song. If you agree to receive them, then this way I not only honor God but the memory of a very dear friend whom I desperately miss. My personal prayer is that God will bless me to find ways to multiply this gift. So please feel free to forward to your loved ones or to anyone, as God leads you. I’m calling them Barb’s Devotionals.