Reasons for winning souls - 3

Jeremiah 8:20

“The harvest is past,
 the summer has ended,
 and we are not saved.”

Matthew 9:38

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Because of the Great Commission:

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Every believer is Commissioned:

Luke 14:23

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

God will Guide:

Acts 16:6-9

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia  and Galatia,  having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.    When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus  would not allow them to.   So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.    During the night Paul had a vision  of a man of Macedonia  standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

Matthew 28:20

and teaching  them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you  always, to the very end of the age.”


Choose -

John 4:35

Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.

Luke 10:2

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

[Message No: 6436]

Prayer for fulfilment of God’s Promise

2 Samuel 7:25-26

And now, Lord God, keep forever the promise  you have made concerning your servant and his house. Do as you promised,   so that your name  will be great forever. Then people will say, ‘The Lord Almighty is God over Israel!’ And the house of your servant David will be established  in your sight.

2 Samuel 7:28

Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy,  and you have promised these good things to your servant.

Psalm 119:81-82

My soul faints  with longing for your salvation,
 but I have put my hope  in your word.
    My eyes fail,  looking for your promise;
 I say, “When will you comfort me?”

Psalm 119:162

I rejoice  in your promise
 like one who finds great spoil.
'Waiting through the Spirit'
For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. - Galatians 5:5
Waiting is hard. Waiting for something or someone special is incredibly hard. Waiting for our transformation to be like Jesus, full of righteousness and grace, is impossibly hard without the gift of the Holy Spirit.

But with the Spirit, we eagerly hope and expect to see all that God has prepared for us and all that he will transform within us!

Psalm 30:5

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

God is the God of all comfort (see 2 Cor. 1). Even when he deals harshly with our sin and rebellion, it is for our good. It will last only a short while and then it gives way to rejoicing. If you are in a time of discipline or facing the cruel consequences of sin, please don't give up. Morning will come, and on that dawn will come God's grace. It's more than worth the wait!

[Message No: 6435]

Besides Still Waters - 13

Night Thoughts
Psalm 119:55
In the night, Lord, I remember  your name,  that I may keep your law.

Before I was Afflicte
Psalm 119:67
Before I was afflicted  I went astray, but now I obey your word

I have been Afflicted
Psalm 119:71
It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

A prescription for Affliction
Psalm 119:92
Your laws endure  to this day, for all things serve you

God never Slumbers
Psalm 121:3
He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;

The Lord on our Side
Psalm 124:1
If the Lord had not been on our side—let Israel say —

You answered Me
Psalm 138:3
When I called,  you answered me; you greatly emboldened  me.

God knows all my Ways
Psalm 139:3
You discern my going out  and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

God is Everywhere
Psalm 139:9
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,

He heals broken Hearts
Psalm 147:3
He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.

[Message No: 6434]

Know your God

 “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”

-    Ephesians 1:17

One of the best things we can pray for each other, and for ourselves, is that we might better know God. The Holy Spirit helps us better know God (1 Cor. 2), worship God (John 4), and speak to God (Rom. 8). Let's ask God to use his Spirit to help us know him, not just know about him. God is not only the Almighty Creator of all things; he is also our Father who cares about us deeply.

Putting It in Context

You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? - Acts 4:25

The disciples proclaimed that what was happening in their day was what God had spoken through his servant David by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The violence and opposition that the early followers of Jesus were facing were not a surprise. They were expected. They were anticipated. They were prophesied years earlier by King David in Psalm 2. What's more, this message of the Holy Spirit was God's reminder that the opposition they faced would fail! Jesus, God's anointed, would lead God's people to triumph.

The efforts of the nations and the rulers to stop the cause of Christ were — and still are — futile. And God had spoken this truth a thousand years earlier, through his servant David by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit — the same Holy Spirit who lived within each of those who were following Jesus and who also lives within each of us who follow him!

Thought

"The Jews would not willingly tread upon the smallest piece of paper in their way, but took it up; for possibly, they say, the name of God may be on it. Though there was a little superstition in this, yet truly there is nothing but good religion in it, if we apply it to men. Trample not on any; there may be some work of grace there, that thou knowest not of. The name of God may be written upon that soul thou treadest on; it may be a soul that Christ thought so much of, as to give His precious blood for it; therefore despise it not." - S. T. Coleridge

[Message No: 6433]

Bible Characters in A.B.C. Rhyme - 2

14. N] is a leper who dipped seven times in the river Jordan.
Ans = Naaman

15. O] is a woman who was Naomi’s daughter-in-law
Ans = Orpah

16. P] is a disciple of Jesus who restored Tabitha and preached on the Day of Pentecost.
Ans = Peter

17. Q] is a queen who came to see King Solomon and asked him many questions.
Ans = Queen of Sheba

18. R] is woman who was Jacob’s life
Ans = Rachel

19. S] is a group of people in Jesus’ time who did not believe in angels and resurrection
Ans = Sadducees

20. T] is a young man, a good church leader and is known as Paul’s spiritual son.
Ans = Timothy

21. U] is a soldier who had a beautiful wife and king David arranged for him to billed in battle
Ans = Uriah

22. V] is a beautiful Queen of Persia who was deposed by her husband.
Ans = Vashti – Esther 1:9

23. W] is a woman whose husband has died [e.g. Naomi, Ruth].
Ans = Widow

24. X] is the name of a Persian King
Ans = Xerxes

25. Y] is an ingredient that the Jews used in their bread
Ans = Yeast

26. Z] is the husband of Elizabeth and father of John the Baptist.
Ans = Zachariah

[Message No: 6432]

The Greatness of God

Isaiah 40:12-26:

When you think of God, what comes to mind? Often, people view Him in the way that best fits their particular need or situation. For example, a person who struggles with guilt might focus on the Lord’s forgiveness or holiness. And someone with a thirst for justice might dwell on the Almighty’s righteousness.

= God is greater than creation:

Isa. 40:12

Who has measured the waters  in the hollow of his hand,
 or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
 Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
 or weighed the mountains on the scales
 and the hills in a balance?

=  He is higher than the nations or any idol fashioned by the finest craftsman:

 Isa. 40:17-20

Before him all the nations  are as nothing;
 they are regarded by him as worthless
 and less than nothing.
    With whom, then, will you compare God?
 To what image  will you liken him?
    As for an idol,  a metalworker casts it,
 and a goldsmith  overlays it with gold
 and fashions silver chains for it.
    A person too poor to present such an offering
 selects wood  that will not rot;
 they look for a skilled worker
 to set up an idol  that will not topple.

=  He is above the world and all mankind:

Isa. 40:22-23

He sits enthroned  above the circle of the earth,
 and its people are like grasshoppers.
 He stretches out the heavens  like a canopy,
 and spreads them out like a tent  to live in.
    He brings princes  to naught
 and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.

=  Our Father’s thoughts and ways are far grander than our own

Isa. 55:9

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

[Message No: 6431]

Bible Characters in A.B.C. Rhyme - 1

1. A] is a rich man who offered his son on the altar.
Ans = Abraham

2. B] is a beautiful woman who committed sin with David.
Ans = Bathsheba

3. C] is a man who was one of the spies sent by Moses to survey the Promised Land.
Ans = Caleb – Numbers 13:6

4. D] is a girl who is Jacob’s daughter
Ans = Dinah – Gen. 30:21

5. E] is a prophet who was bald and successor of Elijah.
Ans = Elisha

6. F] is a Governor of Judea to whom Paul was sent for trial.
Ans = Felix – Acts 23:23-24, or Festus -Acts chapters 24& 25

7. G] is an archangel who appeared to Daniel, Zacharias and Mary.
Ans = Gabriel – Dan. 8:16; Luke 1:19, 26-27

8. H] is a woman who prayed for son and Eli the priest told her that God would give her a son.
Ans = Hannah

9. I] is Hagar the bondwoman’s son who was thrown out of his house.
Ans = Ishmael

10. J] is a son of Jacob who became the Prime Minister of Egypt.
Ans = Joseph

11. K] is a man of power and had a son called Saul who became the first King of Israel.
Ans = Kish

12. ] is a rich man and he became Jacob’s father-in-law twice.
Ans = Laban

13. M] is a great leader of Israel who led them for forty years.
Ans = Moses

[Message No: 6430]

'To Know Him Better'

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

— Ephesians 1:17

Paul is praying this prayer for new followers of Jesus, and I love the language, "I keep asking ..." This intercession is his ongoing and constant prayer for them. And this prayer isn't asking for stuff, strength, or even forgiveness. Paul keeps asking that the Father send the Spirit in such a way that the Ephesian Christians can know God more fully because the Spirit brings a kind of wisdom and insight that they could never have without the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:11-14).

I can think of no more important prayer for us to pray for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ than that God will give each of us "the Spirit of wisdom and revelation."

'Reversal of Influence

The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, "Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?" So the people came streaming from the village to see him. - John 4:28-30 NLT

How does a spurned woman who came to Jacob's well in isolation and shame lead a whole village of people to come and discover their Messiah? The answer is simple: Jesus has the power to change people. That change is noticeable. That change is influential. So you are left with three questions from the reactions of the women and the people from the village.

First, have you been changed by Jesus?

Second, who have you influenced to come and meet Jesus?

Third, who have you not told about Jesus because you weren't sure they would change?

Jesus Prayed for Our Protection & Unity'

Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. - John 17:11

[Message No: 6429]

The Touch That Sets Us Free

“What she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.” – Mark 5:27-28

Kingdom Arrival

But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God  has come upon you. – Matthew 12:28

Jesus healed broken people. The results of his miracles were beyond dispute, even to his critics. His miracles forced everyone in his day — and they should force everyone in our day — to make a very clear decision. Either Jesus accomplished what he did by the power of Satan or by the power of God's Spirit. There was and is no middle ground.

He is the Son of God or a charlatan. He is Spirit-empowered or Satan's seductive lackey. Jesus' claim is clear. He says that he is casting out demons by the power of God's Spirit. The Kingdom comes as God's will is done. Where God's Spirit leads and empowers, God's reign has begun; and the first light of Jesus' Kingdom has dawned.

Romans 8:3-4

“For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.”

Jesus did what we could not do; he lived perfectly before God. He showed that sin isn't a necessity in our lives and that it does not have to hold us captive. He poured out his Spirit on us so that we could not only share in his forgiveness and cleansing grace, but also so that we could have power to live in a way that pleases God. Jesus is our sin offering and our Savior.

Quotes 

. When you are reading a book in a dark room, and come to a difficult part, you take it to a window to get more light.  So take your Bibles to Christ. - Robert Murray M’Cheyne

. Love is not one of the attributes of God, but the sum of them all. - J. M. Gibbon

. Faith like Job’s cannot be shaken because it is the result of having been shaken. - Abraham Heschel

[Message No: 6428]

The Name - 4

.. In what name should we glory?

1 Peter 4:16

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
.. Whose name did Christ manifest unto the 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.

.. In whose name did He keep His Disciples?

John 17:12

While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost  except the one doomed to destruction  so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

.. What did He declare and desire in the closing of His Prayer?


John 17:26

I have made you known to them,  and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them  and that I myself may be in them.”

.. Whose name must be Hallowed?

Matthew 6:9

“This, then, is how you should pray:

  “‘Our Father  in heaven,

 hallowed be your name,

.. Whose name is above every name?

Ephesians 1:20-23

he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead  and seated him at his right hand  in the heavenly realms,    far above all rule and authority, power and dominion,  and every name  that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.    And God placed all things under his feet  and appointed him to be head  over everything for the church,   which is his body,  the fullness of him  who fills everything in every way.

.. Should we deny His name?

Luke 12:8-9

I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.    But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned  before the angels of God.

Revelation 3:8

I know your deeds.  See, I have placed before you an open door  that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

.. Should we hold His name fast?

Revelation 2:13

I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me,  not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness,  who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.

[Message No: 6427]

I have a Burden of Sin

Isaiah 1:18

“Come now, let us settle the matter,”

 says the Lord.

 “Though your sins are like scarlet,

 they shall be as white as snow;

 though they are red as crimson,

 they shall be like wool.

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me,  all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

I need a clean Heart:

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins  and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Read Psalm 51

I thirst for Living Water:

Read Isaiah 55 & John 4:1-34

I want to be Saved:

Acts 16:30-31

He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

    They replied, “Believe  in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved —you and your household.
I want the secret of Happiness:

Philippians 1:21

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

I am tempted to do Wrong:

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful;  he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

[Message No: 6426]

Lessons to learn from the Book of Job – Part 8

46. Counselors are not always right:

Job 42:1-9

47. All the suffering that can be heaped upon a man is not enough to satisfy self-righteous hypocrites or make them sympathetic with him:

Job 42:7-9

Acts 7:54-60

48. God takes account of all criticism against His people:

Job 42:7-9

Matthew 12:37

49. Troubles are no proof of a man’s wickedness:

Job 1:1-22

Job 2:1-12

Job 42:1-6

50. God is very compassionate and of tender mercy toward those who are in need:

Psalm 103:1-9

Romans 8:32

James 5:10-11

End.

[Message No: 6425]

The Clarion Call

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy  and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. – Isaiah 55:1

The Prophet’s announcement was loud, clear, and specific:

1. Loud: “Ho, every one that thirsteth”.

2. Clear: “Come ye to the waters”.

3. Specific: “Buy wine and milk without price”.

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. Bring joy to your servant, Lord,

'The Power to Lay It Down'

“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” - John 10:17-18

Jesus didn't just die; he died with power and authority. His life wasn't taken from him; he laid it down willingly to die for our sins. His crucifixion was an apparent defeat for him, but it was turned into a lasting defeat for the evil one who sought to use Jesus' death to win a victory over God. No one could take Jesus' life. He gave it willingly to save us and purchase us from death. The cross is God's power demonstrated in humanity's worst forum. The cross is our glory!

Crooked Paths!

“The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” – Proverbs 10:9

"Tell the truth the first time and then you won't have to remember what you said." That's a quote attributed to the famous Speaker of the House (U.S.A. House of Representatives) Sam Rayburn. That's basically what God's wisdom is trying to teach us in this passage. Be a person of integrity. Then, when someone finds out your secrets, you can feel secure knowing that you have lived for godliness. However, a perverse and deceitful person has to constantly worry that someone will find him out.

There is no security or assurance in crooked paths, only the certainty of getting tripped up and caught. When the secrets of evil that have been whispered in dark places get shouted from the rooftops, those who have lived for the Lord can be secure, knowing that what gets shouted about them is said with the voice of God: "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

[Message No: 6424]

The Name - 3

..  What name did they baptize in?

Matthew 28:19-20

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,    and teaching  them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you  always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 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.

Acts 10:48

So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.  Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Acts 19:3-5

So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”
 “John’s baptism,” they replied.
    Paul said, “John’s baptism  was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”    On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

.. Is there Salvation in any other name?

Acts 4:12

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

.. What were Disciples first called at Antioch?

Acts 11:26

and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples  were called Christians first  at Antioch.

.. What did Agrippa say?

Acts 26:28

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

[Message No: 6423]

Prayer for Blessing

Psalm 19:12-13

But who can discern their own errors?

 Forgive my hidden faults.

    Keep your servant also from willful sins;

 may they not rule over me.

 Then I will be blameless,

 innocent of great transgression.

Psalm 51:1-10

Have mercy  on me, O God,

 according to your unfailing love;

 according to your great compassion

 blot out  my transgressions.

    Wash away  all my iniquity

 and cleanse  me from my sin.

    For I know my transgressions,

 and my sin is always before me.

    Against you, you only, have I sinned

 and done what is evil in your sight;

 so you are right in your verdict

 and justified when you judge.

    Surely I was sinful  at birth,

 sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

    Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;

 you taught me wisdom  in that secret place.

    Cleanse  me with hyssop,  and I will be clean;

 wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

    Let me hear joy and gladness;

 let the bones  you have crushed rejoice.

    Hide your face from my sins

 and blot out  all my iniquity.

    Create in me a pure heart,  O God,

 and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

[Message No: 6422]

Lessons to learn from the Book of Job – Part 7

39. Bodily sickness need not affect the status of the soul:

Job

 2:1-12

40. One should not permit wife or husband to cause discouragement and backsliding:

Job 2:1-12

1 Corinthians 7:15-17

41. Satan is sometimes given permission by God to cause storms:

Job 1:6-22

42. Do not give your own theories when trying to help others, give what the Bible says and seek to be led of the Holy Spirit in such cases:

Job 42:7-9

2 Timothy 3:15-17

2 Timothy 4:15

43. Instead of nagging at them continually, as Job’s friends did, let God deal with people who sin:

Job 42:7-9

Galatians 6:7-8

44. Seek God when in trouble, and do not blame or criticize Him as the source of the trouble:

Job 3:15

James 5:10-11

45. God’s grace sustains us in the greatest of calamities:

Job 19:25-26

Job 42:1-17

2 Corinthians 1:1-12

Hebrews 11

James 5:10-11

[Message No: 6421]

The Blood of Jesus

Hebrews 10:19

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence  to enter the Most Holy Place  by the blood of Jesus,

* Innocent Blood – Matthew 27:4

“I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
 “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”

* Precious Blood – 1 Peter 1:19

but with the precious blood  of Christ, a lamb  without blemish or defect.

* God presented Him as Sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood – Romans 3:25
God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,  through the shedding of his blood —to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished

*Blood of Jesus purchased us for God – Revelation 5:9

And they sang a new song, saying:
  “You are worthy  to take the scroll
 and to open its seals,
 because you were slain,
 and with your blood  you purchased  for God
 persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
*Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood – Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock  of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.  Be shepherds of the church of God,  which he bought  with his own blood.

*We have been justified by His blood – Romans 5:9

And they sang a new song, saying:
  “You are worthy  to take the scroll
 and to open its seals,
 because you were slain,
 and with your blood  you purchased  for God

*Redeeming 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

*Blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin – 1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light,  as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

*We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus – Hebrews 10:19
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence  to enter the Most Holy Place  by the blood of Jesus,

[Message No: 6420]

Our Father In Heaven - 4

Matthew 7:11

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts  to those who ask him!

Matthew 18:14

In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish

Matthew 23:9

And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father,  and he is in heaven.

Mark 11:25

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

2 Corinthians 6:18

And,

  “I will be a Father to you,

 and you will be my sons and daughters,

 says the Lord Almighty.”

Romans 8:15

The Spirit  you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again;  rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Galatians 4:6

Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son  into our hearts,  the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”

John 8:42

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me,  for I have come here from God.  I have not come on my own;  God sent me.

[Message No: 6419]

The Lord’s Invitation

John 11:28

After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher  is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.”

The Seven “Comes”

1. ”Come and Rest” – Salvation.

2. “Come and Drink” – Sanctification.

3. “Come and Follow” – Service.

4. “Come and See” – Sight.

5. “Come Apart” – Separation.

6. “Come and Dine” – Satisfaction.

7. “Come, Take up the Cross” – Suffering.

Prayer 

Lord, I want to win the victory. I don't want the evil things in this world to lure me into an evil lifestyle and end up where evil people end up: the eternal lake of fire. I don't want to be a coward about my faith. I don't want to be unfaithful to You. Keep me from idolatry and sexual sin. Deliver me from lies and from evil companions, Lord, because I know they might corrupt me and lead me away from You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Between Two

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

Our sin earns us death. God's grace gives us life. The difference between these two extremes? The Cross of Christ which spans the chasm of our sin and brings us to the mercy, forgiveness, and redemption of God!

Thought 

"If knowing answers to life's questions is absolutely necessary to you, then forget the journey. You will never make it, for this is a journey of unknowable’s, — of unanswered questions, enigmas, incomprehensible, and most of all, things unfair." - Madame Jeanne Guyon

[Message No: 6418]

The Name - 2

1 Corinthians 15:9

For I am the least of the apostles  and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted  the church of God.

.. For whom is the whole family in Heaven and Earth Named?

Ephesians 3:14-15

For this reason I kneel  before the Father,   from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name

.. What Church has no such customs?

1 Corinthians 11:16

If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.
.. What Churches were the Elders to take care of?

1 Timothy 3:5

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

.. What Church is the support of the truth?

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.

.. What Churches were in Christ in Judaea?

1 Thessalonians 2:14

For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators  of God’s churches in Judea,  which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people  the same things those churches suffered from the Jews

.. What Churches did the Apostolic Glory in?

1 Thessalonians 1:1

Silas  and Timothy,

 To the church of the Thessalonians  in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
 Grace and peace to you.

[Message No: 6417]

It’s really Good

 “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.”
Several great truths are taught us in the opening chapters of the Bible.
First, we are made in God's image, both male and female.
Second, we are made to be different (male and female).
Third, we are made to bless each other and be complements of one another.
Fourth, a husband and wife were made to leave their families of origin and build their lives together (Gen. 1:26-2:25). To find a spouse for life, one created by God in his image, is to find what is truly good and what God truly desires. – Proverbs 18:22 

Evangelism

"I should like to allude to a few points in the character of Mr. Hudson Taylor which impressed me personally, and which I think had something to do with the blessing that God granted to his efforts on behalf of this country (China). First his prayerfulness; he was of necessity a busy man, but he always regarded prayer itself as in reality the most needful and important part of the work. He practically recognized that much time must be spent in seeking God's guidance, if a right understanding was to be obtained of the problems and difficulties that confronted him, in carrying on the work of the Mission.

He knew that in no other way was the power of the Holy Spirit to be obtained for himself and his brethren, as they sought to develop the work. I venture on this occasion, not only to impress upon myself, but upon you as well, the importance of our copying him in this respect." - D. E. Hoste

Thoughts 

"Oh forgive us Lord, for so often we seek the things in your hand rather than the things of your heart." - Author Unknown

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow." - Helen Keller

"A Christian is a keyhole through which other folk see God." - Robert E. Gibson

"We are because He is." - Ron Donaldson

[Message No: 6416]

Our Father In Heaven - 3

Matthew 6:8

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need  before you ask him.

Matthew 6:15

But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 10:20

for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father  speaking through you.

Matthew 10:29

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.

Luke 6:36

Be merciful,  just as your Father  is merciful.

Luke 12:30

For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father  knows that you need them.

Luke 12:32

Do not be afraid,  little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

Matthew 13:43

Then the righteous will shine like the sun  in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

Matthew 6:14

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

Matthew 6:26

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:32

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

[Message No: 6415]

Give Me Tears

To pray with tears is the make an eternal instrument.

Give me tears in my eyes, loving Lord,

Give me tears when I intercede.

Give me tears when I kneel at your throne each day;

Give me tears till I learn to plead.

Fill my heart with Your tears there unveil Your cross

Till all else of this world has died,

Till all else in this world I shall count but dross

Save the Cross of the Crucified.

Be Still

"There was silence, and I heard a still voice" (Job 4:16, margin).

A score of years ago, a friend placed in my hand a book called True Peace. It was an old mediaeval message, and it had but one thought--that God was waiting in the depths of my being to talk to me if I would only get still enough to hear His voice.

I thought this would be a very easy matter, and so began to get still. But I had no sooner commenced than a perfect pandemonium of voices reached my ears, a thousand clamoring notes from without and within, until I could hear nothing but their noise and din. Some were my own voices, my own questions, some my very prayers. Others were suggestions of the tempter and the voices from the world's turmoil.

In every direction I was pulled and pushed and greeted with noisy acclamations and unspeakable unrest. It seemed necessary for me to listen to some of them and to answer some of them; but God said, "Be still, and know that I am God." Then came the conflict of thoughts for tomorrow, and its duties and cares; but God said, "Be still."

Prayer

. O LORD God, empower me with your Spirit as I seek to not only "practice what I preach," but also show my obedience to your will and live consistently with your character in my daily life. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

[Message No: 6414]

Besides Still Waters - 12

No good thing Withheld -

Psalm 84:11

For the Lord God is a sun  and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

A multitude of Anxieties -

Psalm 94:19

When anxiety  was great within me,  your consolation  brought me joy.

A lesson from the Birds -

Psalm 104:17

There the birds  make their nests; the stork has its home in the junipers.

Light in the Darkness -

Psalm 112:4

Even in darkness light dawns  for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.

He beholds all Things -

Psalm 113:6

who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?

From this time Forth -

Psalm 115:18

it is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore. Praise the Lord.

I found Trouble -

Psalm 116:3

The cords of death  entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow.

The death of His Saints -

Psalm 116:15

Precious in the sight  of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.

Deal Bountifully -

Psalm 119:17

Be good to your servant  while I live,  that I may obey your word.

[Message No: 6413]

God is at work

 “For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.” – Psalm 92:4

Gaze into the heavens on a dark night and see the wonders of the starry hosts. Think of the incredible diversity of earth's wonders. Look at your own life and see the fingerprints of God's work in your own experience (Rom. 8:28).

As Jesus said, our Father is working still (John 5:17). Yes, it does make us glad to know that we are not alone in working our own life (Psalm 139; Phil. 2:13). There is a deep-seated joy at knowing that the LORD, Creator of the universe is at work in us and for us. No wonder singing praise is such a natural response for us!

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.

Prayer 

. Eternal God, please give me patience and endurance as I search your Scriptures to know and understand your truth. I am amazed at the incredible things you did to redeem and bless your people in the Old Testament. I am absolutely astonished at what you were able to do with Jesus' rag-tag bunch of disciples. Please, O God, inspire my hope so that I will expect something great from your hand and then live to see you accomplish it in my day. May this, as well as all other things in my life, be to your honor and glory. In Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen.

Thoughts 

"It is easy to want things from the Lord and yet not want the Lord Himself, as though the gift could ever be preferable to the Giver." - St. Augustine of Hippo

"Cure yourself of the condition of bothering about how you look to other people. Be concerned only . . . with the idea God has of you." - Miguel de Unamuno

[Message No: 6412]

Till He Come

Show the Lord’s Death – Worshipers

1 Corinthians 11:26

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes
Hold Fast His Truth – Warriors

Revelation 2:25

except to hold on to what you have  until I come.’

Occupy in His Service – Workers

Luke 19:13

So he called ten of his servants  and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’

 Believer's Barrier's 

When thou goest, thy way shall be opened up before thee step by step (Proverbs 4:12, free translation).

The Lord never builds a bridge of faith except under the feet of the faith-filled traveller. If He builds the bridge a rod ahead, it would not be a bridge of faith. That which is of sight is not of faith.
There is a self-opening gate which is sometimes used in country roads. It stands fast and firm across the road as a traveller approaches it. If he stops before he gets to it, it will not open. But if he will drive right at it, his wagon wheels press the springs below the roadway, and the gate swings back to let him through. He must push right on at the closed gate, or it will continue to be closed.

This illustrates the way to pass every barrier on the road of duty. Whether it is a river, a gate, or a mountain, all the child of Jesus has to do is to go for it. If it is a river, it will dry up when you put your feet in its waters. If it is a gate, it will fly open when you are near enough to it, and are still pushing on. If it is a mountain, it will be lifted up and cast into a sea when you come squarely up, without flinching, to where you thought it was.

[Message No: 6411]

Our Father In Heaven - 2

2 Thessalonians 1:1

Paul, Silas  and Timothy,
 To the church of the Thessalonians  in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Thessalonians 2:16

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,  who loved us  and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,

Philemon 1:3

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 6:9

“This, then, is how you should pray:
  “‘Our Father  in heaven,
 hallowed be your name,

Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before others,  that they may see your good deeds  and glorify  your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:45

that you may be children  of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Matthew 5:48

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 6:1

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.  If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

Matthew 6:4

so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:6

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father,  who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you

[Message No: 6410]

Prayer – Scripture Reading.

[Prayer for blessing on your Scripture reading]

Psalm 119:15-16

I meditate on your precepts
 and consider your ways.
    I delight  in your decrees;
 I will not neglect your word.

Psalm 119:18

Open my eyes that I may see
 wonderful things in your law.

Psalm 119:97

Oh, how I love your law!
 I meditate  on it all day long.

Psalm 119:103-105

How sweet are your words to my taste,
 sweeter than honey  to my mouth!
    I gain understanding  from your precepts;
 therefore I hate every wrong path.
   Your word is a lamp  for my feet,
 a light  on my path.

Thoughts 

"If ever I reach heaven I expect to find three wonders there: first, to meet some I had not thought to see there; second, to miss some I had expected to see there; and third — the greatest wonder of all — to find myself there." - John Newton

"Only he who flings himself upward when the pull comes to drag him down, can hope to break the force of temptation. Temptation may be an invitation to hell, but much more is it an opportunity to reach heaven. At the moment of temptation, sin and righteousness are both very near the Christian; but, of the two, the latter is the nearer." - Charles H. Brent

[Message No: 6409]

Prayer for God to listen and Help - 1

Nehemiah 1:5-6

And I said: “I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments, please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both my father's house and I have sinned.

Psalm 5:1-2

Give ear to my words, O Lord,
 Consider my meditation.
  Give heed to the voice of my cry,

 My King and my God,
 For to You I will pray.

Psalm 17:1

Hear a just cause, O Lord,
 Attend to my cry;
 Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.

Psalm 19:4

Their line has gone out through all the earth,
 And their words to the end of the world.
 In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,

Psalm 27:8-9

When You said, “Seek My face,”
 My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
  Do not hide Your face from me;
 Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
 You have been my help;
 Do not leave me nor forsake me,
 O God of my salvation.

Psalm 68:16-17

Why do you fume with envy, you mountains of many peaks?
 This is the mountain which God desires to dwell in;
 Yes, the Lord will dwell in it forever.
  The chariots of God are twenty thousand,
 Even thousands of thousands;
 The Lord is among them as in Sinai, in the Holy Place.

[Message No: 6408]

A Disciple Of Christ

+ His Master

John 13:14

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

+ His Clothing

1 Peter 5:5

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves  to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility  toward one another, because,
  “God opposes the proud
 but shows favor to the humble.”

+ His Cross

Luke 14:27

And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

+ His Book

2 Timothy 3:16

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

+ His Badge

John 13:35

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

+ His Fruit

John 15:8

This is to my Father’s glory,  that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

+ His Companions

Psalm 119:63

I am a friend to all who fear you,
 to all who follow your precepts.

[Message No: 6407]

The Name - 1

.. To Whom does the Church Belong?

Matthew 16:18

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

.. By Whom was the Church to be Named?

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.
.. What did Paul Call Churches at Ephesus?

Acts 20:28

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock  of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.  Be shepherds of the church of God,  which he bought  with his own blood.

.. Did he Ever Speak of the Churches of Jesus Christ?

Romans 16:16

Greet one another with a holy kiss.
 All the churches of Christ send greetings

.. To What Church did Paul Address his Letters when writing to the Corinthians?

1 Corinthians 1:2

To the church of God  in Corinth,  to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called  to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name  of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

.. What Church did he say he persecuted?

Galatians 1:13

For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism,  how intensely I persecuted the church of God  and tried to destroy it.

[Message No: 6406]

Reasons for winning souls - 1

He said “Go out and get them:

2 Corinthians  5:18-19

All this is from God,  who reconciled us to himself through Christ  and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:   that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.  And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

John 3:16

For God so loved  the world that he gave  his one and only Son,  that whoever believes  in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Colossians 1:20

I assure you before God  that what I am writing you is no lie.

Because He is Great:

Matthew 9:37

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest  is plentiful but the workers are few.

Luke 10:1-3

After this the Lord  appointed seventy-two others  and sent them two by two  ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.    He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.    Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.

Luke 10:19

I have given you authority to trample on snakes  and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

Luke 14:23

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

1 Corinthians 7:29

What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short.  From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not;

Pray:

Luke 6:12

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.

[Message No: 6405]

Prayer and Worship – 1

[Use Scriptures in your Prayers]

1 Chronicles 29:10-13

David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,

  “Praise be to you, Lord,

 the God of our father Israel,

 from everlasting to everlasting.

    Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power

 and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,

 for everything in heaven and earth is yours.

 Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;

 you are exalted as head over all.

    Wealth and honor  come from you;

 you are the ruler  of all things.

 In your hands are strength and power

 to exalt and give strength to all.

    Now, our God, we give you thanks,

 and praise your glorious name.

Nehemiah 9:5-6

And the Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah and Pethahiah—said: “Stand up and praise the Lord your God,  who is from everlasting to everlasting.”

  “Blessed be your glorious name,  and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.   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.

Psalm 27:4

One thing  I ask from the Lord,
 this only do I seek:
 that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
 all the days of my life,
 to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
 and to seek him in his temple.

[Message No: 6404]

Our Father In Heaven - 1

Malachi 2:1

“And now, you priests, this warning is for you.

Romans 1:7

To all in Rome who are loved by God  and called to be his holy people:

 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:3

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:2

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

Galatians 1:4

who gave himself for our sins  to rescue us from the present evil age,  according to the will of our God and Father,

Ephesians 1:2

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:2

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:20

To our God and Father  be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Colossians 1:2

To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ:

 Grace  and peace to you from God our Father.

1 Thessalonians 3:11

Now may our God and Father  himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.

1 Thessalonians 3:13

May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless  and holy in the presence of our God and Father  when our Lord Jesus comes  with all his holy ones.

[Message No: 6403]

Lessons to learn from the Book of Job – Part 6

32. It does not pay to argue in defense of one’s self in time of trouble:

Job 40:1-6

Psalm 37:1-9

1 peter 4:12-19

33. The godly are always vindicated in the end, and right always prevails in time:

Job 42:1-17

Hebrews 10:30:36

1 Peter 4:12-19

34. Even the best of men are weak and discouraged at times:

Job 3

35. We should seek to help and encourage men in trouble instead of condemning them:

Job 13:1-4

Job 16:1-6

Job 19:3

Matthew 7:1-5

Galatians 6:7-8

36. Riches and honor are insecure:

Job 29:1-30:31

37. Satan is the adversary of God’s people:

Job 1:1-22

Job 2:1-12

Revelation 12:10

38. Trails and sickness should not cause men to backslide:

Job 1:1-22

Job 2:1-12

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

James 5:10-11

[Message No: 6402]

Besides Still Waters - 11

Our Refuge

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge  and strength,  an ever-present  help  in trouble.

We will not Fear

Psalm 46:2
Therefore we will not fear,  though the earth give way and the mountains fall  into the heart of the sea,

Call upon Me

Psalm 50:15

and call  on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver  you, and you will honor  me.”

He shall sustain You / Give God your Burden

Psalm 55:22

Cast your cares on the Lord  and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

A Shelter for Me

Psalm 61:3

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.

Trust in Him

Psalm 62:8

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

I remember You

Psalm 63:6

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.

From God’s Goodness

Psalm 68:10

Your people settled in it, and from your bounty,  God, you provided  for the poor.

Has His promise Failed?

Psalm 77:8

Has his unfailing love  vanished forever? Has his promise  failed for all time?

Has God Forgotten?

Psalm 77:9

Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion? ”

[Message No: 6401]

With One Accord

In Prayer

Acts 1:14

They all joined together constantly in prayer,  along with the women  and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Acts 4:24

When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.  “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.

In Hearing the Word

Acts 8:6

When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.

In Gathering Together

Acts 2:46

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.  They broke bread  in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

In Peace and Unity

Acts 15:25

So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul

Romans 5:8

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Interestingly, the Bible doesn't ever just say that God loves us. Instead, it says: "God demonstrated his love..." "In this is love, not that we loved God but that God loved us and gave..." "For God so loved the world that he gave..." Love is more than emotion or intention. True love, redemptive love, God-styled love is active; it does something. For us, Jesus did more than something; he sacrificed everything. What's more, he did it when we most needed it. He demonstrated his love when we were sinners!

[Message No: 6400]

Lessons to learn from the Book of Job – Part 5

22. Men must learn to give thanks to God in trouble:

Job 1:21

Philippians 4:6

23. Men under trial generally accuse God falsely of being responsible for the trouble:

Job 42:3

24. Satan causes men to accuse God and blame Him for his (the devils) own works:

Revelation 10:12-13

25. It is God’s purpose and will to test men through the attacks of Satan:

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 

26. God seeks to obtain glory by men remaining true to Him, and by delivering them from the works of the devil.

John 10:10

27. Under testing it is only natural to defend one’s self, as Job did:

Job 42:16

28. It does not pay to criticize anyone in trouble. God and sometimes man will make critics humble themselves before the ones they have talked about.

Job 42:7-9

29. It does not pay to find fault with God:

Job 42:1-6

Galatians 6:7-8

30. Men must learn to trust God in sickness and calamity:

Job 42:1-10

James 5:10-11

Lessons to learn from the Book of Job

31. God does not always reveal Himself the very moment we pray, but He will answer men who have faith:

Job 40:1-6

Job 42:1-6

Luke 18:1-8

[Message No: 6399]

My grace is sufficient for you

 “But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9

While other preachers in Paul's day were parading around their credentials, Paul refused to get into a bragging contest to prove he was the most impressive of Jesus' disciples. Even though he had the religious education and Jewish pedigree to silence his rivals, he preferred to acknowledge the areas of his weakness where God had triumphed over his own limitations. Let's be careful today about examining and determining the ministry-worth of someone based on his or her resume. Instead, let's look for people in whom God's grace has triumphed.

Thoughts 

"The man who is not sanctified to the extent of obeying God rather than Satan has not been justified either, making it an obvious fact that he is never saved without either." - Burton Coffman

"I believe in God, and I believe in human decency. But I firmly believe that any man's finest hour — his greatest fulfilment to all he holds dear — is that moment when he has to work his heart out in a good cause and he's exhausted on the field of battle-victorious." - Vince Lombardi

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate." - Nikka, age 6

God’s Plan

 “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.”  - Proverbs 19:21
"What are your plans for today?" If you are like me, you prayerfully try to plan your day. You make appointments with people in the future so you can address their needs, hear their concerns, or discuss issues and projects. But, we need to always live humbly, recognizing that none of our plans will be of value unless those plans come from the Father!

Prayer 

. Father, strengthen my resolve as I turn away from evil and seek to draw near to you. I don't want any imitation relationship with you. I don't want some artificial symbol of you. I want to know you. I want to experience your presence and to be used as your tool of grace in the lives of others. I need your presence to settle the disquietude of my soul. Thank you for being near. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[Message No: 6398]

Two certain Things in the Bible

1] Life and Death – Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death,  but the gift of God is eternal life  in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2] Righteousness and Unrighteousness – Romans 6:18-22

You have been set free from sin  and have become slaves to righteousness.

    I am using an example from everyday life  because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness  leading to holiness.   When you were slaves to sin,  you were free from the control of righteousness.    What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!    But now that you have been set free from sin  and have become slaves of God,  the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

3] High & Holy Place, Contrite & lowly spirit – Psalms 66:10

For you, God, tested  us; you refined us like silver.

That's All I Want

A little girl reciting the 23rd Psalm began, "The Lord is my shepherd; that's all I want." Maybe she missed the wording, but she sure got the theology right. To have Jesus as our shepherd is indeed a blessing. As he moves towards the cross, Jesus holds up this model of the good shepherd, reminding his listeners that a good shepherd would lay down his life for the sheep.

He would give his life to protect the sheep from thieves, wild animals, or whatever danger might confront the flock. We can give him our allegiance because of his commitment to us.

Only One Thing is Needed

1] To be certain of our salvation experience – John 9:25

He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

2] To press on forward – Philippians 3:13

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do:
Forgetting what is behind  and straining toward what is ahead,

3] To dwell in the House of the Lord – Psalm 27:4

One thing  I ask from the Lord,  this only do I seek:

 that I may dwell in the house of the Lord  all the days of my life,  to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

[Message No: 6397]

Lessons to learn from the Book of Job – Part 4

17. Man should have faith and depend upon God before he gets into trouble:

2 Corinthians 10:4-7

Ephesians 6:10-18

James 4:7

1 Peter 5:8-9

Psalm 91

18. Sickness is not always experienced because of some personal sin:

Job 1:1-12


Job 2:1-10

John 9:1-3

James 5:14-16

19. Man’s friends are always ready to criticize, find fault and interpret divine providence or calamity:

Job 4:1-37

Job 24

20. Attacks from Satan are part of lot of saints of God:

Job 1:1-12

Ephesians 6:10-18

John 10:10

James 4:7

1 Peter 5:8-9

21. Men must learn patience while trusting in God:

Romans 5:1-11

James 5:10-11

[Message No: 6396]

Our Reaction to Sin

+ Should not cover up

Psalm 32:5

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions  to the Lord.” And you forgave  the guilt of my sin.

+ Confess it to God

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins  and purify us from all unrighteousness.

+ Should hate it

Proverbs 8:13

To fear the Lord  is to hate evil; I hate  pride and arrogance, evil behaviour and perverse speech.

+ Should renounce it

Proverbs 28:13

Whoever conceals their sins  does not prosper, but the one who confesses  and renounces them finds mercy.

+ Should master it

Genesis 4:7

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door;  it desires to have you, but you must rule over it. ”

+ Mourn over it

James 4:8-9

Come near to God and he will come near to you.  Wash your hands,  you sinners, and purify your hearts,  you double-minded.    Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.

+ Resist to bloodshed

Hebrews 12:4

In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

+ Put to Death

Romans 8:13

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die;  but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body,  you will live.

+ Repent and Pray

Acts 8:22

Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.

+ Should purify from

James 4:8

Come near to God and he will come near to you.  Wash your hands,  you sinners, and purify your hearts,  you double-minded

[Message No: 6395]

Besides Still Waters - 10

No Understanding

Psalm 32:9

Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

The Lord heard Him

Psalm 34:6

This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.

A broken Heart

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is close  to the broken-hearted  and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

The Lord Delivers

Psalm 34:19

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

How Precious

Psalm 36:7

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Do not forsake Me

Psalm 38:21

Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far  from me, my God.

His bed of Illness

Psalm 41:3

The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.

Lord, be Merciful

Psalm 41:4

I said, “Have mercy  on me, Lord; heal  me, for I have sinned  against you.”
Why are you cast Down? / Why are you Disquieted? / I shall yet praise Him

Psalm 42:5

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

[Message No: 6394]

Lessons to learn from the Book of Job – Part 3

13. God is not to be judged concerning His acts:

Job 2:10

1 Corinthians 13:12-13

14. Men must learn that cooperating with God His method of deliverance.

James 4:7

James 5:10-16

1 Peter 5:8-9

Acts 10:38

Read Job 33:14-30

15. God is greater than all, He can and will deliver from any power that afflicts His people:

John 10:10

Acts 10:38

Luke 13:14

Psalm 103:1-4

Read Job 42

16. Man in himself is frail and helpless to defeat Satan:

Ephesians 6:10-18

2 Corinthians 10:4-7

James 4:7

1 Peter 5:8-9

Revelation 12:10-11

Read Job 1:16-22

[Message No: 6393]

Love, what it matters

 “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” – John 14:21

Love is much more than a feeling or an attitude: love is an action. When we love, we show it by our deeds. As disciples of Jesus, our love is shown by our obedience to the things Jesus taught. Of course, that obedience brings an incredible blessing — Jesus reveals himself to those that obey him!

Thoughts 

"Faith is believing in advance what can only be understood in reverse." - Chuck Swindoll

"I tell you, if you are serious about wanting to be like Christ, He is going to put you in circumstances where your only true choice is to become like Him." - Francis Frangipane

Prayer 

. Forgive me, generous LORD, for my selfishness and greed. Please give me a heart like yours. You demonstrated that heart when you shared your most precious gift with sinners like me. Now I am a child at your table and an heir of your inheritance. Thank you for your grace! Please, dear Lord, bless me with your Spirit who seeks to bring about a generous and gracious heart within me. In the name of the greatest gift of all, Jesus of Bethlehem, I pray. Amen.

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.

[Message No: 6392]

Divine Wisdom

 “My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.”

– Proverbs 3:21-22

God used his wisdom to create the cosmos and all that is in it. Through his discernment, he appointed to each being and to each item its place in his dazzling display of diversity. He has chosen to share that wisdom and discernment with those who reverence him and search for his wisdom. If we will use that wisdom and discernment we will possess the greatest of all jewels and a blessing that will enrich our life.

Rehearse Your Troubles to God

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions. (Prov 10:12)

 Rehearse your troubles to God only. Not long ago I read in a paper a bit of personal experience from a precious child of God, and it made such an impression upon me that I record it here. She wrote:
“I found myself one midnight wholly sleepless as the surges of a cruel injustice swept over me, and the love which covers seemed to have crept out of my heart. Then I cried to God in an agony for the power to obey His injunction, ’Love covereth.’

“Immediately the Spirit began to work in me the power that brought about the forgetfulness.
“Mentally I dug a grave. Deliberately I threw up the earth until the excavation was deep.
“Sorrowfully I lowered into it the thing which wounded me. Quickly I shoveled in the clods.

Evangelism 

= "If revival is being withheld from us it is because some idol remains still enthroned; because we still insist in placing our reliance in human schemes; because we still refuse to face the unchangeable truth that 'It is not by might, but by My Spirit." - Jonathan Goforth

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.

[Message No: 6391]

Lessons to learn from the Book of Job – Part 2

8. God will not utterly forsake the righteous in times of trial:

Psalm 34:6

Psalm 37:23-24

2 Corinthians 4:8-12

2 Corinthians 6:5-10

James 5:10-11

Read Job 42:1-17

9. God is the deliverer of His people in sickness and trouble:

James 5:10-11

Acts 10:38

John 10:10

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

10. God always delivers those whom Satan permitted to attack for the purpose of testing:

James 5:10-11

Psalm 91:1-12

Psalm 103:1-4

Read Job 42

11. He uses troubles purify and refine men as a father would use any trouble befalling his son, in an effort to make him better man.

Job 33:14-30

12. God is not the cause of trouble any more than a wise and righteous earthly parent, but since men are attacked by Satan He works things out to their best good when turn to Him for help deliverance:

Psalm 34:6-19

Psalm 37:1-10

Hebrews 11:6

James 1:5-8

Read Job 42

[Message No: 6390]

Christian Readiness

. Ready to Die – Acts 21:13

Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die  in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

.. Ready to Meet the Lord – Luke 12:36

like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.

… Ready to Enter the Glory – Matthew 25:10

“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet.  And the door was shut.

Two causes for want

Proverbs 22:16

One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth

and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

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!

Prayer 

. Lord, I confess in the past that I have sought after an abundant life to use for my wants and my pleasures. I now realize that such a pursuit is little more than pure selfishness. Going forward from today, Lord, I want to be rich in good works. I want to make a difference in the world around me. I want to help people. I want to become known as a source of encouragement. And now, I know that this new way of life will be my focus. As I live this way, I know that You will give me all the things I need to accomplish this new way of living. Thank You. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.
[Message No: 6389]

Besides Still Waters - 9

God’s Attentiveness

Psalm 22:24

For he has not despised  or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one;  he has not hidden his face  from him but has listened to his cry for help.

My Shepherd / I shall not Want

Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my shepherd,  I lack nothing.

He leads Me

Psalm 23:3

he refreshes my soul. He guides me  along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Through the Valley/You are with Me

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,  I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

The troubles of my Heart

Psalm 25:17

Relieve the troubles  of my heart and free me from my anguish.

Look on my Affliction

Psalm 25:18

Look on my affliction  and my distress and take away all my sins.

You have been my Help

Psalm 27:9

Look on my affliction  and my distress  and take away all my sins.

Wait / Wait, I say, on the Lord

Psalm 27:14

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

I will instruct You / I will guide You

Psalm 32:8

I will instruct  you and teach you  in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on  you.

[Message No: 6388]

Lessons to learn from the Book of Job – Part 1

1. Satan is the author of sickness and disease:

Job 2:7
Acts 10:38

2. He causes calamitie3s to come upon man:

Revelation 12:9
Job 1:6-22

3. Satan is the accuser of the righteous:

Job 1:6-12
Job 2:1-8
Revelation 12:10

4. He is permitted to go only so far in testing God’s people:

Job 1:12
Job 2:6
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
1 Peter 5:8-9

5. God does permit Satan to test His own people:

Job 1:6-12

6. Satan has access to God’s throne:

Job 1:6-12
Job 2:1-8
Revelation 12:10

7. Satan has many helpers in disguise:

2 Corinthians 11:13-14
Revelation 12:7-12
Read Job 1:6-22

[Message No: 6387]

Results of Yielding to Temptation

1] Deception – 2 Corinthians 11:3

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning,  your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

2] Led Astray – 2 Corinthians 11:3

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning,  your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

3] Disobedience – Genesis 3:17

To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’

  “Cursed  is the ground  because of you;

 through painful toil  you will eat food from it

 all the days of your life.

4] Became Sinner – 1 Timothy 2:14

And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.

5] Unfruitful – Mark 4:19

but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth  and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

6] Foolishness -1 Timothy 6:9

Those who want to get rich  fall into temptation and a trap  and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

7] Destruction – 1 Timothy 6:9

Those who want to get rich  fall into temptation and a trap  and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

8] Spiritual Death – Genesis 2:17

but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,  for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

9] God’s name Blasphemed – Romans 2:24

As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

10] Spirit is Grieved – Ephesians 4:30-31

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,  with whom you were sealed  for the day of redemption.    Get rid of  all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

[Message No: 6386]

Lord is Good

 “Taste an see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8
Some aspects of faith are indescribable: they can only be experienced and known by doing them. Taste the Lord. Sample his goodness. Lean on his grace. Take refuge in his care. We are blessed to find him near and take our refuge from life's greatest dangers and death's greatest fears.

The Father's Will: Eternal Life!

For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son  and believes in him shall have eternal life,  and I will raise them up at the last day.” - John 6:40

So often, people picture God as a surly old man looking for people who mess up so he can punish them. God's will, however, is that all come to salvation. He doesn't want any person to perish. He wants all to know Jesus and find salvation in him. Jesus is the way to God.

Jesus is the door to a new and lasting life — not a temporary one, whether real or imagined. Jesus is the focus, the hope, and the life behind God's plan. Learning to believe in Jesus is everything! Learning to see Jesus as God's Son is the doorway to forever! We receive a life that outlasts history and the assurance that nothing can ever conquer us once we belong to Jesus (Romans 8:31-39)! He will raise us up in victory.

God's Work on People's Hearts

“Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered.   “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them,  and I will raise them up at the last day. - John 6:43-44

One of the reasons we pray so fervently for the lost is that God's work of opening their hearts and drawing them to Jesus is crucial. Who are you praying for God to draw closer to Jesus? Or maybe better questions are, "Who do you know that needs Jesus? Are you praying for God to draw them close?"

Thoughts 

. "Happiness is natural; joy is spiritual." - Kenny Martin

. "The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you." - Robert Louis Stevenson

[Message No: 6385]

Besides Still Waters - 8

My eyes shall behold

Job 19:27

I myself will see him with my own eyes —I, and not another. How my heart yearns  within me!

Job 26:14

And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper  we hear of him!  Who then can understand the thunder of his power?”

Bound in Fetters / The Cords of Affliction

Job 36:8

But if people are bound in chains, held fast by cords of affliction,

Twice as Much

Job 42:10

After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes  and gave him twice as much as he had before.

Marvellous Loving-kindness

Psalm 17:7

Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand
 those who take refuge  in you from their foes.

You gave it to Him

Psalm 21:4

He Trusted in the Lord

Psalm 22:8

He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—length of days, for ever and ever.

Thoughts 

"Without somehow destroying me in the process, how could God reveal himself in a way that would leave no room for doubt? If there were no room for doubt, there would be no room for me." - John Irving

"When we get our spiritual house in order, we'll be dead. This goes on. You arrive at enough certainty to be able to make your way, but it is making it in darkness. Don't expect faith to clear things up for you. It is trust, not certainty." - Flannery O'Connor

(Message No: 6384)

Expect trials to multiply

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

 “Here I am,”  he replied.

God does not put heavy burdens on weak shoulders. God educates and tests our faith by trials  that increase in proportion to our faith. God expects us to do adult work and to endure adult afflictions only after we  have reached  a mature status in Christ Jesus.

As God gives you on more difficult missions. As he more fully equips your ship to sail in storms, He will send you on longer voyages to more boisterous seas, so that you may honor Him and increase in holy confidence.

Who Determines Your Worth?' — John 8:48-50

So often we succumb to peer pressure because we let the people around us determine our worth in our own eyes. To be labelled as demonized is about as bad a criticism as one could receive if he or she is seeking to live for God. Jesus, however, wasn't fazed. He knew who determined his worth. He would not be baited into useless arguments by people who could only criticize and call him names. He lived for his Father's glory, not his own.

He lived to honor God and not himself. Since his primary commitment was to please God, he was very willing to leave the determination of his worth in God's hands. This commitment allowed him to live with the freedom to be all that God had made him to be.

What about you? In your own eyes, who determines your worth?

Spiritual Quote

"God does not waste suffering; if he

ploughs it is because He purposes a crop." - J.O.Sanders —

Daily Wisdom

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

— Proverbs 10:19

LIFE

Life is a stage and you get only one performance.

Make it a good one.

{Message No: 6383}

Believe in Him

 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” – John 17:20-21

Few things are more precious than knowing that Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, thought to pray for us! So often, we read the words of John 17 and study them as a prayer for his apostles in the upper room.

But if we look closely at this passage, we see that Jesus prays for us, those who believe on him because of the apostles' testimony. He wants us to be one! He wants us to live with the same unity, purpose, and character of God that he did. If we do not, then how will the world know that God sent his Son? How will they know what to believe? How will they find Jesus as their Savior?

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.

Prayer 

. Lord, when it seems like things are falling apart and there's no hope of getting through a situation without disaster befalling me, remind me that You've got this. Help me to keep life in perspective, trusting that You will make a way. Give me confidence in You, Lord, not me. I know You have a purpose, and I should be learning something important from every difficulty. So open my eyes to see what You want me to see. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Evangelism
"A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing. If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker, remember that you stand in somebody else's way; you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow."– C. H. Spurgeon

[Message No: 6382]