About trying to earn Salvation

Romans 5:1-2

1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

1 John 5:11-12

11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

About God’s purpose for your Life

Isaiah 55:8-9

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.

9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Matthew 6:31-33

31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

2 Timothy 2:13

If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

2 Timothy 2:19

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

The Blessed Classes: They that-

Walk in wisdom

Proverbs 8:32

“Now then, my sons listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.

Proverbs 8:34 

Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.

God fellowship with.

Psalms 65:4 

Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.

Live in God’s house.

Psalms 84:4

Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.

Draw strength from God.

Psalms 84:5 

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

Put their trust in God.

Psalms 2:12 

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Psalms 40:4 

Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

Have sins forgiven.

Psalms 32:1 

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Billy Graham answers your questions…

Dear Billy Graham

Someone told me recently that when people die, an angel accompanies them into heaven (assuming that is their final destination). Is this true? Or is it just a comforting idea someone dreamed up which may or may not be true? I’ve never thought about angels before. — Q.W.

Dear Q.W.

No, this isn’t just an idea someone dreamed up to bring us comfort. When believers die, the Bible says that God’s angels will surround them and protect them on their journey to heaven.

For example, in one of his parables, Jesus told about a poor but faithful beggar who, when he died, was carried by the angels into heaven (see Luke 16:22). The Psalmist declared that God “will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11). This should be a great comfort to us, because it assures us that even as we face death, Satan won’t be able to defeat us or snatch our souls out of God’s hands if we belong to Christ.

It’s easy to forget about God’s angels or overlook their ministry; after all, they are spiritual beings, and therefore their work is largely unseen. But God has given them to us, and although we don’t see them, they are still at work under God’s command to help and protect us. The Bible says, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14).

We aren’t to worship the angels; only God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — is worthy of our worship. But let us thank God for them, and let us live each day with the knowledge that because his angels surround us, we can trust our lives and our futures into his hands.

Thought

"The best way to show that a stick is crooked is not to argue about it or to spend time denouncing it, but to lay a straight stick alongside it."…D. L. Moody

How and How much to Love

With all the heart, soul, mind, and strength

Matthew 22:37  

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Luke 10:27  

He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

As one loves himself

Matthew 22:39  

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Exceedingly

Psalms 119:167  

I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.

As Christ loves us

John 15:12  

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Enough to lay down life for others

John 15:13  

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Without hypocrisy

Romans 12:9  

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

By the Holy Ghost

2 Corinthians 6:6  

In purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;

Questions in Psalms

1)

Why hidest Thou Thyself in times of trouble?

Psalms 10:1  

Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2)

Forever?

Psalms 13:1  

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

3)

How long will Thou hide Thy face from me?

Psalms 13:1  

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

4)

How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?

Psalms 13:2  

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

5)

Why art Thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

Psalms 22:1  

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?

6)

Who is this king of glory?

Psalms 24:10  

Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty— he is the King of glory.

7)

Shall the dust praise Thee?

Psalms 30:9  

“What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

8)

Shall it declare Thy truth?

Psalms 30:9  

“What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

9)

Where is thy God?

Psalms 42:3  

My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

10)

Why art thou cast down, O my Soul? Why art thou disquieted in me?

Psalms 42:5  

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and

Strength

2 Chronicles 16:9

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.”

Nehemiah 8:10

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Job 16:5

But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.

Psalms 18:1 

I love you, O LORD, my strength.

Psalms 18:39 

You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet.

Psalms 18:31-34

31 For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?

32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.

33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.

34 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

Psalms 19:14

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalms 27:14 

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalms 28:7 

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.

Psalms 29:11

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Psalms 30:7

O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.

Examples of kneeling in Prayer.

Solomon:

1 Kings 8:54 

And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.

2 Chronicles 6:13 

For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,

Elijah:

1 Kings 18:42

So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,

Ezra:

Ezra 9:5 

And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God,

Daniel:

Daniel 6:10

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Thoughts

Prayer Requests

The atheist does not deny God so much as he denies himself.  A book is more enjoyable when we know its author.  A symphony is more stirring when we know its composer.  A painting is more meaningful when we know the artist.  A poem is more personal, when we know the poet.  Life is more purposeful when we know the Creator. - William Arthur Ward

Dreams of Scripture…Part 2

Joseph, of brethren

Genesis 37:9  

Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.”

Chief Butler, of him

Genesis 40:9  

So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream. He said to him, “In my dream I saw a vine in front of me,

Chief Baker, of himself

Genesis 40:16  

When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: On my head were three baskets of bread.

Pharaoh, of famine

Genesis 41:1-4  

1 When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing by the Nile,

2 when out of the river there came up seven cows, sleek and fat, and they grazed among the reeds.

3 After them, seven other cows, ugly and gaunt, came up out of the Nile and stood beside those on the riverbank.

4 And the cows that were ugly and gaunt ate up the seven sleek, fat cows. Then Pharaoh woke up.

Pharaoh of famine

Genesis 41:5-8 

5 He fell asleep again and had a second dream: Seven heads of grain, healthy and good, were growing on a single stalk.

6 After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted—thin and scorched by the east wind.

7 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy, full heads. Then Pharaoh woke up; it had been a dream.

8 In the morning his mind was troubled, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.

Things which have failed men-Part 5

Company

Romans 15:24

I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.

Talk

Job 11:2 

“Are all these words to go unanswered? Is this talker to be vindicated?

Trouble

Job 14:1  

“Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.

Ps 88:3

Psalms 88:3  

For my soul is full of trouble and my life draws near the grave.

Sins

Job 20:11  

The youthful vigor that fills his bones will lie with him in the dust.

Romans 1:29-32 

29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,

30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;

31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, and ruthless.

32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

Cursing-bitterness

Romans 3:14  

“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”

Bribes

Psalms 26:10

  

In whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.

Those who belong to God

Must not be proud

Isaiah 2:12  

The LORD Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled),

Galatians 5:26  

Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Must do nothing through vainglory

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Must not turn to the proud

Psalms 40:4  

Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

Must associate with those who are humble

Romans 12:16

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Must remember they have been saved through grace, not through their own goodness

Ephesians 2:8-9  

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Have no reason for self-praise (boasting)

1 Corinthians 1:29  

So that no one may boast before him.

1 Corinthians 1:31  

Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Romans 3:27  

Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith.

Possess love which is not boastful

1 Corinthians 13:4  

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Identity in Christ

Romans 8:15-17

15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of son ship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

2 Timothy 1:9

Who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

2 Timothy 2:1 

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 1:3-11 

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love

5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,

10  to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

Thought

When a husband, wife and children all fulfill their God-appointed roles in the family, when they have all committed their lives to Christ and to His service, then peace and harmony will reign in the home. But if we try to have a good Christian family without Christ as Head, or without adhering to the biblical principles the Lord has lovingly provided for us, we will fail.

Maids who played important parts in the lives of Bible Characters

Hagar

Genesis 16:-1-8  

1 Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar;

2 so she said to Abram, “The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said.

3 So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife.

4 He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress.

5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my servant in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the LORD judge between you and me.”

6 “Your servant is in your hands,” Abram said. “Do with her whatever you think best.” Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her.

7 The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur.

8 And he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I'm running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered.

Zilpah

Genesis 29:24

And Laban gave his servant girl Zilpah to his daughter as her maidservant.

Genesis 30:9-12  

9 When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she took her maidservant Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife.

10 Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son.

11 Then Leah said, “What good fortune!” So she named him Gad.

12 Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son.

The Choice is Ours

 “You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”  1 Peter 1:23 NIV

We are free either to love God or not. He invites us to love Him. He urges us to love Him. He came that we might love Him. But, in the end, the choice is yours and mine. To take that choice from each of us, for Him to force us to love Him, would be less than love . . .

He leaves the choice to us. - Max Lucado