Nothing Hidden

Hebrews 4:12-16

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

    Our Compassionate High Priest

    Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

What My Dad did Right

Deuteronomy 5:16
Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

Work Together

Romans 8:28-30
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. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Vision And Darkness

Genesis 15:12
Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him.

Thought 

. Not much evil is done by evil people.  Most of the evil is done by good people, who do not know that they are not good. - Reinhold Niebuhr

[Message No: 7169]

Let Down Your Hair

John 12:1-8
The Anointing at Bethany

   Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.

   But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.
   But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”

Excuses of the Deceived

[There is no harm in living like in the world]

John 15:18-19
If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

John 17:16
They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Romans 12:1-2
Living Sacrifices to God

   I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 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.

Thought 

. Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified; mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life, and peace; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. - Book of Common Prayer

[Message No: 7168]

Keep yourself away from the Darkness

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. - John 12:46

One of the great stories in the Gospel of John is Nicodemus. He came to Jesus at night and Jesus told him that those who love the truth come to the light. Later, Nicodemus spoke up for Jesus even though he was ridiculed for it. Then, at the worst possible time politically and religiously, he showed himself as Jesus' disciple: he took the broken and dead body of Jesus and helped Joseph of Arimathea place him in a tomb. Nicodemus didn't stay in the darkness. Neither should we. Jesus is the light of the world; if our light cannot be found in him, how deep is our darkness!

Buried with Christ

Romans 6:4
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Excuses of the Deceived

[Salvation is not for everybody]
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 6:37
All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.


Thought 

. Never listen to accounts of the frailties of others; and if anyone should complain to you of another, humbly ask him not to speak of him at all. - John of the Cross

[Message No: 7167]

Jesus is all in All

He [Jesus] is before all things, and in him all things hold together. - Colossians 1:17

Before there was an earth, universe, or nature, there was Jesus! He was before they were made. He will be after they are long gone. In fact, his power and his presence are what hold our world, our universe, and our nature together. He is the sustaining force, the enabling power, and the generous preserver of life as we know it. So if he could provide us these things and they are but a faint anticipation of what is yet to be, won't it be great to see him, just as he is, and share in his glory with him!

Excuses of the Deceived

[There is no harm in living like in the world]

 1 John 2:15-17

Do Not Love the World

    Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

James 4:4

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Dead in Christ

Colossians 2:20
Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—

Thought 

. Only when grief finds its work done can God dispense us from it. - Henri-Frederic Amiel
[Message No: 7166]

It’s all from Cross

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. — 1 Corinthians 1:25

God's ultimate "foolishness" is his willingness to use the cross to bring others to him. At first glance, the cross is a hideous and horrible tool. In our human wisdom, we could never visualize using a man crucified as criminal scum to capture the hearts of the world. But God does. The cross transcends cultural boundaries, overcomes language barriers, and reaches across racial differences. The cross is God's demonstration of foolishness and weakness, and through it he conquers death and brings our heart to him.

Facts about Repentance

Repentance comes before believing 

Mark 1:15
and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Repentance leads to Spiritual Activities 

2 Corinthians 7:11
For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

There is a limitation to the repentance that God gives

Hebrew 6:6
For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Hebrew 12:17
For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

[Message No: 7165]

The Role of our God

Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. — 1 Timothy 3:16

Why would Jesus do it? How did he do it? How was he "God with us" and still in "human flesh"? We cannot fully comprehend it, but he was! The Son of God was also Jesus of Nazareth, born and placed in a manger and crucified on a cross. But he was raised from the dead and shown to be God's Son with power.

He was seen by angels, both on earth after his resurrection and in heaven at the throne of God. He has been preached and believed on by people all over the world. The glory that he has he will one day show and share with us. If you want to understand godliness, then you begin with Jesus!

Zeal 

. zeal  for your house has – John 2:17
Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”

. that they have zeal Romans 10:2
For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

. zeal has stirred up the – 2 Corinthians 9:2
for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.

The sacrament of sacrifice 

John 7:38
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out
 of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

The waters of satisfaction scattered

2 Samuel 23:16
So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord.

[Message No: 7164]

God’s Sacrifice cannot be Counted

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace with his blood, shed on the cross. — Colossians 1:19-20

How do you comprehend both the majesty and the sacrifice of Jesus? We've been looking at our Lord's identity all this month and still we find ourselves amazed, delighted, bewildered, and blessed by his glorious and humble character. The main thing, however, is that he made peace between a perfect heaven and a flawed humanity.

He made this peace at horrific cost, the shedding of his own blood on the torture tree at Calvary. He did this with all of God's pleasure and nature in himself. He did this because of our sin. He did this because of love.

Passion for Souls

John Knox constantly carried the burden for his land. Night after night he prayed on the wooden floor of his hideout refuge from Queen Mary. When his wife pleaded with him to get some sleep, he answered, “How can I sleep when my land is not saved?”
Payne reports that often he would pray all night in agonizing tones, “Lord give me Scotland or I die!” God shook Scotland; God gave him Scotland. God respects such a Passion for Souls.

Love – What Bible says? 

Ephesians 2:4-5
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

A Heart of Compassion

Matthew 14:14
And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.

Thought 

. Live simply.  Love generously.  Care deeply.  Speak kindly.  Leave the rest to God. – Unknown

[Message No: 7163]

Excuses of the Deceived

[There is no harm in living like in the world]

2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
  “I will dwell in them
 And walk among them.
 I will be their God,
 And they shall be My people.”
   Therefore
  “Come out from among them
 And be separate, says the Lord.
 Do not touch what is unclean,
 And I will receive you.”
  “I will be a Father to you,
 And you shall be My sons and daughters,
 Says the Lord Almighty.”

Questions in Job

9:13-14
God will not withdraw His anger,
 The allies of the proud lie prostrate beneath Him.
  “How then can I answer Him,
 And choose my words to reason with Him?

9:19
If it is a matter of strength, indeed He is strong;
 And if of justice, who will appoint my day in court?

9:24
The earth is given into the hand of the wicked.
 He covers the faces of its judges.
 If it is not He, who else could it be?

[Message No: 7162]

Do we feel Alone?

When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. — Luke 12:11-12

When we need help most, Jesus promises he will be there and will send his Spirit to give us the words we need. Throughout the centuries, this promise has sustained those facing persecution and ridicule. It helped them realize that they were not alone and that they didn't need to worry about having the perfect answer to everything going in to face a hostile audience. This same promise sustains Christians today whether they are under governmental persecution or facing the hostility of unbelievers in the workplace, at school, or at home. When facing our enemies, we know we are not alone; our Savior goes with us.

Questions in Job

7:21
Why then do You not pardon my transgression,
 And take away my iniquity?
 For now I will lie down in the dust,
 And You will seek me diligently,
 But I will no longer be.”

Misunderstandings of Spirituality 

. Being Evangelistic – Matthew 7:22-23

Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

. Being Zealous – Romans 10:2

For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

. Being Glorified – 1 Corinthians 1:7

so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,

[Message No: 7161]

Church’s Position in Christ

. United in Christ
Colossians 2:2
that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,

. Complete in Christ

Colossians 2:10
and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Questions in Job

8:2
“How long will you speak these things,
 And the words of your mouth be like a strong wind?

8:3
Does God subvert judgment?
 Or does the Almighty pervert justice?

8:10
Will they not teach you and tell you,
 And utter words from their heart?

Commands

. Fear Not – Luke 6:12

. Fight the good fight of faith – 1 Timothy 6:12

. Follow peace and holiness – Hebrew 12:4

7:18
That You should visit him every morning,
 And test him every moment?

[Message No: 7160]

Bearing Good Fruit

Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the man
 Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
 Nor stands in the path of sinners,
 Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
  But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
 And in His law he meditates day and night.
  He shall be like a tree
 Planted by the rivers of water,
 That brings forth its fruit in its season,
 Whose leaf also shall not wither;
 And whatever he does shall prosper.

Why all should work?

That God might be glorified.

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

John 15:8
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Titus 3:8
This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Thoughts 

.The name of Jesus is a never-failing passport to our prayers.  In that name a man may draw near to God with boldness, and ask with confidence.  God has engaged to hear him. - J. C. Ryle

. You don’t need to know where you’re going…as long as you know the One who does. – Unknown

[Message No: 7159]

And Can It Be

.. And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Prayer Is

. To Praise – Luke 3:21-22

John Baptizes Jesus
    When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

. To Confess – 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Submission to Spiritual Leaders

. Submit to their authority

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.

. Let them prophesy over you

1 Timothy 1:8
But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully,

[Message No: 7158]

We are in His hands

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:6-7
In a universe so incomparably vast, in a world so marvellously diverse, we can be paralyzed by our insignificance and impotence in the face of such staggering enormity. But in moments of simple faith, we can be calmed by our reverence and dependence on the Creator and Sustainer of such wonders and find great comfort that our lives are in his hands.

Envy

Genesis 37:11
His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

Romans 1:29
They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,

2 Corinthians 12:20
For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarrelling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.

The concentration of personal life

Isaiah 6:5
So I said:
   “Woe is me, for I am undone!
 Because I am a man of unclean lips,
 And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
 For my eyes have seen the King,
 The Lord of hosts.”

Thought 

. Christ is not only a remedy for your weariness and trouble, but he will give you an abundance of the contrary: joy and delight. - Jonathan Edwards

[Message No: 7157]

Trust God Only

In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? — Psalm 56:4

When all is said and done, there really isn't a whole lot we can trust. Most of us have been hurt at one time or another by a friend who has betrayed our trust. The world economy is volatile and things can turn sour in just a few days. The weather shifts and changes by the hour. But in our world of change, in our heartbreak and disappointment, there is one constant. We can trust God. We don't have to fear change. He is our anchor that holds in the strongest storms. He is our strength in our worst battles. His word and his promises speak of good things for us. We don't have to be afraid, we can trust in him.

Marks of Spirituality

. Accept the things from God –

1 Corinthians 2:14
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

. Make judgments about all things

1 Corinthians 2:14-15
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.

. Restore the fallen one gently

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.

The Divine Rule of Life

Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart,
 For they shall see God.

[Message No: 7156]

Surprise Interview

Acts 26:9-15

“Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

      Paul Recounts His Conversion

     “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

Does my sacrifice live?

Genesis 22:9
Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood.

Intercessory Introspection 

1 Thessalonians 5:23
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thinking Like a Servant

Philippians 2:20-21
For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.

[Message No: 7155]

Remember the Cross

Mark 15:19-20
Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.

Mark 15:33-39

Jesus Dies on the Cross

     Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 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?”

   Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!” Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.”
   And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.

   Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”

Excuses of the Deceived

I keep the law, so I will be all right –

Galatians 2:16

knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

Ephesians 2:8-9
for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

James 2:10
For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

[Message No: 7154]

Open Arms

Psalm 139:17-24
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
 How great is the sum of them!
  If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
 When I awake, I am still with You.
  Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God!
 Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men.
  For they speak against You wickedly;
 Your enemies take Your name in vain.
  Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate You?
 And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
  I hate them with perfect hatred;
 I count them my enemies.
  Search me, O God, and know my heart;
 Try me, and know my anxieties;
  And see if there is any wicked way in me,
 And lead me in the way everlasting.

The opened sight

Acts 26:18
to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

What my obedience to God costs other people

Luke 23:26
Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.
[Message No: 7153]

No Condemnation

Therefore, there is now no condemnation  for those who are in Christ Jesus,    because through Christ Jesus  the law of the Spirit who gives life  has set you free  from the law of sin  and death.- Romans 8:1-2

This phrase is such a great description of our identity — "those who belong to Christ Jesus." This identity ensures that God stamps his mark of authenticity on our hearts while Jesus sends the empowering Comforter and Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to be with us. The Spirit's presence brings us many blessings — like spiritual gifts, spiritual conviction, insight into God's truth, direction for our difficult journeys, along with many other blessings.

Paul, in Romans 8, emphasized another great blessing from the Holy Spirit: the gift of power. The Holy Spirit brings us power over sin, power over death, power over the struggles of our sinful nature, and power through prayer. It is no wonder "there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus": We have the presence of God himself within us, empowering us, and transforming us.

Loving God

John 14:21-24

But how do we know if we love God? Even though we can’t physically see, hear, or touch Him, our life should contain evidence that testifies to our love for Him.

Jesus’ love for His heavenly Father was perfectly demonstrated by His obedience. Every word, thought, and deed—from the time He left heaven to be born as a baby until His ascension—was done according to His Father’s will and instructions. Their relationship was so intimate that Jesus not only knew exactly what His Father desired but also delighted in obeying Him. (See Psalm 40:7-8; John 6:38.)

A Chuckle in the Darkness

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Thought 

. It is vanity to desire a long life and to take no heed of a good life. - Thomas Kempis

[Message No: 7152]

Light is On, only with Jesus

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. — James 1:17
He doesn't waver! Isn't that comforting? God is consistent and in his consistency, he gives good gifts. He created the world in all its majesty and gave it to us to use. When sin strangled life, God gave us the promise and executed it through Abraham and the Israelites. When death claimed us, he gave us Jesus, crucified and resurrected, to give us the assurance of our victory over sin and death. There is no shadow in that brilliant light and we are assured that light will keep on shining!

Thought

. One great piece of mischief has been done by the modern restriction of the word temperance to the question of drink.  It helps people to forget that you can be just as intemperate about lots of other things.  A man who makes his golf or his motorcycle the center of his life, or a woman who devotes all her thoughts to clothes or bridge or her dog, is being just as “intemperate” as someone who gets drunk every evening.

Of course, it does not show on the outside so easily; bridge mania or golf mania do not make you fall down in the middle of the road.  But God is not deceived by externals. - C. S. Lewis

Strength for the Task at Hand

1 Chronicles 28:20
And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.

Commands 

Matthew 7:3
And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?

Luke 13:24
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

[Message No: 7151]

Kindness to a Thief

Romans 2:4

The news reported the attempted robbery. A young man tried to hold up a Chick-fil-A fast food restaurant in Texas, but in the process was caught and arrested.

The news crew spoke to the store manager. He had sat with the teen while the police took statements. He told the young man that he had a bright future ahead of him if he would only turn from the path down which he was headed. Instead of condemning him, the manager showed that he cared about him. When the reporter asked why he had taken time with the young man this way, he replied, “It’s the kindness of God that leads us to repentance.”

Don’t we serve an amazing God? He loves us even in our rebellion. He cares for us even when we make the same bad decisions over and over again. While we continue in our self-destructive ways, he is still there, speaking life.

In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul tries to convince the early church not to condemn those who do wrong because God has shown them such grace. How can we show the grace of God if we judge others? No one wants to be in relationship with someone who they think disapproves of them. No one wants to know a God they think will zap them at every wrong move.

It’s the love of God that brought each one of us into a loving relationship with him and it’s our job to show that to the world.

Questions in Job

6:12
Is my strength the strength of stones?
 Or is my flesh bronze?

6:13
Is my help not within me?
 And is success driven from me?

The Junkyard Genius

John 9:25
He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

[Message No: 7150]

Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler

Mark 10:17-22

Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler

     Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

   So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ”

   And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”
   Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

   But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

1. He was so rich and yet so poor.
2. He was so good and yet so bad.
3. He was so wise and yet so foolish.
4. He was so near and yet so far.

Scriptures for Anger

Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger,
 And his glory is to overlook a transgression.

Proverbs 21:19
Better to dwell in the wilderness,
 Than with a contentious and angry woman.

Matthew 5:22
But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.

[Message No: 7149]

I Am – Don’t be Afraid

 [Jesus] said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. — John 6:20-21

Jesus comes to his disciples to comfort them in their worst nightmare - a storm on the sea. He literally tells them, "I Am, do not be afraid." Two key things are here for us to notice. First, Jesus uses a name ("I Am") that identifies himself with God who delivered Moses and the Israelites from Egypt.

Second, he uses a surprisingly frequent command found throughout the Bible: "Don't be afraid." When we are willing to invite Jesus into our lives during the middle of our storms and messes, he not only says, "I Am, don't be afraid!" but he also helps us find our way to our most important destination, ultimate deliverance.

Commands 

. Exhort servants to obey

Titus 2:9-10
Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

. Exhort one another daily

Hebrew 3:13
but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Power, Love and Self Discipline

2 Timothy 1:6-8
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
      Not Ashamed of the Gospel
     Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God

[Message No: 7148]

Taking advantage of others

Genesis 25:29-34
29 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished.

30 He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.)

31 Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”

32 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”

33 But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.

34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.

Genesis 27:35-36

35 But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.”

36 Esau said, “Isn't he rightly named Jacob? He has deceived me these two times: He took my birth right, and now he's taken my blessing!” Then he asked, “Haven't you reserved any blessing for me?”

Genesis 29:23-25

23 But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and Jacob lay with her.
24 And Laban gave his servant girl Zilpah to his daughter as her maidservant.
25 When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn't I? Why have you deceived me?”

The Land of “What Is”

1 Thessalonians 4:13
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

Love Revealed

1 John 4:9
In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

[Message No: 7147]

How we are living?

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. — Ephesians 5:21
Worship on Sunday can be inspiring and uplifting. Worship in everyday life can be exhilarating. Worship in our relationships can be transformational. But such worship always requires that we give up our own ways, our own wills, and our own wants and learn to live for another. If we truly live with Christ Jesus as our Lord, we will live as he did; we will submit to others to serve them for their good and to meet their needs. Sometimes that means being tender. Other times that means being tough. But it always means living to God's glory.

The Devine Region of Religion

Matthew 6:6
But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Prayer - Bible

The Bible  is one of God’s greatest love gifts to you. It is the world’s greatest literary treasure. It is the foundation of the church and of your faith. But there is always the danger  that you may forget  how personally  God wants  to give it specifically to you. He desires you to use  it daily  as your spiritual food, your personal prayer resource, and your weapon for spiritual conquest.

Commands 

. Earnestly contend for faith
Jude 1:3
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

. Edify solves with singing
Ephesians 5:19
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

. Edify one another
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

[Message No: 7146]

God is my Abba Father

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. — 1 John 4:18

While I approach God with reverence and awe because he is the holy and majestic God, I don't have to fear his presence. Because of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, I know God is my Abba Father. He longs for me to draw near him. He has shown me his heart by sending Jesus. He has shown me his love by having Jesus die for me. If he loves me that much, then I can trust that his desire is to save and bless me. I don't have to fear his presence or his judgment. As his child, his love has driven fear from my heart and replaced it with love from his abiding presence, the Holy Spirit.

The “Go” of Relationship

Matthew 5:41
And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.

The Unblameable Attitude

Matthew 5:23
Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,

The Soul’s Quests

. That I may win Christ
Philippians 3:8
Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

. That I may know Him
Philippians  3:10
that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

Thought 

. Thou hast no life to lose, because thou hast given it already to Christ, nor can man take away that without God’s leave. - William Gurnall

[Message No: 7145]

Fight The Good Fight

.. Fight the good fight with all thy might;
Christ is thy Strength, and Christ thy Right;
Lay hold on life, and it shall be
Thy joy and crown eternally.
.. Run the straight race through God’s good grace,
Lift up thine eyes, and seek His face;
Life with its way before us lies,
Christ is the Path, and Christ the Prize.

The Power of the Cross

. To deliver from Sin

Galatians 1:4
who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

Galatians 2:21
I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

Galatians 3:22
But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Marks of Spirituality

. Be released from the law

Romans 7:6
But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

. Consider all things rubbish for Christ’s sake

Philippians 3:8
Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

[Message No: 7144]

Everlasting Father’s Love

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. — Psalm 107:1

What do we have that won't wear out, break, die, go out of style, or ever need repair? We can rejoice and give thanks, because our life and our future are tied to the Eternal Father, the creator of the heavens and maker of our world. Not only is God good; he is good to us. But more than just being good, he is loving and his love will not wear out, grow old, fade away, or need repair.

Scripture for Charity

. Proverbs 11:24-25
There is one who scatters, yet increases more;
 And there is one who withholds more than is right,
 But it leads to poverty.
  The generous soul will be made rich,
 And he who waters will also be watered himself.

. 1 Timothy 6:17-18
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,

. Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

All Noble Things Are Difficult

Matthew 7:13-14

The Narrow Way

     “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Thought 

. "God gives us just enough to seek him, and never enough to fully find Him. To do more would inhibit our freedom, and our freedom is very dear to God."
— Ron Hansen —

[Message No: 7143]

The theology of rest

Matthew 8:26
But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Quench not the spirit

1 Thessalonians 5:19
Do not quench the Spirit

Chastening 

Hebrew 7:5
And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham

Does He know me

John 10:3
To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Are you discouraged in Devotion

Luke 18:22
So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

Have you ever been expressionless with sorrow

Luke 18:23
But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.

Significance of Repentance

. Leads to Rejoicing – Luke 15:10
Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

. Leads to Spiritual Resurrection – Luke 15:24

for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.

. Leads to Salvation – 2 Corinthians 7:10 

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

[Message No: 7142]

Do we need Holy Spirit?

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. — Ephesians 3:16

What is one of the most important things we can do for those we love in the Lord? We can pray for them. But more than that, we can pray that God will strengthen them with power through his indwelling Spirit. This same Holy Spirit raised Jesus from death (Eph. 1:19). This same Holy Spirit is God's great gift for those who ask (Luke 11:13). This same Holy Spirit reanimated a valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37). And this same Holy Spirit will strengthen those we love in the Lord if we ask for him to!

Questions in 1 Kings

22:24
Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, “Which way did the spirit from the Lord go from me to speak to you?”

22:39
Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, the ivory house which he built and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

22:45
Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, the might that he showed, and how he made war, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

The “Go” of Preparation

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.

Thought 

. To love another person is to help them love God. - Soren Kierkegaard
[Message No: 7141]

Colossians 2:17

In the world of religious ideas, Paul reminds the Colossian Christians that while the shiny religions around them may sound good and may better fit their desired lifestyle, these religions are only a shadow of what God offers us in Jesus.
In Jesus, we have reality: spiritual reality and human reality. God has become one of us in Jesus so we could be one with him. What is real is what we find in Jesus.

Ways of Repentance

The kindness of God

Romans 2:4
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

The account with purity

Matthew 15: 18-20
But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”

The way to know

John 7:17
If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.

Questions in Nehemiah

5:8
And I said to them, “According to our ability we have redeemed our Jewish brethren who were sold to the nations. Now indeed, will you even sell your brethren? Or should they be sold to us?”

5:9
Then I said, “What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?

[Message No: 7140]

Building a Tower and a King Making War

[The Parable of Jesus Christ]

Luke 14:25-35

Leaving All to Follow Christ

    Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

    Tasteless Salt Is Worthless

    “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Romans 7:24-25

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! —

While marred by sin and death, human beings are still created in God's image and fashioned in our mother's womb by his Sovereign care. But we bump up against the hard reality of our weakness and failure. We cannot be like God in his most defining attribute, holiness. We sin. We rebel. We fail. We do what we know we should not do. We neglect the important matters of God's will and nit-pick at nothing.

With our words, we hurt and injure those we love. Who can save us from these bitter and limiting realities that we find in ourselves? Praise and hallelujahs go to Jesus when we trust him as our Messiah and Lord since He can then save us from these evils and make us ready to live a life of blessing to others and to God[

[Message No: 7139]

All Glory to God

2 Thessalonians 1:12

We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. —

I can't think of a more lofty goal for today than that the name of Jesus be glorified in what we do and say. But then Paul takes it a step further — that we find our glory by being identified with him! As the famed old hymn "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" says it, "my glory all the cross."

Submission to Spiritual Leaders

. Let them watch over you

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.

. Obey to make them joyous

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.

. Let them pray for the Holy Spirit

Acts 9:17
And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:21
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

[Message No: 7138]

The faith Hall of Fame

We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. — Hebrews 10:39

I love this description of God's people that precedes "the faith Hall of Fame" (Hebrews 11). When you look at God's people over the centuries, they are not a bunch of wimps, cry-babies, and cowards. Yes, they do have their bad moments. But all in all, they are not those who quit on their quest. They are those whose faith has endured and found God's great victory of salvation. This verse excites me because the Holy Spirit does not say "we can be those who don't shrink back," instead he is confident in us, our endurance and our faithfulness. We're not "shrinkers," we're believers!

Incest

Genesis 35:21-22
21 Israel moved on again and pitched his tent beyond Migdal Eder.
22 While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father's concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard of it. Jacob had twelve sons:
Read 1 Corinthians chapter 5

Questions in 1 Kings

22:16
So the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?”

22:18
And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?”

Cast Away the Dark Fears

John 8:12
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

[Message No: 7137]

Water and Spirit

“Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit." – John 3:5

Water and Spirit — they track together as key components in conversion and the new birth throughout the New Testament. One is an act of submission and surrender. The other a gift and reminder that only God can make us new by his power. No wonder Jesus made them so important to being a part of his Kingdom.

Submission to Spiritual Leaders

. Obey your Spiritual Leaders

Hebrews 13:17
Will they not teach you and tell you,
 And utter words from their heart?

. Let them lay hands

1 Timothy 4:14
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

Missionary Predestinations 

Isaiah 49:5
“And now the Lord says,
 Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant,
 To bring Jacob back to Him,
 So that Israel is gathered to Him
 (For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord,
 And My God shall be My strength),

Prayer

. I have never found anyone who prayed so well as those who had never been taught how.  They who have no master in man have one in the Holy Spirit. - Albert Lacombe

[Message No: 7136]

The blood, essential for right standing before God

Genesis 4:1-10

Cain Murders Abel

   Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the Lord.” Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.

   So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”
   Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.
   Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”
  He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?”
   And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground.

Plagues of Revelation 

Being made of Satan

Revelation 3:9
Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

Being spued Out

Revelation 3:16
So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Gentiles embraced by Christ’s sacrifice

Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

[Message No: 7135]

Self-Control

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. — 1 Peter 1:13

The reward of delayed gratification! If there were ever a verse that did NOT match the whims of our "modern" society, this would have to be it! Prepare... be self-controlled... focus your hopes on the future... none of those is an advertising slogan, but they all are the sustaining truths of the great souls who have gone before us

Confession Sin

1 John 1:5-7
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Thoughts 

. Faith without ethical consequences is a lie.  God does not need our sacrifices but he has, nevertheless, appointed a representative to receive them, namely our neighbor.  The neighbor always represents the invisible Christ. - J. S. Whale

. The church is a hospital for sinners, not a rest home for saints. - Church sign

A Lesson in Listening

Luke 6:46-49

Build on the Rock

    “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”

[Message No: 7134]

River Tree

Jeremiah 17:5-10

Thus says the Lord:

   “Cursed is the man who trusts in man
 And makes flesh his strength,
 Whose heart departs from the Lord.
  For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
 And shall not see when good comes,
 But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
 In a salt land which is not inhabited.
  “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
 And whose hope is the Lord.
  For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
 Which spreads out its roots by the river,
 And will not fear when heat comes;
 But its leaf will be green,
 And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
 Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
  “The heart is deceitful above all things,
 And desperately wicked;
 Who can know it?
  I, the Lord, search the heart,
 I test the mind,
 Even to give every man according to his ways,
 According to the fruit of his doings.

Are You Fresh For Everything?

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.”

[Message No: 7133]

Passed into Life

Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me  has eternal life  and will not be judged  but has crossed over from death to life. - John 5:24

Every great once-in-a-while, I awaken after the sun is up and the glory of the day has begun. Without my fully realizing it, night has already passed into day, darkness into light. In much the same way, the better I know Christ and the salvation he brings, the more I realize that my life has begun again in a new, fresh, and exciting way. I have passed from death to life. Even though my body will ultimately fail me, my Lord Jesus will not. While death and decay may claim my physical existence, the eternal part of me is joined to Jesus and will never die. My future is tied to Christ. My sin is gone, and eternal life has begun!

Questions in 1 Kings

22:7
And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of Him?

22:15
Then he came to the king; and the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall we refrain?”

  And he answered him, “Go and prosper, for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king!”

From Rocks to Pure Gold

Malachi 3:2-3

But who can endure the day of His coming?
 And who can stand when He appears?
 For He is like a refiner's fire
 And like launderers’ soap.
  He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver;
 He will purify the sons of Levi,
 And purge them as gold and silver,
 That they may offer to the Lord
 An offering in righteousness.

[Message No: 7132]

One third of sea to blood - Plagues of Revelation

Revelation 8:8-9
Second Trumpet: The Seas Struck
     Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

The Dynamics of Mercy

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful,
 For they shall obtain mercy.

Spiritual Growth Injection

. Painful Cross
Luke 14:27
And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
. Water baptism is a Cross
Romans 6:3
Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
Breaking of Bread is a Cross
1 Corinthians  11:26
For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.
Following Jesus is a Cross
Luke 9:23
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
[Message No: 7131]

The miracle of belief

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Christ Crucified
   And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Scriptures for Belief 

John 3:36
He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

1 John 2:15-16

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world.”

Love for things, especially temporary ones, can sure get us into trouble. Even worse, we can begin to think they will make us happy or fill the empty places in our hearts. But if we really sink our hopes and dreams in our Abba Father, we are attached to eternity and what we need most is always with us!

To what are we called?

To enter into the light – 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 marvellous light;

In order to belong to Jesus Christ – Romans 1:6
among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

To the fellowship of Christ – 1 Corinthians 1:9
God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

[Message No: 7130]

Misunderstandings of Spirituality

. Being Religious – Acts 17:22
Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious;

. Being Enthusiastic – Mark 10:17
Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

Mark 10:20
And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”

Mark 10:22
But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

What is Spirituality?

. To partake of divine nature

2 Peter 1:4
by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

. Bearing the fruit of the 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.

Look What Jesus Has Done

2 Cor. 8:7
But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.

Thought

. Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace…If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace.  In that stillness you will know what His will is. – Amy Carmichael

[Message No: 7129]

Led by the Spirit of God

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. - Romans 8:14
Parents lead their children till they are ready for life on their own. As we cry out to God as our "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15), God leads us. We are his young children, and we never outgrow our need for his leading. He leads and guides us through the influence and work of the Holy Spirit. This is one reason why Jesus could promise his closest followers that he would not leave them as orphans when he went back to the Father. Instead, he promised to send them the Advocate — the Counselor, the Intercessor, the Comforter, The Helper — whom we know as the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-18). As God's dearly loved children, we can choose to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, or we can rebel and live on our own.

Life and peace, however, are found by living in step with the Spirit's leading (Romans 8:6). Rebellion and death are the results of living on our own without the Father's help (Romans 6:23; Romans 8:6-7). The Father has demonstrated his love for us through the gift of his Son. The Son has promised to be with us through the Holy Spirit. So, let's listen for our Father's voice and follow our Father's heart by responding to the leading of the Holy Spirit!

Going Against the Flow

Psalm 62:1-6
A majority may rule in the culture, but in your personal life, there should be only one ruler—and that’s God. It makes no difference if 10,000 people tell you what you ought to do. Once you have decided to follow the Lord, it’s best to stand right where you are until you get marching orders from Him.

It reminds me the beautiful chorus:
I have decided to follow Jesus [3]
No turning back, no turning back!
The world behind me, the cross before me …
Though no one joins me, still I will follow …
You take the whole world, but give me JESUS …

[Message No: 7128]

Kingdom Leaders

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. — Hebrews 13:17

We often fail to realize that one of the very best ways we can make Kingdom leadership better is by being better followers. Kingdom leadership means that leaders will have to answer to God for how they have led. Kingdom citizenship means that we will be held responsible for how we have obeyed and blessed our leaders. What have you done to show your love, respect, and support for your church leaders lately?

Commands 

Deacons must be

1 Timothy 3:8-12

Qualifications of Deacons

     Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Questions in Job

4:7
“Remember now, whoever perished being innocent?
 Or where were the upright ever cut off?

4:17
Can a mortal be more righteous than God?
 Can a man be more pure than his Maker?

4:18-19
If He puts no trust in His servants,
 If He charges His angels with error,
  How much more those who dwell in houses of clay,
 Whose foundation is in the dust,
 Who are crushed before a moth?

[Message No: 7127]

Jealousy

Genesis 31:1-2
1 Jacob heard that Laban's sons were saying, “Jacob has taken everything our father owned and has gained all this wealth from what belonged to our father.”

2 And Jacob noticed that Laban's attitude toward him was not what it had been.
1 Samuel 18:8 Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?”

9 And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.

10 The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully upon Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the harp, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand

11 and he hurled it, saying to himself, “I'll pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.

What is Spirituality?

. To be mature  in Christ

1 Corinthians 3:1
And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ

. Being preoccupied with God

Psalm 73:25
Whom have I in heaven but You?
 And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.

One of Us

Hebrews 2:18
For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Thought 

. "The unbelieving mind would not be convinced by any proof, and the worshiping heart needs none." - A. W. Tozer

[Message No: 7126]

In Christ grow in Christ

They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned... strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. — Acts 14:21-22
Let's make a commitment to do better at helping our new brothers and sisters in Christ grow in Christ. The apostles didn't just lead people to Christ, they also encouraged and strengthened them in their faith.

Casting Down of Satan - Plagues of Revelation

Scorching Heat from the Sun

Revelation 16:8-9

Fourth Bowl: Men Are Scorched
     Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.

Darkness

Revelation 16:10-11
Fifth Bowl: Darkness and Pain

     Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain. They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds.

Euphrates dried up

Revelation 16:12
Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared.

Revelation 18:1-24 – kindly read

Hearing from God

1 Samuel 3:10
Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
  And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”

[Message No: 7125]

How Word of God Teaches Us

.while we wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. — Titus 2:13-14

Some of the most basic and elevated statements about Jesus are made in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. These letters are devoted to help ministers mature churches in difficult places. They are incredibly practical, but also are rooted in the work of Jesus, his divinity, and his faithfulness. We are waiting for the Faithful One! We trust that he will come for us because of what he sacrificed to redeem us. While we wait, we honor his mission by being a people eager to do what is good, showing in our lives that he is our Lord.

Many Plagues by 2 Witnesses - Plagues of Revelation

Revelation 11:3-12
And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”

   These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.

      The Witnesses Killed
     When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

      The Witnesses Resurrected
     Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.

[Message No: 7124]

God’s Presence

Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever. — Psalm 28:9
While most of us are familiar with the very personal declaration about God as shepherd in Psalm 23. This Psalm is a plea for God to actively shepherd all of his people today and into the far distant future. It is also a great reminder of how important it is for us to pray for God's presence in the lives of his children wherever, and "whenever" they are!

Scriptures for Belief 

1 Peter 2:6
Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,
  “Behold, I lay in Zion
 A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
 And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”

Acts 16:31
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Questions in 1 Kings

20:32
So they wore sackcloth around their waists and put ropes around their heads, and came to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-Hadad says, ‘Please let me live.’ ”
  And he said, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.”

21:7
Then Jezebel his wife said to him, “You now exercise authority over Israel! Arise, eat food, and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”

Diffusiveness of life

John 7:38
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

[Message No: 7123]

Father and Son, Greater Works!

John 5:19-20
“Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself;  he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.   For the Father loves the Son  and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these,  so that you will be amazed”

Astonished? Yes, that is the word for it. Jesus will do many more miracles in his ministry, he will touch many more people, and he will teach many other awe-inspiring truths.

The people around Jesus haven't begun to see all that the Father will reveal through his Son. The greatest of the revelations, however, will bring the people to full astonishment; the Father will raise his Son from the dead and bring him back to life in their presence. They will be astonished. Then some of them will begin to do great works in his name, and the work of Jesus will continue to astonish as he works through his disciples. Jesus' work is astonishing! And, if you will look closely, some of that astonishing work is being done in you!

Why Should We Love God?

Mark 12:28-34
Most of us are familiar with what is commonly called the Great Commandment—to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Yet none of us feel adequate for such a task. Our hearts are fickle, our souls are often self-absorbed, our minds are easily distracted, and our strength falls short. We have an earthly existence that demands our time, attention, and energy. As a result, we often fail to focus on the One who is worthy of our wholehearted devotion.

What God Sees

  Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

[Message No: 7122]

Do we wear his name?

 “Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.” – Psalm 79:9

I am sure at times that God gets disgusted with our behaviour and our lack of seeking after him. I'm sure there are moments when he acts to bless us only because we are his people and we wear his name.
But when we cry out, confessing our sins and shortcomings, he is still our Savior. Even when we are not what we should be, God can act out of compassion and preserve the glory of his name.

Questions in 1 Kings

17:20
And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.

18:7
And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it

18:9
Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?”
  So he said, “Here, in the tent.”

Thought 

. Life is a hard fight, a struggle, a wrestling with the Principle of Evil, hand to hand, foot to foot.  Every inch of the way must be disputed.  The night is given us to take breath, to pray, to drink deep at the fountain of power.  The day, to use the strength which has been given us, to go forth to work with it till the evening. - Florence Nightingale

Scripture for Anger

Romans 12:19-21
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore
  “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
 If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
 For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
    Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

[Message No: 7121]

Colossians 2:6

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
"New and improved!" That's the key marketing tag to re-introduce an older product that has fallen out of the public perception. Make a few changes, then re-market the old product. Paul wants the Colossians to know that Jesus does not need to be "new and improved." Instead, they need to follow him as Lord just as they did when they first became Christians. That is our need, too. Our lives need to be rooted and nurtured in Christ Jesus as Lord, full of thankfulness for God's incredible gift of grace in his Son.

Do it Now

Matthew 5:25
Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.

The Great Probing

Joshua 24:19
But Joshua said to the people, “You cannot serve the Lord, for He is a holy God. He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.

Questions in Nehemiah

5:9
Then I said, “What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?

6:3
So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?”


The inevitable penalty

Matthew 5:26

Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

[Message No: 7120]

Because He Lives in Me

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. — Romans 12:10
We are to be devoted to one another. We are to honor one another. And the basis of this loving devotion and honor is found in one central truth: Because God is our Father, we are one family.
We are siblings in God's Kingdom. Our relationship is eternal and built on God's grace to us and our grace expressed to each other.

Thoughts 

. You should accept yourself, not as a master, but as a servant, and then all your bad feelings, your anxiety, alarm, uncertainty, and dissatisfaction will be changed into calmness and peace.  You will be filled inside with a clear vision of your purpose, and with a great joy. - Leo Tolstoy

. What has Jesus Christ ever asked you to do that wasn’t for your own good?
- Billy Sunday

Commands 

. Examine self as to faith

2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified

. Exercise in godliness

1 Timothy 4:7-8
But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

In All Circumstances

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

[Message No: 7119]

A Good Inheritance

2 Timothy 1:1-5

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
   To Timothy, a beloved son:
  Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
      Timothy's Faith and Heritage
     I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

Duties to our Parents 

Proverbs 13:1
A wise son heeds his father's instruction,
  But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 15:15
All the days of the afflicted are evil,
 But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.

Proverbs 20:11
Even a child is known by his deeds,
 Whether what he does is pure and right.


Proverbs 10:1
The proverbs of Solomon:
  A wise son makes a glad father,
 But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

It Is The Lord!

John 20:28
And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

[Message No: 7118]

Your good Deeds

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. — Galatians 6:10

We are to be a people who do good deeds! When God gives us the opportunity, let's take it! Unlike those in the world looking to get ahead, to get even with someone, or to get out of difficult situations, let's look for opportunities to do good!

Concerning Individuals 

2 Timothy 4:18
And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!

. Blindness of Bar-Jesus

Acts 13:11
And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.”
  And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

Degrees of Faith

. Work of faith of effectuality

2 Thessalonians 1:11
Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His
goodness and the work of faith with power,

. Unfeigned faith of sincerity

2 Timothy 1:5
when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

[Message No: 7117]

What are you known for?

Hebrews 11:23-28

The Faith of Moses

    By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command.

   By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

   By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

Duties to our Parents 

Proverbs 28:7
Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son,
 But a companion of gluttons shames his father.

Proverbs 8:32:33
“Now therefore, listen to me, my children,
 For blessed are those who keep my ways.
  Hear instruction and be wise,
 And do not disdain it.

Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father who begot you,
 And do not despise your mother when she is old.

Proverbs 23:24-26
The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice,
 And he who begets a wise child will delight in him.
  Let your father and your mother be glad,
 And let her who bore you rejoice.
  My son, give me your heart,
 And let your eyes observe my ways.

[Message No: 7116]

Unthinkable !

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. — John 20:19

Overjoyed would be an understatement! After having every dream shattered, now they share the unspeakable joy of seeing what was not possible and experiencing what was unthinkable. The power available to them is now unlimited and their future is without boundary. Jesus, their Teacher, is Lord of all and their future is in his hands.

Steps to Holiness

Holiness among God’s people brings Him honour. Unholiness dishonours Him. Holiness  has two equally important  dimensions. We are set apart  to God and separated  from the world. Just as God cannot  be glorified  by those who are not fully His, neither  can He glorified  by  those who  are of the world.

Therefore, we must live in the world, but we must not live  as being of the world. Be careful that a negative focus  on external behaviour does not blind us to the true  nature of unholiness and allow us to be seduced by the world.
[Truth-in-Action through 2 Kings]

Commands 

Commit truth to faithful teachers

2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Confess faults one to another

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.
Count it joy when tempted

James 1:2
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

[Message No: 7115]