Reasons for winning souls

Because Jesus was a Soul-Winner

1 Timothy 1:5 - The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Jesus came to save people

Matthew 4:19 - “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

Matthew 28:19-20 - 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

He went where the people were

Luke 15:2 - But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Luke 14:23 - “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.

Acts 5:42 – Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount was delivered to two distinct groups of people: The Multitudes & Disciples of Christ.

Spiritual Quotes

"Nature is but a name for an effect whose cause is God."

"God loves material things. He made them!"

"Now the church is not wood and stone, but the company of people who believe in Christ."

 “The voices of the world are loud and sparse, but the voice of God is a constant whisper.”

JESUS

- Jehovah maccaddeshem – the Lord May Sanctifier.

- He is Jehovah Makketh – the Lord  who stikes

Sexual Abuse

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God

Jude 1:7

In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

2 Kings 23:7

He also tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes that were in the temple of the Lord, the quarters where women did weaving for Asherah.

1 Timothy 1:10

For the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine

1 Corinthians 6:19

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

Romans 13:8-10

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Can You Trust God With the Details of Your Life?

Genesis 50:20

The question is not "Can you?” but "Will you?”

Quote 

Life begins with Jesus.

Life is short, pray hard!

Spiritual Quotes

“We can do nothing, we say sometimes, we can only pray. That, we feel, is a terribly precarious second-best. So long as we can fuss and work and rush about, so long as we can lend a hand, we have some hope; but if we have to fall back upon God — ah, then things must be critical indeed!”

God’s purpose in your life

2 Chronicles 16:9

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”

1 Corinthians 9:26

So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.

Philippians 1:21

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

2 Corinthians 4:17

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Revelation 4:11

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Luke 2:8-11

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

Thoughts on This Verse....

Shepherds and the glory of the Lord in the same sentence. Shepherds enjoyed a great heritage in Israel with Abraham, Moses, and David as notable shepherds and God being identified through Psalm 23 as a great shepherd. But by this time in Israelite history, they were not highly regarded. They smelled like sheep. They spent their time with sheep.

They were not really clean and religious enough to be considered spiritual. So when God chose to announce the birth of Jesus to shepherds with his contingent of angels he makes his point clear: Everyone is loved by God, everyone has access to God, and everyone is! desired by God.

Trustworthy Commitments

Philippians 4:13

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Romans 12:3

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—

1 John 4:4

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

2 Corinthians 2:14

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.

Joel 2:21

Be not afraid, O land; be glad and rejoice. Surely the LORD has done great things.

Thoughts on This Verse....

This reassurance from God is given to a people facing desperate times, which were brought on by God to lead them to repent. Their land lies desolate and decimated from drought, plagues, and poor harvests. God, however, is now promising to bless them if they will return to him with all their hearts.
The LORD, the covenant God of Israel, will do great things to bring his people to deliverance through their repentance and his gracious power. The land can rejoice and be glad. So should his people!
So should we! Because of Jesus, we know that "the LORD has done great things" for us!

Quotes

.. “The greatest joys in life are found not only in what we do and feel, but also in our quiet hopes and labors for others.” ― Bryant McGill

.. “The tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body; use yours to lift someone up today.”― Terri Ann Armstrong

Worshiping God

Deuteronomy 4:19

And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.


Psalms 2:7

I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father.

Matthew 4:10

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

Matthew 6:33

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

Matthew 8:2

A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Matthew 9:18

While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.”

Matthew 14:33

Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 15:9

They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules

Matthew 15:25

The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.

Matthew 16:18

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Matthew 16:24

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Give God a Chance

“For the LORD had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.”

– 2 Kings 7:6

1. God knows how much we can bear

2. God has access to unlimited resources

3. God is always on time.

1 Corinthians 3:3

You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

Thoughts on This Verse....

The Corinthians boasted in their wisdom, giftedness, and tolerance. But, no matter how gifted a church, no matter how full of earthly wisdom, no matter how tolerant, if the people of that church are caught up in petty arguments, cliquishness and ugly quarrels, they are immature. Rather than being a place where Christ is known and shown, their meetings are no more than just a gathering of "mere humans. “We are recreated in Christ to be more!

Evangelical Quote

"This Pentecostal movement is something which God has started at high speed, but the faster we go the greater the need of holiness. The more power we have, the more we need to have every obstacle cleared out of the way.

That which cannot be noticed in an old dead church can wreck a revival in a Pentecostal church. May God give us holiness with our Pentecost, for we surely need it. No revival can continue with the blessing of God upon it that does not have a high standard of holiness." – Donald Gee

Quotes from Billy Graham

- A calling is you feel - you look out and see the need - maybe it's the need for the poor, to help poor people. Maybe it's the need to get involved in the race problem, as Martin Luther King was - felt called.

-All my life I've been taught how to die, but no one ever taught me how to grow old.

-As I got older, I guess I became mellower and more forgiving and more loving.

Jesus

- He is also Jehovah Rohi

- The Lord is my Shepherd

- Jehovah Sabbaoth – the Lord of Hosts

- Jehovah Shalom – the Lord our Peace

His Precious Promises

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises. 2 Peter 1:4

 When God made thee a believer, He meant to try thee; and when He gave thee promises, and bade thee trust them, He gave such promises as are suitable for times of tempest and tossing. Dost thou think that God makes shams like some that have made belts for swimming, which were good to exhibit in a shop, but of no use in the sea?

We have all heard of swords which were useless in war; and even of shoes which were made to sell, but were never meant to walk in. God's shoes are of iron and brass, and you can walk to Heaven in them without their ever wearing out; and His life-belts, you may swim a thousand Atlantics upon them, and there will be no fear of your sinking.

His Word of promise is meant to be tried and proved.

Child of God

And the rest, some on boards, some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass that they escaped all safe to land (Acts 27:44).

Paul, more than anyone else, was an example of how much a child of God can suffer without being crushed or broken in spirit. On account of his testifying in Damascus, he was hunted down by persecutors and obliged to fly for his life.

But we behold no heavenly chariot transporting the holy apostle amid thunderbolts of flame from the reach of his foes, but "through a window in a basket," was he let down over the walls of Damascus and so escaped their hands. In an old clothes basket, like a bundle of laundry, or groceries, the servant of Jesus Christ was dropped from the window and ignominiously fled from the hate of his foes.

He opens the way

He went out, not knowing whither he went (Hebrews 11:8).

So faith looks up and sails on, by God's great Sun, not seeing one shore line or earthly lighthouse or path upon the way. Often its steps seem to lead into utter uncertainty, and even darkness and disaster; but He opens the way, and often makes such midnight hours the very gates of day.

"Christ was in agony in prayer, Luke 22:44. Many when they pray are rather in lethargy, than in an agony. When they are about the world they are all fire; when they are at prayer, they are all ice."

The murmuring Pharisees

Matthew 9:10

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.

Nark 2:15

While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.

Luke 5:30

But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

Restoring Broken Fellowship 

Romans 12:18

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans 12:10

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

1 Peter 3:11

They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 103:12

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Now that's a long way - from sun rising to sun setting, that's how far God has removed our sins. But the key word is removed. When we sin and come to God in repentance, God doesn't just forgive our sin; he purifies us of all unrighteousness. What was unholy in me is made righteous in him. What was impure is now clean. What was stained is spotless. Why? How? We can now see more fully what the Psalmist could know only in part. God doesn't see our sin, but Jesus' sacrifice. His blood purifies and cleanses us! Our sin is gone and we are clean.

Our God is Faithful God - 2

Psalm 18:31

For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?

Psalm 18:46

The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!

Psalm 19:14

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 28:1

To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent,  I will be like those who go down to the pit.

Psalm 31:2-3

Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Psalm 42:9

I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me?  Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?”

Psalm 62:2

Sing the glory of his name;  make his praise glorious.

Psalm 62:6-7

He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot—come, let us rejoice in him. He rules forever by his power,  his eyes watch the nations—let not the rebellious rise up against him.

Psalm 71:3

Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

Psalm 78:35

They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer.

Psalm 89:26

He will call out to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior.’

Acts 8:4

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

Thoughts on This Verse....

When someone tries to stomp out the flame of dry broom weed, the sparks fly upward and ride upon the wind, spreading the flame far and wide.

As Satan tried to use persecution to discourage the early church, the very martyrdom and persecution that drove these Christians from their homes was used by God to spread the message wherever they went. Each believer was a spark driven on the Divine Wind of God's empowering Spirit.

Who should praise the Lord?

All men everywhere.

Psalm 145:21

My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

Psalm 148:11-13

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.

Perspective    

Everything is a trifle to a man who is a Christian except the glorifying of Christ- Charles Spurgeon   

Faith    

If your faith can't be tested, it can't be trusted.

Salvation, 

Even if you don't believe and aren't asking God for salvation, you may yet be saved. Someone else may be praying for you.

Grace    

People often ask 'Why do bad things happen to good men?', when the real question is 'Why do good things happen to bad men?'

Revival

In revival God is not concerned about filling empty churches; He is concerned about filling empty hearts.

Spiritual Quote

“When life caves in, you do not need reasons — you need comfort. You do not need some answers — you need someone. And Jesus does not come to us with an explanation — He comes to us with His presence.”

Modern Church    

If the whole church goes off into deception that will in no way excuse us for not following Christ.

Doctrine    

Your character is who you are when no one but God is watching you. - Anonymous   

Salvation       

The person looking to give glory to God is closer to salvation than the person simply looking to get saved.

Contentment    

Can't have what you like? Try liking what you have.

Emotions        

Feelings are notoriously unreliable.

Scripture        

Study scripture with the intent to live it, not preach it

Prayer        

The greatest and best talent that God gives to any man or woman in this world is the talent of prayer. - Alexander Whyte   

Humility   

Small men never think they're small; great men never think they're great.

Evangelism    

It will not do to say that you have no special call to go to China. With these facts before you and with the command of the Lord Jesus to go and preach the gospel to every creature, you need rather to ascertain whether you have a special call to stay at home. - Hudson Taylor

God’s Promises

God has given us many PROMISES which we see and read in the Word of God. This morning I want to encourage you all by mentioning just few references from the Bible, you may go through all today or just one. God be with you as you do.

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Psalm 84:11

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly

John 14:18

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

John 6:55-59

For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.   He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.   As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.   These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum

John 6: 67-71

Then said Jesus unto the twelve,   Will ye also go away?   Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.   And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. 

Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?    He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

John 20:19-23

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.   And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.  

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.   And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:   Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Compare

Isaiah 40:18 

To whom, then, will you compare God? What image will you compare him to?

Isaiah 46:5 

“To whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?

Mark 4:30 

Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it?

2 Corinthians 10:12 

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

Always begin with Prayer

We must talk to God about men before we talk to men about God. -Bill Bright

Jeremiah 2:28

Where then are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them come if they can save you when you are in trouble! For you have as many gods as you have towns, O Judah.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Let's focus on one simple concept today. Based on the allocation of our time, interest, lifestyle, expenditures of money, and speech, who or what is our god? Is it the Lord God?

Thoughts 

~ Live near to God, and all things will appear little to you in comparison with eternal realities. - Robert Murray M'Cheyne

~ You will find, as you look back upon your life, that the moments that stand out, the moments when you have really lived, are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of Love. - Henry Drummond
~ There's no such thing as a successful marriage.  There are marriages that give up, and marriages that keep on trying; that's the only difference. - Garrison Keillor

~ Confusion and impotence are the inevitable results when the wisdom and resources of the world are substituted for the presence and power of the Spirit. - Samuel Chadwick

~ The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else. - Oswald Chambers

God’s Promises

God has given us many PROMISES which we see and read in the Word of God. This morning I want to encourage you all by mentioning just few references from the Bible, you may go through all today or just one. God be with you as you do.

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Psalm 84:11

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly

John 14:18

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

John 6:55-59

For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.   He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.   As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.   This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.   These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum

John 6: 67-71

Then said Jesus unto the twelve,   Will ye also go away?   Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.   And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.   Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?    He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

John 20:19-23

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.   And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.   Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.   And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:   Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Family

Genesis 16:5

And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the Lord judge between me and thee.

Genesis 13:4

Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord.

Genesis 12:8

And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord.

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

1 Corinthians 16:19

The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Matthew 18:22

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

 Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Proverbs 30:23

For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

Quotes 

"I know well that when Christ is nearest, Satan is also busiest." — Robert Murray M'Cheyne

"Unwillingness to accept God's "way of

 escape" from temptation frightens me - what a rebel yet resides within." — Jim Elliot

"God's retirement plan is out of this world." — Anonymous

"Jesus the very thought of Thee|With sweetness fills my breast;|But sweeter far Thy face to see|And in Thy presence rest." — Bernard of Clairvaux

"We shall rest and we shall see, we shall see and we shall love, we shall love and we shall pray, in the end which is no end." — St. Augustine of Hippo

"Christ is the desire of nations, the joy of angels, the delight of the Father. What solace then must that soul be filled with that hath the possession of Him to all eternity! — John Bunyan

"A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do." — C. S. Lewis

"The main object of religion is not to get a man into heaven, but to get heaven into him."— Thomas Hardy

Try God and See

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, siath the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” – Matt. 3:10

1. The bringing (man’s part): “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse”

2. The opening (God’s part): “Open you the windows of heaven”

3. The pouring (God in action): “And pour you out a blessing

4. The overflowing (God giving and man receiving): “There shall not be room enough to receive it.

Love

Christian life consists of faith and charity.

Salvation 

The problem isn't with us accepting Jesus; it's with Jesus accepting us. We have every reason to receive Him. But "what is man that thou art mindful of him?"

A plea for mercy  

“And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way, side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out saying. Have mercy on us, O Lord, son of David.” – Matt. 20:30

Have mercy on us, O Lord because:

1. We have acknowledged our condition before you

2. We believe that you have the power to save

3. We are willing to follow You.

1 John 3:1

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Some gifts are too precious for words and too wonderful to fully appreciate. The greatest of these gifts is that we are God's children! We have been adopted into the Father's family! Jesus claims us as his younger siblings! Even though the world may not acknowledge this, that condition doesn't make it any less true.

After all, the world didn't recognize its Creator when he became flesh and lived among the people he had made. God's Word, however, still proclaims the truth; we ARE the children of God!

God Claims His Son

“And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”.
– Matt. 3:17

God claimed his Son for three reasons:

1. To acknowledge that the plan for salvation was operative

2. To give to Jesus confirmation of his divine-human nature

3. To highlight the right relationship between father and Son.

God blesses me every day,

God blesses me every day,

By the love he sends to me.

He's put friends in my life,

And I have a loving family.

The Poor in Spirit

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matt. 5:3

1. Those who are poor in spirit know that they have not achieved moral excellence

2. Those who are poor in spirit recognize their need for salvation

3. Those who are poor in spirit cast themselves upon God’s compassion.

Maturity    

Many people want spiritual maturity but few want the ashes and sackcloth.

Modern Church    

The only time you can really say that 'Christ is all I need,' is when Christ is all you have.

Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Thoughts on This Verse....

What a glorious day when this promise is fully realized! Let's make every effort and commit ourselves to the task of making our glorious God known to every nation, tribe, language, and people.

God is Merciful

Deuteronomy 4:31

For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.

Exodus 34:6

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,

Psalm 116:5

The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.

Psalm 145:8-9

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

Thoughts    

.. A prayerful heart and an obedient heart will learn, very slowly and not without sorrow, to stake everything on God Himself.

.. My very soul was flooded with celestial light.  For the first time I realized that I had been trying to hold the world in one hand and the Lord in the other.

.. Doubts do not destroy truth; they strengthen it.

.. God is the beyond in the midst of our life.

Heaven will be our reward

The Bible tells us what's a sin,

All the actions we can't defend.

The Lord had it all laid out,

There's no room for any doubt.

Deuteronomy 7:26

Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Utterly abhor and detest it, for it is set apart for destruction.

Thoughts on This Verse....

A little corruption, a little poison, and a little rotten are all oxymorons. God has made us pure and perfect in Jesus. What a glorious thought! Why would we want to stain his perfection with what is evil. Our Father wants us to dedicate ourselves to him, and to living as his holy people (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:13-16).

Patience

99% of the time we can find God's will for our specific situation directly in scripture. But since we desire our own will so much, we deceive ourselves and say 'God's will is so hard to know, and scripture is so hard to understand.' Our problem is not understanding God's word, our problem is obeying it.

Preaching, Holy Spirit   

If you read history you will find out that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next.

Perspective    

God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.

Love    

If you find yourself so anxious to do something that it can't wait, it's probably not of God

Romans 6:11

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Thoughts on This Verse....

In baptism, we are united with Christ in his death (see Romans 6:1-14 for the background of this devotional meditation). Our old sinful selves are crucified with Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin. We are alive in Christ — the one whom sin could not master and death could not conquer. His life is now our life. His victory is our victory. His future is our future. Let's set our hearts to live based upon this certainty!

Spiritual Quotes

"Listen less to your own thoughts and more to God's thoughts."

"Knowledge of the Bible is essential to a rich and meaningful life."

God is impartial

"God has cast our confessed sins into the depths of the sea, and He's even put a "No Fishing" sign over the spot."

"If God were not willing to forgive sin, heaven would be empty."

My Way

Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel. —2 Kings 5:15

We’ve probably all had times when we’ve said “I’ll do it my way” to God. But His way is always the best way. So let’s ask God to give us humble hearts that willingly choose His way, not our own.

  Father, forgive me for my pride and for so often thinking I know best. Give me a humble heart that is willing to follow Your way in everything.

‘Humility is to make a right estimate of one’s self.’

God is for you

“God is the strength of my heart.”  Psalm 73:26

God is for you. Turn to the sidelines; that’s God cheering your run. Look past the finish line; that’s God applauding your steps. Listen for Him in the bleachers, shouting your name. Too tired to continue? He’ll carry you. Too discouraged to fight? He’s picking you up. God is for you.

Psalm 8:1

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.

Thoughts on This Verse....

These two concepts seem to be contradictory, or at least unconnected. On the one hand, God's name is majestic in this plain ol' transitory space we call earth, but at the same time he is glorious and above the highest heavens. This collision of different worlds is played out in the life of Israel. It is made clear in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It will be made glorious in us, who will one day share in the glory of the heavens because we have boldly declared the majesty of our LORD God on earth!

Integrity    

What good does it do to speak in tongues on Sunday if you have been using your tongue during the week to curse and gossip? - Anonymous   

Speech, 

The Bible is either absolute, or it's obsolete. - Leonard Ravenhill   

Scripture   

If Jesus had preached the same message that ministers preach today, He would never have been crucified. - Leonard Ravenhill   

1 Timothy 1:12

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.

Thoughts on This Verse....

We minister by grace. We are saved and made holy by God's grace given us in Jesus. We are declared holy and blameless before God because of the grace of Jesus. We are given a gift to use in ministry for the Church because of the grace of Jesus. We are given strength from the Holy Spirit to persevere during difficult times because of the grace of God in Jesus. So what ministry we find ourselves capable of performing, what opportunities we have to serve and make a difference in people's lives, and what power we have in fulfilling our ministry are all given to us. It is not something to boast about. The Lord's power is made perfect in weakness as we offer ourselves to him to be used for his glory.

Ravi Zacharias        

. “I think the reason we sometimes have the false sense that God is so far away is because that is where we have put him. We have kept him at a distance, and then when we are in need and call on him in prayer, we wonder where he is. He is exactly where we left him.”

. “Implicit to the secularized world-view is not just the marginalization of any religious idea but its complete eviction from public credence in forming social policy. If an idea or belief is “religiously based”, be it in a matter of sexuality or marriage or education or whatever, then by that very virtue it is deemed unsuitable for public usage.”

Preaching    

Today Christians spend more money on miscellaneous expenses then missions - Anonymous   

Modern Church    

When the Father looks for our righteousness He doesn't look at us for one second. He turns to Christ and says "This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased." - Leonard Ravenhill  

Atonement    

Any method of evangelism will work if God is in it. - Anonymous   

Evangelism    

John the Baptist never performed any miracles. Yet, he was greater than any of the Old Testament prophets. - Anonymous   

Service    

Today God's word is more accessible to us than anyone before us. This makes us far more accountable. - Leonard Ravenhill   

Modern Church    

If you knew you were going to go to Hell, would you still serve God? Your answer to this determines your motive. - Anonymous   

Small Prayers

Let me be your presence in the world of your children today. This I ask in Jesus name. Amen.

Almighty God, Holy Father, thank you for your lavish grace demonstrated and fully expressed in sending Jesus to die for me. As your child, and in thanks to your sacrificial gift, I pledge to you my life, my love, and my all. Through Jesus. Amen.

Holy and Heavenly God, thank you that you live with those of us who are contrite and repentant and who long for your presence. You know we are only mortal, but you love us. You know that we are flawed, but you redeemed us. You know that we are not perfect, but sent Jesus as the perfect sacrifice to save us. Thank you. Through my Savior I offer my sincerest gratitude and praise. Amen.

Mighty and Holy God, you are incredible — beyond my comprehending. How you put up with all the drivel, senseless and hurtful speech that I and your other children spew out is beyond my understanding. I ask that you release the Holy Spirit to convict my heart and guard my lips from any form of hurtful speech. I want my voice to be as much yours as my heart is. This I pray through Jesus. Amen.

Father, thank you for giving me a world wide family. Thank you for loving me so completely. Father I ask that you help me be more open with myself and my time to those in your family. Give me a heart that burns to bless and be blessed by those you have made your children. Through my brother Jesus I pray. Amen.

Thoughts 

- Christ showed His love by dying for us; we show our love by living for Him.

- Beware! Error often rides to its deadly work on the back of truth!

- We are never as empty as when we are full of self.

- Satan’s ploys are no match for the Savior’s power.

- The Gospel includes both a welcome and a warning.

Looking into the mirror

Everyone ought to examine themselves. —1 Corinthians 11:28

Self-examination is crucial for a healthy spiritual life. God wants us to see ourselves so that we can be spared the consequences of sinful choices. This is so important that Scripture says we are not to participate in the Lord’s Supper without first examining ourselves (1 Cor. 11:28). The point of this self-examination is not only to make things right with God but also to make sure we are right with one another. The Lord’s Supper is a remembrance of Christ’s body, and we can’t celebrate it properly if we’re not living in harmony with other believers.

Seeing and confessing our sin promotes unity with others and a healthy relationship with God.
When we look into the mirror of God’s Word, we see ourselves more clearly.

The Psalms

Prayer for Divine Action...........................................................................................Ps. 7

Prayer of Praise for Divine Action............................................................................Ps. 8

Prayer for Preservation Here and Hereafter..............................................................Ps. 16

Prayer of the Cross ...................................................................................................Ps. 22

Prayer for Shepherd Care..........................................................................................Ps. 23

Prayer for the Manifestation of Divine Glory...........................................................Ps. 24

Prayer as Ascent to God ...........................................................................................Ps. 25

Prayer of a Believing Heart.......................................................................................Ps. 27

Prayer as a Cameo of Christ....................................................................................Ps. 31

Prayer of a Tragic Soul..............................................................................................Ps. 32

Prayer for Protection against Enemies ..........................................................................Ps. 35

Prayer in Praise of Loving-kindness..............................................................................Ps. 36

Prayer of a Pilgrim ........................................................................................................Ps. 39

Prayer and Its Accomplishment ....................................................................................Ps. 40

Prayer in Deep Distress.................................................................................................Ps. 41

Prayer As a Door of Hope ............................................................................................Pss. 42, 43

Prayer for Divine Assistance .........................................................................................Ps. 44

Prayer for a Refuge........................................................................................................Ps. 46

Prayer of a Broken Heart ..............................................................................................Ps. 51

Prayer at All Times .......................................................................................................Ps. 55

Prayer of Distress ..........................................................................................................Ps. 57

Prayer of Trust...............................................................................................................Ps. 71

Prayer for God Himself.................................................................................................Ps. 73

Prayer of a Pilgrim ........................................................................................................Pss. 90, 91

Prayer as Praise for God’s Greatness............................................................................Ps. 96

Prayer for Escape from Trials........................................................................................Pss. 102, 103,
105
Prayer of Remembrance ................................................................................................Ps. 106

Prayer for Those in Perils on Sea ..................................................................................Ps. 107

Prayer for Searching of Heart .......................................................................................Ps. 139

The Lord’s Visit.

How is God seen to be visiting his people in?

By answering prayer.

1 Samuel 2:21

And the LORD was gracious to Hannah; she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.

By Providential Intervention.

Zephaniah 2:7

It will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah; there they will find pasture. In the evening they will lie down in the houses of Ashkelon. The LORD their God will care for them; he will restore their fortunes.

By fulfilling His promise.

Luke 1:67-70

67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.

69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David

70  (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

By supernatural deliverance.

Luke 7:15-16

15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.”

Thoughts

. The tongue is a small organ that creates either discord or harmony.

. Faith shines brightest in a childlike heart.

. Life is not always fair, but God is always faithful.

There Beauty

"Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty. They merely move it from their faces into their heart."- Martin Buxbaum

Habits

"It is easier to prevent

bad habits than to break them." - Benjamin Franklin

is no greater privilege than to be a subject of the King of Kings.

Do You Love Jesus?

A man was assigned a middle seat on an airplane. Tired and wanting to sleep, he was irritated when the young girl next to him with Down syndrome asked, "Mister, do you brush your teeth?" "Yes," he replied. "That's good. People, who don't, lose their teeth."

A little later she asked, "Mister, do you smoke?" "No," he answered. "That's good. People who do, die." After a long silence, she turned to him again, "Mister, do you love Jesus?" "Yes, I do," he responded. "That's good," she added. "People, who do, go to heaven."

Though deeply touched, he settled back, hoping there would be no more questions. Just then the girl said, "Mister, ask the man next to you if he brushes his teeth."

Well, you can guess what followed. When she came to the question about Jesus, the second man became thoughtful. "I'm afraid I don't understand," he said. For the next hour the two men talked about eternal issues.
Sometimes opportunities for sharing God's love may come in unusual ways, as was the case in Acts 8 when Philip pointed a total stranger to Christ. If we are willing, He will bless even our feeblest efforts to tell others that Jesus loved them so much that He died for them. 

You can never speak to the wrong person about Christ.

Evangelism

"A minister, who prays not, who is not in love with prayer, is not a minister of the Church of God. He is a dry tree, which occupies in vain a place in Christ's garden. He is an enemy, and not a father, of the people. He is a stranger, who has taken the place of the shepherd, and to whom the salvation of the flock is an indifferent thing." – Thomas Coke

Prayer Quotations

"Our prayer must not be self-centered. It must arise not only because we feel our own need as a burden we must lay upon God, but also because we are so bound up in love for our fellow men that we feel their need as acutely as our own. To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our love for them." John Calvin

 "We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties." Oswald Chambers

Think it over:

~ We can endure anything if we depend on God for everything.

~ To lead others out of the darkness of sin, let them see your light.

~ Spiritual gifts are meant to be used, not admired.

~ What we see of God’s provisions teaches us to trust Him for what we cannot see of His purposes.

 ~ To God and not weary him, though it has wearied the man.” - Henry Ward Beecher

How to Take Down 13 Demonic Strongholds That Bind You

Here are 13 demonic strongholds that can bind your spiritual life. Here are 13 demonic strongholds that can bind your spiritual life.

Intercessory prayer can break demonic strongholds.

Cluster 1—Anger, hatred, malice, rage, murder, temper, cursing, vengeance, retaliation, violence, abuse, cruelty, sadism, unforgiveness, bitterness, being judgmental or critical, taking offense easily/irritability, anger towards men or women, anger towards mother or father, anger towards authority, anger/resentment towards God

Cluster 2—Fear, fear of man, fear of authority, doubt/unbelief, dread, worry, anxiety, fear the worst will happen, fear of various illnesses like cancer, fear people will get angry with you or won't like you, spirit of false responsibility, spirit of rush

Cluster 3—Abandonment, desertion, divorce, rejection, neglect, victimization, blocked intimacy, not valuing people/relationships/ending relationships, burning bridges, isolation, loneliness, self-pity

Cluster 4—Shame, anger, condemnation, disgrace, embarrassment, guilt, hatred, self-hate, self-pity, withdrawal, hiding/antisocial, timidity, inferiority

Cluster 5—lying, cheating, theft, deception, trickery, untrustworthiness, adultery, emotional adultery, denial, self-deception, secretiveness, hiding purchases/activities/relationships

Cluster 6—Financial lack, belief in poverty, robbing God by not tithing, not believing in covenant blessings, greed, covetousness, debt, dishonesty, idolatry of possessions, failure

Cluster 7—Addictions, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, food, sugar, coffee, chocolate/sweets, pornography, sex, flirtation, junky magazines/websites/TV shows/movies, overeating, drinking too much alcohol, anything you cannot do in moderation

Cluster 8—Sensuality, lust, fantasizing/coveting another's mate, flirtation, premarital sex, sexual abuse, fornication/adultery/emotional adultery, demonic sex, pornography, bondage/control, rape, incest

Cluster 9—Depression, rejection, despair, helplessness, hopelessness, sadness, self-pity, withdrawal, suicide

Cluster 10—Grief, sorrow, despair, heartbreak, loss, pain, torment, weeping, anguish, agony

Cluster 11—Mental instability, mental illness, compulsions, confusion, hysteria, paranoia, schizophrenia, insanity

Cluster 12—Pride, arrogance, disdain, selfishness, control/pushiness, independence, callousness/lack of concern for others, gossip

Cluster 13—Procrastination, sloth, laziness, distraction/ confusion/ lack of focus, not thinking things through before acting or speaking or writing emails, lack of organization/preparation, lateness/tardiness, missing appointments/phone calls

A Better Law

Christ brings a new agreement from God to his people.  Hebrews 9:15

There was nothing inferior about the Jewish religion.  It was given by God and designed by God.  Every principle, rule, and ritual had a wealth of meaning.  The Old Testament served as a faithful guide for thousands of people over thousands of years.  It was the best offered to man.

But when Christ came, the best got better…It’s not that the old law was bad, it’s just that the new law—salvation by faith in Christ

Trading Places

He was born to be a man and became like a servant.  Philippians 2:7

Holiday travel.  It isn’t easy.  They why do we do it?  Why cram the trunks and endure the airports?  You know the answer.  We love to be with the ones we love…

May I remind you?  So does God… Between him and us there was a distance—-a great span.  And he couldn’t bear it.  He couldn’t stand it.  So he did something about it.  “He gave up his place with God and made himself nothing” (Phil. 2:6).

Six Hours

He really was the Son of God!  Matthew 27:54

Six hours one Friday…What do these six hours signify?...

For the life blackened with failure, that Friday means forgiveness.

For the heart scarred with futility, that Friday means purpose.

And for the soul looking into this side of the tunnel of death, that Friday means deliverance.

Cleansing Blood

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 1:7, KNJV

The blood of Christ does not cover your sins, conceal your sins, postpone your sins, or diminish your sins.  It takes away your sins, once and for all time.

Jesus allows your mistakes to be lost in His perfection.

Thoughts

-  Without a heart aflame for God, we cannot shine for Jesus.

- Even though you can’t control your circumstances, you can control your attitude.

- Instead of counting the days, make your days count.

- You cannot run the race until you learn to walk.

The Believer’s Hope

The hope of righteousness:

Galatians 5:5

For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

The hope which the lost do not have:

Ephesians 2:12

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

The hope of the gospel:

Colossians 1:23

  If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

The hope of Salvation:

1 Thessalonians 5:8

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

The “good hope” which God gives:

2 Thessalonians 2:16

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

The hope of eternal life:

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Titus 3:7

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Acts 2:26

Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

Restoring Broken Fellowship

Matthew 5:23-24

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

1 Peter 3:7

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Proverbs 28:9

If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.

Job 5:2

Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.

Philippians 2:4

Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Proverbs 19:11

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

Romans 15:2-3

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”

Matthew 7:5

You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 16:21

The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.

Ephesians 4:29

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Romans 15:1

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Dear friend of Jesus, have patience with those around you who are not yet what God intends for them to be — remembering that we are not yet what God intends for us to be. In the process of "bearing with" their failings, you may just find that others are more patient with your failings and more thankful for your faithfulness.

 Of course, the goal of our being patient isn't to benefit ourselves. Instead, we do it to bless others, knowing that many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are hanging on to their faith, hope, and love by the thinnest of threads. Let's never let them go and never cause them to stumble!

2 Thessalonians 1:3

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.

Thoughts on This  Verse....

When was the last time you found a new brother or sister in Christ and told that precious person all the things they were doing right? Don't you think that's too long, and that you should let them know today? Let's be more committed to encouraging and affirming others who are in Christ as well as giving thanks to God for them.

Job 37:5

God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.

Thoughts on This Verse....

How does God help us know his will? Clearly God has given us the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit to help us understand the Scriptures. What about more subtle and less defined ways? Most of us have had a "cluster of divine coincidences" (several events in close proximity to prayer): a friend calls/writes at just the right time; we read an article or hear a sermon that has a comment or two directed at just the area of our concern or confusion; several songs in worship convict us in the area on which we are seeking the Lord's guidance; or we simply feel a pull on our conscience that helps us discern right from wrong in a difficult situation.

God really means it when he says that if we will pray for wisdom without doubting he'll give it to us, and that if we are truly seeking him we will find him. His voice does thunder in marvelous ways!