RTTBROS Gene Kissinger

Facing The Furnace #RTTBROS #nightlight


"In the Furnace, But Not Alone"


"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." - Isaiah 43:2 (KJV)


The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is a powerful testament to unwavering faith in the face of adversity. These three young men, confronted with the choice between worshipping a false idol or facing a fiery death, chose to stand firm in their beliefs. Their response to King Nebuchadnezzar echoes through the ages:


"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." - Daniel 3:17-18 (KJV)


What happened next was nothing short of miraculous. God didn't extinguish the flames or prevent the three from being cast into the furnace. Instead, He did something far more extraordinary – He joined them in their trial. The astonished king exclaimed:


"Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." - Daniel 3:25 (KJV)


This account reminds us of a profound truth: God doesn't always remove our struggles, but He promises to be with us through them. When life's challenges surround us like a raging fire, we must remember that it's not about the intensity of the flames, but about the presence of our Savior in the midst of them.


In our own lives, we may face fiery trials – financial hardships, health crises, or relationship struggles. These situations can feel overwhelming, much like the furnace that was heated seven times hotter for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. But take heart! Our Lord doesn't abandon us in these moments. He steps into the fire with us, protecting and comforting us.


Remember, dear friend, when things look bleak around you, shift your focus from the circumstances to the One who stands beside you. For it is written:


"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." - Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)


Let us face our trials with the same faith and courage as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, knowing that our God is not only able to deliver us but chooses to walk with us through every fire we face.


Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithful presence in our lives, especially during our most challenging times. Help us to trust in You fully, knowing that You are with us always, even in the fiercest fires of life. In Jesus' name, Amen.


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His Unfailing Presence  #RTTBROS #nightlight

"Anchored in His Unfailing Presence"

Verse: "For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." - Hebrews 13:5b (KJV)

In a world where relationships often seem fleeting and unreliable, many of us grapple with deep-seated fears of abandonment. We yearn for lasting connections, yet find ourselves constantly bracing for the pain of being left behind. This pervasive anxiety can color our interactions and hinder our ability to form meaningful bonds.

However, amidst this uncertainty, there stands an unchanging truth: God's unwavering presence in our lives. Unlike human relationships that may falter, God's commitment to us remains steadfast. He is the constant in a sea of variables, the rock upon which we can build our lives.

The promise in Hebrews 13:5 isn't a mere platitude; it's a powerful assertion of God's character and His love for us. When we internalize this truth, it begins to reshape our perspective on relationships and our own self-worth. We no longer need to cling desperately to others out of fear, for we know that we are never truly alone.

Adrian Rogers, the renowned Baptist pastor, once said, "God loves you not because you are valuable; you are valuable because God loves you." This profound statement reminds us that our worth isn't dependent on the presence or approval of others. Instead, it's rooted in the unchanging love of our Creator.

As we embrace this truth, we can begin to heal from past hurts and approach relationships with a newfound confidence. We can love others freely, without the crippling fear of abandonment, knowing that our ultimate source of love and acceptance will never leave us.

Let us take comfort in the words of the psalmist: "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up" (Psalm 27:10, KJV). Even in our darkest moments, when it feels like everyone has turned away, God remains. He is there, ready to lift us up and carry us through.

Today, let this truth sink deep into your heart: You are never forsaken. God's presence is your constant companion, His love your eternal refuge. In this assurance, may you find the strength to face life's challenges and the courage to love without fear.

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The "I Don't Know Prayer" #RTTBROS #nightlight


"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)


In life, we often encounter situations that leave us feeling lost, confused, and uncertain. These moments can be overwhelming, making us question our abilities and judgment. It's in these times that the "I don't know" prayer becomes a powerful tool for the believer.


This prayer is a humble admission of our limitations and a recognition of God's infinite wisdom and power. When we say, "I don't know how to fix my marriage," or "I don't know how to deal with my runaway child," we're acknowledging that our human understanding falls short. We're laying our burdens at the feet of our Heavenly Father, trusting that He has the answers we seek.


The beauty of the "I don't know" prayer lies in its simplicity and honesty. It strips away our pride and self-reliance, positioning us to receive God's guidance and strength. By admitting our lack of knowledge, we open ourselves to divine wisdom and direction.


As we conclude this prayer with, "I don't know, God, but You know, and I trust You," we're echoing the sentiments of Proverbs 3:5-6. We're choosing to trust in the Lord with all our heart, rather than leaning on our own understanding. We're acknowledging Him in all our ways, believing that He will indeed direct our paths.


The final commitment, "I'll do whatever You tell me to do moment by moment," is a powerful declaration of surrender and obedience. It's an agreement to walk in step with God's will, even when we can't see the entire path ahead.


In your moments of uncertainty and confusion, remember the "I don't know" prayer. Let it be a reminder that you serve a God who knows all things and loves you deeply. Trust in His wisdom, lean on His understanding, and be ready to follow His lead. For in our weakness, His strength is made perfect.


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Heaven #RTTBROS #Nightlight

Title: "The Throne Room of Heaven: A Call to True Worship"


Imagine you're invited to attend the most exclusive gathering in history. As you approach the venue, you notice it's not on Earth, but in the celestial realms. The doors open, and you're ushered into a vast, awe-inspiring throne room. The air is electric with anticipation. Suddenly, a brilliant light floods the chamber, more radiant than a thousand suns. You fall to your knees, overwhelmed by the sheer majesty before you.

Around you, majestic beings with eyes all over their bodies begin to sing in voices that shake the very foundations of heaven. Twenty-four elders, clothed in white and wearing golden crowns, prostrate themselves before the throne. The floor beneath you is like a sea of glass, clear as crystal, reflecting the glory all around.

And there, at the center of it all, seated on a throne of unimaginable splendor, is God Himself. His appearance is so glorious that you can only describe Him in terms of precious jewels - jasper and carnelian, with an emerald rainbow encircling the throne.

As you witness this scene, you realize that nothing in your earthly experience could have prepared you for this moment. All your accomplishments, all your worries, all your earthly pursuits fade into insignificance. In this moment, there is only one appropriate response - pure, unadulterated worship.

This, my friends, is not just a flight of imagination. This is the reality of heaven as described by the Apostle John in the book of Revelation. And today, we're going to explore what this heavenly throne room teaches us about true worship.


As we delve into Revelation chapter 4, we'll discover that worship is not just something we do on Sunday mornings. It's the very essence of our existence, the purpose for which we were created. Let's begin our journey into the throne room of heaven


I. Introduction: The Centrality of Worship in Heaven

- Main Verse: "And they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." (Revelation 4:8b, KJV)


- Quote: "The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father." - Charles Spurgeon


Just as breathing is essential for our physical life, worship is the very breath of our spiritual existence. In heaven, worship isn't just an activity - it's as natural and constant as breathing. The saints and angels don't schedule worship services; their entire being resonates with continuous praise. This is what we're called to emulate in our earthly lives - making worship as instinctive and vital as drawing our next breath.


II. The Majesty of God's Throne (Revelation 4:1-3)


A. John's Heavenly Vision

B. The Indescribable Glory of God

C. The Symbolic Nature of Precious Stones


Illustration: Picture the most awe-inspiring sight you've ever witnessed - perhaps a breathtaking sunset over the Grand Canyon or the vastness of the night sky filled with stars. Now, multiply that feeling of wonder by infinity. That's what John experienced when he saw God's throne. Our human experiences, no matter how magnificent, are mere shadows of the indescribable glory of God's presence. John, a man who walked with Jesus and witnessed incredible miracles, was left grasping for earthly comparisons - precious stones and rainbows - to describe the indescribable.


III. The Heavenly Court (Revelation 4:4-6a)


A. The 24 Elders: Representatives of God's People

B. The Symbolism of White Raiment and Golden Crowns

C. The Throne's Surroundings: Lightning, Thunder, and the Sea of Glass


- Main Verse: "And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment.

CHURCH HISTORY 2 #NormanKissinger #NK #RTTBROS #nightlight


Church History 2

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee." - Deuteronomy 32:7 (KJV)


In our fast-paced, forward-looking world, we often neglect the importance of knowing our spiritual heritage. Many modern churches, in their pursuit of relevance, have inadvertently disconnected themselves from the rich tapestry of church history. However, as believers, we must recognize the value of understanding our roots.


A powerful illustration of this comes from the life of John Knox, the 16th-century Scottish Reformer. Knox's theology and actions not only shaped the Scottish Reformation but also had a profound impact on modern governance. His ideas about the right of the people to resist tyrannical rulers and the importance of education for all citizens influenced the development of democratic principles. These concepts, rooted in his understanding of biblical teachings, later found their way into the political philosophies that shaped nations like the United States.


This example demonstrates how studying church history reveals the profound impact Christianity has had on the world. Many of the values and institutions we cherish today - from human rights to modern democracy - have their roots in Christian thought and action. The church, despite its flaws, has been a powerful force for good in the world.


By exploring the lives of great Christian thinkers, reformers, and missionaries of the past like Knox, we gain inspiration for our own walk with God. Their dedication, their insights, and even their mistakes can guide us as we seek to live out our faith in the present.


Let us not neglect this vital aspect of our faith. Instead, let's embrace the study of church history as a means of strengthening our faith, deepening our understanding, and equipping ourselves to be more effective witnesses for Christ in our own generation. As we do so, we'll discover that we are part of a grand, ongoing story - the story of God's redemptive work in the world through His church.






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CHURCH HISTORY 1 #NormanKissinger #NK  #RTTBROS #nightlight


Church History 1


"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." - Romans 15:4 (KJV)


In the tapestry of church history, we often forget that God has been faithfully working through His people in every generation. It's easy to believe that after the first century, the church fell into complete apostasy until the Reformation. However, as we delve deeper into church history, we discover a beautiful truth: in every century, God raised up faithful men and women who stood for the truth of the Gospel.


Consider the example of Athanasius, a 4th-century bishop of Alexandria. During a time when the Arian heresy threatened to undermine the doctrine of Christ's deity, Athanasius stood firm. Despite facing exile five times over the course of his life, he tirelessly defended the biblical truth that Jesus is fully God. His unwavering stance and clear articulation of Trinitarian doctrine played a crucial role in preserving orthodox Christianity.


This example from church history reminds us that God has always preserved a remnant who remained true to His Word, even in the face of severe opposition. When we feel discouraged by the state of the church or the world around us, we can take comfort in knowing that God has always been at work, even in the darkest times. He has never left His church without a witness.


Let us be inspired by faithful predecessors like Athanasius and strive to be such witnesses in our own generation. May we, like them, stand firm in the faith, proclaim the truth of the Gospel, and trust in God's sovereign plan for His church throughout history.



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