The word “sorrows” is ὠδίν, which means labor pains! Every mama knows that as the baby gets closer to being born, the labor pains INTENSIFY! Would you say that things happening at lightning speed in our world are intensifying?

Does it seem like all hell is unleashing an attack, especially on God’s people? Remember, my friend, our Lord Jesus said it would be this way. Prepare for battle—spiritual warfare.

When JESUS steps out on the clouds of glory, He is not coming to take sides—instead, HE is coming to TAKE OVER! That is GOOD NEWS in a BAD NEWS world!!

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:16) 

Because on September 23, 2025, the Jewish Feast called “TRUMPETS” or Rosh Hashanah will take place. It is the first of the three FALL JEWISH FEASTS that the Lord gave to Moses to give to the nation of ISRAEL.

Remember, there are three Feasts in the spring {Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits}, one in the summer {Pentecost}, and three in the fall {Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Tabernacles}. These are practiced every year in Israel. Actually, the Feast of Trumpets marks the beginning of a New Year in Israel.

So the big question is: who is the focus on this date, Sept. 23—the Church or Israel? Let’s take a look at the Book!

1. GOD gave ISRAEL these JEWISH FEASTS! (Lev. 23:24) – “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.”

Basically, this is a “TIME OUT”! Their normal activities stop. Shofars (trumpets) are blown. The Jews are the focus. Therefore, if you apply the “literal method” of interpretation, there is no other way to understand it. It is to Israel, not the Church.

Howbeit, we do derive benefits from these Jewish Feasts, but technically speaking it was for Israel. Meaning the Church is not necessarily intended to practice these Jewish Feasts. After all, the Church was first established in the New Testament in the book of Acts (2), long after these Feasts were appointed to Israel.

So is the RAPTURE for the Church or for the Israelites (Jews who are not Christians)? How would you answer that?

By the way, since the establishment of the Church, Jews can become a part of the Church by repenting from sin and receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Then and only then will they be RAPTURED along with Gentile Christians, according to the biblical teaching of Paul, Peter, James, John, and even Jesus.

2. Because the JEWS {ISRAEL} REJECTED their MESSIAH… (Acts 1:6–7) – “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.”

…the KINGDOM period which JESUS brought to them to establish on earth has been postponed until He returns in His SECOND COMING!

Do you see that we are not now living in the literal KINGDOM of CHRIST where He will rule and reign on His throne called MESSIAH’S TEMPLE in Jerusalem for a thousand years, according to Revelation chapter 20?

3. JESUS CHRIST will first return in the RAPTURE for His bride, the CHURCH! (John 14:1–3; 1 Thess. 4:16–17; Rev. 3:10)

4. At JESUS’ SECOND COMING {not the RAPTURE, which takes place 7 years prior} many of the JEWS who are not a part of the Church will “look upon Him” and be saved! (Zech. 12:10; Luke 21:24–28; Rom. 11:25–26)

“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”

“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.”

Clearly, Paul is speaking about God’s plan for Israel. In fact, in Rom. 9 we see Israel’s past; in Rom. 10, Israel’s present; and in Rom. 11, Israel’s future.

But like today, those who REJECT JESUS CHRIST will be sentenced to the Lake of Fire to spend eternity departed from God, to be tormented forever according to the Scriptures (Rev. 20:11–15).

Conclusion: Studying biblical prophecy greatly prepares Christians to “know the times” in which we are living so we can “MAKE a DIFFERENCE” in the lives of others, for the glory of our God.

The next Jewish Feast that follows the Feast of Trumpets will be the Feast of the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur. So all of this means the RAPTURE of the Church is the next event on God’s calendar, which could happen at any moment.

“These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.” (John 16:1-3)

Speaking of PERSECUTION, Jesus set the example that we are to follow.

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:” (1 Pet 2:21-23)

2. Consider what Paul was inspired to write about CHRISTian PERSECUTION! (2 Tim 3:12) – “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.” (2 Tim 2:12)

Certainly, he experienced his share of PERSECUTION!

3. Check out what Peter had to say about the subject of PERSECUTION! (1 Pet 4:12-16) – “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” 

4. Listen to the historian and physician, Luke’s description of the early Church’s PERSECUTION! (Acts 4, 5) – “And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide…..”

“And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

“Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 18And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.”

Let’s face it! We do NOT see suffering as God sees it. For instance, in regards to Jesus, the writer to Hebrews says (Heb. 5:7–9): “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”

Introduction: Dealing and resolving disagreements is inevitable. Parenting, marriages, and even friendships have conflict. How should we resolve our disagreements?

Today’s devotion offers a few suggestions. This is certainly not exhaustive due to space. Yet, hopefully it will help some who read it.

1. We must understand that we see things differently at times! (Rom. 14:1-9) – “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.” 

The Church of Rome was comprised of both Jews and Gentiles, which included different backgrounds, convictions, and goals. Therefore, conflict was bound to happen.  And so it is with relationships today. 

2. We must not be quick to judge or criticize each other! (Rom. 14:10-12) – “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” 

When our idea or way is not accepted, then it is easy to become critical and judgmental.

3. We can become a stumbling block and not realize it! (Rom. 14:13) – “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” 

Our attitude and actions – reaction can present a stumbling block to others. In turn, others trip and fall instead of being lifted up. 

4. We need to give others room to grow! (Rom. 14:1-3) – “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” 

Everyone is not at the same level in their walk with Jesus. Be sensitive to that. Be patient with them. Let the Holy Spirit work in them. Help facilitate the growth process. God will be glorified.

Conclusion: While this is in a Church setting, these principles can be personalized in friendships and marriage, as well as parenting.

Think about where you have conflict. How should it be resolved? Look back over these points and pray about where you are and what our Lord would have you to do.

1. Will you throw out the anchor because you are drifting in life with things OUT of CONTROL? (Heb. 6:17) – “Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath.”

First, look at the word “heirs.” It is κληρονόμος, which means a sharer by lot, i.e. an inheritor. It can mean a possessor. In other words, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, then you are an inheritor! He has promised.

2. Will you throw out an anchor as you drift in life because there are some things you can CONTROL? (Heb. 6:18) – “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.”

3. Will you throw out an anchor in life because as you are drifting in life, remember JESUS CHRIST is in CONTROL? (Heb. 6:19) – “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.”

1. The Living Word used the written Word while fasting against the devil! (Matt 4:3,4,7,10) – “And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

2. The Living Word used the written Word to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil while fasting! (Matt 4: 6-7) – “And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”

3. The Living Word through the written Word becomes the fleshed out Word by Fasting! (Matt 4:8-11) – “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”

They saw it from a distance. They embraced it with great joy. They pursued it unwaveringly. Their trust in their dying Savior Jesus Christ was settled. Their hope was steadfast in the resurrection. Their gaze was set in His promise to return! They clearly understood their PURPOSE, their POWER, and His PRESENCE.

What did they possess that we desperately need today? The writer to the book of Hebrews plainly explains their unrelenting faith. 

“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” (Heb. 11:32–38)

These did not FLINCH in the face of ADVERSITY, nor back away in the pool of MEDIOCRITY, but pressed onward with great TENACITY!

“And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” (Heb. 11:39–40)

By the way, the word perfect is τελειόω, which means accomplished, finished, or to fulfill. In other words, Heb. 11:13 sums it up: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

1. Paul was incarcerated but he was not incapacitated! (Phil. 4:22) – “All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.”

Paul overcame his obstacles and turned them into opportunities. That is, he was able to WITNESS the love of Jesus Christ to some of the household of Caesar. No doubt that included soldiers, politicians, and others listed in Romans chapter sixteen. He clearly understood that God’s providential hand was leading in that opportunity. He wrote explaining that very thing: “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.” (Phil. 1:12)

Take a moment to ponder where our Lord is opening doors of opportunity for you. Will you walk through them? Instead of “whining,” how about “shining”?

Others were walking free but shackled in bondage until they met Jesus Christ, Who set them free!

“I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me.” (Philemon 1:10–11)

Do you know where Onesimus met Paul? It was in Rome, while he was confined in prison—but really free as a bird! By the way, Onesimus was really the one in chains—chains which were attached to the deadly disease called sin, which leads to eternal death (Rom. 6:23). You see, he had done his master (boss), Philemon, wrongly. Perhaps he stole from him—we are not exactly sure what he did—but nevertheless, he was weighed down with guilt and condemnation, needing relief.

Can you relate? That is when he and Paul crossed paths and he experienced a glorious conversion to Jesus Christ. Afterwards, and upon Paul’s mediating, he made restitution with Philemon. What a radical transformation took place! God was glorified!

1. Back to the passage of Scripture in Galatians:
As you know, the book of Galatians was written by Paul, who was inspired by God to explain the subject of JUSTIFICATION—evidently, there were many FALSE teachers in the Churches, like today, misleading people concerning what it meant to be saved, plus even after being saved.

Keep in mind, the Church had been established at Pentecost (Acts 2), but many JEWS were being saved along with many GENTILES. It was creating problems because the Jews were telling & teaching that the Gentiles had to KEEP the Jewish LAWS {613 or more} plus do the Jewish ceremonies, etc., in order to be saved, JUSTIFIED {that was legalism—like today some think they can be saved by good works}.

To refute this nonsense, Paul is led by the Holy Spirit to clarify the difference in the two groups {Jews and Gentiles} and their relation to the Church {those Jews who were alive at that time—however, many had died before Jesus Christ was crucified and raised from the dead—what do you think God is going to do with them? That’s another subject, but He has a plan for them according to the Old Testament}. But once Jesus Christ died for our sins and arose from the grave, they all {Jews—Gentiles} could be justified and placed into the Church. That is the same message and purpose for God the Holy Spirit writing the book of Romans, Corinthians, etc.—Jews and Gentiles could be saved and justified without legalistic means.

2. Take a closer look at what Paul wrote in Gal. 3:29.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Many who embrace Replacement theology say, “Abraham’s seed was the Church.” {The Physical seed of Abraham—in other words, we, the Church, replaces Israel.}

That is incorrect—the Church is the “SPIRITUAL SEED” of ABRAHAM! That is, we BELIEVE God by FAITH and are JUSTIFIED before God {like Abraham was justified by his faith; see Rom. 4, James 2, etc.}. That is what Paul meant! Again, that is the PURPOSE of this letter {Galatians} to verify that we, the Church, are like Abraham & the Jews {as we believe God by faith in Jesus Christ’s redeeming blood} even as they offered BLOOD as sacrifices—they obeyed what God told them to do—thus, they were justified {by faith—taking God at His Word}. Today, we put our trust and faith in Jesus Christ and are justified (Rom. 5:1).

In the light of all of this just stated {justified by faith}, it does not negate the UNCONDITIONAL COVENANTS that God made in the Old TESTAMENT with ISRAEL before Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Also, another problem is that some of those who interpret the Bible that way {replacement theology—the Church replaces Israel} deny the LITERAL MILLENNIUM reign of Christ {it is called preterism}. They say we are now living in the KINGDOM & deny Rev. 20 as literal. {They say we—the Church—are building the Kingdom.} That is “KINGDOM NOW theology” that is so prevalent in the Christian world. {This writer used to think this way before really doing a thorough study on the subject}. But the literal KINGDOM of God, according to the Bible, will take place when the KING—JESUS {Rev. 19:15,16}—comes to this earth to set up His earthly KINGDOM {Government—Isa. 9:6,7; Dan. 7:14; 1 Cor. 15:24,25; Luke 1:32,33}.