Questions in Luke - 2

5:21
And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

5:22
But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts?

5:23
Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’?

5:30
And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

5:33
Then they said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?”

5:34
And He said to them, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them?

6:2
And some of the Pharisees said to them, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?”   

6:3
But Jesus answering them said, “Have you not even read this, what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him

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?”

6:32
“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.

6:33
And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.

[Message No: 6802]

Cup of God’s Wrath

Isaiah 51:17-22

Awake, awake!
 Stand up, O Jerusalem,
 You who have drunk at the hand of the Lord
 The cup of His fury;
 You have drunk the dregs of the cup of trembling,
 And drained it out.
  There is no one to guide her
 Among all the sons she has brought forth;
 Nor is there any who takes her by the hand
 Among all the sons she has brought up.
  These two things have come to you;
 Who will be sorry for you?—
 Desolation and destruction, famine and sword—
 By whom will I comfort you?
  Your sons have fainted,
 They lie at the head of all the streets,
 Like an antelope in a net;
 They are full of the fury of the Lord,
 The rebuke of your God.
  Therefore please hear this, you afflicted,
 And drunk but not with wine.
  Thus says your Lord,
 The Lord and your God,
 Who pleads the cause of His people:
 “See, I have taken out of your hand
 The cup of trembling,
 The dregs of the cup of My fury;
 You shall no longer drink it.

Jeremiah 25:15-28 = Kindly read

Revelation 14:10

he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

Revelation 16:19

Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.

[Message No: 6801]

A Warning To All

Matthew 5:23

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,

Matthew 5:38-42

Go the Second Mile
     “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

Luke 17:1

Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!

Law of Forgiveness

Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Mark 11:25
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

Luke 17:4
And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”

Thoughts 

"Live as though Christ died yesterday, rose from the grave today, and is coming back tomorrow." - Theodore Epp

Prayer asking God to show you how to cooperate daily with the purposes revealed in His Word. – Sarah Bowling

"There is a great man who makes every man feel small. But the real great man is the man who makes every man feel great." - G. K. Chesterton

[Message No: 6800]

Questions in Luke - 1

1:18
And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

1:34
Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

1:43
But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

2:48
So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

2:49
And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?”

3:7
Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

3:10
So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?”

3:12
Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”

3:14
Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?”
  So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.”

4:22
So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph's son?”

4:34
saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

[Message No: 6799]

Two Kingdoms - 1

1] Kingdom of Heaven –

John 18:37

Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
  Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

Revelation 20:6

Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

Kingdom of God –

1 Corinthians 15:28

Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

2] From Heaven –

John 18:36

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”

Daniel 7:13

“I was watching in the night visions,
 And behold, One like the Son of Man,
 Coming with the clouds of heaven!
 He came to the Ancient of Days,
 And they brought Him near before Him.

In Heaven and Earth –

Psalm 103:19

The Lord has established His throne in heaven,
 And His kingdom rules over all.

[Message No: 6798]

Command against wine: tenfold reason

Proverbs 23:31-35
Do not look on the wine when it is red,
 When it sparkles in the cup,
 When it swirls around smoothly;
  At the last it bites like a serpent,
 And stings like a viper.
  Your eyes will see strange things,
 And your heart will utter perverse things.
  Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,
 Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:
  “They have struck me, but I was not hurt;
 They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.
 When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”

Isaiah 53:3-4

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and he carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. —

Jesus was everything and became nothing for us. Yet most of the people who were on earth that he came to save didn't know him or accept him. The crowds just assumed he deserved what he got. Most did not repent. But there was something about that sacrificial story

Law of humility

Proverbs 25:6-7

Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
 And do not stand in the place of the great;
  For it is better that he say to you,
 “Come up here,”
 Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
 Whom your eyes have seen.

[Message No: 6797]

Questions in Mark – 9

14:60
And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?”

14:61
But He kept silent and answered nothing.
  Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

14:63
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses?

14:64
You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?”
  And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.

15:2
Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
  He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.”

15:4
Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!”

15:9
But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

15:12
Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?”

15:14
Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?”
  But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!”

15:34
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

16:3
And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?”

[Message No: 6796]

Holiness in the Lord

Holy in heart

1 Thessalonians 3:13 

ताकि वह तुम्हारे मनों को ऐसा स्थिर करे, कि जब हमारा प्रभु यीशु अपने सब पवित्र लोगों के साथ आए, तो वे हमारे परमेश्वर और पिता के साम्हने पवित्रता में निर्दोष ठहरें॥

Holy in our calling

2 Timothy 1:9 

जिस ने हमारा उद्धार किया, और पवित्र बुलाहट से बुलाया, और यह हमारे कामों के अनुसार नहीं; पर अपनी मनसा और उस अनुग्रह के अनुसार है जो मसीह यीशु में सनातन से हम पर हुआ है।
Holy in our indwelling
2 Timothy 1:14 
और पवित्र आत्मा के द्वारा जो हम में बसा हुआ है, इस अच्छी थाती की रखवाली कर॥

Holy in our conversations

2 Peter 3:11 

तो जब कि ये सब वस्तुएं, इस रीति से पिघलने वाली हैं, तो तुम्हें पवित्र चाल चलन और भक्ति में कैसे मनुष्य होना चाहिए।

1 Peter 1:17 

और जब कि तुम, हे पिता, कह कर उस से प्रार्थना करते हो, जो बिना पक्षपात हर एक के काम के अनुसार न्याय करता है, तो अपने परदेशी होने का समय भय से बिताओ।

Psalm 46:10

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
History tells me it has been true! Faith trusts it will be true eternally! Reverent silences, a pause in the hectic rush of our lives, reminds us that it is true today.

Psalm 19:1-2

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.”

God's voice is always speaking. His witnesses give testimony to his glory, majesty, and creative grace. The universe shouts with joy that behind its intricate beauty and paralyzing powers is the One who gave it life, purpose, and intention.

[Message No: 6795]

Questions in John – 13

20:15
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”
    She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him,
and I will take Him away.”

21:12
Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord.

21:15
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
  He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
  He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

21:16
He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”
  He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
  He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

21:17
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
  And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
  Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

21:20
Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”

21:21
Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”

21:22
Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

21:23
Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”

[Message No: 6794]

Facts about the Gentle and Quiet Spirit

1] It is an unfading beauty – 1 Peter 3:4

rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

2] It is of great  worth in God’s sight – 1 Peter 3:4

rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

3] It is of Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:1

Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.

4] It is needed to restore others – Galatians 6:1

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

5] We must clothe with it – Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

6] We must pursue after it – 1 Timothy 6:11

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

7] The Holy women of the past had it – 1 Peter 3:5

For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,

God’s Abiding Presence 

Isaiah 48:17

This is what the Lord says — your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." —

I sometimes long for the pillar of fire at night and the cloud by day to guide me as I make my way through this world, like the Israelites had during their wilderness wanderings. But I am reminded of God's abiding presence in the Spirit and his promise to never forsake me. I believe that if I seek his glory he will get me where I need to be to do his will and bless me in the ways that most benefit me in this life and the next.

[Message No: 6793]

Created to become like Christ

2 Corinthians 3:18

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Lord, guide me in all my relationships

Psalm 68:6

God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

Colossians 4:2

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

Ephesians 4:31-32

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Romans 12:16

Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Prayer

. Lord, thank You for making a way we can be back in relationship with You. Thank You for the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross so that could happen. Thank You for offering freedom from the bondage of sin and reconciliation for all who choose to walk the pathway of faith in Jesus as Your Son. Help me on this path, Lord, and help me also to find the freedom I need from the guilt of all my past mistakes so they don’t weigh me down with fear and depression. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

1 Timothy 4:14

“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”

Life seems so busy, so full of distractions and "to do" lists. Let's not let our "busyness" keep us from our Father's "business." Let's find the ways God has gifted us to serve him and his people; then let's dedicate ourselves to that with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

[Message No: 6792]

Questions in John – 12

18:34
Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”

18:35
Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”

18:37
Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
  Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

18:38
Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.

18:39
“But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

19:9
and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.

19:10
Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”

19:15
But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!”
  Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?”
  The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”

20:13
Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
  She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”

[Message No: 6791]

What your call as a Minister is

You are chosen by God Himself. – Is. 43:10, Amos 7:14-15, Jn. 1:6

It is God the Father-the only living and true God, the Sovereign Lord and Majesty of the universe -who has called and chosen you to be a minster. You have been given the highest privilege in all the world: you have been called and chosen to be a minister by the LORD GOD Himself.

Give Thanks …

There is an imaginative story told of a day when the sun did not rise.  Six o’clock came and there was no sign of dawn.  At seven o’clock, there was still no ray of light.  At noon it was as black as midnight.  No birds sang and only the hoot of an owl broke the silence.  Then came the long black hours of the afternoon.  Finally evening arrived but no one slept at night,  Some wept, some wrung their hands in anguish.  Every church was thronged with people on their knees.  Thus they remained the whole night through.  After that long night of terror and agony, millions of eager, tear-streaked faces were turned toward the east.  When the sky began to grow red and the sun rose, there was a loud shout of joy.  Millions of lips said, “Bless the Lord O my soul!” because the sun had risen after one day of darkness.

The very consistency of God’s blessings sometimes seems to dull our  gratitude.  The wonderful thing about the mercies of God is that they are fresh every morning and new every evening.  Let us remember to be consistently thankful to our gracious God.

Unknown

1 John 5:14-15

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: 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 what we asked of him. —

Confidence before God. That's sort of an oxymoron if you meditate upon it. Yet through the presence of Jesus at the Father's right hand and the intercession of the Holy Spirit, we can have confidence and come boldly before the Creator of the universe and know that he not only hears us, but also cares for us. Wow, what an audience! Oh, and one final thing, he also ACTS on what we ask.

Thought 

. Christianity does not consist in abstaining from doing things no gentleman would think of doing, but in doing things that are unlikely to occur to anyone who is not in touch with the Spirit of Christ. - R. H. L. Sheppard

[Message  No: 6790]

Things About Paul

1. Chosen of God

Acts 22:14
Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.

Galatians 1:15-16
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,

2. Chosen to know God’s will

Acts 22:4

I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,
3. Chosen to see Jesus

Acts 22:14

I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,

Acts 22:18

and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’

4. Chosen to hear His Voice

Acts 22:7

And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’

Acts 22:14

I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,

5. Chosen to be a special witness to all men

Acts 22:15

For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.

[Message No: 6789]

Questions in John – 11

18:7
Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?”
  And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

18:11
So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”

18:17
Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man's disciples, are you?”
  He said, “I am not.”

18:21
Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.”

18:22
And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with th
 palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?”

18:23
Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”

18:25
Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?”
  He denied it and said, “I am not!”

18:26
One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?”

18:29
Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”

18:33
Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

[Message No: 6788]

When God Answers Do We Hear?

 “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:3

The Lord of the universe isn’t under obligation to say “yes” to every prayer. That’s a good thing, considering some of the things we request. But sometimes God says “no” to our most heartfelt requests. Have you discovered this to be true in your own life? I certainly have.
When we pray we should look carefully for a response. It may be disguised even though it is right before our eyes. And when God answers our prayers we should rejoice, give thanks and give Him all the glory.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”  Psalm 100:4

James 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. —

Humble yourselves. That sounds obscene. At least to the "get ahead at all cost" and "don't look back the competition is gaining on you" culture of self-promotion it sounds obscene. Humility is a forgotten virtue. Often confused with weakness or timidity, humility is about knowing our proper place in the world without flaunting it. Only God can exalt in a permanent way, so the key is to know our place before him and let him put us in the place he chooses to honor him.

Count Your Blessings

“And don’t forget to thank Him” Philippians 4:6

Ephesians 3:17-19

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. —

Love that surpasses knowledge. That's very difficult to explain, but when you have loved your spouse for decades and he or she is as close to you as any bodily organ, you experience what this means. When you love a child and do what you never dreamed you could do for another human being, you understand this phrase. And when you stand before God, adopted as a full heir of all his great riches, a full sibling to Jesus Christ the Lord, and know you are seen as holy, without reproach, and blameless, you begin to understand this phrase.

[Message No: 6787]

Questions in John – 10

13:38
Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.

14:5
Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

14:9
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

14:10
Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.

14:22
Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”

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

16:17
Then some of His disciples said among themselves, “What is this that He says to us, “A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’; and, ‘because I go to the Father’ ?”

16:18
They said therefore, “What is this that He says, ‘A little while’? We do not know what He is saying.”

16:19
Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, “Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’?

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

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

[Message No: 6786]

Confront and then comfort brothers or sisters who Sin

Matthew 18:15-17

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

Leviticus 19:17

You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.

Luke 17:3-4

Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”

Galatians 6:1

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

2 Corinthians 2:5-11

But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

James 5:19-20

Bring Back the Erring One
    Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

[Message No: 6785]

Questions in John – 9

11:56
Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?”

12:5
“Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”

12:19
The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”

12:27
“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour

12:34
The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”

12:38
that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:
  “Lord, who has believed our report?
 And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

13:6
Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?”

13:12
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?

13:25
Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”

13:36
Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?”
  Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.”

13:37
Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.”

[Message No: 6784]

See what right with this picture

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.

Psalm 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made;
 We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 27:13
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
 That I would see the goodness of the Lord
 In the land of the living.

Prayers in Genesis

Genesis 4:26
And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the Lord.

Prayer and Spiritual Progress

Genesis 5:21-24
Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot Methuselah. After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.

Prayer and the Altar

Read - Genesis 12&13

Prayer for an Heir

Read – Genesis 15

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: 6783]

Questions in John – 8

10:21
Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

10:24
Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

10:32
Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?”

10:34
Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, “I said, ‘You are gods” ’?

10:36
do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?

11:8
Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?”

11:9
The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately theJesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.

11:26
And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

11:34
And He said, “Where have you laid him?”
  They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”

11:37
And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?”

11:40
Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”

11:47
Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs.

[Message No: 6782]

Restoring Broken Relationship

Romans 12:18

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Lord, prepare me to be a true Worshiper

Psalm 50:23

Whoever offers praise glorifies Me;
 And to him who orders his conduct aright
 I will show the salvation of God.”

Psalm 95:6-7

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
 Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
  For He is our God,
 And we are the people of His pasture,
 And the sheep of His hand.
 Today, if you will hear His voice:

Psalm 138:2

I will worship toward Your holy temple,
 And praise Your name
 For Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
 For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.

Psalm 5:11-12

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
 Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
 Let those also who love Your name
 Be joyful in You.
  For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
 With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

[Message No: 6781]

Take the initiative in reconciling any interpersonal problems

Matthew 5:23-24

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Psalm 34:14

Depart from evil and do good;
 Seek peace and pursue it.

Romans 12:17-18

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Romans 14:9

For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

1 Corinthians 7:15

if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.

2 Timothy 2:22

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Hebrews 12:14

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. —

We are not just saved by grace from death, we are saved by grace for God's glory. He has remade us. We are his craftsmanship, his artistry, and he longs to display his goodness and grace through our actions and words.

[Message No: 6780]

Questions in John – 7

9:10
Therefore they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?”

9:12
Then they said to him, “Where is He?”
  He said, “I do not know.”

9:16
Therefore some of the Pharisees said, “This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.”
  Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them.

9:17
They said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes?”
  He said, “He is a prophet.”

9:19
And they asked them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born
 blind? How then does he now see?”

9:26
Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?”

9:34
They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you
teaching us?” And they cast him out.

9:35
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”

9:36
He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”

9:40
Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?”

10:20
And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?”

[Message No: 6779]

Bible Verses about Evangelism - 5

Luke 12:8

“Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.

John 20:19-23

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

   So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Isaiah 45:22

“Look to Me, and be saved,
 All you ends of the earth!
 For I am God, and there is no other.
Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
 And he who wins souls is wise.

2 Timothy 4:5

But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry

1 Peter 3:18-22

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

[Message No: 6778]

Avoid a critical or judgmental spirit

Romans 14:1-4

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

Romans 4:10

How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.

Romans 4:13

For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Matthew 7:1-5

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, “Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, “Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Luke 6:41-42

And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.


1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.

1 Corinthians 5:12

For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?

James 4:11-12

Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?

[Message No: 6777]

Questions in John – 6

8:22
So the Jews said, “Will He kill Himself, because He says, ‘Where I go you cannot come’?”

8:25
Then they said to Him, “Who are You?”
  And Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning.

8:33
They answered Him, “We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”

8:43
Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.

8:46
Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me?

8:48
Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?”

8:53
Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?”

8:57
Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?”

9:2
And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

9:8
Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, “Is not this he who sat and begged?”

[Message No: 6776]

Questions in John – 5

7:31
And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?”

7:36
What is this thing that He said, “You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come’?”

7:41
Others said, “This is the Christ.”
  But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee?

7:42
Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?”

7:45
Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?”

7:47
Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived?

7:48
Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him?

7:51
“Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?”

7:52
They answered and said to him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.”

8:5
Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?”

8:10
When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”

8:19
Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?”
  Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.”

[Message No: 6775]

Be completely humble - 2

1 Peter 3:8

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tender-hearted, be courteous;

1 Perter 5:5-6 

Submit to God, Resist the Devil

    Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for
  “God resists the proud,

 But gives grace to the humble.”

    Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time

Psalm 33:4-5

The word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. —

God is faithful. We can trust his promises to be kept and his purposes to be good. How do we know? The sunrise each morning is a reminder that the Father of heaven and earth is at work keeping his universe in working order. If it is true in nature, it is true in the spiritual realm as well. Greet each sunrise as a reminder of God's faithfulness.

Thoughts 

"I have had more trouble with myself than with any other man I have ever met."
You can bless your children all through the day, as God’s Word is not bound by time or distance. - - Marilyn Hickey

"Our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry and crowds. If he can keep us engaged in "muchness" and "manyness," he will rest satisfied." - Richard J. Foster

"He who prays as he ought will endeavour to live as he prays." - John Owen

"God takes us into deep waters, not to drown us but to cleanse us." - Author Unknown

[Message No: 6774]

Be completely humble - 1

Ephesians 4:2
with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

Matthew 11:29
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Romans 15:5
Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God,

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.

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

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

Titus 3:2
to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

James 4:6
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
  “God resists the proud,
 But gives grace to the humble.”

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.

James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

[Message No: 6773]

Questions in John – 4

6:61
When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you?

6:62
What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before?

6:67
Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

6:68
But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life

6:70
Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?”

7:11
Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, “Where is He?”

7:15
And the Jews marvelled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?”

7:19
Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?”

7:20
The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?”

7:23
If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath?

7:25
Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill?

7:26
But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ?

[Message No: 6772]

Seize Every Opportunity to Show Kindness

“Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person. Never tell your neighbours to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now” Proverbs 3:27-28 (The Message/GNT).

Love is Patient and Kind

“Love never gives up. Love cares for others more than for self” - 1 Corinthians 13:1

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. —
The Stock Market can be fickle. Friends can disappoint you . Nothing is truly sure except one thing, or better yet, our very special Someone! If we build our lives on his work and his plan, we can hang in, persevere, and even triumph.

Prayer

. Lord, many today defy You in their actions, their morals, and in their daily lives. Even so, it often appears that the ungodly are being blessed with prosperity. Remind me, Lord, that this is a deception, and that their success will be short-lived, and that the godly will ultimately win. Remind me of this wonderful story of David’s victory over the mighty Goliath when it seems like I can’t win. And also remind me that he is an example of how all Christians will overcome. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Psalm 127:1

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. —

"It's all up to you!" That's the prevailing mindset for high achievers in our world. But it is wrong. Our efforts to build and be a part of something great are ultimately in vain if the Lord doesn't bless them. They may flourish for a time under our intense efforts, but if the plans and the construction of great things is not from the Lord, they will not stand the test of time.

Thoughts 

"The duty of the church is to comfort the disturbed and to disturb the comfortable." -Michael Ramsey
"The life of faith does not earn eternal life: it is eternal life. And Christ is its vehicle." - William Temple

[Message No: 6771]

It’s Working for Your Good

"I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard post. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint.”  Habakkuk 2:1

Today, I encourage you to take your rightful place. Position yourself back in a place of warfare through prayer, worship and return your focus to the promises of God.  As you do, I guarantee you if you look again, you will begin to see through the lens of your Heavenly Father. The situations you thought where hopeless will no longer look the same. When we look through His eyes we begin to see possibilities.

When Answers Aren’t Enough – There is Jesus!

“Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.”  Psalm 9:10

Philippians 3:20

Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. —
No matter what your passport says, if you are a Christian, there is no earthly country that can hold you, no borders that can claim, you and no flag that flies above you but Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven. You have more in common with the believing aboriginal tribesman of Indonesia, the Christian refugee in Africa, the Bedouin brother in Egypt, the Spirit-filled Brazilian housewife, the high rise business person in Hong Kong who bows to pray in Jesus name, than you do your next door neighbors if they don't know Christ as Lord and Savior.

Thought 

God dispatches angels to go before  and behind our children not only to protect them but also to cause their lives to stay in line with His Word. -  Marilyn Hickey

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. —

Wisdom is that elusive quality we respect in others and find so difficult to develop in ourselves. Yet God promises it to those who really ask. But remember the secret of ASKing — asking, seeking, and knocking. Or better yet, check out Proverbs 2. Wisdom is ours only if we seek it above all other possessions and value it above all other diversions. God longs to impart it, but there is something about spiritual wisdom that demands we value it before we can receive it.

[Message No: 6770]

Protecting Your Church

Romans 14:19

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another

Lord, bless me in the work I do

Psalm 128:1-2

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways.
  When you eat the labor of your hands,

Psalm 90:17

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.

Proverbs 10:22

The blessing of the Lord makes one rich,  And He adds no sorrow with it.

Psalm 37:1-2

“Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.”

Frustration and envy... hmmm, isn't that our reaction to those who are evil and yet seem to prosper? We're reminded to not let the apparent and short-lived successes of evil people derail our faith or dampen our spirits. Their victories are temporary, their wealth is like a flower that will wilt, and their life is like the grass which withers and is soon gone.

Thoughts 

"Satan, the Hinderer, may build a barrier about us, but he can never roof us in, so that we cannot look up." -  J. Hudson Taylor

"The word of God hidden in the heart is a stubborn voice to suppress." - Billy Graham

"The beautiful thing about this adventure called faith is that we can count on Him never to lead us astray." - Charles R. Swindoll

[Message No: 6769]

Questions in John – 3

4:35
Do you not say, “There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!

5:6
When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

5:12
Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?”

5:44
How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?

5:47
But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

6:5
Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?”

6:9
There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?”

6:25
And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?”

6:28
Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”

6:30
Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do?

6:42
And they said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”

6:52
The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?”

[Message No: 6768]

You are counted faithful-counted trustworthy-by Christ

1 Timothy 1:12
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry

1 तीमुथियुस 1:12
और मैं, अपने प्रभु मसीह यीशु का, जिस ने मुझे सामर्थ दी है, धन्यवाद करता हूं; कि उस ने मुझे विश्वास योग्य समझकर अपनी सेवा के लिये ठहराया।

1 Corinthians 4:2
Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
1 कुरिन्थियों 4:2
फिर यहां भण्डारी में यह बात देखी जाती है, कि विश्वास योग्य निकले।

Isaiah 6:8
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
   “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
यशायाह 6:8
तब मैं ने प्रभु का यह वचन सुना, मैं किस को भेंजूं, और हमारी ओर से कौन जाएगा? तब मैं ने कहा, मैं यहां हूं! मुझे भेज

Colossians 1:25
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,
कुलुस्सियों  1:25
जिस का मैं परमेश्वर के उस प्रबन्ध के अनुसार सेवक बना, जो तुम्हारे लिये मुझे सौंपा गया, ताकि मैं परमेश्वर के वचन को पूरा पूरा प्रचार करूं।

1 Peter 2:24

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. —

He bore our sins. He didn't just carry them; he suffered the penalty we deserved. His anguish was our healing. His suffering was our righteousness. How can we ever think of going back to sin after he suffered so much to bear its penalty?

[Message No: 6767]

Seek practical ways to encourage fellow-believers and help bear their burdens

Galatians 5:13

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another

Galatians 6:2

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:10

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

2 Corinthians 8:11-15

but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

   For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality. As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”

Philippians 4:14

Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

Hebrews 10:33-34

partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.

Hebrews 13:3

Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.

[Message No: 6766]

Jesus' Love for His Disciples'

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end – John 13:1

Many poems, songs, books, and movies have been written about true love. Jesus defines it. On the eve of his own torture and death, knowing that of the twelve men in the room with him, one will betray him, one will deny him, and they all will desert him, Jesus stoops and does the work of a slave by washing their feet, as described in the subsequent verses. He loves them to the end. He shows them the full extent of love. We had better pay attention if we want to know what love is! As John tells his Spirit-inspired story of Jesus, he doesn't leave it to our sense of discernment to pick up on the message. If we want to know about true love, we should watch and listen to Jesus in verses that follow in John 13 because these verses have a very significant demonstration of Jesus' love.

Lord, plant me so I will bear the fruit of Your Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23


But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law

John 15:8

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Isaiah 41:10-11

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.”

Not only does God's blessing rest on us, his presence goes with us. We cannot ever be in a place where he is not with us (see Psalm 139). His presence and power will uphold us and strengthen us. No matter what may happen in our physical bodies or our physical worlds, God has given us the ultimate triumph over every enemy and all wickedness in Jesus. Even Jesus' doubters and enemies will worship our Lord and kneel at his feet and will recognize that our faith is not only appropriate, but it is victorious (cf. 1 Thess. 1).

[Message No: 6765]

Besides Still Waters - 45

He May Exalt You

1 पतरस 5:6
6 इसलिये परमेश्वर के बलवन्त हाथ के नीचे दीनता से रहो, जिस से वह तुम्हें उचित समय पर बढ़ाए।

Cast Your Cares Upon God

1 पतरस 5:7
7 और अपनी सारी चिन्ता उसी पर डाल दो, क्योंकि उस को तुम्हारा ध्यान है।

His Eternal Glory / Strengthen And Settle You

1 पतरस 5:10
10 अब परमेश्वर जो सारे अनुग्रह का दाता है, जिस ने तुम्हें मसीह में अपनी अनन्त महिमा के लिये बुलाया, तुम्हारे थोड़ी देर तक दुख उठाने के बाद आप ही तुम्हें सिद्ध और स्थिर और बलवन्त करेगा।

Great Promises / Precious Promises

2 पतरस 1:4
4 जिन के द्वारा उस ने हमें बहुमूल्य और बहुत ही बड़ी प्रतिज्ञाएं दी हैं: ताकि इन के द्वारा तुम उस सड़ाहट से छूट कर जो संसार में बुरी अभिलाषाओं से होती है, ईश्वरीय स्वभाव के समभागी हो जाओ।

Deliverance

2 पतरस 2:9
9 तो प्रभु के भक्तों को परीक्षा में से निकाल लेना और अधमिर्यों को न्याय के दिन तक दण्ड की दशा में रखना भी जानता है।

Not Yet Revealed

1 यूहन्ना 3:2

2 हे प्रियों, अभी हम परमेश्वर की सन्तान हैं, और अब तक यह प्रगट नहीं हुआ, कि हम क्या कुछ होंगे! इतना जानते हैं, कि जब वह प्रगट होगा तो हम भी उसके समान होंगे, क्योंकि उस को वैसा ही देखेंगे जैसा वह है।

We Shall See Him

1 यूहन्ना 3:3
3 और जो कोई उस पर यह आशा रखता है, वह अपने आप को वैसा ही पवित्र करता है, जैसा वह पवित्र है।

[Message No: 6764]

The Redeemed Are Those

1. Who belong to God

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.

2. Who have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and are in Christ

Ephesians 4:30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

3. Who have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and are in Christ

Ephesians 4:30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

4. Who are zealous for good deeds

Titus 2:14
who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

5. Who praise God because  of their redemption

Revelation 5:9
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him

1 Corinthians 6:20 

For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

Thoughts

"In the total expanse of human life there is not a square inch of which the Christ, who alone is sovereign, does not declare, "That is mine!"" - Abraham Kuyper

It’s God’s will for people to bear fruit and to subdue the earth. But, first, we must renew our minds and be conformed to the image of Christ. -  Marilyn Hickey

"Kindness is the oil that takes friction out of life." - Author Unknown

[Message No: 6763]

Understanding Your Shape

 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.

Using What God Gave You

2 Timothy 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

How Real Servant Act

Matthew 10:42
And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”

Thinking Like A Servant

Philippians 2:5
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus

God’s Power In Your 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.

Made For A Mission

Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Sharing Your Life Message

1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

Becoming A World Class Christian

Psalm 67:2
That Your way may be known on earth,
 Your salvation among all nations.

Balancing Your Life

Ephesians 5:15
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise

Living With Purpose

Acts 13:36
For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption;

[Message No: 6762]

The Contrast Between Genesis and Revelation

1. In Genesis – Satan enters the world through the serpent; in Revelation as the dragon serpent he is removed [20:3]

2. In Gen. – death enters the world because of sin; In Rev – sin and death are removed from the world [20:13-14]; [21:4].

3. In Gen – the curse of pronounced on the earthly Eden, In Rev – the curse is removed and a new Edenic paradise is unveiled [21:7; 22:1-3]

4. In Gen – sorrow and laborious toil are part of the curse brought by sin [3:16-19]; In Rev – rest from labour is bestowed [14:13] and sorrow is no more [221:4]

5. In Gen – humanity is banished from God’s presence [3:23-24]; In Rev – redeemed humanity is welcomed to God’s presence and immediate fellowship [21:3; 22:4]

6. In Gen – humanity is driven from the tree of life [3:24]; In Rev – the tree of life and full right of access is reinstated [22:2, 14].

Ephesians 4:15

Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. —
Speaking the truth is hard enough. You mean I have to do it in love? Yes, if I am to be Christ's man or woman, I must speak to others as he did.

James 1:19

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. —

Have a brake on your tongue; hit the throttle on your ears. Let your angry email sit three days before responding and make sure you read it and edit it before you send it. Keep you mouth shut and your ears open. They all say the same thing. Now if we would just do it, wouldn't the Christian community so much more blessed!

Thoughts 

. A great many people are trying to make peace, but that has already been done.  God has not left it for us to do; all we have to do is to enter into it. - Dwight L. Moody

. How easy is pen-and-paper piety!  I will not say it costs nothing; but it is far cheaper to work one’s head than one’s heart to goodness.  I can write a hundred meditations sooner than subdue the least sin in my soul. - Thomas Fuller

[Message No: 6761]

We Are Redeemed From

1. The bondage of the law

Galatians 4:5
but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.

2. The curse of the law

Galatians 3:13
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”),

3. The power of sin

Romans 6:18-22
And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.

   For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life

4. All inequity

Titus 2:14
that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,

5. The present evil age

Galatians 1:4
And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness.

6. The futile ways inherited from our Fathers

1 Peter 1:18
knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,

[Message No: 6760]

The New Birth and Justification - 7

24. Clean hands:

Psalm 24:4
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
 Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
 Nor sworn deceitfully.

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.

25. Adoption:

Romans 8:15
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

Galatians 4:5
to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Ephesians 1:5
having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

26. Delivered from darkness:

Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Colossians 1:13
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

27. Baptized into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit:

1 Cor. 12:13
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

[Message No: 6759]

Stumbling Blocks

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, (Heb 12:1)
 There are weights which are not sins in themselves, but which become distractions and stumbling blocks in our Christian progress. One of the worst of these is despondency. The heavy heart is indeed a weight that will surely drag us down in our holiness and usefulness.

Quicken Us

 "Thou, who hast showed us many and sore troubles, wilt quicken us again" (Ps. 71:20, RV).
 God shows us the troubles. Sometimes, as this part of our education is being carried forward, we have to descend into "the lower parts of the earth," pass through subterranean passages, lie buried amongst the dead, but never for a moment is the cord of fellowship and union between God and us strained to breaking; and from the depths God will bring us again.

Your Crown of Glory

 "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb . . . and they loved not their lives unto the death" (Rev. 12:11).

 When James and John came to Christ with their mother, asking Him to give them the best place in the kingdom, He did not refuse their request, but told them it would be given to them if they could do His work, drink His cup, and be baptized with His baptism.

Habakkuk 3:19

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. —

"The Lord is my strength!" Wow, what power we have in his abiding and empowering presence in the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 3:13

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

How can I not forgive a brother or sister for whom Christ died, when I know what God paid to forgive me?

[Message No: 6758]

Thanksgiving / thanks living!

May the power of God flow through us all in a new and fresh way that will produce a holy gratitude in our hearts that will bring forth a transformation in our lives! May we live in a state of continual thanksgiving to Jesus for all that He has done in our lives. May we never just seek His touch in our time of need and then go merrily on our way without taking the time to return and love and worship Him and give Him our best in return!

When we come to Jesus to thank Him and worship Him and to give back to Him out of the gratitude of our hearts, it is then that we will discover the true treasures of the Kingdom of God in our lives. Thanksgiving lived out every day truly makes Jesus the Master in our lives.

Psalm 119:7

I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. —

Praise is integrally connected with our character. So for us to worship God, the intent of our hearts and the effort of our lives must show the determined desire to know and live his will.

While we will never do this perfectly, grace covers us as we seek to live for his glory. But that grace must never be used as a pretence to excuse spiritual laziness or intentional weakness.

Whose Approval are You Living For?

“I am not trying to do what I want, but only what [my Father] who sent me wants” John 5:30(GNT)

1 John 1:7

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. —

As we seek to please God and trust in his grace, more grace is supplied — we are given relationship with each other. And while Jesus' death was "once for all," its cleansing power goes on and on as long as our hearts are tuned to his grace and our hearts seek to walk his path.

Negative Atmosphere

“But You are a shield around me, O LORD; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head.” Psalm 3:3
Under His Wings

“He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield.” Psalm 91:4 (HCSB)

[Message No: 6757]

Honor others above yourself

Romans 12:10

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

Romans 13:7

Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Philippians 2:3

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

1 Peter 5:5

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for
  “God resists the proud,

 But gives grace to the humble.”


Thoughts 

The more you drink of the Holy Spirit, the  thirstier you become, and, because of your thirst, God will pour His Spirit out on you and your children. - - Marilyn Hickey

"If I slip into the place that can be filled by Christ alone, making myself the first necessity to a soul instead of leading it to fasten upon Him, then I know nothing of Calvary love." - Amy Carmichael

Our Heavenly Father 

Matthew 6:9-13

In this manner, therefore, pray:
   Our Father in heaven,
 Hallowed be Your name.
  Your kingdom come.
 Your will be done
 On earth as it is in heaven.
  Give us this day our daily bread.
  And forgive us our debts,
 As we forgive our debtors.
  And do not lead us into temptation,
 But deliver us from the evil one.
 For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

The Lord is My Shepherd

Psalm 23:1-3

The Lord is my shepherd;
 I shall not want.
  He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
 He leads me beside the still waters.
  He restores my soul;
 He leads me in the paths of righteousness
 For His name's sake.

[Message No: 6756]

The New Birth and Justification - 6

18. Sins put behind God’s back:

Isaiah 38:17
Indeed it was for my own peace
 That I had great bitterness;
 But You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption,
 For You have cast all my sins behind Your back.

19. Sins wiped out:

Acts 3:19
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
Isaiah 43:25
“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake;
 And I will not remember your sins.

20. Sins blotted out:

Psalm 51:1
Have mercy upon me, O God,
 According to Your lovingkindness;
 According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
 Blot out my transgressions.

21. Sins covered:

Romans 5:7
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.

22. Sins washed away:

Psalm 51:7
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
 Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow

23. Freed from sins:

Revelation 1:5
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.

  To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood

[Message No: 6755]

Said by Paul 4 times

Ready to Bound

Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Ready to Preach

Romans 1:15
So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

Ready to Minister

2 Corinthians 12:14
Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Ready to Die

Acts 21:12
Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

2 Timothy 4:6
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.

Thoughts

. The Lord is telling us to be honest about our sins, to put away bitterness, criticism, and dishonesty from among us.  Christ must have first place in our lives.  We need to give him the key to every secret closet in our hearts, and help him to clean out all the junk we have allowed to accumulate there. - Carol Myers

. If life is a comedy to him who thinks and a tragedy to him who feels, it is a victory to him who believes. - Unknown

. God will never plant the seed of his life upon the soil of a hard, unbroken spirit.  He will only plant that seed where the conviction of his Spirit has brought brokenness, where the soil has been watered with the tears of repentance as well as the tears of joy. - Alan Redpath

[Message No: 6754]

Purpose of Christ’s Coming

1. To pay back those who troubled us – 1 Thessalonians 1:6

And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit

2. To give relief to the troubled – 2 Thessalonians 1:7

So that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.

3. To be glorified in his people – 2 Thessalonians 2:10

and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

4. To be marvelled by believers – 2 Thessalonians 2:20

and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

5. To prove our faith with glory – 1 Peter 1:7

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,

6. To give us an imperishable body -1 Corinthians 15:52

in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

7. To give the hidden motives – 1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.

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. —
The Holy Spirit doesn't just empower us now. He is our guarantee (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5) and our assurance that we will see God face to face (1 John 3:1-2) and share in his glory (Colossians 3:1-4). He is alive in us and promises us life that never will end.

[Message No: 6753]