Besides Still Waters - 7

The Banquet

Esther 5:4

“If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.”

The Lord Gave & The Lord has taken Away

Job 1:21

and said:

  “Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

 and naked I will depart.

 The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;

 may the name of the Lord be praised.”

Accepting Adversity

Job 2:10

He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
 In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

In six troubles

Job 5:19

From six calamities he will rescue  you;

 in seven no harm will touch you.

Yet will I trust Him

Job 13:15

Though he slay me, yet will I hope  in him;

 I will surely defend my ways to his face.

I shall see God

Job 19:26

And after my skin has been destroyed,

 yet in my flesh I will see God;

Prayer 

. Lord, You picked Moses to do something he didn't really want to do, and he claimed to be an unskilled speaker. But Acts 7:22 reveals that Moses was a powerful speaker, so now we know that was a lie. Forgive me, Lord, when I try to lie to You and reject a task that You have put on me. Grant me the courage to move forward even though I think I'm not qualified. Help me to accept every job You assign, and realize that You will provide "on the job training." In Jesus' Name, Amen.

[Message No: 6381]

Check the Record

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life,  and this life is in his Son. – 1 John 5:11

The record indicates that:

.. We are the recipients of eternal life

.. Eternal life is a gift from God

.. The Son is the bearer of God’s gift

 Prayer

. Lord, You are my hiding place. You are the One I seek. You are the protection I need. I yearn for Your advice, Your guidance, and Your help. Show me which way to turn. Put me right where You want me to be to do the most good. Watch over me as I make this journey. Continue to show me when to turn left, and when to turn right. You are the victory I seek, Lord, so bring me safely home to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Kingdoms and Kingdom of God

.. Kingdom of the Son of Man – Luke 1:33

and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom  will never end.”

.. Kingdom of Righteousness – Psalm 45:6-7

Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;

 a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

    You love righteousness  and hate wickedness;

 therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions

 by anointing  you with the oil of joy.

Thoughts 

"A God who let us prove his existence would be an idol." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"The Christian has a great advantage over other men, not by being less fallen than they, nor less doomed to live in a fallen world, but by knowing that he is a fallen man in a fallen world." - C. S. Lewis

[Message No: 6380]

The Life of Faith

.. Obedience of Faith – Brings Salvation

Romans 16:26

but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings  by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith

.. Living by Faith – For Sustenance

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ  and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,  who loved me  and gave himself for me.

.. Walking by Faith – In Obedience

2 Corinthians 5:7

For we live by faith, not by sight

Quote 

"Apart from God every activity is merely
a passing whiff of insignificance."
— Alfred North Whitehead —

'The Proof Is in the Doing' — John 8:30-32

What is the secret to knowing the truth? Doing what Jesus says! It isn't in discovering a new idea, coming up with a new plan, or going in search of some lost mystery. Knowing the truth is found in living Jesus' teaching. The proof is in the doing!

Prayer

. Lord, I confess that my faith is still small. I look at my problems and try to fix them with my ideas, human analysis, and earth-bound thinking. My kneejerk reaction to any trial I face is to figure out what I can do. Then, I turn to You later — when I've completely exhausted every human answer to my difficult situation. Forgive me. In the future, I ask that the Holy Spirit help me to lean on You. — to seek You in prayer, first. Your ways are far above my ways. Your solutions are always better than anything I can imagine and better than any method I can apply. Your ways accomplish Your purposes. From now on, Lord, please remind me to pray before I attempt any solution based on human wisdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

[Message No: 6379]

Besides Still Waters - 6

He is Good

1 Chronicles 16:34

Give thanks  to the Lord, for he is good;

 his love endures forever.

Seek My Face

2 Chronicles 7:14

if my people, who are called by my name,  will humble  themselves and pray and seek my face  and turn  from their wicked ways, then I will hear  from heaven, and I will forgive  their sin and will heal  their land.

The eyes of the Lord

2 Chronicles 16:9

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

The battle is God’s

2 Chronicles 20:15

He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged  because of this vast army. For the battle  is not yours, but God’s.

Support on High

Ezra 4:14

Now since we are under obligation to the palace and it is not proper for us to see the king dishonoured, we are sending this message to inform the king,

The Joy of the Lord

Nehemiah 8:10

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

You preserve them All

Nehemiah 9:6

You alone are the Lord.  You made the heavens,  even the highest heavens, and all their starry host,  the earth  and all that is on it, the seas  and all that is in them.  You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven  worship you.

[Message No:6378]

Keep - 2

Keep - 2

* Keep the Faith:

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight,  I have finished the race,  I have kept the faith.   Now

* Keep Pure:

1 Timothy 5:22

Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands,  and do not share in the sins of others.  Keep yourself pure.

* Keep Yourselves from Idols:

1 John 5:21

Dear children,  keep yourselves from idols.

   * Keep the Body Under:

1 Corinthians 9:27

No, I strike a blow to my body  and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

* Keep the Heart Diligently:

Proverbs 4:23

Above all else, guard  your heart,  for everything you do flows from it.

* Keep from the Paths of Destroyer:

Psalm 17:4

Though people tried to bribe me,  I have kept myself from the ways of the violent  through what your lips have commanded.

Two common reasons

Proverbs 22:26-27

Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge

or puts up security for debts;

if you lack the means to pay,

your very bed will be snatched from under you.

[Message No: 6377]

Keep - 1

* Keep the Sayings of Christ:

John 8:51-52

Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”

    At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed!  Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death.

* Keep the Commandments of Christ:

John 14:15

If you love me, keep my commands

* Keep the Unity of the Spirit:

Ephesians 4:3

Make every effort to keep the unity  of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  

* Keep Unspotted from the Word:

James 1:27

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after  orphans and widows  in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

* Keep in the Love of God:

Jude 1:21

keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait  for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Thoughts 

"It is not the objective proof of God's existence that we want but the experience of God's presence. That is the miracle we are really after, and that is also, I think, the miracle that we really get." - Frederick Buechner

"Life offers many choices. Eternity offers only two." - Author Unknown

"God is more disposed to move on an admitted emptiness than a presumed fullness." - Tommy Tenny

[Message No: 6376]

God Will Keep Us Strong

For you have been my refuge,  a strong tower against the foe. – Psalm 61:3

God keeps us strong because:

. He created us

.. He knows us

… He loves us

Christian Readiness

Ready to Answer – 1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer  to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope  that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Ready to Preach – Romans 1:15

That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.

Ready to Distribute – 1 Timothy 6:18

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,  and to be generous and willing to share

Ready to Every Good Work – Titus 3:1

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,  to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,

Expect trials to Multiply

Genesis 22:1

Sometime later God tested  Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,”  he replied.

A remedy for foolishness

Proverbs 22:15

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.

Thought

"Concepts create idols, only wonder grasps anything." - Gregory of Nyssa

[Message No: 6375]

Midnight

“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ – Matthew 25:6

. It’s midnight in the political order

. It’s midnight in the social order

. it’s midnight in the spiritual order

. There is no night in heaven – Rev. 21:25

The Spirit of Antichrist

. The Spirit of Evil – 2 Thessalonians 2:10

and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing.  They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

. The Spirit of Deception – 2 Thessalonians 2:10

and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing.  They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

. The Spirit of Abomination – Daniel 9:27

He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed  is poured out on him.”

Measure 

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." – Luke 6:38
God is the God of all grace! (1 Pet. 5:10) He loves to give, bless, and empower. One of God's chosen ways to do these three things is through us; he wants us to be conduits of his blessing. Like the faithful stewards in the parable of the talents (Matt. 25), when we are faithful in generously and faithfully using what he has given us to administer, he blesses us with more to use to help others and bring him glory.

As we give, share, and bless, God continues to supply us with more than we can imagine! (see 2 Cor. 9:6-11 & Eph. 3:20-21)

[Message No: 6374]

The Lord’s People – 3

. By faith we become children of God

Galatians 3:26

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God  through faith,

By obedience  we are God’s children

1 Peter 1:14

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
By living we show we are God’s children

Philippians 4:9

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.  And the God of peace  will be with you.

Results of taking the easier ways 

Therefore, strengthen your listless hands and your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but be healed. (Hebrews 12:12-13)

This is God’s word of encouragement to us to lift up the hands of faith, and confirm the knees of prayer. Often our faith grows tired, languid, and relaxed, and our prayers lose their force and effectiveness.

The figure used here is a very striking one. The idea seems to be that we become discouraged and so timid that a little obstacle depresses and frightens us, and we are tempted to walk around it, and not face it: to take the easier way.

Perhaps it is some physical trouble that God is ready to heal, but the exertion is hard, or it is easier to secure some human help, or walk around in some other way.

There are many ways of walking around emergencies instead of going straight through them. How often we come up against something that appalls us, and we want to evade the issue with the excuse:

Two commands: two reasons

Proverbs 22:22-23

Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case  and will exact life for life.

{Message No: 6373}

The Lord’s People – 2

. A Holy People

Deuteronomy 7:6

For you are a people holy  to the Lord your God.  The Lord your God has chosen  you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.

1 Peter 1:15

just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;

.. A Happy People

Deuteronomy 33:29

Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights. ”

John 15:11

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Today’s Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You that You made a way—the only way—of salvation for us through Your Son. Please help me to live fully surrendered and devoted to You and Your will. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The Answer to Prayer

 Patiently wait for God alone, my soul! For he is the one who gives me confidence. — Ps 62:5

Our too general neglect of looking for answers to what we ask, shows how little we are in earnest in our petitions. A husbandman is not content without the harvest; a marksman will observe whether the ball hits the target; a physician watches the effect of the medicine which he gives; and shall the Christian be careless about the effect of his labor?

Every prayer of the Christian, made in faith, according to the will of God, for which God has promised, offered up in the name of Jesus Christ, and under the influence of the Spirit, whether for temporal or for spiritual blessings, is, or will be, fully answered.

{Message No: 6372}

The Lord’s People – 1

. A Peculiar People

Deuteronomy 14:2

for you are a people holy  to the Lord your God.  Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.

Titus 2:14

who gave himself for us  to redeem us from all wickedness  and to purify  for himself a people that are his very own,  eager to do what is good.

.. A Separated People

Exodus 33:16

How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us?  What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

John 15:19

If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you  out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Freed Completely'

[Jesus said,] "A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free." -John 8:35-36

Salvation involves two great realities: 1) We are set free from our sins, and 2) we are adopted into God's family and become his children. Jesus is not only our Savior and Lord; he is also our older brother. God is not just the Almighty; he is also Abba Father. In Jesus, we are given our freedom to become all we are meant to be as God's children!

Prayer

. Lord, forgive me for letting the fear of the world and from the enemy slip into my heart, my mind, and my daily life. I want to live daily in Your peace from now on. Give me greater faith to trust in Your promises to see me through whatever I must face. Grant me rest in knowing that You are returning some day and will make all things right. You will be King of kings and Lord of lords, and help me serve You faithfully until that day arrives. Let Your peace in my life be visible to others living in fear. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

[Message No: 6371]

Roof and the Door

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12  Text: V. 11 - “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house”

Four men carried one man.

They came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. Why did this four men bring this paralytic man to Jesus? Because Jesus was only his help and hope.

Paralytic man was needed four people to carry him to bring him towards Jesus. Today, what is the matter with Christian brothers and sisters, they are not paralytic still all are not going to church, they don’t need anyone to carry them, they go everywhere but to Church!

This four people could have taken paralytic man to any Doctor but why they did bring that sick man to Jesus? Perhaps, they might have heard about Jesus saying that He is a healer. Or they might have seen Jesus healing the sick people. Therefore they had a compassion of this sick person. They wanted to help him. They knew only one way which is leading only towards Jesus. Amen …

So, they told this sick man, listen we do have our Lord Jesus, only He can heal you. We four of us want to take you. They made him understand about Jesus and he too agreed to come with this four people to Jesus. Friends, Jesus is the only way. Amen

We see this kind of situation in the Bible – if we see in Acts 3:1-10 When Peter and John on their way for prayers near Beautiful Gate, they meet one Crippled Beggar, when he asks them for some money, Peter and John tells him – we don’t have any Silver or Gold but only Jesus. In the name of Jesus get healed and he gets healed.

Therefore, let us bring sick and need people to get healed. Above all for their Spiritual healing. Today, how many of our known people are dying without knowing Jesus. Do they go to heaven? Or Do they have eternal life?

If not you and me, who else? If not here and now, where and how?

Secondly: He [Paralytic man] went through the Roof and came out through the Door:

Well, when this four people came to Jesus with sick man, Jesus was preaching in one house. It was totally packed so that no one can’t take even a step here and there. But this four people and sick person had much Faith in Jesus. They didn’t wanted to Give up.. they had Determination. They wanted to meet Jesus at any cost. Now, what they are doing?

It’s a very interesting thing happened! All the four people carefully take the paralytic man climb on Roof of the House. They started Removing the tiles. It was exactly  where Jesus was seating. It was  very difficult and at the  same time many people were watching them, but they did not bother. 
Instead their aim was to take this sick person to Jesus.

After that, they slowly leaving the rope down with the sick man and bed. You know what happened? This bed and sick person landed exactly in front of Jesus.

While doing this, four people had to face many difficulties. What are they?

First, was the CROWD, selfishly jamming the doorway, blocking the way. They wouldn’t move over and let the needy man get to Jesus Christ; they didn’t care whether or not he got to Jesus. There were unconcerned, selfish, and a hindrance.

Today, we can see many Christians are like that around us.

CUSTOM: Custom hindered the four men also. The usual way to get into a house was to come in through the door. But it was unachievable, they did it the impossible way and came through the roof.

CRITICS: Some people had come to Jesus for hearing. But they became critical. They  had come to find a fault with Jesus.

Now, in spite of the Crowd, Custom, and Critics, the paralyzed man was healed.

Today, we too need a dynamic and persistent faith. We need to come into the presence of the Great physician ourselves and bring others to Him.

He came in on his bed and went out with his bed on him:

Jesus saw their faith – whose faith? Four people who carried him and also the faith of paralytic man himself. It was a combined faith and persistent faith.

We don’t know how long the sick man was on his bed. And we even does not know his name.
 Jesus’ Word is very important here – when Jesus (v.11) “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home”. It happened immediately. No medicines, injections, bed rest but immediate miracle happened.
Paralytic man – one who was sleeping on the bed for many  years, now he jumps to his feet, role up his bed and took his bed on his shoulder

walks fast in front of many people who were gathered there.

Friends: On roof and the Door.

Lastly  one word – we have read the message: there is no greater joy in the world than bringing a needy friend to Jesus Christ – and seeing him walk away from his sickness – forgiven from his sins – and accepting Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour, so that he can obtain his Eternal life.

My question is: Will you do that today?

[Message No: 6370]

Three Walls

+ Our Old Walk – Past

All of us also lived among them at one time,  gratifying the cravings of our flesh  and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath

+ Our – New Walk – Present

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death  in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead  through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

+ Our Future Walk – Prospective

Revelation 3:4

Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes.  They will walk with me, dressed in white,  for they are worthy

Jesus: The Name Above All Names

Romans 1:3-4

“regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life  was a descendant of David,    and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power  by his resurrection from the dead:  Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Jesus is the Son — David's Son, God's Son in power, Christ, and Lord! Each name means something very important, but the simple truth based on Jesus' resurrection from the dead is this: Jesus is the one of ultimate importance to God. As Paul said elsewhere, "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ" (2 Corinthians 1:20).

No wonder the gospel is The Good News: It is the news about Jesus, God's Son, descended from David, one of us as God clothed in humanity, clothed in power as the Son of God, raised from the dead, the Messiah (the Christ), and the Lord of all. And underneath all these attributes of Jesus is the power of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that is alive in us and is transforming us to be like our Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Thought

. "There was no "before" the beginning of our universe, because once upon a time there was no time." - John D. Barrow

. "We should live our lives as though Christ was coming this afternoon." -Jimmy Carter

[Message No: 6369]

Do Not Pass Me By

They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”

    He called out, “Jesus, Son of David,  have mercy  on me!” – Luke 18:37-38

. Humanity is incomplete without divine visitation

.. I am tired of the wayside life

… I stand in need of a helping hand

Raining for you

 He named the second child Ephraim, saying, “Certainly God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering. (Gen 41:52)

The summer showers are falling. The poet stands by the window watching them. They are beating and buffeting the earth with their fierce downpour. But the poet sees in his imaginings more than the showers which are falling before his eyes. He sees myriads of lovely flowers which shall be soon breaking forth from the watered earth, filling it with matchless beauty and fragrance. And so he sings:
“It isn’t raining rain for me, it’s raining daffodils;

In every dimpling drop I see wild flowers upon the hills.

A cloud of gray engulfs the day, and overwhelms the town;

It isn’t raining rain for me: it’s raining roses down.”

Perchance some one of God’s chastened children is even now saying, "O God, it is raining hard for me tonight.

“Testings are raining upon me which seem beyond my power to endure. Disappointments are raining fast, to the utter defeat of all my chosen plans. Bereavements are raining into my life which are making my shrinking heart quiver in its intensity of suffering. The rain of affliction is surely beating down upon my soul these days.”

Withal, friend, you are mistaken. It isn’t raining rain for you. It’s raining blessing. For, if you will but believe your Father’s Word, under that beating rain are springing up spiritual flowers of such fragrance and beauty as never before grew in that stormless, unchastened life of yours.

One command

Proverbs 22:28

Do not move an ancient boundary stone
set up by your ancestors.

[Message No: 6368]

Let’s Go Back To God

Hosea 6:1-2

Come, let us return  to the Lord.

 He has torn us to pieces

 but he will heal us;

 he has injured us

 but he will bind up our wounds.

    After two days he will revive us;

 on the third day  he will restore  us,

 that we may live in his presence.

Facts about Antichrist

1] He will a master of intrigue – 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.

2] He will have no regard for God – Daniel 11:37

He will show no regard for the gods of his ancestors or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all.

3] He will be given power to rule – Revelation 17:17

For God has put it into their hearts  to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority,  until God’s words are fulfilled.

Thoughts 

"When our lives are focused on God, awe and wonder lead us to worship God, filling our inner being with a fullness we would never have thought possible. Awe prepares the way in us for the power of God to transform us and this transformation of our inner attitudes can only take place when awe leads us in turn to wonder, admiration, reverence, surrender, and obedience toward God."

— James Houston

"Never, never pin your whole faith on any human being: not if he is the best and wisest in the whole world. There are lots of nice things you can do with sand; but do not try building a house on it." - C. S. Lewis

[Message No: 6367]

Prayer solves one’s problem

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. – 2 Timothy 2:24

When God conquers us and takes all the flint out of our nature, and we get deep visions into the Spirit of Jesus, we then see as never before the great rarity of gentleness of spirit in this dark and unheavenly world.

The graces of the Spirit do not settle themselves down upon us by chance, and if we do not discern certain states of grace, and choose them, and in our thoughts nourish them, they never become fastened in our nature or behaviour.

Every advance step in grace must be preceded by first apprehending it, and then a prayerful resolve to have it.

Thought 

Fathers and mothers of families should bring up their children virtuously, looking at them rather as God’s children than their own; and to count life and health, and all they possess as loans which they hold of God. - Philip Neri

You Don't Have to Stumble

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am  the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12

A night light is so helpful when you wake up in a darkened room in the middle of the night. You don't have to stumble and fumble your way along in the darkness. Jesus comes to us, trapped as we are in a world of darkness and tells us that if we will look to him, we won't have to stumble and fumble our way along in life. In fact, not only will his light illuminate our path now, but his light will also lead us to life everlasting.

The Lord’s Presence

Genesis 28:16

When Jacob awoke from his sleep,  he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”

The God of Bethel

Genesis 31:13

I am the God of Bethel,  where you anointed a pillar  and where you made a vow  to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land. ’”

[Message No: 6366]

Besides Still Waters - 5

They shall share alike

1 Samuel 30:24

Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.

Waiting for Mercy

2 Samuel 7:15

But my love will never be taken away from him,  as I took it away from Saul,  whom I removed from before you

It is Enough

1 Kings 19:4

while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush,  sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life;  I am no better than my ancestors.”

A still small Voice

1 Kings 19:12

After the earthquake came a fire,  but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

He made the iron Float

2 Kings 6:6

The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw  it there, and made the iron float.

Chariots of Fire

2 Kings 6:17

And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots  of fire all around Elisha.

Bless me Indeed

1 Chronicles 4:10

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

[Message No: 6365]

Reason for not lacking anything

 “Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.”

– Psalm 34:9

"Fear of the LORD" is one of the great themes of the Old Testament. The phrase is particularly hard to translate, especially in light of the repeated message of the Bible to "fear not" and John's reminder that "perfect love casts out all fear." It means more than "hold God in reverence." Generally, "fear of the LORD" means that we remember our place in the order of things.

We know we are deeply loved by our holy Father in heaven. We recognize that we are weak and sinful in comparison and are saved by God's mercy and grace. We acknowledge that his majesty and holiness are far beyond us and that we pale in significance before God. We come to God acknowledging our need for him and our unworthiness to demand anything from him. The incredible reality is that when we approach God with this sense of awe and profound respect, he in turn welcomes us with open arms and brings us close. (See Isiah 57:15)

Hungry?

Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." - John 6:35

Hunger is a powerful motivator. When human beings get hungry enough, they will do almost anything to acquire food. What if we were that hungry for God? What if we were that hungry for God's bread, his Son Jesus? While we have learned to recognize our physical hunger, so many today cannot identify that empty spot in their souls and the ache in their hearts as hunger for God.
Only God, through his Son Jesus, can truly fill this empty spot and relieve that ache. Jesus is the one who quenches our spiritual thirst and satisfies our spiritual hunger. Come to him. Listen to him. Let his words and his love give you life!

Thoughts 

"The Bible is like a telescope. If a man looks through his telescope, then he sees worlds beyond; but if he looks at his telescope, then he does not see anything but that. The Bible is a thing to be looked through, to see that which is beyond." - Phillips Brooks

"There is not a heart but has its moments of longing, yearning for something better; nobler; holier than it knows now." - Henry Ward Beecher

[Message No: 6364]

The Odd Couple

When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous  woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness  to the Lord.” – Hosea 1:2

Hosea was commanded by God to marry a prostitute for three reasons:

1. To teach the prophet the meaning of divine love

2. To teach the prophet the how patient God is with his people

3. To teach the prophet the value of God’s redeeming grace.

Methods of Bible Study

Synthesis:

This method of Bible study is by gathering the thoughts as a whole. Eg. By reading Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21

Analysis:

This method involves examining the Word carefully, eg.  The Bereans analysed the Word. – Acts 17:11

Chapter:

This involves selecting a specific chapter to study in s  special way. Eg. Psalm 23; 1 Corinthians 13 etc.,

Daily Things In Christian Life

Daily Renewing  of the inner Man – 2 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly  we are being renewed  day by day.

Daily Reading the Word of God – Nehemiah 8:18

 Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read  from the Book of the Law  of God. They celebrated the festival for seven days, and on the eighth day, in accordance with the regulation,  there was an assembly.

Prayer

. Lord, when I think about all my mistakes, faults, sins, and bad habits, I realize how unworthy I am. I know how I have such a tendency toward sin, disobedience, and pride. I wish I could behave better, but I know I will never be all that I want to be for You. That makes me realize how great Your love for me is. That also makes me so grateful for Your love demonstrated in Your sending of Jesus, Your one, and only Son to die in my place to pay for all my sin. Though I'm not worthy of that, I thank You for it. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
[Message No: 6363]

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 

"The real problem is in the hearts and minds of men. It is not a problem of physics but of ethics. It is easier to denature plutonium than to denature the evil from the spirit of man." - Albert Einstein
"Neither genius, fame, nor love show the greatness of the soul. Only kindness can do that." - Jean Baptiste Henri Lacordaire

Relationship With God

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 1:10-13

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him,  the world did not recognize him.   He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.    Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed  in his name,  he gave the right to become children of God —   children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

Revelation 3:20

Here I am! I stand at the door  and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,  I will come in  and eat with that person, and they with me.

[Message No: 6362]

Besides Still Waters - 4

Gleaning God’s Riches

Ruth 2:2

And Ruth the Moabite  said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain  behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.

The Pillars of the Earth

1 Samuel 2:8

He raises  the poor  from the dust and lifts the needy  from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honour.  “For the foundations  of the earth are the Lord’s; on them he has set the world.

He will guard our Feet

1 Samuel 2:9

He will guard the feet  of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. “It is not by strength  that one prevails;

Speak, Lord

1 Samuel 3:9

So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

The Lord has helped us

1 Samuel 7:12

Then Samuel took a stone  and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer,  saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

After His own Heart

1 Samuel 13:14

But now your kingdom  will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart  and appointed  him ruler  of his people, because you have not kept  the Lord’s command.”

The battle is the Lord’s

1 Samuel 17:47

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword  or spear that the Lord saves;  for the battle  is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

[Message No: 6361]

God Be with You till We Meet Again

God be with you till we meet again,

    By His counsels guide, uphold you,

    With His sheep securely fold you,

    God be with you till we meet again.

Refrain:

        Till we meet, till we meet,

        Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;

        Till we meet, till we meet,

        God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again,

    ’Neath His wings securely hide you,

    Daily manna still provide you,

   God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again,

    When life’s perils thick confound you,

    Put His arms unfailing round you,

    God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again,

    Keep love’s banner floating o’er you,

   Smite death’s threat’ning wave before you,

    God be with you till we meet again.

Prayer

. Lord, I am tired. I'm so tired of this never-ending journey. I am tired of life. I am even tired of being tired. I confess I have followed the ways of the world rather than the ways of Your Son Jesus. It has brought me nothing but fatigue and pain. I need Your rest. I need a place of safety and security, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy world around me. Lead me to Your still waters; lead me to rest. I need your promised lighter burden. Deliver me from the things of this world to that place of peace and rest. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

[Message No: 6360]

Facts about the New Covenant

1] It was prophesied

Jeremiah 31:31

days are coming,” declares the Lord,
“when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
and with the people of Judah.

2] It was through Jesus’ blood

Matthew 26:28

 This is my blood of the covenant,  which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
3] It was an eternal Covenant
Hebrews 13:20
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,

4] It is a better Covenant

Hebrews 7:22

Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.

5] Its mediator is Jesus

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.

The Wicked

 “Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.” - Psalm 1:4
No matter the temporary apparent benefits of wicked schemes and evil power, all these efforts end at the grave and are swept away leaving the wicked with nothing to show for their efforts as they stand before the righteousness and justice of God.

[Message No: 6359]

A Cry to God

But I cry to you for help,  Lord; - Psalm 88:13a

. God has a sympathetic ear for the cries of the righteous.

.. Ecclesiastical history exposes  the  value of a cry.

… To cry acknowledges absolute dependence upon God.

Methods of Bible Study

. Biographical – This method involves  the studying of a person selected. e.g. Abraham, Paul, Mary etc

. Typical – The studying of a person, event or a substance in the Old Testament to see  the fulfilment in the New Testament is the  typical study e.g:

- Person – Moses is a type of Christ, See Deuteronomy 18:15 with Acts 3:22

- Event -  Sabbath is a type  of Christ, See Leviticus 23:3 with Colossians 2:16-17

- Substance – The bronze snake is a type of Christ, see Numbers 21:8-9 with John 3:14-15

How God’s Son may be glorified?

“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you."  - John 17:1

John 17 is one of the most moving chapters in all the Bible. Jesus knows he is going to die. He knows he is spending his last few hours before his death with disciples who do not understand what he is about to do and why he is about to do it. Jesus has two key goals in mind as he prepares himself, and his disciples, for their life ahead without him.

He wants them to be one so they can remain strong and influence the world for God. He wants what he does to bring glory to the Father. While he faces humiliation and abandonment, his desire is to bless others. We are going to face hardship. What will be our goal? Hmm, no wonder we are reminded to fix our eyes on Jesus and follow his example.

Blessed beyond Measure

Genesis 22:17

I will surely bless you  and make your descendants  as numerous as the stars in the sky  and as the sand on the seashore.  Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies,

[Message No: 6358]

Besides Still Waters - 3

His peace will Come

Numbers 6:26
the Lord turn his face  toward you and give you peace.

A Desert Land

Deuteronomy 32:10
In a desert  land he found him, in a barren and howling waste.

 He shielded  him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye,

He provides Strength

Deuteronomy 33:25
The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days.

Surrounded by God

Deuteronomy 33:26
There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides  across the heavens to help you and on the clouds  in his majesty.

In days of Trials

Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal  God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting  arms.

 He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’

Be Courageous

Joshua 1:7
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey  all the law  my servant Moses  gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left,  that you may be successful wherever you go.

A city of Refuge

Joshua 21:13
So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron (a city of refuge  for one accused of murder), Libnah,

Manmade Gods

Judges 18:24
He replied, “You took  the gods I made, and my priest, and went away. What else do I have? How can you ask, ‘What’s the matter with you?’”

[Message No: 6357]

He Heard My Cry

Psalm 61:1

Hear my cry, O God;

listen to my prayer.

1. Human expressions can be reduced to a cry

2. God is sensitive to our cry

3. God turns our cries into songs of joy.

Daily Things In Christian Life

. Daily Prayer to the Lord – Psalm 86:3

have mercy  on me, Lord, for I call  to you all day long.

. Daily Exhortation of the Lord – Psalm 72:15

Long may he live! May gold from Sheba  be given him.

 May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long.

. Daily Cross to Bear – Luke 9:23

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Methods of Bible Study

- Thematic – This method involves selecting a specific subject for study. Eg: Kingdom of God; Second Coming of Christ etc

- Word – Word study is by selecting  a particular word in the Bible.

Eg: Love, Grace, Holiness etc

Prayer 

. Lord, help me to brag often and loud about Jesus Christ and all You have done for me through Him. Thank You! Salvation comes through Him. Thank You for the acceptance into Your Kingdom that only comes through Christ alone. Thank You for the wisdom I can receive through Christ. Lord, give me more. Thank You for the holiness that comes from being In Christ Jesus. I want Your righteous character to take over my heart and fill my life. I want to overflow with Your holiness. I want to share Your love to those around me because Your Spirit fills me. Dear Lord, I will continue to brag only about You and what You have done! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

[Message No: 6356]

Is Unity is our Passion?

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Romans 15:5-6

Unity comes from God's Spirit as we follow Jesus. But, unity has a purpose much deeper than our getting along with each other.

Jesus prayed we would be one so that the world would know that God sent Jesus into the world as his Son (John 17). We want to be united so that our praise can bring glory to God. Unity is far more than a goal. Unity is a process through which the world learns of Jesus. At the same time, we glorify the Father who sent Jesus to save us. Leading others to Jesus and glorifying God are what living for Jesus is all about!

Let's make unity our passion!

Matured Christians

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. — Hebrews 6:10

So much assurance in such a short verse! God is not unjust — boy is that an understatement: if he produced the atoning sacrifice for our sins, what will he deny us if we seek after him? He will not forget our work and love — an eternal record of the good we have done! When we help our brothers and sisters in Christ, we bless him! We are HIS people!! That's real motivation to keep on maturing in Christ.

Victory of Faith

All things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23).

The "all things" do not always come simply for the asking, for the reason that God is ever seeking to teach us the way of faith, and in our training in the faith life there must be room for the trial of faith, the discipline of faith, the patience of faith, the courage of faith, and often many stages are passed before we really realize what is the end of faith, namely, the victory of faith.

Often God delays purposely, and the delay is just as much an answer to your prayer as is the fulfilment when it comes.

[Message No: 6355]

Besides Still Waters - 2

In the end, nothing to Fear:

Genesis 49:33

When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people.

Laid aside for a Time:

Exodus 3:1

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro  his father-in-law, the priest of Midian,  and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb,  the mountain  of God.

I know their Sorrows:

Exodus 3:7

The Lord said, “I have indeed seen  the misery  of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned  about their suffering.

The Lord who heals you:

Exodus 15:26

He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep  all his decrees,  I will not bring on you any of the diseases  I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals  you.”

This is the Bread:

Exodus 16:15

When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know  what it was.
 Moses said to them, “It is the bread  the Lord has given you to eat.

Rest in God’s Presence:

Exodus 33:14

The Lord replied, “My Presence  will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

The Lord your God:

Leviticus 11:44

I am the Lord your God;  consecrate yourselves  and be holy,  because I am holy.  Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground.

[Message No: 6354]

Surrender Today

“And anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” - Matthew 10:38-39

Jesus wants us to seriously look into our hearts and surrender those things that hold us back from fully following and serving him. We know what they are. He comes to us with his now nail-scarred hands and reminds us that he gave up everything to redeem us. He now wants us to surrender to the Cross the things that hold us back. Let's do it today!

Filled with Joy

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.  Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. – Luke 10:21

All too frequently, we pursue the wrong things hoping that they will make us happy. Real joy, however, comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we look at the life of Jesus and at the lives of his early followers, we see that the presence of the Holy Spirit brought them joy. The Spirit's presence can do the same for us. This joy from the Spirit comes from many things, including but not limited to these blessings:

 Insight and understanding into the scriptures and into life.

    The abiding presence of God within us.

    The connection that the Holy Spirit gives us with other believers.

    The assurance of our relationship with the Father as his children.

Joy comes to us because of the Spirit's presence in our lives!

Thoughts 

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." - Corrie ten Boom

"God writes straight with crooked lines." - Spanish Proverb

"One of the ways that our faith expresses itself is by our ability to be still, to be present, and not to panic or lose perspective. God still does his best work in the most difficult of circumstances." - Tim Hansel

"God does not discipline us to subdue us, but to condition us for a life of usefulness and blessedness." - Billy Graham

[Message No: 6353]

Besides Still Waters - 1

 Do not be Afraid

Genesis 15:1

 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram  in a vision:

  “Do not be afraid,  Abram.

 I am your shield,

 your very great reward

Expect trials to Multiply

Genesis 22:1

Sometime later God tested  Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”

 “Here I am,”  he replied.

Blessed beyond Measure

Genesis 22:17

I will surely bless you  and make your descendants  as numerous as the stars in the sky  and as the sand on the seashore.  Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies,

The Lord’s Presence

Genesis 28:16

When Jacob awoke from his sleep,  he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”

The God of Bethel

Genesis 31:13

I am the God of Bethel,  where you anointed a pillar  and where you made a vow  to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land. ’”

God has made me Forget

Genesis 41:51

Joseph named his firstborn  Manasseh  and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.”

All are against Me

Genesis 42:36

Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my children. Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more,  and now you want to take Benjamin.  Everything is against me!

[Message No: 6352]