Reading The Bible

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp  for my feet, a light  on my path.

Romans 15:4

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,  so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Job 23:12

I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

Joshua 1:8

Keep this Book of the Law  always on your lips;  meditate  on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Psalm 119:18

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.

1 Peter 2:2

Like new-born infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation

1 John 2:3-4

And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.  Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,

2 Thessalonians 2:14-15

To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter

John 5:39

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,

[Message No: 6337]

Holy Spirit in the lives of men of God – in Old Testament – 2

Numbers 24:2

When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him

Judges 6:34

Then the Spirit of the Lord came on  Gideon, and he blew a trumpet,  summoning the Abiezrites  to follow him.

Judges 14:6

The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him  so that he tore the lion apart  with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done

1 Samuel 10:10

When he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit  of God came powerfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying.

1 Samuel 16:13

So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed  him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord  came powerfully upon David.  Samuel then went to Ramah.

1 Samuel 19:20

so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets  prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came on  Saul’s men, and they also prophesied

Full of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom

Brothers and sisters,  choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit  and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them – Acts 6:3

Almost every religion defines spirituality a little bit differently. However, a follower of Christ defines authentic spirituality based upon people having the Holy Spirit living within them. A true servant leader among Jesus' followers is a person who is well respected and who is full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.

These are the characteristics that qualify a person to have the responsibility of being a servant leader. Being respected and having wisdom are vital to serve and lead well in almost any area of life. However, to serve and lead well in the kingdom of God, these qualities must be informed and empowered by the work of the Holy Spirit.

[Message No: 6336]

Holy Spirit in the lives of men of God – in Old Testament - 1

Zechariah 4:6

So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:  ‘Not  by might nor by power,  but by my Spirit,’  says the Lord Almighty.

Nehemiah 9:20

You gave your good Spirit  to instruct  them. You did not withhold your manna  from their mouths, and you gave them water  for their thirst.

Isaiah  11:2

The Spirit  of the Lord will rest on him—
 the Spirit of wisdom  and of understanding,
 the Spirit of counsel and of might,
 the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—

Isaiah 42:1

“Here is my servant,  whom I uphold,
 my chosen one  in whom I delight;
 I will put my Spirit  on him,
 and he will bring justice  to the nations.

Judges 3:10

The Spirit of the Lord came on him,  so that he became Israel’s judge and went to war. The Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim  king of Aram  into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him.

Isaiah 61:1

The Spirit  of the Sovereign Lord  is on me,
 because the Lord has anointed  me
 to proclaim good news  to the poor.
 He has sent me to bind up  the broken-hearted,
 to proclaim freedom  for the captives
 and release from darkness for the prisoners,

[Message No:6335]

Re-live

 “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” - 1 Corinthians 10:16
The Apostle Paul makes clear that the heart of the Gospel is found in the death, burial, resurrection, and appearances of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). The Lord's Supper, Communion or Eucharist as it is sometimes called, is a key part of our walk with Christ. It is a time where we proclaim the story of the Gospel (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:26). But, it is more than a time of proclamation; it is a time of participation. We share in the supper with each other and with Christ. This participation revitalizes us in our walk with the Savior and helps us re-live his saving death and resurrection.

Seven great questions: answers

Proverbs 23:29-30
Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.

Thoughts 

"Know this: though love is weak and hate is strong, Yet hate is short, and love is very long." - Kenneth Boulding

"There are two ways to get enough: one is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less." - G. K. Chesterton

"The test of love is in how one relates not to saints and scholars but to rascals."
— Abraham Joshua Heschel

"Love a man, even in his sin, for that love is a likeness of the divine love, and is the summit of love on earth." - Fyodor Dostoevsky

Prayers

. O Father, please forgive us for fracturing the fellowship of your people based on human observances and our preference about those observances. As for me, Father, please give me courage to honor Christ according to my convictions, but also please give me the wisdom to do so in ways that bless your people and that do not cause division. I know I will never fully succeed at this goal, but I do believe with your help, I will find ways to bring you the glory due you and to also maintain my fellowship with your children. Purify my heart in this matter and guide me in the way I need to go. In Jesus' name. Amen.

[message No: 6334]

The Second Time Around

Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah  a second time:   “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” – Jonah 3:1-2

1] Jonah was unfaithful the first time

2] God had invested divine preachments in Jonah

3] Nineveh needed a Word from the Lord

4] Divine justice was tempered with mercy

Facts about Antichrist

He will be a political leader – Daniel 9:26

After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death  and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood:  War will continue until the end, and desolations  have been decreed.

He will be worshiped by men – Revelation 13:4

People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like  the beast? Who can wage war against it?”

His number will be 666 – Revelation 13:18

This calls for wisdom.  Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man.  That number is 666.

He will be stern-faced king – Daniel 8:23

In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a fierce-looking king, a master of intrigue, will arise

Thoughts 

"Nor can a man with grace his soul inspire, More than the candles set themselves

"Pray hardest when it is hardest to pray." - Bishop Charles H. Brent

"The vine dresser is never nearer the vine than when He is pruning it."

— Anonymous

The pit for fools

Proverbs 22:14

The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit;
a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it.
[Message No: 6333]

Our Neighbors !

Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. — Romans 15:2

Being depressed and dissatisfied with life can be caused by a myriad of things. But for many of us, these are symptoms that we have focused too much on ourselves and are angry with life. We have forgotten to count our blessings, neglected giving thanks to God, become silent in our praise to our Father, and have quit helping those around us. Thinking of others is how Christ lived. When we follow his example, ours actions make a difference in the lives of those we bless and we also find ourselves immensely blessed as well.

Let's get our focus off ourselves and look to bless our neighbors

Full of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom* 

Brothers and sisters,  choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit  and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them – Acts 6:3

Almost every religion defines spirituality a little bit differently. However, a follower of Christ defines authentic spirituality based upon people having the Holy Spirit living within them. A true servant leader among Jesus' followers is a person who is well respected and who is full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.

These are the characteristics that qualify a person to have the responsibility of being a servant leader. Being respected and having wisdom are vital to serve and lead well in almost any area of life. However, to serve and lead well in the kingdom of God, these qualities must be informed and empowered by the work of the Holy Spirit.

Why ❓

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. — 1 Corinthians 1:10

If people in our congregations are ever going to get along, the leaders of those churches must remind us of how important it is. Jesus' dying prayer was that we would be one.

 Why?

So the world would know that the Father had sent him. Unity is not important, it is essential; not just as a theory or theology, but as a daily practice among the people who claim Jesus as Lord.

[Message No: 6332]

Guarding the Truth

2 Timothy 2:14

We are not left on our strength alone to guard the truth entrusted to us. We have the Holy Spirit who lives within us. The Spirit is our anointing to help us know the truth. The Spirit is our Advocate-Comforter-Counselor-Helper to lead us into all truth and help us know truth from error. The Spirit's work within us allows us to understand the spiritual messages of God through the Biblical writers and through those who truthfully proclaim Jesus.

 So rather than relying on our insight, wisdom, intellect, and study alone, we are called to seek the Spirit as we open the Bible, listen to the word proclaimed, seek to apply God's truth to our lives, and commit to guarding the truth of God that has been deposited into our hearts.

Psalm 80:19

Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
In the days of Jesus' birth, there was a group of devout and lowly people who still looked for God's redemption. They knew that salvation could not, and would not, come without great cost — not just to themselves, but also to God. Isaiah had hinted about this in his Servant Songs (see Isaiah 53). They had experienced in their own history.

So with honest hearts, they confessed that they didn't have the power to bring salvation and deliverance. This power had to come from God and had to be released to people who were seeking God's transformation in their lives. They needed to ask God for it! They needed to seek his face, his presence, in their daily lives.

 So must we!

Thoughts 

+ There are many who have accepted Christ as their Lord, but have never yet come to the final, absolute surrender of everything. - Andrew Murray

+ You should pray every hour.  The most necessary and the most difficult form of prayer is to remember–in spite of the numerous distractions of life–your obligations to God, to his law.  You become scared, you become upset, you become embarrassed, you become too involved or distracted by something.  But you should always remember who you are and what you should do.  This is what a real prayer should be about.  This is difficult in the beginning, but with time you can work and create this habit. - Leo Tolstoy

[Message No: 6331]

Anointing in the Old Testament

1 Samuel 10:1

Then Samuel took a flask  of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the Lord anointed  you ruler over his inheritance?

1 Samuel 16:13

So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed  him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord  came powerfully upon David.  Samuel then went to Ramah.

1 Kings 1:39

Zadok the priest took the horn of oil  from the sacred tent  and anointed Solomon. Then they sounded the trumpet  and all the people shouted,  “Long live King Solomon!”

2 Kings 9:3

Then take the flask and pour the oil  on his head and declare, ‘This is what the Lord says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run; don’t delay!”

2 Kings 11:12

Jehoiada brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him; he presented him with a copy of the covenant  and proclaimed him king. They anointed  him, and the people clapped their hands  and shouted, “Long live the king!”

2 Kings 23:30

Josiah’s servants brought his body in a chariot  from Megiddo to Jerusalem and buried him in his own tomb. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and anointed him and made him king in place of his father.

   Jehoahaz King of Judah

Exodus 29:36

Sacrifice a bull each day  as a sin offering to make atonement . Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate  it.

Exodus 30:25-26

Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer.  It will be the sacred anointing oil.    Then use it to anoint  the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law,

Exodus 29:7

Take the anointing oil  and anoint him by pouring it on his head.  

[Message No: 6330]

The Believer’s Confidence

+ The privilege of Assurance

Job 19:25

I know that my redeemer  lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

Romans 5:1-2

Therefore, since we have been justified  through faith,  we have peace  with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,    through whom we have gained access  by faith into this grace in which we now stand.  And we boast in the hope  of the glory of God.

Romans 8:16

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

1 John 3:22-23

and receive from him anything we ask,  because we keep his commands  and do what pleases him.    And this is his command: to believe  in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ,  and to love one another as he commanded us.

+ Founded on God’s Word

Colossians 2:2

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart  and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery  of God, namely, Christ,

1 Thessalonians 1:5

because our gospel  came to you not simply with words but also with power,  with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know  how we lived among you for your sake

+ Is of Faith

Ephesians 3:12

In him and through faith in him we may approach God  with freedom and confidence.

2 Timothy 1:12

That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame,  because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard  what I have entrusted to him until that day.

Hebrews 10:22

let us draw near to God  with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings,  having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience  and having our bodies washed with pure water.

[Message No: 6329]

I have plans for you

 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11

Jeremiah was telling God's people that 70 years after the devastation, God would deliver and restore them. Despite the fact that they had repeatedly abandoned God, he would not abandon them or his promises to them. He would be faithful. In fact, God was planning and preparing a bright future for them.

This promise also reminds us that no matter how deep our own personal gloom may seem, God does have plans for us. He will keep his promises to us. He will deliver and bless us. We can have a vibrant hope and a bright future because of his faithfulness and our trust in his Son, Jesus, who delivers us from every foe.

Glorify God

 “Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.”

- Romans 6:13

This long verse boils down to a very simple message: We are to glorify God by what we do with our bodies. We were dead in our sin, but God has made us alive through our participation with Jesus in his saving death, burial, and resurrection. How can we go back to the hideous sins that master us and lead us to death? We shouldn't! We mustn't! And by God's gracious help, we won't. Our commitment to live for his glory and the power of the Holy Spirit will help us live for him!

Thoughts 

"Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

"It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his Helper is omnipotent." - Jeremy Taylor

"Never undertake anything for which you wouldn't have the courage to ask the blessing of heaven." - G. C. Lichtenberg

[Message No: 6328]

'Prophetic Wonderings'

This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward. - 1 Peter 1:10-11

One of the most important claims Scripture makes about itself, and its origins, is that it is God-breathed and Spirit-inspired (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The prophets of Israel looked forward to the coming of the Messiah and the making of a new people. But they did not, and could not, fully understand what their prophecies meant. Their lack of understanding concerning their Messiah's coming was pervasive.

That was especially true concerning Jesus' suffering and the glory that followed his resurrection. That lack of understanding existed even though the recorded Old Testament prophecies about the coming of Christ were given by the Holy Spirit. We value Scripture because the Spirit of God stands behind its origin and inspired the words that its prophets and writers shared. However, we need the Spirit's help to fully understand them (1 Corinthians 2:6-14).

Psalm 34:18

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

The LORD is... ...near! ...present! ...close! How do I know? He came close in the manger. He walked among us in ministry. He suffered with us and for us at Calvary. We know that in tragedy, trial, heartbreak, and brokenness he is near to us to save us.

So, will our hearts be open to him and will we be seeking him to come near? Don't let troubles or heartache lead you to pull away from God or doubt his nearness. Let him draw close to you.

Thoughts 

When we ask God to do something for us, He generally wants to do something in us. – Unknown
The chief dangers that confront the coming centuries will be religion without the Holy Spirit; Christianity without Christ; forgiveness without repentance; salvation without regeneration; politics without God; and heaven without hell.

- William Booth

[Message No: 6327]

They Just Don't Get It!

But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles  was near,   Jesus’ brothers  said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do.   No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.”   For even his own brothers did not believe in him. - John 7:2-5

Imagine how hard it must have been for Jesus. His family just didn't get it. The Lord's physical half brothers and sisters didn't understand and didn't believe until after his resurrection. Jesus didn't do miracles to "show out" for his disciples but to give them a sign to look beyond what they were seeing and understand that he had come from God.

Jesus wasn't trying to be a public figure, but instead, he resisted the crowd's desires to make him king. The things that would ultimately draw people to him would be the cross and the resurrection. His signs, the very miraculous things his brothers tried to goad him to perform, brought a stronger faith to some, only more questions to others, and a determined rejection of him to even others. Jesus wouldn't be bullied, teased, or ridiculed into anything. He would follow God's timing and do things God's way.

Evangelism 

"For a small reward, a man will hurry
away on a long journey; while for eternal
life, many will hardly take a single step."
— Thomas à Kempis —

Thoughts 

"I have read Plato and Cicero sayings that are very wise and beautiful; but I never read in either of them: 'Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give thee rest.'" - St. Augustine of Hippo

"We are no more responsible for the evil thoughts that pass through our minds than a scarecrow for the birds which fly over the seedplot he has to guard. The sole responsibility in each case is to prevent them from settling." - John Churtom Collins

The lazy man

Proverbs 22:13

The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside!
I’ll be killed in the public square!”

[Message No: 6326]

Jesus Messiah

He became sin, who knew no sin

That we might become his righteousness

He humbled himself and carried the cross

Love so amazing, love so amazing

Jesus messiah, name above all names

Blessed redeemer, Emmanuel

The rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven

Jesus messiah, lord of all

His body the bread, his blood the wine

Broken and poured out all for love

The whole earth trembled, and the veil was torn

Love so amazing, how can it be? Your love's so amazing, yeah

Jesus messiah, name above all names

Blessed redeemer, Emmanuel

The rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven

Jesus messiah, lord of all

all I hope is in you, all I hope is in you

All the glory to you, God, the light of the world

All I…

Submit our wills to God

 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7

Let's admit it. Most of us would like for spiritual growth to be easy. We want our ability to withstand temptation to require little effort. We want the Holy Spirit to do the work and God to protect us from too much stress and strain. Thankfully, God does empower us through his Holy Spirit.

However, he does remind us that for the Spirit to work powerfully in our lives, we must intentionally submit our wills to God and we must resist the devil. If we will put up a fight against him and his temptations, he will flee from us. Let's do our part, trusting that God will more than uphold his promises!

[Message No: 6325]

Imitate Christ

 “This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.” – Psalm 34:6
So few hear the cry of the poor or respond to the plight of the disadvantaged. If we are going to be true children of our Father, his values must become our own, his lost sheep must become our quest.

Let's help others around us who are in need find that when they call to God, they are not forgotten. Let's be his delivery system of grace.

Pentecost and the Promised Spirit'

And afterward,

 I will pour out my Spirit  on all people.

 Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

 your old men will dream dreams,

 your young men will see visions.

    Even on my servants,  both men and women,

 I will pour out my Spirit in those days. - Joel 2:28-29

Throughout the Old Testament, God's Spirit would come upon special leaders or agents of God's will to do his work. Most of the time, the Spirit's presence would be temporary to help with a pressing issue, need, problem, or battle. In a few cases, like David, God's Spirit never departed from God's servant. But the presence of the Spirit living permanently in all of God's people was a promise associated with the coming of the Messiah and the formation of God's new people.

This promise from Joel 2 was the first of several key scriptures Peter quoted in his sermon during Pentecost. That day brought the dawn of the church and the coming of the Holy Spirit, as promised by Joel's prophecy. The Spirit first came to those who proclaimed the story of Jesus on Pentecost, but then to all who hear the message, believe, and respond by being baptized, on that day and all the days of conversion to follow (Acts 2:38-39). We live in the age of the Spirit!

Two works of God

Proverbs 22:12

The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

[Message No: 6324]

Acts 16:30-33

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. —

Faith in Jesus is the absolutely crucial response to God's grace and is such a life-transforming blessing. For the jailer, faith meant hearing the gospel of Jesus as Lord and responding by believing that message, being baptized immediately, demonstrating a life change, and sharing in fellowship with other believers (cf. Acts 2:42-47). Imagine going from being the jailer over men to washing their wounds in your own home! Think about being responsible for the painful incarceration of men, then have these men baptize you and your family that same night! Imagine locking in chains men who would later sit at your table sharing a meal! Isn't God incredible! Isn't his grace indescribable! No wonder we rejoice when those who are lost truly believe! Life is forever different.

Two good choices

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
  Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

Prayers

. Lord Jesus, I believe in You and pledge my allegiance to You. My desire is to be a true disciple, obeying Your commands and following Your teachings and examples. Help me to remain faithful in spite of the temptations and trials and fears brought on by this evil world. Help me to remain in Your Word; fill me with Your truth. Grant me perseverance and persistence to be all You created me to be. I pray for the peace and freedom that comes only by being faithful to Your truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Thought 

Submerge as much of your day as you can, to make it your invisible keel, by eliminating less important things.  You need time to look into the face of God, time to read and study his Word systematically, time to think and plan for your life, time to praise, time to intercede, time to get wisdom for handling people and for making decisions. - Anne Ortlund

[Message No: 6323]

Free to Enjoy God

Psalm 34:8-10

• Praising God for who He is and what He’s done will make our hearts rejoice.

• Spending time listening and getting to know Him through His Word will increase our closeness and deepen our enjoyment of Him.

• Refusing to believe lies—for example, that we should be afraid of our Father or that our sin is too great to be forgiven—frees us to receive His love and know the joy of forgiveness.

If you’ve lost your joy in the Lord, ask Him to reignite it. Then take the steps necessary to rekindle your relationship with Him. The more you learn to love Him, the greater will be your joy.

How are we using our freedom?

 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1

Grace and freedom are not a license to sin (Jude 4). In fact, sin enslaves us; sin is addictive (John 8:34). As those who have died and buried the old person of sin with Jesus in baptism, we are not to let sin reign over us or become our master because we have been liberated by grace (Rom. 6:1-14). So let's seek the power of the Holy Spirit to cleanse us (Heb. 9:14) and powerfully liberate us from sin (Rom. 8:10-15). Let's use our freedom to bless and build others up. Let's use our freedom to offer our hearts and lives to t! he work of God!

Thoughts 

"Whatever man loves, that is his god. For he carries it in his heart; he goes about with it night and day; he sleeps and wakes with it, be it what it may - wealth or self, pleasure or renown." - Martin Luther

"Hypocrites in the Church? Yes, and in the lodge and at the home. Don't hunt through the Church for a hypocrite. Go home and look in the mirror. Hypocrites? Yes. See that you make the number one less." - Billy Sunday

Prayer 

. Dear Father, graciously pour your love into my heart and pour your love into the hearts of those in my family and church family. We need your help to love those around us more. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

[Message No: 6322]

People Who Delayed

Genesis 24:55

But her brother and her mother replied, “Let the young woman remain with us ten days or so;  then you may go.”

Genesis 43:10

As it is, if we had not delayed,  we could have gone and returned twice.”

Genesis 45:9

Now hurry  back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay

Judges 19:5

On the fourth day they got up early and he prepared to leave, but the woman’s father said to his son-in-law, “Refresh yourself  with something to eat; then you can go.”

Judges 19:6

the two of them sat down to eat and drink together. Afterward the woman’s father said, “Please stay tonight and enjoy yourself.

Judges 19:7

And when the man got up to go, his father-in-law persuaded him, so he stayed there that night

Judges 19:8

On the morning of the fifth day, when he rose to go, the woman’s father said, “Refresh yourself. Wait till afternoon!” So the two of them ate together.

2 Samuel 19:11

King David sent this message to Zadok  and Abiathar, the priests: “Ask the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout Israel has reached the king at his quarters?

2 Samuel 19:12

You are my relatives, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to bring back the king?

Genesis 19:16

Shimei  son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David.

Daniel 2:8

Then the king answered, “I am certain that you are trying to gain time, because you realize that this is what I have firmly decided:

[Message No: 6321]

We Belong

 “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” 

- Ephesians 2:19-20

"We belong!" That's what the apostle Paul is telling us. We're not outsiders or second class citizens or "Johnny come lately" children of God. Because of grace, we belong! We are part of God's house! The foundation of that house is made up of the apostles and prophets. The cornerstone of that house is Jesus himself. Incredibly, we are also a part of this holy house of God. We belong!

Free to Enjoy God

Psalm 34:8-10

• Praising God for who He is and what He’s done will make our hearts rejoice.

• Spending time listening and getting to know Him through His Word will increase our closeness and deepen our enjoyment of Him.

• Refusing to believe lies—for example, that we should be afraid of our Father or that our sin is too great to be forgiven—frees us to receive His love and know the joy of forgiveness.

If you’ve lost your joy in the Lord, ask Him to reignite it. Then take the steps necessary to rekindle your relationship with Him. The more you learn to love Him, the greater will be your joy.

Spiritual Quote

"The little troubles and worries of life may be as stumbling
blocks in our way, or we may make them stepping-stones
to a nobler character and to Heaven. Troubles are often
the tools by which God fashions us for better things."

— Henry Ward Beecher —

Daily Wisdom

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.

— Proverbs 17:3

[Message No: 6320]

A New Name

Revelation 2:17

Whoever has ears, let them hear  what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious,  I will give some of the hidden manna.  I will also give that person a white stone with a new name  written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

Isaiah 56:5

to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial  and a name
 better than sons and daughters;  I will give them an everlasting name  that will endure forever.

Isaiah 62:2

The nations  will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.

Isaiah 65:15

You will leave your name for my chosen ones to use in their curses;  the Sovereign Lord will put you to death, but to his servants he will give another name.

Revelation 3:12

The one who is victorious  I will make a pillar  in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God  and the name of the city of my God,  the new Jerusalem,  which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.

Galatians 6:2

“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

This is just another way of saying, "Love your neighbor as yourself!" Jesus came to bear our burdens and carry away the stain and pain of our sin. (Read Isaiah 53 for a powerful description of God's Suffering Servant, a passage quoted in the New Testament in reference to Jesus.) He now asks us to live redemptively, in practical ways, toward those around us. More than just praying, or asking what we can do to help, we are called to serve, minister, and assist others who are burdened.

[Message No: 6319]

Teaching

“Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.”

– Psalm 34:11

Is there any greater definition of what a parent's role is than this? Let's make sure that in the swirling demands and involvements of our lives we do not forget the MAIN thing that God has given us as parents, teachers, and friends to do in the lives of children.

Two kinds of rulers

Proverbs 22:7

The rich rule over the poor,
 and the borrower is slave to the lender.

Thoughts 

"It is the acknowledgment of our humanity and our frailness that places us in a position to have a personal encounter with the living God." - Os Hillman

"Dear Lord, either quiet the waves or lift me above them; it's too late to learn to swim." - Mary Crowley

"God answers all knee mails." - Author Unknown

"To love is to be vulnerable." - C.S. Lewis

"God has wisely kept us in the dark concerning future events and reserved for himself the knowledge of them, that he may train us up in a dependence upon himself and a continued readiness for every event." - Matthew Henry

Wage Peace

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” – Psalm 34:14

It is not enough to turn from evil. We can clean the putrid things out of our life, but if we do not actively pursue what is good then a worse evil will rush into the void. (cf. Mat. 12:43-45) Let's be a people eager to do good and with a passion to "wage peace."

Prayers

. Father, I do praise you for the truth about Jesus that will one day be realized fully by everyone who has ever lived. May my life display that truth in the way I treat people today. May my lips suitably proclaim that truth so others can know Jesus as Lord today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

[Message No: 6318]

Praise Him

“I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”

 – Psalm 34:1

One way to keep our life on track and our hearts surrendered to the will and work of God is to praise our glorious LORD continually. Let's put our praise for God on our lips with song and memorized Scripture. Let's tell his wonderful and great deeds to our children, grandchildren, and friends. Let's give him thanks for all that he has done for us. Just as surely as he is with us always (see Ps. 139), let's praise him always.

Spiritual Quote

"Prayer is an end to isolation. It is living
our daily life with someone; with Him
who alone can deliver us from solitude."
— Georges Lefevre —

An unfailing law

Proverbs 22:6

Start  children off on the way they should go,
 and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Prayers

. Father, I have long admired Joseph for his trust in you — a trust that helped him deal with what he could not understand. Now I come, with wild-eyed Joseph excitement and bewilderment to be reminded again of the miracle of your Son and my Savior. Please make him real to me as I seek to know him better. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thoughts 

"I have learned that what we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." - Author Unknown
"Hate destroys the vessel it's kept in." - Author Unknown

"The essence of temptation is the invitation to live independently of God."
— Neil Anderson

[Message No:6317]

Do You Have Any Bread?

How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.”
When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” – Mark 6:38
Do you have any bread? The same question is asked of us today:
1] To make us aware what we possess
2] To force us to pool our resources
3] To help us understand the value of fragments

Our Faithful God

 “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” – Psalm 73:23-26

In times of confusion, we can take comfort that while we may not understand everything while here on earth (read Psalm 73:1-22), God will be faithful. Everything we have and know here on earth is subject to decay, but our relationship with the LORD is our strength forever. He will not abandon, fail, or forget us.

Thoughts 

"Do all the good you can,|By all the means you can,|In all the ways you can,|In all the places you can,|At all the times you can,|To all the people you can,|As long as ever you can." - John Wesley
"The 7 modern sins: politics without principles, pleasures without conscience, wealth without work, knowledge without character, industry without morality, science without humanity, worship without sacrifice." - Canon Frederic Donaldson

"God, who needs nothing, loves into existence wholly superfluous creatures in order that he may love and perfect them." - C. S. Lewis

Prayer 

. Father, thank you for the surprises you have brought to me by your grace. Please bless me as I try to share your grace by presenting the Gospel of Jesus this week to those I love. In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.

[Message No: 6316]

Making a Choice

“I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.” – Psalm 119:30

Yesterday we made a commitment to follow the Lord Jesus whole-heartedly. Let's not forget it and slip back into old habits and bad patterns. Let's choose the way of truth again today, and tomorrow, and...

How to win friends

Proverbs 22:11

One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace
will have the king for a friend.

Thoughts

"And what kind of habitation pleases God? What must our natures be like before he can feel at home within us? He asks nothing but a pure heart and a single mind. He asks no rich paneling, no rugs from the Orient, no art treasures from afar. He desires but sincerity, transparency, humility, and love. He will see to the rest." - A. W. Tozer

"I believe there is nothing lovelier, deeper, more sympathetic, and more perfect than the Savior; there is in the world only one figure of absolute beauty: Christ." - Fyodor Dostoevsky

He is our Future

“The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:22

God not only buys out our bondage and debt to sin, but he also assures us that he will provide refuge for those who trust in him. Our future is tied to him and not to our ability to provide and protect what we need.

I have written: two reasons

Proverbs 22:20-21

Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,
teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,
so that you bring back truthful reports
to those you serve?

[Message No: 6315]

Holy Spirit’s Power

“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.” – Acts 1:8

God has a plan to reach the world with his grace. We start where we are and reach out to those around us. We then share the story of Jesus with those in our region. Then we reach out and take the gospel all over the world. As we offer ourselves to be used, we also trust that the Holy Spirit's power and presence will go with us.

'Where Are You Staying?' — John 1:38-39

"Where are you staying" could be accurately translated by the slang expression, "Where're you at, man?" The disciples wanted to know where Jesus' heart was. They wanted to know "what made him tick." They weren't looking for his room decor or the layout of his floor plan; they wanted to know if they should give up everything they had and follow him. Jesus' invitation to these early disciples is also an invitation to us.

"Come and see," Jesus says. "You want to know my heart? You want to know what is important to me? You want to know how I can bless you? Come and see!" Jesus invites us to meet him through the Gospel of John. If you are not sure about Jesus, don't just read books about him; come, read his own story in the Gospels, especially the Gospel of John.

He asks us to come, stay with him, and learn from him. He invites us to come and see!

Prayers

. Father, once again, I want to thank you this week for the important women in my life who helped shape my faith and who helped me find my way to you. Please help me to value godly women in ways that bless them, honor you, and build up your Church. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thoughts 

"God can change our circumstances, but sometimes He waits for us to show real desire for change as well as our faith in Him." - Anne Graham Lotz

"Don't be afraid for tomorrow. God is already there." - Ethel Löfgren

[Message No: 6314]

How to Receive God’s Forgiveness?

+ By Loving, you can receive God’s Forgiveness

Luke 7:47

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

+ In Christ’s Blood

Ephesians 1:7

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

+ By Forgiving Others

Matthew 6:14

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Free to Enjoy God

Psalm 34:8-10

• Praising God for who He is and what He’s done will make our hearts rejoice.

• Spending time listening and getting to know Him through His Word will increase our closeness and deepen our enjoyment of Him.

• Refusing to believe lies—for example, that we should be afraid of our Father or that our sin is too great to be forgiven—frees us to receive His love and know the joy of forgiveness.

If you’ve lost your joy in the Lord, ask Him to reignite it. Then take the steps necessary to rekindle your relationship with Him. The more you learn to love Him, the greater will be your joy.

Thoughts 

"Life passes, riches fly away, popularity is fickle, the senses decay, the world changes. One alone is true to us; One alone can be all things to us; One alone can supply our need." - John Henry Newman
"Satan's number one weapon is pride. God's number one defence is humility."

— Larry Burkett

God's Opportunity

And there came a lion (1 Samuel 17:34).

It is a source of inspiration and strength to come in touch with the youthful David, trusting God. Through faith in God he conquered a lion and a bear, and afterwards overthrew the mighty Goliath.
When that lion came to despoil that flock, it came as a wondrous opportunity to David. If he had failed or faltered he would have missed God's opportunity for him and probably would never have come to be God's chosen king of Israel.

Death

By Late Billy Graham

Today we are confronted with so many voices telling us how to live. We are told how to look young, stay trim, keep healthy, have a good image, think positively, make more money, have more friends.
All these are reasonable ambitions, but they indicate that we are trying desperately to cling to this present world. The truth is, life is transitory. “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14). The psalmist said, “Each man’s life is but a breath” (Ps. 39:5). If we want to make the most of life, we need to face the fact that it is going to end.

My father-in-law, Dr. L. Nelson Bell, wrote many years ago, “Only those who are prepared to die are really prepared to live.”

The uncertainty is not dying, it’s the preparation.

Free to Enjoy God

Psalm 34:8-10

• Praising God for who He is and what He’s done will make our hearts rejoice.

• Spending time listening and getting to know Him through His Word will increase our closeness and deepen our enjoyment of Him.

• Refusing to believe lies—for example, that we should be afraid of our Father or that our sin is too great to be forgiven—frees us to receive His love and know the joy of forgiveness.

If you’ve lost your joy in the Lord, ask Him to reignite it. Then take the steps necessary to rekindle your relationship with Him. The more you learn to love Him, the greater will be your joy

[Message No: 6313]

Because of Perfection

Hebrews 5:9

And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,

Hebrews 9:11

But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation)

Hebrews 10:14

For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

Prayer of Distress

Psalm 3:1

O LORD, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;

Psalm 4:1

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

Psalm 6:1

O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger,
nor discipline me in your wrath.

Psalm 12:1

Save, O LORD, for the godly one is gone;
for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.

Psalm 13:1

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

[Message No: 6311]

Look to God

 “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” – Psalm 34:5

We are like the moon; the glory we show is the reflection of the greater life in our lives that does not originate in us but is a blessing to others through us. Look to God for your hope, your strength, your values, your foundation, your security, and your light.

Jesus

Matthew 12:50

For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven  is my brother and sister and mother.”

Mark 10:44-45

and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.   For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,  and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 23:12

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted

Matthew 4:19

Come, follow me,”  Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people

At once they left their nets and followed him.

Mark 11:24-25

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.    And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” 

Thoughts 

"God's promises are like the stars: the darker the night, the brighter they shine." - David Nicholas
"There is only one relationship that matters, and that is your personal relationship to a personal Redeemer and Lord. Let everything else go, but maintain that at all cost, and God will fulfill His purpose through your life. (This includes meeting the needs of your heart.) One individual life may be of priceless value to God's purposes, and yours may be that life." - Oswald Chambers

[Message No: 6310]

Obedience To God – 2

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good  of those who love him, who have been called  according to his purpose.

James 2:24

You see that  a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

John 14:21

Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.  The one who loves me will be loved by my Father,  and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

Matthew 7:14

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Read : Luke 5:1-39

2 Corinthians 2:9

Another reason I wrote you  was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.

John 14:23

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.  My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

2 Thessalonians 1:8

He will punish  those who do not know God  and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Hebrews 5:8-9

Son  though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered    and, once made perfect,  he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him

Acts 2:38

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized,  every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

[Message No: 6309]

Forgiveness - God alone can forgive

Luke 5:21

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Forgiveness – Christ has the authority

But I want you to know that the Son of Man  has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.”

Wanting Jesus for the Wrong Reasons

John 6:22-26 – “The next day the crowd that had stayed on the far shore saw that the disciples had taken the only boat, and they realized Jesus had not gone with them. Several boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the Lord had blessed the bread and the people had eaten. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went across to Capernaum to look for him. They found him on the other side of the lake and asked, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs."

There are many reasons to follow Jesus. Sometimes, we can let these reasons be selfish ones. When many people grow disillusioned with their walk with Christ, they give the excuse that it wasn't "working for them." What they mean is that being a disciple was harder than they thought it would be and they weren't getting the obvious "payoff" out of giving their allegiance to Jesus. However, we don't follow Jesus because of what we get out of him on a day-to-day basis, but because of who he is and what he did for us in sacrificing himself for us. Sometimes we have to follow regardless of the temporary circumstances. If all we do is follow when we get what we want, then when hardship comes, trials beset us, and the evil one attacks us — we're going to give up on God and lose everything. Jesus' blessings remind us who he is and where he is from. They point us to God and our home with him. Let's live for him no matter what our temporary circumstances may be.

Forgiveness – God forgives in Christ

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another,  forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

[Message No: 6308]

Blessings of New Covenant

1] Forgiven Sin – Matthew 26:25

Then Judas, the one who would betray him,  said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”
 Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

2] Eternal Redemption – Hebrews 9:12

He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves;  but he entered the Most Holy Place  once for all  by his own blood,  thus obtaining eternal redemption.

3] Total Justification – Acts 13:39

Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.

4] Requirements Met – Romans 8:4

in order that the righteous requirement  of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

5] Made Perfect – Hebrews 10:14

For by one sacrifice he has made perfect  forever those who are being made holy.

6] Better Promises – Hebrews 8:6

But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant  of which he is mediator  is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.

7] Of the Spirit – 2 Corinthians 3:6

He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant —not of the letter  but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

8] Life Giving – 2 Corinthians 3:6

He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant —not of the letter  but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

9] Rights of Sonship – Galatians 4:5

redeem  those under the law, that we might receive adoption  to sonship.

10] Eternal Inheritance – Hebrews 9:15

For this reason Christ is the mediator  of a new covenant,  that those who are called  may receive the promised  eternal inheritance —now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

11] Sin Not Mastering – Romans 6:14

For sin shall no longer be your master,  because you are not under the law,  but under grace

12] Freedom from Law – Romans 7:6 

But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law  so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

[Message No: 6307]

Obedience To God – 1

John 14:15

“If you love me, keep my commands.

Luke 6:46

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’  and do not do what I say?

Romans 6:16

Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey —whether you are slaves to sin,  which leads to death,  or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Matthew 7:21

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’  will enter the kingdom of heaven,  but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

James 1:22

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says

Isaiah 1:19

If you are willing and obedient,
 you will eat the good things of the land;

Joshua 1:8

Keep this Book of the Law  always on your lips;  meditate  on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

1 Samuel 15:22

But Samuel replied:

  “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
 as much as in obeying the Lord?
 To obey is better than sacrifice,
 and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

Ephesians 6:5-9

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect  and fear, and with sincerity of heart,  just as you would obey Christ.    Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ,  doing the will of God from your heart.   Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,    because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do,  whether they are slave or free.

    And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours  is in heaven, and there is no favouritism  with him.

[Message No: 6306]

Examples of plans being established

Jacob -

Genesis 32:24-30

So Jacob was left alone,  and a man  wrestled with him till daybreak.   When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip  so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.   Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”

 But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

    The man asked him, “What is your name?”

 “Jacob,”  he answered.

    Then the man said, “Your name  will no longer be Jacob, but Israel,  because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

    Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.”

 But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?”  Then he blessed  him there.

    So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face,  and yet my life was spared.”

Genesis 46:16

The sons of Gad:

 Zephon,  Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi and Areli.

David -

1 Samuel 17:45

Esther –

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin,  but I come against you in the name  of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

Esther 4:14-17

For if you remain silent  at this time, relief  and deliverance  for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

    Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:   “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast  for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
    So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions.

Daniel -

Daniel 6:10

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward  Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees  and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Ezra -

Read: Ezra 8:21-32

[Message No: 6305]

The Fear

“What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted.” – Proverbs 10:24

The wicked fear the triumph of goodness, holiness, and righteousness. They fear not being in control. They fear death overtaking them. The righteous desire the triumph of goodness, holiness, and righteousness. They offer their life to be controlled by the Holy Spirit of God. They recognize death is an enemy, but one that has been conquered by their Savior. In times like these, isn't it comforting to know that the fear of the wicked is really all the wicked can be sure of receiving!

Inspiration Behind Scripture

[ Matthew 22:41-44]

We cannot forget the claims of the Scriptures that their messages are from God. Paul reminded Timothy that all Scripture is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Other places reference God's inspiration behind the words of the prophets (2 Peter 1:19-21) and the writers of the Bible (1 Thessalonians 4:8). As 2 Peter 1:21 and 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 point out, that inspiration came from the Holy Spirit. In today's passage, Jesus quoted from David and weighed in on the inspiration issue. He said that David spoke by "inspiration of the Spirit"!

 I don't know about you, but this assertion from Jesus is a challenging reminder that I need to invest more time in listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit in the words and truths he inspired in the Holy Scriptures! We are promised that as we open the Scriptures, the Spirit will be at work to help us understand God's truth (1 Corinthians 2:6-16).

How to escape snares

Proverbs 22:5

In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,
 but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

Thoughts 

"Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." - Franklin P. Jones
"Love doesn't just sit there like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new." - Ursula K. LeGuin

[Message No: 6304]

Personal Responsibility

Galatians 6:5

for each one should carry their own load.

1 Timothy 5:8

Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied  the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us  for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Deuteronomy 24:16

Parents are not to be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their parents; each will die for their own sin.

Job 19:4

If it is true that I have gone astray,  my error  remains my concern alone.

Proverbs 9:12

If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer

Jeremiah 31:30

Instead, everyone will die for their own sin;  whoever eats sour grapes—their own teeth will be set on edge.

Ezekiel 18:20

The one who sins is the one who will die.  The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to
hem, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.

Romans 14:4

Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?  To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

[Message No: 6303]

Let’s Praise Him

 “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.” – Psalm 34:3

Isn't it good that we can sing alone and know God loves our song! Isn't it even better that we can join others in songs of praise and lose ourselves in wonder, love, and praise! Let's spend today finding other believers and praising God together. All around the world, hundreds of thousands strong, let's reach out to other believers and ask them to join us in glorifying the Lord!

Life through Christ

For since death came through a man,  the resurrection of the dead  comes also through a man.   For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.    But each in turn: Christ, the first fruits;  then, when he comes,  those who belong to him. - 1 Corinthians 15:21-23

Prayer

Dear Father, worthy God,

You have declared that just as death came through the sin of one man, so life comes through one man's resurrection from the dead. As in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ first, then at his coming we who belong to him.

Thank you, Father, for the assurance you gave by raising him up. Thank you that his resurrection is our resurrection! Thank you for this revelation of the order in which it will come.

In the name of Jesus I offer you this thanksgiving and praise for the most wonderful events of history, Christ's resurrection and ours. Amen.

Prayer

. Father, I thank you for the following godly women who have shaped my life and helped me have faith... God, I thank you for the great women of faith in Scripture who did so much for your people. Help us, your Church, your children of faith, to find every way possible to show these great ladies how much they mean to us. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Thought 

"Without the work of the cross we would be quite helpless. The cross enables us to come out free from under the heaviest and most powerful mental bondage. Not all the power of Satan, or sin, or habit can hold us captive any longer." - Tom Marshall

[Message No: 6302]

God Knows Everything You Will Ever Do

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained  for me were written in your book
 before one of them came to be.
    How precious to me are your thoughts,  God!
 How vast is the sum of them!

- Psalm 139:16-17

Prayer

Lord, the world tells me that You aren't all-powerful or all-knowing. But Your Word tells a different story: You are intricately involved in my life. You even know the number of hairs on my head. You know all my problems and You are fully aware of my hopes and desires. I praise You, God, as Lord and King. You even knew me before I came out of my mother, and You knew how many days I would live. I trust You, Lord, to order my life and lead me all the way to the promised land — heaven! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

God’s Plan

Coming up with a plan and rushing ahead may seem like the best approach, but who is better qualified to lead the way—you or God? One pathway is filled with fretting and uncertainty, but the other leads to rest and blessing. Which will you choose?

Psalm 32:7

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”

Out of the attacks of evil come the victories of God and the victory chants of God's people. Let's find our strength and protection in our holy God! Let's make God our hiding place, our source of security, and our hope in times of trouble.

Thoughts 

. "The people of God are not merely to mark time, waiting for God to step in and set right all that is wrong. Rather, they are to model the new heaven and new earth, and by so doing awaken longings for what God will someday bring to pass." - Philip Yancey

. "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." - Bob Benson

[Message No: 6301]

Source of death and life

Proverbs 18:21

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

A twofold blessing

Proverbs 18:22

He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.

The power of money

Proverbs 18:23-24

The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly. One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Two dangerous practices

Proverbs 18:2-3

Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their ownopinions.
When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach.

Romans 14:19

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. —

"Make every effort!" That's quite a challenge. But notice where that exertion is to be focused: peace and mutual edification. Both sides of this exhortation are two way responsibilities. I must pursue and share peace if I am going to have it myself. I must edify, and be open to being edified, if mutual edification is going to happen. In other words, we live with other people in God's family. He wants us to be responsible for making relationships work in our spiritual family. He reminds us it will require strenuous effort. But, isn't that true in every family relationship? Love means sacrifice, effort, and concern for others. When we share our love willingly, however, we're much more likely to see it coming back to us!

Prayer

. Holy and Righteous Father, please forgive me for lying, exaggerating, and withholding the truth when it is needed. I want my heart and my lips to be invested in forever. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

[Message No: 6300]

'A Confusing Christ?'

Just then his disciples came back. They marvelled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” – John 4:27

The disciples return and find themselves confused and astonished. Jesus was doing the unthinkable — he is visiting with a woman from Samaria. During their journey with Jesus through his years of ministry, they will find themselves confused again and again. Why? Because Jesus came to reach the lost, to save the sinner, to heal sick. He reached out and touched the untouchables and welcomed the outcast and sinners. He broke the religious culture's "rules of engagement" as he broke through every prejudice and every barrier to reach the seeking heart.

We may not know how to cross barriers as well as he did, but we know we must try. Jesus' meeting with the woman is not just an example to us of reaching beyond cultural barriers; he also makes cross-cultural outreach a command for us to obey in his Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). He is not really the confusing Christ; he is the Christ on a mission to reach the world. Let's join him in his quest.

Finishing Well

Hebrews 12:1

In a race, what’s most important isn’t how one begins but how one finishes. Prizes are awarded only for crossing the finish line, not for great starts. And this is also true for the Christian life. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” In 2 Timothy 4:9-11, we see a contrast between two runners: Mark (also known as John Mark) and Demas.

That’s why Scripture reminds us to lay aside every encumbrance hindering our race (Hebrews 12:1-2). Once we cross the finish line and see Christ face-to-face, all worldly pleasures will fade in comparison to the joy of hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21 NIV).

Enjoying God

Psalm 5:11-12

The Scriptures are full of verses that speak of the enjoyment God’s people find in Him, and this sometimes leaves us wondering why our experience doesn’t match theirs. If we aren’t delighting in the Lord on a consistent basis, there may be some hindrances in our life.

When we really enjoy the Lord, we find ourselves slow to leave His presence and desiring to linger. Does this describe your relationship with your heavenly Father?

[Message No: 6299]

Dr. E. Stanley Jones [1884-1973]

Dr. Jones was a Missionary/Evangelist spent seventy years in the ministry of the Methodist Church and of Jesus Christ. He was an Evangelist, apostle, missionary, author of twenty-nine books, statesman, Bishop-elect (who resigned before ordination), founder of Christian Ashram (many of you might have been visited his Ashram in Nainital – Satal Ashram), ecumenical leader, and spokesman for peace, racial brotherhood, and social justice, and constant witness for Jesus Christ. Jones was a confident of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize, and his ministry in India brought him into close contact with country’s leaders including Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, and Mahatma Gandhi.

E. Stanley  Jones  was  truly a ”Missionary Extraordinary” to the twentieth century!

It was said that in his life time, he preached more than 60,000 sermons. 

Dr. Jones says –

Every man is man for whom Christ died, is a phrase often used. The multiple “blunders” of the disciples were “stumbling’s” over the unsurrendered self. Jones reminds us that “Your life will be a series of blunders from now until you drop into the  grave unless you get that self-off your own hands into the hands of God. Yourself in your own hands is a problem and a pain, yourself in hands of God is a possibility and a power.

Proverbs 10:8

“The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.”

When you hear a command from Scripture, do you wince? How about rationalize? How about transferring the responsibility to someone else? Or, do you obey to honor the Father? A wise heart accepts the commands of God as a blessing and a safeguard. A fool finds a way around the personal application of the command. Let's ask ourselves honesty, "Which of the two am I?"

Thoughts 

+ They who live upon Christ may have fresh supplies from him for all eternity; they may have an increase of blessedness that is new, and new still, and which never will come to an end. - Jonathan Edwards

+ I learned as never before that persistent calling upon the Lord breaks through every stronghold of the devil, for nothing is impossible with God.  For Christians in these troubled times, there is simply no other way. - Jim Cymbala

[Message No: 6298]

Sharing The Gospel - 2

Acts 8:36:39

As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”  [  ]   And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.   When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away,  and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

Read: Acts 10:34-48

Romans 10:12-15

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile —the same Lord is Lord of all  and richly blesses all who call on him,   for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord  will be saved.”
    How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?   And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Seek the Imperishable

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures  to eternal life,  which the Son of Man  will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal  of approval.” – John 6:27

Think about how hard we work and how much money we spend on things that are perishable. Most of what we purchase is subject to decay and destruction. Think of all the effort and energy we put into gaining fame and fortune when those things are fleeting, but faith and family endure.

Life is found in Jesus; he is its source, purpose, and destination. Let's not forget that. Most other things eventually deplete our lives. Only Jesus gives us life that is both lasting and meaningful.

[Message No: 6297]

In God’s Presence

 “My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you.” - Isaiah 26:9

When a young couple in love is apart, they long to be with each other again. When a parent is separated from his or her child, the parent misses the child intensely. When a spouse can no longer be with a long time marriage partner because of disease, death, or divorce, that person's soul can ache to be reunited to the one they have loved.

Do you recognize your spirit aching to be with God? Do you end each day and begin the next longing to be in the presence of God? Let's recognize our God-hunger and not only satisfy it by spending time in his presence, but let's also communicate our desire, affection, and need for the presence of our heavenly Father in our lives.

How to Receive God’s Forgiveness?

By Loving, you can receive God’s Forgiveness - Luke 7:47

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Seek the Lord

 “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” - Psalm 34:10

While even the most fierce hunters cannot ensure their security and nourishment, those whose hunger is for God will find themselves nourished, blessed, and sustained.

Thoughts 

"The love we have in our youth is superficial compared to the love that an old man has for his old wife." - Will Durant

"The art of love... is largely the art of persistence." - Albert Ellis

"Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained." - C. S. Lewis

[Message No: 6296]

Sharing The Gospel - 1

Matthew 28:19

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,

Mark 16:15-16

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.   Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

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.”

Acts 2:9

Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia,  Pontus  and Asia,

Acts 2:41

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number  that day.

Acts 8:5

Philip  went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.

Acts 8:12

But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God  and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized,  both men and women.

Acts 8:26-32

Philip and the Ethiopian

  Now an angel  of the Lord said to Philip,  “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”   So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian  eunuch,  an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship,    and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet.   The Spirit told  Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

    Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

    “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

    This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading:
  “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
 and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
 so he did not open his mouth.

[Message No: 6295]

Listening to the Wrong Folks

“I do not accept glory from human beings,    but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts.   I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.   How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? – John 5:41-44

Whose approval are you trying to receive? Peer pressure is powerful in the lives of teens, but if we are really honest, adults are just as susceptible to peer pressure. Look at designer fashions, hot cars, house styles, popular movies, top ten books, and a host of other areas.

Can we stand with Jesus and stand up to the ridicule of others, or do we cave in, hide out, or give up our faith when it's unpopular? Sometimes our churches are stained glass museums filled with spiritually impoverished people afraid to speak up for Jesus because they're too concerned about what others think and say.

Let's pray that we may be both bold and respectful in sharing our faith in Jesus (Acts 4:31, 1 Peter 3:15-16).

Psalm 34:4

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

Have you sought the LORD lately? Many of us made a commitment to turn all of our lives over to him last week; how have you done at that commitment? God promises wisdom to those who ask and don't doubt. Have you asked for wisdom recently? Let's join our hearts together, and with the Spirit's help, let's seek our Father so that we can honor and glorify him, finding our blessing in his presence.

Ephesians 5:15-16

“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Even though we are God's holy children, we also need to be aware of what time it is in our world. The evil one still exercises his control over the hearts of many people. God wants us to "redeem the time," making the most of every opportunity we have to touch the lives of others with his grace and to resist the temptation and overcome the opposition of the evil one.

[Message No: 6294]

Figures of the Church

+ A House for God

1 Timothy 3:5

(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)

1 Timothy 3:15

if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church  of the living God,  the pillar and foundation of the truth.

+ A Body for Christ – To supply

Ephesians 1:23

which is his body,  the fullness of him  who fills everything in every way.

+ A Temple for Spirit – To indwell

Ephesians 2:18-22

For through him we both have access  to the Father  by one Spirit.

    Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers,  but fellow citizens  with God’s people and also members of his household,    built  on the foundation  of the apostles and prophets,  with Christ Jesus himself  as the chief cornerstone.    In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple  in the Lord.   And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

+ A Lampstand in Glory

Ephesians 5:27

and to present her to himself  as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

Jude 1:24

To him who is able  to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence  without fault  and with great joy

[Message No: 6293]

Examples of Obedience - 3

Examples of Obedience - 3

Jesus

Hebrews 3:2

He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house.

Disciples

John 17:6

I have revealed you  to those whom you gave me  out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.

Paul

Acts 23:1-2

Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin  and said, “My brothers,  I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience  to this day.”   At this the high priest Ananias  ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.

2 Timothy 1:3

I thank God,  whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience,  as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.

Stand still

Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord" (Exod. 14:13).

These words contain God's command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut upon the right hand and on the left. What is he now to do?

The Master's word to him is "stand still." It will be well for him if, at such times, he listens only to his Master's word, for other and evil advisers come with their suggestions. Despair whispers, "Lie down and die; give it all up." But God would have us put on a cheerful courage, and even in our worst times, rejoice in His love and faithfulness.

Heralds of Christ

Lord, give us faith and strength the road to build,
To see the promise of the day fulfilled,
When war shall be no more, and strife shall cease
Upon the highway of the Prince of Peace.

Amen.

[Message No: 6292]

Wrath - 2

[Works of the Flesh]

Revelation 14:19

So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

Revelation 15:1

Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.

Revelation 15:7

And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever,

Revelation 16:1

Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.”

Revelation 18:3

For all nations have drunk

the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality,

and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her,
and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”

Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Nothing could keep Jesus from coming to save you — not the distance between heaven and earth, not the difficulty of an unexpected pregnancy, not a city fully of travelers and parents tired from a long journey, certainly not a maniacal king who sought to snuff out his life, not jeering mobs crying crucify him, not disciples that abandoned him, not soldiers that mocked him, not a whip that raked his flesh, and not a cross that claimed his physical life. So what makes you think he would let you go or give up on you after his love has captured your heart?

[Message No: 6291]

Examples of Obedience - 2

Hezekiah

2 Kings 18:6

He held fast  to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses.

Isaiah 38:3

“Remember, Lord, how I have walked  before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion  and have done what is good in your eyes. ” And Hezekiah wept  bitterly.

Josiah

2 Kings 22:2

He did what was right  in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right  or to the left.

2 Kings 23:24-25

Furthermore, Josiah got rid of the mediums and spiritists,  the household gods,  the idols and all the other detestable  things seen in Judah and Jerusalem. This he did to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the temple of the Lord.   Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned  to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.

Joseph

Matthew 1:24

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel  of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

Matthew 2:14

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,

Psalm 32:7

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”

Out of the attacks of evil come the victories of God and the victory chants of God's people. Let's find our strength and protection in our holy God! Let's make God our hiding place, our source of security, and our hope in times of trouble.

[Message No: 6290]