Displaying the Faith

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” – Galatians 5:6

Ever notice how we get to fussing about things that are important, but still aren't the most important things of our faith. So often when we get to fighting the most important thing of all gets lost. In the first century, this fight often had to do with Jew/Gentile issues.

While race, culture, and heritage are important, what really is most important is showing to the world that we can value cultural diversity in each other and still find our unity in Christ. In our high tech world today, isn't it interesting that the most important issue is the same as it was two thousand years ago — faith displaying itself in loving action.

In the Middle

I don't know about you, but I find myself "in the middle"! I'm in the middle of trying to help people overcome problems in their lives. I'm in the middle of trying to figure things out for myself. I'm in the middle of ministry opportunities in the lives of people looking for Jesus. The Holy Spirit has placed me in the middle of all of this. At the same time, I'm deeply convicted that the Holy Spirit wants to put me in the middle of God's work in the world. Unfortunately, I don't always follow the Spirit's leading.

How about you? Sometimes our failure to follow is because of sin. Sometimes it is because of rebellion in our hearts when we are like Jonah and simply don't want to go. Sometimes it's because we don't believe the Spirit would take us out of one place and put us in another to do the work of God. These problems come from the devil's deception when he says that God doesn't work in our lives today as he did in the days the Bible was being written.

So I want to challenge each of us to ask God to reveal what is keeping us from letting the Spirit put us in the middle of God's work. Then, let's commit to being where God wants us to be!

Thoughts

 "Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not." - Samuel Johnson

"It is a sure mark of grace to desire more." - Robert Murray M'Cheyne

"Here lies the tremendous mystery - that God should be all-powerful, yet refuse to coerce. He summons us to cooperation. We are honoured in being given the opportunity to participate in his good deeds. Remember how He asked for help in performing his miracles: Fill the water pots, stretch out your hand, distribute the loaves." - Elisabeth Elliot

[Message No: 6628]

You are chosen by God Himself

Isaiah 43:10
“You are My witnesses,” says the Lord,  “And My servant whom I have chosen,
 That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He.  Before Me there was no God formed,  Nor shall there be after Me.

Amos 7:14-15
Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah:
   “I was no prophet, Nor was I a son of a prophet,  But I was a sheep breeder
 And a tender of sycamore fruit. Then the Lord took me as I followed the flock,
 And the Lord said to me,  ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’

John 1:6
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John

Jeremiah 1:5-7
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’  For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.

Psalm 34:2

“My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.”

We have no basis to boast in our own might. We can't preserve our life. We can't topple kingdoms. We can't see the edge of the heavens. We can't determine the future or change the past. So what do we have in which we can boast? God! We are living proof of his grace and mercy — he saved us when we didn't deserve it, he rescued us from sin and death when we had no power to preserve our life. Those in sorrow, brokenness, and night can look at us and rejoice, because we are living proof God saves the sinner, raises up the disheartened, and mends the broken. Praise the LORD for his glory. Praise the LORD for his grace.

Thoughts

Satan-proofers are believers are believers who have taken charge by letting godly principles become alive in their circumstances. - Marilyn Hickey

"Perhaps one reason God delays His answers to our prayers is because He knows we need to be with Him far more than we need the things we ask of Him."

— Ben Patterson

[Message No: 6627]

Questions of Jesus - 3

15. On Dividing

Luke 12:14
But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?”

16. On Fragments

Mark 8:19
When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?”
  They said to Him, “Twelve.”

17. On Discernment

Mark 8:27
Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?”

Mark 8: 29
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
  Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”

Luke 9:8
and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again.

18. On Intention

Mark 14:48
Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me?

19. On Giving

John 16:5
“But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’

20. On Seeking

John 1:38
Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?”
  They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?”

John 18:4-7
Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”

   They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
  Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
   Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?”
  And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

John 16:31
Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?

[Message No: 6626]

Cultivating Community

1 John 3:16

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Lord, Instruct me as I put my life in right order –

Hebrews 13:17

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

1 Corinthians 12:18

But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased

Matthew 10:39

He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

1 John 4:21

“And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
For over a week, John has reminded us again and again. We must love our brothers and sisters in Christ. This reminder, however, is the clincher. If we love God, then we must love his children and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Notice that the word isn't "should" or "will try" or "want to."
No, we must. The Bible is careful not to put many "must do" or "thou shalt" commands in Scripture. So God's point is clear. Love of each other is not optional, negotiable, or even something to be delayed. God sent Jesus to die for the sins of all of God's children. How can we not love those for whom Christ gave so much? As Paul will say to the Corinthians, "God's love compels us!" We MUST love.

Thought 

"Christ is with those of humble mind, not with those who exalt themselves over his flock." - Clement of Rome

[Message No: 6625]

Questions of Jesus - 2

8. On Trouble

Matthew 26:10
But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.

Mark 14:6
But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me.

Luke 24:38
And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?

9. On Touch

Mark 5:30
And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”

10. On the Times

Luke 12:56
Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?

11. On Commitment

Luke 16:11
Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

12. On Fear

Mark 4:40
But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

13. On Ownership

Luke 12:20
But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’

14. On Escape

Matthew 23:33
Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?

[Message No: 6624]

Besides Still Waters - 35

For Christ’s Sake

2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

The Power of God

2 Corinthians 13:4
For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

Living By Faith

Galatians 3:11
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith

He Chose Us

Ephesians 1:4
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

All Things In Christ

Ephesians 1:10
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Exceeding Riches

Ephesians 2:7
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus

No Longer Strangers
Ephesians 2:19

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

With Confidence

Ephesians 3:12
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

[Message No: 6623]

Questions of Jesus - 1

1.On Faithfulness

Matthew 24:45
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?

2. On Love

Luke 7:42
And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?”

3. On Thanks

Luke6:33
And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.

4. On Likeness

Luke 7:31
And the Lord said, “To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like?

5. On Seeing

Luke 7:44
Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head.

Mark 8:19
When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?”

  They said to Him, “Twelve.”

6. On Right

Luke 6:9
Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?”

7. On Neighbour

Luke 10:36
So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”

[Message No: 6622]

Lord, Preserve me in purity and Holiness

Ephesians 1:4

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having

Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart,
 For they shall see God.

Psalm 37:3

“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”

Having a place of permanence in the middle of life's uncertainties and having the assurance of God's provision are based on two very clear principles: trusting in the LORD and doing good to others. When we live by those two commitments, we learn to depend upon God in fresh new ways that bring us refreshment, hope, and new joy.

Thoughts

"The church exists by mission, as fire exists by burning." - Emil Brunner

"The long dull monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity or middle-aged adversity are excellent campaigning weather for the Devil." - C. S. Lewis

"I only know this, that if He had not sought me out, I would never have come to Him." - Charles H. Spurgeon

"Satan watches for those vessels that sail without convoy." - George Swinnock

1 John 4:4

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them [those who deny that Jesus is from God and who have the spirit of the world], because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

The world can often be a hostile place for believers. God wants his spiritual children to know, however, that they are not alone. He lives in us through his Spirit. We can be assured, therefore, that no matter what spirit someone else may have, the Holy Spirit of God is greater, more powerful, and more glorious. The victory is ours because God's presence in us is greater than any force that we will ever face. We have our victory assured over all forces, powers, spirits, or opponents.

[Message No: 6621]

His Trials

1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

Psalm 71:20-21
You, who have shown me great and severe troubles,
 Shall revive me again,
 And bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
  You shall increase my greatness,
 And comfort me on every side.

Psalm 55:16-18
As for me, I will call upon God,
 And the Lord shall save me.
  Evening and morning and at noon
 I will pray, and cry aloud,
 And He shall hear my voice.
  He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me,
 For there were many against me.

His Priorities

Matthew 6:33
His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Thoughts 

"Pardon comes not to the soul alone; or rather, Christ comes not to the soul with pardon only! It is that which He opens the door and enters by, but He comes with a Spirit of life and power." - John Owen

"God did not write a book and send it by messenger to be read at a distance by unaided minds. He spoke a Book and lives in His spoken words, constantly speaking His words and causing the power of them to persist across the years."

— A. W. Tozer

[Message No: 6620]

Things Ministers Called – 5

27] Servants of Jesus Christ –

Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,
  To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons

28] Servants of the Church –

2 Corinthians 4:5
For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.

29] Stewards of God –

Titus 1:7
For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,

30] Stewards of grace of God –

1 Peter 4:10
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

31] Stewards of the Mysteries of God –

1 Corinthians 1:4
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus,

32] Witnesses –

Acts 1:8
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 5:32
And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Acts 26:16
But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.
33] Workers  together with God –

2 Corinthians 6:1
We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

34] Sowers –

Read: Mark 4:3-20

35] Shepherds –

1 Peter 5:1-4
The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

[Message No: 6619]

Things Ministers Called – 4

21] Ministers of Righteousness –

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

22] Overseers –

Acts 20:28
Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

23] Preachers –

Romans 10:14
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

1 Timothy 2:7
for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

24] Preachers of Righteousness –

2 Peter 2:5
and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;

25] Servants of God –

Titus 1:1
Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness

26] Servants of the Lord –

2 Timothy 2:4
No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

[Message No: 6618]

Facts about Hope

We hope for things that we have not:

Romans 8:25
But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Hope remains with Faith and Love:

1 Corinthians 13:13
 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love.

Hope is offered to us:

Hebrews 6:18
God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie,  we who have fled to take hold of the hope  set before us may be greatly encouraged.

We have a living Hope:

1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy  he has given us new birth  into a living hope  through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Hope is Firm and Secure:

Hebrews 6:19
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,

John 14:21

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. —

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!

[Message No: 6617]

Things Ministers Called – 3

13] Men of God –

1 Timothy 6:11
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness

14] Messengers of churches –

2 Corinthians 8:23
If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.

15] Ministers of God –

2 Corinthians 6:4
But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,

16] Ministers of Christ –

Romans 5:16
And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.

17] Ministers of the Gospel –

Ephesians 3:7
of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

18] Ministers of the Word –

Luke 1:2
just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us,

19] Ministers of the New testament –

2 Corinthians 3:6
who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

20] Ministers of the Church –

Colossians 1:24-25
I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God,

[Message No: 6616]

Things Ministers Called – 2

7] Pastors -

Ephesians 4:11
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

8] Evangelists –

Ephesians 4:11
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

9] Ambassadors for Christ –

2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God

10] Angels of churches –

Revelation 1:20
The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

Revelation 2:1
To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,
  ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands

11] Defenders of the faith –

Philippians 1:7
just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace

12] Elders –

1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

1 Peter 5:1
The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:

[Message No: 6615]

Things Ministers Called – 1

1] Fathers of Men –

Matthew 4:19

Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Mark 1:17

Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

2] Laborers –

Matthew 9:38

Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

1 Thessalonians 3:2

and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,

3] Lights –

John 5:35

He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light.

4] Apostles –

Matthew 10:2

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother

Acts 1:2

until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen

5] Prophets –

Ephesians 4:11

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

6] Teachers –

Acts 13:1-3

Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

Ephesians 4:11

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

[Message No: 6614]

Saved Moses’ Life

Exodus 2:3-4

But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river's bank. And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.

Exodus 2:7

Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?”

Worship Leader and Prophetess

Exodus 15:20-21

Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. And Miriam answered them:
  “Sing to the Lord,
 For He has triumphed gloriously!
 The horse and its rider
 He has thrown into the sea!”

1 Chronicles 25:5-6

All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to exalt his horn. For God gave Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.
   All these were under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the authority of the king

Thoughts 

"Faith enables persons to be persons because it lets God be God." - Carter Lindberg

"The value of consistent prayer is not that He will hear us, but that we will hear Him." - William McGill

"God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer."
— Mother Teresa

[Message No: 6613]

Besides Still Waters - 34

Our light affliction

2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

Working for us - But for a moment - Eternal glory

2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

Our earthly house

2 Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Swallowed up

2 Corinthians 5:4
For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life

Well pleased - Present with the Lord

2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Inexpressible words
2 Corinthians 12:4
how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Sufficient Grace - Perfect In Weakness

2 Corinthians 12:9
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

[Message No: 6612]

Our El Shaddai

“I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:1-2

Since God could speak into existence the universe, and since God knows our names and the number of the hairs on our head... surely we know that we can go to him for our help. Let's lift up our eyes and our hearts to El Shaddai, Lord God of the Mountains and know the Almighty sees our needs, hears our requests, and cares about our hearts.

Another Counselor, A Lasting Comforter' — John 14:15-17

It is so hard to adequately translate the term Jesus uses for the Holy Spirit in John 14. Translators make several different choices — Helper, Advocate, Counsellor, and Comforter. Some transliterate the original Greek word and use Paraklete.

How we translate the word is not nearly as important as our understanding of the Holy Spirit's presence in Jesus' disciples. The abiding presence of the Holy Spirit is one of the most crucial and distinguishing characteristics of a Christian. The world cannot recognize the Spirit's presence, much less receive the Holy Spirit's abiding presence.

As Christians, however, we are given the Holy Spirit as a gift when we are saved. The Spirit makes us pure and holy and then lives inside us, making us God's holy temple. What's more, the Spirit's presence is lasting! He won't leave us!

Our Good Words

“The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.” – Proverbs 10:21

I have several friends who are very wise in the way they speak. When they do speak up, everyone listens attentively because their words are always wise, well-timed, and worthwhile. Their righteous lives and careful use of words blesses and nourishes all who listen. There are others, however, that are constantly talking about everything and spending little or no time practicing what they preach. Their words are discounted as nothing more than their own desire to hear their own opinions about matters on which they know nothing.

Thoughts

"If God were small enough to be understood, He would not be big enough to be worshiped." - Evelyn Underhill

"At times all of us experience fear. But don't allow fear t

— Woodroll Kroll

[Message No: 6611]

Judgment on Enemies

Isaiah 25:2-

For You have made a city a ruin,
 A fortified city a ruin,
 A palace of foreigners to be a city no more;
 It will never be rebuilt.
  Therefore the strong people will glorify You;
 The city of the terrible nations will fear You.

Isaiah 25:5

You will reduce the noise of aliens,
 As heat in a dry place;
 As heat in the shadow of a cloud,
 The song of the terrible ones will be diminished.

Isaiah 25:10-12

For on this mountain the hand of the Lord will rest,
 And Moab shall be trampled down under Him,
 As straw is trampled down for the refuse heap.
  And He will spread out His hands in their midst
 As a swimmer reaches out to swim,
 And He will bring down their pride
 Together with the trickery of their hands.
  The fortress of the high fort of your walls
 He will bring down, lay low,
 And bring to the ground, down to the dust.

Thought 

"For the rest of my life I'm going to trust that God is always at work in all things, and give him thanks long before my simplest prayers are answered." - Nancy Parker Brummett

"I believe in the sun even if it isn't shining. I believe in love even when I am alone. I believe in God even when He is silent." - Author Unknown

[Message No: 6610]

Understanding the Scriptures - 4

God’s faithfulness – Psalm 18:3

God saved David, protected him, and strengthened him when  Saul and his men were out to kill him. Is God your refuge and your strength [Ps. 46:1]?

God’s righteousness – Psalm 18:4

Those had been stormy years  for David, yet God rescued him and upheld His dedicated servant. David had obeyed God’s Word and accomplished God’s will, so God rewarded him. When the storms come, remember that God is  greater than the storms and will help you see the rainbow.

God’s gentleness – Psalm 18:28

God did many things to make David a great soldier, but His gentleness made David what he was [v.35]. god was doing more than winning  wars; He was building character. It humbled David  to think that God would condescend to call him, equip him, and help him [Ps.8:3-5]. [See Ps. 113:6; Isa. 57:15-16]

God’s exaltedness – Psalm 18:37

David did not take credit for his victories; he gave all the glory to the Lord. Whatever David had, God gave it to him; whatever he was, God 1made him; whatever he did, God enabled him. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

A day of trouble – Psalm 20:1-3

David was going out to battle, and he and his people gathered to pray. His secret of victory was the name of the Lord [v.1], the  Lord he worshipped sincerely and sacrificially.

A day of triumph – Psalm 20:4

Again, it is in the name of the Lord that you fight the forces of evil [v.5]. God hears  and answers pray and sends you the help you need.

A day of trust – Psalm 20:7

David had a great name, but the name of the Lord is much greater. Some people have names that cannot be trusted, but God’s name has never failed.  Your days of trouble can become days of triumph if you trust in the name of the Lord.

[Message No: 6609]

The Christ Mind

1] A Right Mind – Mark 5:15

Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.

2] A Ready Mind – Acts 17:11

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

3] A United Mind – 1 Corinthians 1:10

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

4] A Lowly Mind –

Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Philippians 2:5

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

5] A Steady Mind – 2 Thessalonians 2:2

not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.

6] A Girded Mind – 1 Peter 1:13

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

7] A Sound Mind – 2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

[Message No: 6608]

Understanding the Scriptures - 3

Good fellowship – Psalm 16:3

God’s people are not perfect,  but we should delight in their fellowship and not in the fellowship of the world’s crowd [2 Cor. 6:4-18]. The world needs our witness, but we must take care not start loving the world [1 John 2:15-17].

Good heritage – Psalm 16:5

Not just God’s gifts, but God Himself! What a joy it is to let God choose your inheritance for you instead of acting like the world and fighting for you “place in the sun.”

Good counsel – Psalm 16:7

God gives wisdom if you will ask Him [James 1:5]. God teaches you in the darkness as well as in the light. These verses are summarized in Matthew 6:33

Good hope – Psalm 16:8

This passage is one of the few in the Old Testament dealing with resurrection. It refers to the resurrection of Christ [Acts 2:22-32], and that is what gives us our hope [ 1 Peter 1:3].

God’s ears – Psalm 17:2

The enemy opposed David’s just cause, so he cried  out to God for vindication. David’s  prayer was sincere, and he wanted  God to judge righteously.

God’s eyes – Psalm 17:3

David had nothing to hide. His heart was right and his walk was righteous. You must be able to say the same of your heart and walk if you expect God to answer your prayers [Psalm 66:18].

God’s hand – Psalm 17:6

David  trusted  not his own hand but the hand of God to protect him and to defeat the enemy. The pride of the enemy grieved David  because he wanted God alone to be glorified.

God’s likeness – Psalm 17:15

God has in mind this goal when He permits you to go through  trials: He wants to make you more like His Son [Rom. 8:29. 2 Cor. 3:18]. Although this verses  may refer to future resurrection [1 John 3:1-3; see also 1 Cor. 15:49], it  can be applied to life today. Our Lord goes with us into the furnace so that we may be more like Him when we come out of it [Dan. 3:19-25].

[Message No: 6607]

Lord, move me into the purpose for which I was created

2 Peter 1:10

Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

Zechariah 8:21

The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, “Let us continue to go and pray before the Lord, And seek the Lord of hosts. I myself will go also.”

Ephesians 1:11

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

Psalm 20:4

May He grant you according to your heart's desire, And fulfil all your purpose.

Psalm 71:9

“Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.”

We live in an age where those who are older are often shoved aside. This is true in the professional world with employees. This is also true in churches which often find themselves pandering to those who are younger or more financially powerful, while forgetting the aging and powerless.
Let's remember that God cares what happens to each one of us, no matter status or stature or age.

Thoughts 

"An idol of the mind is as offensive to God as an idol of the hand." - A. W. Tozer

"If I didn't have spiritual faith, I would be a pessimist. But I'm an optimist. I've read the last page in the Bible. It's all going to turn out all right." - Billy Graham

Prayer

. Lord, thank You for reminding me that this is war — mental war. Many thoughts pop into my mind that should be removed, discarded, rejected, and eliminated. Help me to have the willpower to do just that. Help me to reject them, remove them, abstain from them, and replace them with good thoughts and wholesome, godly thinking. And grant me the discernment to know when this is happening to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

[Message No: 6606]

Understanding the Scriptures - 2

Does God hear? – Psalm 10:5-13

Note the repetition of “He has said in his heart” [vv. 6, 11,13]. God hears  what the ungodly say  and does not approve  of their pride and rebellion. The ungodly announces. “I shall  not be moved  God! God does  not see what I do! Even if He does, He will never judge me!” what arrogance!

Does God help? – Psalm 10:14-18

Of course He does! He sees the trouble of is people, feels their grief, and help them in the right way at the right time. After all, the Lord is King! It may look as though the ungodly are winning the day, but the Lord will triumph in the end.

Man’s Words – Psalm 12:3-5

What made David conclude that godliness was on the decline? The way people spoke. David heard  flattering words, and he knew that God was displeased. In our “age of communication,” are you able to discern what is true and right? When  you speak, is it communication or manipulation?

God’s Words – Psalm 12:6-8

God’s Word is pure, proved, and preserved, and you can depend on it. So much of what man says is cheap and temporary, but God’s  Word is like pure silver that is valuable and lasting. Let your words be controlled by His Word and God will make your words valuable [Prov. 10:20; 25:11].

Asking – Psalm 13:1-2

Four times David asked. “How long?” He had prayed, but God had hidden Himself and not answered. David had examined his heart and knew of no reason why God should abandon him. The longer God waited, the more  the enemy would succeed.  When you have this same  feeling, do what David did and talk to God with an honest  and humble heart.

Arguing – Psalm 13:3-4

Would God be glorified by David’s defeat? Would God’s cause be helped by David’s death? Should the enemy rejoice while God’s people  suffer? David  reasoned with God but did not try to tell God what to do. Sometimes prayer means wrestling.

Affirming – Psalm 13:5-6

Faith does not always give answers, but it does  give encouragement. No matter how successful the enemy appears to be, you can trust the Lord, rejoice in the Lord, sing to the Lord and know that He will always deal bountifully with you.

[Message No: 6605]

Lord, keep me in the center of Your will

Matthew 7:21

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

1 John 5:14-15

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Hebrews 10:36

For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

2 Corinthians 5:21

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

When was the last time you thought of yourself as "the righteousness of God"? What does that mean anyway? It means that we have the best of qualities, found in the best of beings! But we know we are not god-like! We know our fallibility and flaws! We know our imperfections and our inconsistencies! How can we be "the righteousness of God"? Jesus, the perfect and sinless Righteous One of God, became our sin for us so we could be his righteousness. More than grace, that's a miracle! And a miracle, dear friend of Jesus, is exactly what you are!!

How we grow?

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Thoughts 

"I never knew how to worship until I knew how to love." - Henry Ward Beecher
"Forgiveness is the fragrance that a flower leaves upon the heel that crushes it."
— Author Unknown

[Message No: 6604]

Understanding the Scriptures - 1

Bless me – Psalm 5:11-12

Protection is the last thing named [v. 12]. Beyond that, David  was blessed with joy, confidence, and deeper love for the Lord. Times of suffering can be times of growing if we let the Lord have His way.

Be honest with God – Psalm 7:2

David did not say that the enemy was telling the truth, but he was willing for God to examine him and punish him. He had nothing to hide.

Let God be the Judge – Psalm 7:6-13

It is wise to let God be the judge because His judgment is always  right [1 Cor. 4:3-5]. We do not see ourselves and others as He sees, so it is best to turn the matter over to Him. David was careful to maintain his integrity [v. 8] and let God  be his Défense [v. 10].

Wait on the Lord – Psalm 7:14-16

Sin has a way of bringing its own punishment if we wait long enough. It is like giving  to pain and trouble [v. 14. James1:4-5]. Failing into a pit [v. 15], or getting  back the trouble that they tried to impose on others [v. 16].

Praise – Psalm 9:1-6

God had won a victory for David, so he sang a song of praise to the Lord. It was not a personal battle. Because David was doing God’s will, the Lord maintained his cause. Take time to praise the Lord for the victories He graciously gives you.

Promise – Psalm 9:7-12

David looked ahead to the time when God would finally judge sin and establish His righteous kingdom. His people do not need to worry; He is their Refuge and will never forsake them [Heb. 13:5]. The Father forsook His Son on the cross, but He will not forsake you.

Prayer – Psalm 9:13-20

From considering the past and the future. David turned to his present need as he prayed for God’s help. His need was for mercy; his motive was that he might praise the Lord and tell others of His salvation. Why? Because there is a place called hell [v 17] and God’s salvation is the only escape from that terrible  place.

Paul advised, “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men”

[2 Cor.5:11]

Does God Hide? – Psalm 10:1-4

Why do the wicked prosper? Is a perennial question God’s people ask. As they consider the suffering of the godly and the security of the ungodly, they feel that God ahs  forgotten and forsaken His people. He is hiding.

[Message No: 6603]

Truths That Solomon Stated - 5

13. Better is a Poor and wise child that will take correction than an old and foolish King that will not be Admonished.

Ecclesiastes 4:13

Better a poor and wise youth
 Than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more.
14. The profit from the earth is for all men

Ecclesiastes 5:9

Moreover the profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field.

15. Riches are only temporary

 Ecclesiastes 5:12-15

The sleep of a laboring man is sweet,
 Whether he eats little or much;
 But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep.
  There is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun:
 Riches kept for their owner to his hurt.
  But those riches perish through misfortune;
 When he begets a son, there is nothing in his hand.
  As he came from his mother's womb, naked shall he return,
 To go as he came;
 And he shall take nothing from his labor
 Which he may carry away in his hand.

16. A good name is better than precious ointments

Ecclesiastes 7:1

A good name is better than precious ointment,
   And the day of death than the day of one's birth;
17. Dead bodies know nothing

Ecclesiastes 9:5

For the living know that they will die;
 But the dead know nothing,
 And they have no more reward,
 For the memory of them is forgotten.
18. There is no human activity, such as work, in Hell

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

[Message No: 6602]

You are chosen by the Holy Spirit of God

Acts 20:28

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

प्रेरितों के काम 20:28

इसलिये अपनी और पूरे झुंड की चौकसी करो; जिस से पवित्र आत्मा ने तुम्हें अध्यक्ष ठहराया है; कि तुम परमेश्वर की कलीसिया की रखवाली करो, जिसे उस ने अपने लोहू से मोल लिया है।

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 कुरिन्थियों 6:19-20

क्या तुम नहीं जानते, कि तुम्हारी देह पवित्रात्मा का मन्दिर है; जो तुम में बसा हुआ है और तुम्हें परमेश्वर की ओर से मिला है, और तुम अपने नहीं हो?

20 क्योंकि दाम देकर मोल लिये गए हो, इसलिये अपनी देह के द्वारा परमेश्वर की महिमा करो॥

Romans 8:11

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.”

Romans 8 reminds us again and again of the blessings of the Holy Spirit living in us, God's children. The Spirit in us is our guarantee that we will be raised from the dead! Because the Spirit that gave Jesus life and raised him from the dead is in us, we can have confidence in our resurrection.
Mortality will not claim us. The Holy Spirit's life-giving power is stronger than death. We will live! Even though our bodies may die, the Spirit of God animates, inspires, and empowers us to victory.

Thought

"Affliction comes to the believer not to make him sad, but sober; not to make him sorry, but wise. Even as the plough enriches the field so that the seed is multiplied a thousand fold, so affliction should magnify our joy and increase our spiritual harvest." - Henry Ward Beecher

[Message No: 6601]

Truths That Solomon Stated - 4

Ecclesiastes 6:6
even if he lives a thousand years twice—but has not seen goodness. Do not all go to one place?

Ecclesiastes 12:7
Then the dust will return to the earth as it was,
 And the spirit will return to God who gave it.

Genesis 2:7
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

Genesis 2:19
Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.

Genesis 3:19
In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread
 Till you return to the ground,
 For out of it you were taken;
 For dust you are,
 And to dust you shall return.”
11. Spirits of both men and beasts are not made of dust; and these go into the keeping of God at death

Ecclesiastes 3:21
Then the dust will return to the earth as it was,
 And the spirit will return to God who gave it.

Ecclesiastes 12:7
Then the dust will return to the earth as it was,
 And the spirit will return to God who gave it.

12. Two are better than One

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one,
 Because they have a good reward for their labor.
  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
 But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
 For he has no one to help him up.

  Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
 But how can one be warm alone?

  Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
 And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

[Message No: 6600]

Find Refuge

  “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” - Psalm 91:1-2

As we enter a new year, we realize that last year is history and the coming year is a mystery. We do not know what the coming year will bring. We live in turbulent times — politically, morally, financially, and socially. Only God knows what the new year will bring. That is why we must stick courageously with Jesus and His word.

When we dwell with Him and on Him and allow ourselves to draw near to Him, we can rest in His shadow. We can rest with Him near because He is our refuge and our fortress, our hiding place, our protection, and our defence. He is our God, in whom we trust.

In this world there will always be trouble, but Jesus said, “… take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

As we face the year ahead, may we have the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, and the courage to stand by our Christian convictions.

DROPPING TO MY KNEES

Father, thank You that we can come to You in prayer anytime, day or night, whether on our knees, on our chairs, on our beds, or walking throughout this magnificent world You’ve created for us. I pray that You would speak to our hearts today about how our prayer lives can be more effective and how we can have richer conversations with You.

Speak to our hearts in a way that only You can do, guiding us in the best next steps we can take to grow in our faith, to grow in our devotion to You, and to touch the lives of others through prayer. We ask this all in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Quotes

. Obedience is the road to freedom, humility the road to pleasure, unity the road to personality. - C. S. Lewis

. Our critics are the unpaid guardians of our souls. - Corrie ten Boom

[Message No: 6599]

A Lifestyle of Obedience

Genesis 6:9-22

A lifestyle of obedience requires commitment and perseverance. Noah needed both as he obeyed the Lord’s instructions to build a large boat with a roof, doors, and three decks. God spelled out the exact measurements, the type of wood to use, and the way to make the vessel watertight. It was essential that Noah adhere to every detail if the ark was to house all the animals and stay afloat.

Many people in the Bible saw obedience as their goal. Abraham determined to go wherever God led. Moses felt inadequate but still carried out the Lord’s plan. Paul did an about-face to become Christ’s disciple. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to follow the path of righteousness.

Evangelism –

John Chinaman and the Atheist

John Chinaman was at one time questioned by an atheist:

“What are you going to do first, John Chinaman,” inquired the atheist, “when you get to heaven?”
“First of all,” responded John Chinaman, “I am going find the Lord Jesus Christ and thank Him for saving me.”

“Fine,” sneered the atheist, “And what will you do next?”

John Chinaman thought for a moment before he answered.

Next, he replied, “I am going to search until I find the missionary who came to my country and told me about Jesus Christ, and then thank him for coming.”

“Yes, and what then?” inquired the atheist, with a mocking smile.

“Then,” said John Chinaman, “I am going to find the one who gave the money so that the missionary could come, and I could hear about Jesus and be saved, for I want to thank him too.”

With that the atheist walked away and was seen no more. - Oswald J. Smith

Thought 

"The glory of God is a living man; and the life of man consists in beholding God."
— Irenaeus

[Message No: 6599]

Besides Still Waters - 33

The way of escape

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

The last enemy

1 Corinthians 15:26
The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

I die daily

1 Corinthians 15:31
I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

God of all comfort

2 Corinthians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort

Who is sufficient?

2 Corinthians 2:16
To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?

God’s Sufficiency

2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,

Not Destroyed

2 Corinthians 4:9
persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—

Perishing, yet renewed

2 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

[Message No: 6597]

Truths That Solomon Stated - 2

7. Seasons and Times for Things

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

To everything there is a season,

 A time for every purpose under heaven:

  A time to be born,

 And a time to die;

 A time to plant,

 And a time to pluck what is planted;

  A time to kill,

 And a time to heal;

 A time to break down,

 And a time to build up;

  A time to weep,

 And a time to laugh;

 A time to mourn,

 And a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones,

 And a time to gather stones;

 A time to embrace,

 And a time to refrain from embracing;

  A time to gain,

 And a time to lose;

 A time to keep,

 And a time to throw away;

  A time to tear,

 And a time to sew;

 A time to keep silence,

 And a time to speak;

  A time to love,

 And a time to hate;

 A time of war,

 And a time of peace.

[Message No: 6596]

Facts about Glory

1] Sin makes lose glory
Romans 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

2] The heaven declare it
Psalm 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God;
 And the firmament shows His handiwork.

3] The earth shall be filled with it
Hebrews 2:14
Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,

4] It is revealed in miracles
John 2:11
This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

5] We are destined for it
1 Corinthians 2:7
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,

6] Do all for God’s glory
1 Corinthians 10:31
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

7] We are called for eternal glory
1 Peter 5:10
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

[Message No: 6595]

Truths That Solomon Stated - 1

1. Eternal Generations

Ecclesiastes 1:4
One generation passes away, and another generation comes;
 But the earth abides forever.

2. Earth Eternal

Ecclesiastes 1:4
One generation passes away, and another generation comes;
 But the earth abides forever.

3. Sun Circuits

Ecclesiastes 1:6
The wind goes toward the south,
 And turns around to the north;
 The wind whirls about continually,
 And comes again on its circuit.

4. Wind Circuits

Ecclesiastes 1:6
The wind goes toward the south,
 And turns around to the north;
 The wind whirls about continually,
 And comes again on its circuit.

5. Water Circuits

Ecclesiastes 1:7
All the rivers run into the sea,
 Yet the sea is not full;
 To the place from which the rivers come,
 There they return again

6. Wisdom Excels Folly
Ecclesiastes 2:13
Then I saw that wisdom excels folly
 As light excels darkness.

[Message No: 6594]

Lord, Draw me into a closer walk with You

John 14:15-17

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you

Jeremiah 3:15

This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

James 4:8


Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Lord cleanse me and make my heart right before You

1 John1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

James 5:16

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Psalm 32:5

I acknowledged my sin to You,
 And my iniquity I have not hidden.
 I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
 And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

1 John 3:21-22

Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

Thoughts

"To have God in our life, doesn't mean sailing on a boat with no storms, it means having a boat that no storm can sink!" - Author Unknown

[Message No: 6593]

Besides Still Waters - 32

Standing in Grace

Romans 5:2
through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Christ died for Us

Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Intercession

Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

All Things

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

According to His Purpose

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

If God is for Us

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

More than Conquerors

Romans 8:37
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

All are Yours

1 Corinthians 3:22
whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours.

[Message No: 6592]

Preach and Teach the Kingdom of God – 3

You must preach that the kingdom of God exists now, right now. A person can enter God’s kingdom today: he can open up his heart and let Christ rule and reign  in His life now. Therefore, you must preach the kingdom now.

- You must preach that God wants  to enter hearts  and lives now.

- You must preach that a person can enter the kingdom only when he humbles  himself before God as a small child.

Mark 10:14 = But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

John 3:3 = Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

you must preach that sinners enter the kingdom before the proud and the self-righteous religionists.
Matthew 21:31 = “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?”

  They said to Him, “The first.”

  Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you

Mark 10:15 = Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

You must preach that the kingdom is spiritual, life-changing blessing.

Romans 14:17 = for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

You must preach  that the kingdom is to be the first thing sought by beleivers.

Matthew 6:33 = But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Thoughts

"Sometimes God has to put us flat on our back before we are looking up to Him."
— Jack Graham

"To have God in our life, doesn't mean sailing on a boat with no storms, it means having a boat that no storm can sink!" - Author Unknown

[Message No: 6591]

Women’s Ministry

1] She can be a servant of the Church

Romans 16:1
commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea,

2] She can be worthy of the Saints

Romans 16:2
that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.

3] She can be testimony for Christ

John 4:39
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.”

'I Will Not Abandon You!' — John 14:18-20

Jesus' return to the Father is essential. He is going to prepare a place for us. He is at the Father's side to intercede for us. However, even though he has gone to the Father's side, that does not mean he has abandoned us. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to be God's presence inside us.

We are not alone. Far from it! We have the Holy Spirit in us as the abiding reminder of Jesus' victory over death and his ascension to heaven with power!

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.

These promises are made to the true worshiper (see Psalm 84. This worshiper delights to be in the presence of God and yearns to be with God in worship when he cannot be. This worshiper trusts fully in God as his source of strength, hope, victory, and joy.

For this worshiper, God has left this incredible set of promises! Very similar to Romans 8, and its hallmark passage in verse 28, God promises to work out things for good and bless those who "love him and are called according to his purpose" "all things in Christ" and withhold nothing that is good (Rom. 8:32). Why? God is for us! He is our sun and shield, he lavishes his grace and glory upon us, and he will not withhold any good thing from us.

[Message No: 6590]

Preach and Teach the Kingdom of God – 2

As a believer or a Pastor you must preach and teach the Kingdom of God and of heaven. What Christ says:

Matthew 10:17 = But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.

Your message is a given message, given by the Lord Himself.  You are not to proclaim your own ideas nor the ideas of others. You are to preach the message given by the Lord. No matter the generation, the messaged needed is the message of God’s kingdom and of heaven. The message needs to be repeated time and again for every generation.

- Hebrews 13:8 = Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever

- Matthew 4:17 = From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

- Matthew 4:23 = And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
- Matthew 3:2 = and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

It was message of the apostle’s and ministers of Christ.
What is the kingdom of God?
It is the same thing that the kingdom is: the country of a king and the rule and reign of a king. The kingdom of God is:

- heaven, where God presently rules and reigns over all who are there.

- the future kingdom or universe that will be recreated and perfected eternally. God is going to rule and reign over a perfect universe sometime in the future. His rule and reign are going to be perfectly executed  over all the universe and over all dimensions and worlds.

- the present rule and reign of God in hearts and lives upon earth.

 Thoughts 

"It is comforting to know that the God who guides us sees tomorrow more clearly than we see yesterday." - Author Unknown

"'Difficulty' is not a word to be found in the dictionary of heaven. Nothing can be impossible with God." - Charles H. Spurgeon

"I do not know anyne who goes through life without some wounding of the heart. Sometimes we take a little shower at Calvary rather than let God deeply cut and wash away the hurts with His atoning blood." - Cindy Jacobs

[Message No: 6589]

Preach and Teach the Kingdom of God - 1

Matthew 10:7

And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

Mark 1:14-15

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Luke 4:43

but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”

Luke 8:1

Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,

Luke 9:2

He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Acts 8:12

But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.

Acts 20:25

And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.

Acts 28:12

And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days.

Acts 28:31

preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

Romans 14:17

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

[Message No: 6588]

Formed for God’s Family

1 John 3:1

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

Lord, Rule me in every area of my Life

Romans 14:8

For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.

Philippians 2:4

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Colossians 2:6-7

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Galatians 6:9

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Weariness is a part of life. Weariness is a part of ministry. Weariness is definitely something that overtakes us when we set our hearts on doing good for others. The wonderful blessing of God, however, is that he will renew us and sustain us and rekindle us. He does it through the encouraging word of a friend.

He does it through his presence in us, the Holy Spirit. He does it through songs that lift our hearts. He does it through Scripture and prayer. So while our bodies and spirits may bet weary, let's not let our hands fall idle. If we will serve with faithfulness, discipline, and integrity, God's grace will empower us to do what he has called us to do.

Thought

"The greatest battles are fought in the mind." - Casey Treat

[Message No: 6587]

Lord, Help me to be a forgiving person

Proverbs 19:11

The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression

Luke 6:37

Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Matthew 5:44-45

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Becoming best friends with God

Psalm 25:14

The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him,
 And He will show them His covenant.

Matthew 5:13

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."

Jesus never wanted us to give up our moral distinctiveness, our redemptive influence, nor our loving impact on those around us.

The purpose of our presence in the world is to preserve our culture from further decay and season the bitter, dog-eat-dog world, with grace and mercy.

Thoughts 

"Every man naturally desires knowledge; but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars." - Thomas à Kempis

"'Twas an unhappy Division that has been made between Faith and Works; though in my Intellect I may divide them, just as in the Candle I know there is both Light and Heat. But yet, put out the Candle, and they are both gone."

— John Selden

[Message No: 6586]

Besides Still Waters - 31

I will not leave You

John 14:18
I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

I will come to You

John 14:18
I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

He Prunes

John 15:2
Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

Behold my Glory

John 17:24
“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

Have you any Food?

John 21:5
Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”
  They answered Him, “No.”

Whoever Calls

Acts 2:21
And it shall come to pass
 That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
 Shall be saved.’

Great Grace

Acts 4:33
And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

I believe God

Acts 27:25
Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.

[Message No: 6585]

'Turn from Your Sins!' — Mark 1:4

God's messenger was John. He was called The Baptist, or The Baptizer, because he baptized folks who came to him wanting to change their lives to align with the will of God. John's mission was to prepare people for the coming of the promised Christ. The purposes of this baptism were to demonstrate people's turning from sin to God and to receive the forgiveness of God. What can we learn from John's mission for our lives today?

First, God uses human messengers to reach the hearts of those seeking to find him. Someone is out there seeking for God and God can use you or me to be that messenger! Second, seeking God involves two things: we turn to God and turn away from our sins. Third, everyone needs the forgiveness of God; none of us is righteous and holy on our efforts. In other words, we need God's gracious forgiveness. So I guess that each of us can choose the message that he or she needs to hear most clearly today. Have I come to God to receive his forgiveness and grace? Have I truly turned to God and away from sin? To whom will I be God's messenger?

Thoughts 

. To love another person is to help them love God. - Soren Kierkegaard

. The thing of which we have to beware is not so much damage to our belief in God as damage to our Christian temper.  “Therefore take heed to thy spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”  The temper of mind is tremendous in its effects, it is the enemy that penetrates right into the soul and distracts the mind from God, and until we get back to the quiet mood before God, our faith in Him is nil, and our confidence in the flesh and in human ingenuity is the thing that rules. - Oswald Chambers

2 Corinthians 5:17

If  anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

We all like "do-overs" or second chances. God does much better than that! He allows us to become new again. Being the "God of new things" he can even make us new. Beyond forgiveness, beyond cleansing, he makes us holy through Jesus. Let's use the opportunity of a New Year as a springboard for living a life fresh and new and alive for God!

[Message No: 6584]

Subjection of woman commanded

Genesis 3:16

To the woman he said,      
“I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing;
in pain you shall bring forth children.
Your desire shall be contrary to your husband,
but he shall rule over you

1 Corinthians 11:3

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.

1 Peter 3:1-6

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,  when they see your respectful and pure conduct.  Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—  but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 

For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands,  as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

Proverbs 14:29

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

Responding quickly to aggravation, threat, insult, or difficulty suggests strength to many folks today. However, responding hastily out of anger is foolish. This response seldom produces the desired long term effect and nearly always compounds the problems that need to be addressed. Patiently dealing with frustrating and painful situations shows understanding and is nearly always more fruitful in the long run.

[Message No: 6583]

The Love Of Men For Others - 2

7] Love must begin in the family –

Eph. 5:25
Husbands, love your wives,  just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

Eph. 5:28
In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives  as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

Eph. 5:33
However, each one of you also must love his wife  as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Titus 2:4
Then they can urge the younger women  to love their husbands and children,

8] It must abide towards all brethren –

1 Peter 1:22
“He committed no sin,
 and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

1 Peter 2:17
Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers,  fear God, honor the emperor.

9] It must reach our neighbours –

Luke 10:27
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’;  and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’”

Rom. 13:9-10
The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”  and whatever other command there may be, are summed up  in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”    Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

10] It must extend even to our enemies –

Luke 6:27-28
But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,    bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Matt. 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

[Message No: 6582]

Lord, Rule Me in Every Area of My Life

Romans 14:8

If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Philippians 2:4

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

Colossians 2:6-7

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,  continue to live your lives in him,   rooted  and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,  and overflowing with thankfulness.

The Shoeshine Boy

 A certain downtown businessman became fond of the little boy who shined his shoes every day. He did such a good job that one day the businessman asked him, "Son, how come you are so conscientious about your work?" The boy felt complimented. He looked up to the man, and said, "Mister, I'm a Christian and I try to shine every pair of shoes as if Jesus Christ were wearing them."
 The businessman saw something genuine in the shoeshine boy. Soon after that he began reading his Bible. When he decided to be a Christian himself, he credited his decision to the little boy who shined every pair of shoes "as if Jesus Christ were wearing them." That's a blessing.

371 Kinds of Sins committed and recorded in Scriptures

15] Mockery: Gen 37:19; Prov. 17:5

16] Kidnapping: Gen 37:27-28; 1 Timothy 1:10

17] Adultery: Gen 38:13-18; 1 Samuel 11:4

18] Murmuring: Exd. 3:11; 5:19

19] Rebellion: Exd. 6:9; Num. 16

Key to Joyful Worship

We fully acknowledge that only by the working and grace of God is  anyone able to come joyfully into His presence in blameless worship.

He is the lawful Ruler of every life. Our God is King of the Universe. How blessed we are to serve Him!

[Message No: 6581]

Witnesses of Christ’s Resurrection

+ The witness of the Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:4
that he was buried,  that he was raised  on the third day  according to the Scriptures

+ The witness of the Apostles

Acts 4:33
With great power the apostles continued to testify  to the resurrection  of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace  was so powerfully at work in them all

+ The witness of Paul

1 Corinthians 15:8
from the descendants of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the leader and 200 relatives;

+ The witness from unbelievers

1 Corinthians 15:12
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead,  how can some of you say that there is no resurrection  of the dead?

+ The witness from the superstitions

1 Corinthians 15:29
Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?

+ The witness from nature

1 Corinthians 15:36-37
How foolish!  What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.    When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else.

+ The witness of the empty tomb

John 20:6
Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there,

+ The witness of the angels

Luke 24:5-6
In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?   He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:

+ The witness of doubting Thomas

John 20:28-29
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
    Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed;  blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

+ The witness of Jesus Himself

John 2:19
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

[Message No: 6580]

The Love Of Men For Others - 1

1] Everything (all things) must be done in love –

1 Cor. 16:14

Do everything in love.

2] The Christian must walk in love –

Ephesians 5:2

and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us  and gave himself up for us  as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3] He must follow after love –

1 Cor. 14:1

Follow the way of love  and eagerly desire  gifts of the Spirit,  especially prophecy.

4] It (love) builds up the Church –

Eph. 4:16

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows  and builds itself up  in love,  as each part does its work.

5] The motivation of leaders  in the church must stem from love –

2 Cor. 12:15

So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well.  If I love you more,  will you love me less?

1 Tim. 4:12

Don’t let anyone look down on you  because you are young, but set an example  for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith  and in purity.

2 Tim. 3:10

You, however, know all about my teaching,  my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance,

6] Christians must love their leaders –

1 Thes. 5:13

Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

[Message No: 6579]

Lord, Show Me How to Take Control of My Mind

Ephesians 4:23-24

to be made new in the attitude of your minds;    and to put on  the new self,  created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform  to the pattern of this world,  but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing  and perfect will.

1 John 5:13

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Yes, we can KNOW! Don't settle for less!! Confidence is so crucial that God sent his Son to die and be raised so we could know that life is our destination, not just our journey. While that life is experienced now, it is only a hint, a foretaste, of what lies ahead in our future with the Lord.

Lord, Rule Me in Every Area of My Life

Romans 14:8

If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Philippians 2:4

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

371 Kinds of Sins committed and recorded in Scriptures

11] Jealousy: Gen 31:1-2; 1 Samuel 18:8-11

12] Rape: Gen 34:2; 2 Samuel 13

13] Plotting Murder: Gen 37:18-22

14] Envy: Gen 37:11; Rom 1:29; 2 Cor 12:20

[Message No: 6578]

'Creator God Can Speak Realities into Being'

Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.’

— Genesis 1:26

Lord, I praise You as Creator of heaven and earth and all life. I praise You for the power in Your spoken word and Your ability to speak things into being. I know You can also speak life into my weak body, my spirit, and my hurting emotions. I pray for Your voice to change my direction, my health, and my future. I submit to Your plans for me, and ask You to speak health and ability into me so I can honor You and accomplish all You created me for. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

'Test the Spirits'

Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. - 1 John 4:1
Occasionally, we hear someone say something, preach something, or teach something that doesn't sit well in our hearts. We have a nagging feeling that something just isn't quite right with what was said. The Holy Spirit within us gives us a sick feeling in the pit of our stomachs — I call this feeling the "greasies" — letting us know that something isn't quite right.

The things said could be very pleasing to us, they could be difficult for us to hear, or they could be the culturally acceptable point of view. No matter on what trajectory the comments reach us, we need to pray and seek the Spirit's leading and then open the Scriptures to check and see if what we heard is really from God. Spiritual discernment is an important work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Thoughts 

. I look forward, not to what lies ahead of me in this life and will surely pass away, but to my eternal goal.  I am intent upon this one purpose, not distracted by other aims, and with this goal in view I press on, eager for the prize, God’s heavenly summons.  Then I shall listen to the sound of Your praises and gaze at Your beauty ever present, never future, never past.  But now my years are but sighs. 

. You, O Lord, are my only solace.  You, my Father, are eternal.  But I am divided between time gone by and time to come, and its course is a mystery to me.  My thoughts, the intimate life of my soul, are torn this way and that in the havoc of change.  And so it will be until I am purified and melted by the fire of Your love and fused into one with You. – Augustine

[Message No: 6577]

The Vastness of the Death of Christ

+ He died  for the  powerless

Romans 5:6

You see, at just the right time,  when we were still powerless,  Christ died for the ungodly.

+ He died for the ungodly

Romans 5:6

You see, at just the right time,  when we were still powerless,  Christ died for the ungodly.

+ He died for the sinners

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
+ He died for the enemies

Romans 5:10

For if, while we were God’s enemies,  we were reconciled  to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

{He died for the blasphemers, He died for the persecutors, He died for the violent, He died for the ignorant}

1 Timothy 1:13

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor  and a violent man, I was shown mercy  because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.

+ He died for the world

John 1:29

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God,  who takes away the sin of the world!

+ He died for the church

Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, love your wives,  just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

[Message No: 6576]