Tag Archives: #Pray

*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

1st Corinthians: 2
Wisdom that Rests on God’s Power
1 When I came to you, brethren, I did not come with excellence of speech or wisdom, proclaiming to you the mystery of God. 2 For I decided not to know about anything among you except Yeshua the Messiah—and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. 4 My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power—5 so that your faith would not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 6 We do speak wisdom, however, among those who are mature—but not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 Rather, we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery—a wisdom that has been hidden, which God destined for our glory before the ages. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it—for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, “Things no eye has seen and no ear has heard, that have not entered the heart of mankind—these things God has prepared for those who love Him. 10 But God revealed these things to us through the Ruach. For the Ruach searches all things—even the depths of God. 11 For who among men knows the things of a man, except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way, no one knows the things of God except the Ruach Elohim. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God—so we might come to know the things freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak—not in words taught by human wisdom but in words taught by the Ruach, explaining the spiritual to the spiritual. 14 Now a natural man does not accept the things of the Ruach Elohim, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But the one who is spiritual discerns all things, and he himself is discerned by no one. For 16 who has known the mind of ADONAI, that he will instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Messiah.

{Tree Of Life Bible~1st Corinthians 2:1-16}

*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

The Gospel of John: 3
A Pharisee Comes Seeking Truth
1 “Now there was a man, a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jewish people. 2 He came to Yeshua at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You, a teacher, have come from God. For no one can perform these signs which You do unless God is with Him! 3 Yeshua answered him, “Amen, amen I tell you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus said to Him. “He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he? 5 Yeshua answered, “Amen, amen I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Ruach is spirit. 7 Do not be surprised that I said to you, ‘You all must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone born of the Ruach.
The Father’s Love Revealed
9 How can these things happen?” Nicodemus said. 10 Yeshua answered him, “You’re a teacher of Israel and you do not understand these things? 11 Amen, amen I tell you, We speak about what We know and testify about what We have seen. Yet you all do not receive Our testimony! 12 If you do not believe the earthly things I told you, how will you believe when I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has gone up into heaven except the One who came down from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life! 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. 18 The one who believes in Him is not condemned; but whoever does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not put his trust in the name of the one and only Ben-Elohim. 19 Now this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world and men loved the darkness instead of the light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light, so that their deeds will not be exposed. 21 But whoever practices the truth comes to the light, so that it may be made known that his deeds have been accomplished in God.
The Living Word, Source of Life
22 Afterwards, Yeshua and His disciples came to the land of Judea. There He was staying with them and immersing. 23 Now John also was immersing at Aenon near Salim, because much water was there and many were coming and being immersed; 24 for John had not yet been thrown into prison. 25 Now an argument came up between John’s disciples and a Judean concerning purification. 26 They came to John and said, “Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—look, He is immersing, and all are coming to Him! 27 John answered, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah,’ but rather, ‘I am sent before Him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom, but the best man rejoices when he stands and hears the bridegroom’s voice. So now my joy is complete! 30 He must increase, while I must decrease. 31 The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth is of the earth, and of the earth he speaks. The One who comes from heaven is above all. 32 And what He has seen and heard, He testifies to that; yet no one receives His testimony. 33 Whoever receives His testimony has certified that God is true. 34 The One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Ruach without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given everything into His hand. 36 He who trusts in the Son has eternal life. He who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

{Tree Of Life Bible~John 3:1-36}

*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

Peter’s 2nd Letter: 1
The Second Letter from Peter
While 1 Peter focuses on believers who are undergoing persecution—an external problem—Peter’s second letter addresses an internal one, namely false teaching. This letter was written shortly before 65 C.E., not long before Peter was killed in Emperor Nero’s persecution of Roman believers. Probably he wrote to the same mostly Gentile believers as in 1 Peter. 2 Peter tells us two things about the false teachers. First, they denied the reality of Yeshua’s return (3:3-4) in judgment. Second, and probably because of this doctrinal error, they led lives of immorality (2:10-20). After all, if Yeshua is never coming back and if there is no final judgment, why not just live as we please? 2 Peter 2:19 describes these false teachers as promising freedom while really promoting a form of slavery. This remains relevant today when we consider that there are many people who seek personal freedom by pursuing such goals as wealth, pleasure, or fame apart from God. Without Him, though, it is all too easy to end up enslaved to our ambitions. But Peter’s second letter reminds us that doctrine and behavior are interconnected. What we believe affects how we live, and how we live can affect what we believe—for sometimes people can change their beliefs to justify an improper lifestyle and, on the other hand, living according to Scripture can strengthen our faith. Peter often encourages his readers to “remember” what he has taught them (1:12-15, 3:1, 5, 8)—a very Jewish concept. In Scripture, when God “remembers” his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 2:24), it means that He takes action to deliver His people. At the Passover Seder we remember what God has done for our people to encourage us to worship and live for Him. Peter’s call for his readers to “remember” certain things and “not forget” others is a call not just to bring certain things to mind, but to actively live a godly life in the hope of Yeshua’s return. The return of the Lord is an encouragement to living a godly life now. How do we do that? By following what Peter says in his final verse: growing “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Yeshua the Messiah.”
Greetings
1 Simon Peter, a slave and emissary of Messiah Yeshua, To those who have received a faith equal to ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior, Messiah Yeshua: 2 May grace and shalom be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Yeshua our Lord.
Qualities for Living Forever
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and virtue. 4 Through these things He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, since you have escaped the corruption that evil desires have brought into the world. 5 Now for this very reason, making every effort, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, patience; and to patience, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly love; and to brotherly love, love. 8 For if these qualities are in you and increasing, they keep you from becoming idle and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah. 9 But anyone who lacks these qualities is blind—nearsighted because he has forgotten his cleansing from past sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, make all the more effort to make your calling and election certain—for if you keep doing these things, you will never stumble. 11 For in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Messiah Yeshua, will be richly provided for you. 12 Therefore I intend to keep reminding you of these things, even though you know them and are well-grounded in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right to stir you up with a reminder, as long as I remain alive in this “tent” of a body—14 knowing that my death is soon, as our Lord Yeshua the Messiah has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort for you to always remember these things even after my departure.
Distinguishing True Testimony from Tales
16 For we did not follow cleverly concocted tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, a voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory: “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased! 18 And we ourselves heard this voice come out of heaven, when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 Furthermore, we have the reliable prophetic word. You do well by paying attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all understand this: no prophecy of Scripture comes about from a person’s own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever brought forth by human will; rather, people spoke from God as they were moved by the Ruach ha-Kodesh.

{Tree Of Life Bible~2nd Peter 1:1-21}

*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

2 Kings: 20
Put Your House In Order
1 In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. So Isaiah the prophet son of Amoz came to him and said to him, “Thus says ADONAI: Put your house in order. For you are dying, and will not live. 2 Then he turned his face to the wall and prayed to ADONAI saying: 3 Please, ADONAI, remember how I have walked before You in truth and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in Your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 Then it came to pass, before Isaiah was gone out of the middle court, that the word of ADONAI came to him, saying: 5 Return, and say to Hezekiah the leader of My people, thus says ADONAI, the God of your father David: ‘I have heard your prayer and I have seen your tears. Behold, I am going to heal you. On the third day you will go up to the House of ADONAI. 6 Then I will add 15 years to your life. I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; I will defend this city for My own sake, and for My servant David’s sake.’ 7 Then Isaiah said, “Take a cake of figs.” So they took one and laid it on the boil, and he recovered. 8 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What will be the sign that ADONAI will heal me, and that I should go up to the House of ADONAI on the third day? 9 Then Isaiah said, “This will be the sign to you from ADONAI, that ADONAI will do this word He has spoken: Should the shadow go forward ten steps or go back ten steps? 10 Hezekiah answered, “It’s easy for a shadow to go forward ten steps; no, let the shadow turn back ten steps. 11 Then Isaiah the prophet cried to ADONAI; and He brought the shadow ten steps backward, by which it had gone down on the sundial of Ahaz.
Hezekiah Shows His Treasury to Babylon
12 At that time Berodach-baladan, son of King Baladan of Babylon, sent a letter and a present to Hezekiah, for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. 13 Now Hezekiah listened to them, and showed them his entire treasure house—the silver and the gold, the spices and the precious oil—and his armory, and everything that was found in his treasuries. There was nothing in his house or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. 14 Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah and asked him, “What did these men say, and from where did they come to you?” Hezekiah replied, “They have come to me from a far country, from Babylon. 15 Then he asked, “What have they seen in your house?” Hezekiah said, “They have seen everything in my house. There is nothing of my treasuries that I didn’t show them. 16 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of ADONAI: 17 Behold, days are coming when everything in your house, which your fathers have stored up to this day, will be carried to Babylon—nothing will be left,’ says ADONAI. 18 Moreover, some of your descendants—who will issue from you, whom you will father—will be taken away and will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’ 19 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “Good is the word of ADONAI which you have spoken.” For he thought, “Is it not so, if there will be shalom and security in my days? 20 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah and all his might—including how he made the pool and the tunnel that brought water into the city—are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 21 So Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and his son Manasseh became king in his place.

{Tree Of Life Bible~2 Kings 20:1-21}

*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

Proverbs: 14
Wisdom Builds Up, Folly Tears Down
1 A wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands. 2 The one who walks uprightly fears ADONAI, but one devious in his ways despises Him. 3 In the mouth of a fool is a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. 4 Where there are no oxen, the stalls are clean, but from the strength of the ox comes an abundant harvest. 5 A trustworthy witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies. 6 A scoffer seeks wisdom yet finds none, but knowledge is easy to the discerning. 7 Walk away from a fool, for you will find no knowledge on his lips. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to consider his way, but the folly of fools is deception. 9 Fools mock guilt of sin, but among the upright is goodwill. 10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. 11 The house of the wicked will be demolished, but the tent of the upright will flourish. 12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. 13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief. 14 A backsliding heart partakes of its ways, and a good man is rewarded for his. 15 The naive believes every word, but the shrewd discerns his steps. 16 The wise fears and turns away from evil, but the fool is hotheaded and reckless. 17 One with a short temper acts foolishly, and one with crafty schemes is hated. 18 The naive inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 Evil men will bow in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
Poverty and Riches
20 The poor is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich. 21 Whoever despises his neighbor sins, but whoever is gracious to the needy is blessed. good. 22 Indeed those who plot evil go astray but grace and truth come to those who plan. 23 In all hard work there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. 24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools is foolishness. 25 A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is treacherous. 26 In the fear of ADONAI one has strong confidence. It will be a refuge for His children. 27 The fear of ADONAI is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death. 28 A large population is a king’s glory, but lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin. 29 One who is slow to anger shows great understanding, but a quick-tempered one exalts folly. 30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones. 31 The one who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him. 32 The wicked is brought down In his calamity yet the righteous has a refuge even in death. 33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning, and even among fools she is known. 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. 35 The king shows favor toward a servant who acts wisely, but his wrath is on one who is disgracefully.

{Tree Of Life Bible~Proverbs 14:1-35}

*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

Isaiah: 58
Fasting and Tzedakah
1 Cry aloud, do not hold back! Raise your voice like a shofar. Tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet they seek Me day to day and delight to know My ways, as if they were a nation that did right, and had not forsaken their God’s decree. They ask Me for righteous judgments; they delight in the nearness of God. 3 Why have we fasted. Yet You do not see? Why have we afflicted our souls, yet You take no notice?” “Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and exploit all your laborers. 4 Behold, you fast for strife and contention and to strike with a wicked fist. You should not fast as you do today to make your voice heard on high. 5 Is this the fast I have chosen? A day for one to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and spreading out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to ADONAI? 6 Is not this the fast I choose: to release the bonds of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to let the oppressed go freehand to tear off every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the homeless poor into your house? When you see the naked, to cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will spring up speedily. Your righteousness will go before you, the glory of ADONAI as your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and ADONAI will answer. You will cry and He will say, “Here I am.” If you get rid of the yoke among you—finger-pointing and badmouthing—10 If you give yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness, and your gloom will be like midday. 11 Then ADONAI will guide you continually, satisfy your soul in drought and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters never fail. 12 Some of you will rebuild the ancient ruins, will raise up the age-old foundations, will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets for Dwelling. 13 If you turn back your foot from Shabbat, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call Shabbat a delight, the holy day of ADONAI honorable, If you honor it, not going your own ways, not seeking your own pleasure, nor speaking your usual speech, 14 then You will delight yourself in ADONAI, and I will let you ride over the heights of the earth, I will feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of ADONAI has spoken.

{Tree Of Life Bible~Isaiah 58:1-14}

*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

Proverbs: 16
Commit Your Heart to ADONAI
1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the tongue’s answer is from ADONAI. 2 All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but ADONAI weighs the motives. 3 Commit whatever you do to ADONAI, and your plans will succeed. 4 ADONAI works everything out for his own purpose—even the wicked for a day of disaster. 5 ADONAI abhors all the proud in heart. Be assured, they will not go unpunished. 6 By mercy and truth is iniquity atoned, and by the fear of ADONAI one avoids evil. 7 When one’s ways are pleasing to ADONAI, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him. 8 Better a little with righteousness than much income without justice. 9 The heart of man plans his course, but ADONAI directs his steps.
The Delights of A Just King
10 An oracle is on the lips of the king—let his mouth never be treacherous in judgment. 11 Honest balances and scales are ADONAI’s. All the weights in a bag are His handiwork. 12 Wrongdoing is an abomination to kings, for a throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings. He loves those who speak honestly. 14 A king’s fury is like messengers of death, but a wise man will appease it. 15 In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor like a cloud of spring rain. 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver. 17 The highway of the upright avoids evil. He who guards his way protects his life. 18 Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better to be lowly in spirit with the afflicted than to share the spoil with the proud. 20 One prudent in a matter will find good, blessed is the one who trusts in ADONAI. 21 The wise in heart is called discerning, and sweetness of lips increases persuasiveness. 22 Insight is a fountain of life to one who has it, but folly leads to the discipline of fools. 23 A wise man’s heart teaches his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are honeycomb—sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. 26 A laborer’s appetite works on his behalf, for his hunger drives him on.
Slow to Anger
27 A wicked scoundrel digs up evil, and on his lips is a scorching fire. 28 A perverse person sows strife, and a gossip separates close friends. 29 A violent person lures his neighbor, leading him down a path that is no good. 30 One who winks his eyes schemes deceit, one who purses his lips is bent on evil. 31 Gray hair is a crown of glory, found on the path of righteousness. 32 Better to be slow to anger than a mighty warrior. One who controls his temper is better than one who conquers a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but their very decision is from ADONAI.

{Tree Of Life Bible~Proverbs 16:1-33}

*Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion*

2nd Timothy: 2
Disciples from Generation to Generation
1 Therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Messiah Yeshua. 2 And what you have heard from me among many witnesses, entrust to faithful people who will be capable to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Messiah Yeshua. 4 No one serving as a soldier entangles himself in the activities of everyday life, so that he might please the one who enlisted him. 5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned victorious unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to receive the first share of the crops. 7 Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 8 Remember Yeshua the Messiah, raised from the dead, from the seed of David—according to my Good News. 9 For this I suffer hardship as a criminal, even to the point of chains—though the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the chosen, so they might obtain the salvation that is in Messiah Yeshua with eternal glory. 11 Trustworthy is the saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us; 13 if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
A Workman with the Word
14 Remind them of these things and solemnly charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which is useless—to the ruin of those who are listening. 15 Make every effort to present yourself before God as tried and true, as an unashamed worker cutting a straight path with the word of truth. 16 But avoid godless chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness 17 and their words will spread like cancer. Among them are Hymeneaus and Philetus—18 men who have missed the mark concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place. They are overturning the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord keep away from unrighteousness. 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay—some for honor and some for common use. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor—sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Now flee from youthful desires; instead, pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and shalom, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they produce quarrels. 24 The Lord’s slave must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, tolerant. 25 Let him give guidance with humility to those who are in opposition—perhaps God may grant them a change of mind, leading to the knowledge of truth. 26 Then they may regain their senses and escape the devil’s snare, in which they had been held captive by him to do his will.

{Tree Of Life Bible~2nd Timothy 2:1-26}