Street

Joshua 2:19

If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads;  we will not be responsible. As for those who are in the house with you, their blood will be on our head  if a hand is laid on them.

1 Samuel 9:26

They rose about daybreak, and Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Get ready, and I will send you on your way.” When Saul got ready, he and Samuel went outside together.

Lamentation 1:20

See, Lord, how distressed  I am!

 I am in torment  within,

 and in my heart I am disturbed, 

 for I have been most rebellious. 

 Outside, the sword bereaves;

 inside, there is only death.

Mark 11:4

They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway.  As they untied it,

Revelation 11:8

Bible Tells Us  – 

. Lord, bless me in the work I do

Psalm 90:17

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;

 establish the work of our hands for us—

 yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 128:1-2

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, 

 who walk in obedience to him. 

    You will eat the fruit of your labor; 

 blessings and prosperity  will be yours.

Proverbs 10:22

The blessing of the Lord  brings wealth, 

 without painful toil for it.

[Message No: 7970]

Rely on God’s Love

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”  1 John 4:16

We can be sure that God loves us. He wants us to live in and be blessed by his love. That love is more than just the grace that reaches us when we are saved. God’s love extends through us. His love is redemptive in our loving behaviors to others. His presence is seen in our loving attitudes and deeds. God wants his love to be shared by us to others. 

this way, his love blesses us when we receive it and also when we share it!

Christmas 

“As this Christmas approaches, I pray you will look at Jesus—as He is revealed in the pages of the New Testament—with an open heart and mind. When you do, you’ll discover not only that God is real, but that He loves you and wants to transform your life.” – Billy Graham

“On that first Christmas over 2,000 years ago, God did something that we can barely grasp: He became a man. Think of it: The God who created the universe stooped down from Heaven and became a human being!”

. “This Christmas season, when the world seems to be in turmoil—wars are breaking out in different places, crime is rampant, many things are happening that are great sins in the sight of God—but in that crib is the Person who would grow up to save us, and He did.”

. “At Christmas we celebrate the fact of Christ’s coming into the world. He was born as a helpless baby to a poor woman and her husband in an insignificant part of the Roman Empire. And yet that baby was different from every other baby who had ever been born, or ever would be born—for He was God in human flesh. From all eternity He was God—but on that first Christmas He entered time, and He walked among us. As the Bible says, “The Word was God… [and] the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:1, 14).

Prayer 

. You are worthy, Abba Father, of all glory, honor, and praise. You have done great and mighty works through the history of your people, Israel — most of who were everyday people. Thank you for using me to do your work in my world as well. I praise you, dear Father, for using everyday folks to do your eternal work. In the name of Jesus, my brother and King, I pray. Amen.

[Message No: 7969]

Questions in 2 Kings

15:36

As for the other events of Jotham’s reign, and what he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah?

16:19

As for the other events of the reign of Ahaz, and what he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah?

18:19

The field commander said to them, “Tell Hezekiah:

  “‘This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: On what are you basing this confidence  of yours?

18:20

You say you have the counsel and the might for war—but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me?

18:22

But if you say to me, “We are depending on the Lord our God”—isn’t he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, “You must worship before this altar in Jerusalem”?

18:24

How can you repulse one officer  of the least of my master’s officials, even though you are depending on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?

18:25

Furthermore, have I come to attack and destroy this place without word from the Lord?  The Lord himself told me to march against this country and destroy it.’”

18:27

But the commander replied, “Was it only to your master and you that my master sent me to say these things, and not to the people sitting on the wall—who, like you, will have to eat their own excrement and drink their own urine?”

18:33

Has the god  of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria?

18:34

Where are the gods of Hamath  and Arpad?  Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena and Ivvah? Have they rescued Samaria from my hand?

[Message No: 7968]

On Giving to God - 1

. Give according to the blessing

Deuteronomy 16:17

Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.

. Do not give  immoral money

Deuteronomy 23:18

You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or of a male prostitute into the house of the Lord your God to pay any vow, because the Lord your God detests them both.

. Give cheerfully

2 Corinthians 9:7

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,  not reluctantly or under compulsion,  for God loves a cheerful giver.

. It is pleasing to God

Philippians 4:18

I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus  the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant  offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

. Reconciling  first  giving next

Matthew 5:23-24

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,   leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

. It results in thanksgiving to God

2 Corinthians 9:11

You will be enriched  in every way so that you can be generous  on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

[Message No: 7967]

Not to Destroy

This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. — Jeremiah 7:3

We often take for granted what we have, where we live, the friends who bless our lives, and the family that gives us a place to belong and grow. All of these are gifts to us from God. We don't deserve them. We don't earn them. But, we can surely destroy them. God wants us to live obediently, not just to please him, but also to protect ourselves and those we love. So let's reform our actions and live for him and not for ourselves.

Bear 

Exodus 20:16

“You shall not give false testimony  against your neighbour.

Proverbs 18:14

The human spirit can endure in sickness,

 but a crushed spirit who can bear?

Isaiah 53:11

After he has suffered, 

 he will see the light  of life and be satisfied;

 by his knowledge my righteous servant  will justify  many,

 and he will bear their iniquities.

Amos 5:19

It will be as though a man fled from a lion

 only to meet a bear, 

 as though he entered his house

 and rested his hand on the wall

 only to have a snake bite him.

Thought 

. He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day. - John Bunyan

. Jesus Christ is the meeting place of eternity and time, the joining of deity and humanity, the junction of heaven and earth. – Unknown

[Message No: 7966]

Limitations of the Law

. Cannot justify

Acts 13:39

Through him everyone who believes  is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.

. Cannot condemn sin the flesh

Romans 8:3

For what the law was powerless  to do because it was weakened by the flesh,  God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh  to be a sin offering.  And so he condemned sin in the flesh,

. Cannot make people perfect

Hebrews 10:1

The law is only a shadow  of the good things  that are coming—not the realities themselves.  For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect  those who draw near to worship.

. Cannot gain righteousness

Galatians 2:21

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law,  Christ died for nothing!”

. Cannot have clear conscience

Hebrews 9:8-9

The Holy Spirit was showing  by this that the way  into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning.   This is an illustration  for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered  were not able to clear the conscience  of the worshiper.

Thought

.. You should pray every hour.  The most necessary and the most difficult form of prayer is to remember–in spite of the numerous distractions of life–your obligations to God, to his law.  You become scared, you become upset, you become embarrassed, you become too involved or distracted by something.  But you should always remember who you are and what you should do.  This is what a real prayer should be about.  This is difficult in the beginning, but with time you can work and create this habit. - Leo Tolstoy

[Message No: 7965]

Keys of Freedom

[A desperate and lonely woman who had been ill for years came to Jesus for healing.] She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." — Matthew 9:21

The woman who said this to herself knew ostracism and loneliness because of her 12 year bout with an illness that made her unclean under Jewish law. She was imprisoned in isolation because of this condition. Just as Jesus freed her from her prison (vs. 22), he longs to free you from yours as well. What holds you captive? Jesus longs to give you freedom through five gifts: 1) the Scripture to help you know God's will,  2) your surrender to his lordship, 3) cleansing from your sin and guilt, 4) the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower you, and 5) a family of brothers and sisters in Christ to support you and hold you accountable. These are God's five precious keys to freedom.

How to escape the Judgment?

. Being merciful to others

James 2:13

Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.

. By our own words 

Matthew 12:37

For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

God’s Word

.. Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem & said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” - Matthew 2:7-8

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'” - Matthew 2:5-6

[Message No: 7964]

JESUS - 6

. Matthew 14:29

Come,” he said.

 Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

. Matthew 14:31

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,”  he said, “why did you doubt?”

. Matthew 15:21

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon

. Matthew 15:28

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith!  Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

. Matthew 15:29

Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down

. Matthew 15:32

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people;  they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”

. Matthew 15:34

How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.

 “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.”

. Matthew 16:6

“Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

. Matthew16:8

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith,  why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?

. Matthew 16:13

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

. Matthew16:17

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood,  but by my Father in heaven.

[Message No: 7963]

Instruction

Job 22:22

Accept instruction from his mouth 

 and lay up his words  in your heart.

Proverbs 8:33

Listen to my instruction and be wise;

 do not disregard it.

Romans 15:4

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,  so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not exasperate your children;  instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Hebrews 6:2

Fathers, do not exasperate your children;  instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Made

Ruth 3:10

The Lord bless you,  my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier:  You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.

1 Kings 15:22

Then King Asa issued an order to all Judah—no one was exempt—and they carried away from Ramah  the stones and timber Baasha had been using there. With them King Asa  built up Geba  in Benjamin, and also Mizpah.

2 Chronicles 5:8

The cherubim  spread their wings over the place of the ark and covered the ark and its carrying poles.

Galatians 4:18

It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.

Colossians 1:8

and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

[Message No: 7962]

Hide

Psalm 10:1

Why, Lord, do you stand far off? 

 Why do you hide yourself  in times of trouble?

Proverbs 28:28

When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; 

 but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

Daniel 10:7

I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it,  but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves.

Amos 9:3

Though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, 

 there I will hunt them down and seize them. 

 Though they hide from my eyes at the bottom of the sea, 

 there I will command the serpent  to bite them.

Micah 3:4

Then they will cry out to the Lord,

 but he will not answer them. 

 At that time he will hide his face  from them

 because of the evil they have done.

Revelation 6:16

called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us  and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne  and from the wrath of the Lamb!

Thoughts 

. The voice of sin is loud but the voice of forgiveness is louder. - D. L. Moody

. Make new friends and keep the old—

One is sliver the other gold. - Unknown

. We have a strange illusion that mere time cancels sin. - C. S. Lewis

[Message No: 7961]

Lord, lift me out of my past

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,  the new creation  has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Isaiah 43:18-19

Forget the former things; 

 do not dwell on the past.

    See, I am doing a new thing! 

 Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

 I am making a way in the wilderness 

 and streams in the wasteland.

. Lord, lead me into the future you have for me

Proverbs 4:18

The path of the righteous  is like the morning sun, 

 shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

Learning the Languag

Acts 17:23

For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship —and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.

Don’t Give Up

Galatians 6:9

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

The Ministry of Memory 

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans  I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper  you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

[Message No: 7960]

God is a Good God

Exodus 15:26

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

Ephesians 1:17-18

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,  may give you the Spirit of wisdom  and revelation, so that you may know him better.   I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened  in order that you may know the hope to which he has called  you, the riches  of his glorious inheritance  in his holy people,

James 1:22-25

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.    Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror   and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.   But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,  and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Galatians 6:7-9

Do not be deceived:  God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.    Whoever sows to please their flesh,  from the flesh will reap destruction;  whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.    Let us not become weary in doing good,  for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

2 Samuel 24:24

But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 

 So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels  of silver for them.

Thought 

. I will thank and praise God for the strength of my body enabling me to work, for the refreshment of sleep, for my daily bread, for the days of painless health, for the gift of my mind and the gift of my conscience, for His loving guidance of my mind ever since it first began to think, and of my heart ever since I first began to love. - Edward King

[Message No: 7959]

Facts about Judgment - 1

. We are destined for it

Hebrews 9:27

Just as people are destined to die once,  and after that to face judgment,

. After death is judgment

Hebrews 9:27

Just as people are destined to die once,  and after that to face judgment,

. It will be a righteous judgment

Romans 2:5

But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath , when his righteous judgment  will be revealed.

. God will judge through Jesus

Acts 17:31

For he has set a day when he will judge  the world with justice  by the man he has appointed.  He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

. Every deed will be brought out

Ecclesiastes 12:14

For God will bring every deed into judgment, 

 including every hidden thing, 

 whether it is good or evil.

. Every careless word will be accounted

Matthew 12:36

But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.

. Angry believer is subjected  to it

Matthew 5:22

But I tell you that anyone who is angry  with a brother or sister,  will be subject to judgment.  Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court.  And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

[Message No: 7958]

Bible Tells Us – 5

 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,  forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,   gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.

John 15:8n purity and Holiness

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

. Lord, preserve me iEphesians 1:4

For he chose us  in him before the creation of the world  to be holy and blameless  in his sight. In love

Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart, 

 for they will see God.

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

2 Peter 1:10

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling  and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,

. Lord, change me into the likeness of Christ

Galatians 2:20

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

Romans 8:16-17

For those who are led by the Spirit of God  are the children of God.    The Spirit  you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again;  rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”    The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit  that we are God’s children.    Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings  in order that we may also share in his glory.

[Message No: 7957]

Coming to Jesus for Rest - 2

. O, I pray Thee make me free

John 8:36

So if the Son sets you free,  you will be free indeed.

. All my all to Thee is stayed

Isaiah 12:2

Surely God is my salvation; 

 I will trust  and not be afraid.

 The Lord, the Lord himself,  is my strength  and my defense;

 he has become my salvation. ”

. And my all to Thee I bring

Romans 12:1

Therefore, I urge you,  brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,  holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

. Cause me now Thy praise  to sing

Isaiah 12:1

Therefore, I urge you,  brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,  holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

. Lord I would in Thee abide

John 15:5

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;  apart from me you can do nothing.

. Full salvation I would find

Hebrews 7:25

Therefore he is able to save  completely those who come to God  through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Ephesians 3:19

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled  to the measure of all the fullness of God.

[Message No: 7956]

Bible Tells Us – 4

Lord, prepare me to be a true worshiper

Psalm 95:6-7

Come, let us bow down  in worship, 

 let us kneel  before the Lord our Maker; 

    for he is our God

 and we are the people of his pasture, 

 the flock under his care.

 Today, if only you would hear his voice,

Psalm 50:23

Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me,

 and to the blameless I will show my salvation. ”

Psalm 5:11-12

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;

 let them ever sing for joy. 

 Spread your protection over them,

 that those who love your name  may rejoice in you. 

    Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; 

 you surround them  with your favor as with a shield.

Psalm 138:2

I will bow down toward your holy temple 

 and will praise your name 

 for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, 

 for you have so exalted your solemn decree

 that it surpasses your fame.

Quit time

John 11:54

Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea.  Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.

[Message No: 7955]

Coming to Jesus for Rest - 1

. Jesus lover of my soul

John 15:13-19

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.    You are my friends  if you do what I command.    I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.    You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you  so that you might go and bear fruit —fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.    This is my command: Love each other. 

   The World Hates the Disciples

  “If the world hates you,  keep in mind that it hated me first.   If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you  out of the world. That is why the world hates you

. Now I come to thee for rest

Isaiah 57:20-21

But the wicked  are like the tossing sea, 

 which cannot rest,

 whose waves cast up mire  and mud.

    “There is no peace,”  says my God, “for the wicked.”

. Cleansed from all unrighteousness

1 John 1:9

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

. Thou who has for sinners died

Isaiah chapter 53 = Kindly read the full chapter

. Hide me in Thy secret place

Psalm 91:1

Whoever dwells in the shelter  of the Most High

 will rest in the shadow  of the Almighty.

. Saviour, Thou hast bid me come

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me,  all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.    Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,  for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

[Message No: 7954]

Be Faithful in Prayer

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. — Romans 12:12

How can we keep our circumstances from determining our mood? How can we emancipate ourselves from the limitations that life deals us? The last in the trio of commandments opens the door for the other two to be true — we can rejoice in hope and we can be patient in affliction because we have been faithful in prayer. No matter what our situation is, we can pray with joy because of our hope in Christ no matter what our current situation is. 

We can remain patient, persevering through affliction, by presenting our requests and intercessions to God with thanksgiving. Prayer is God's gift to us so that we can be patient and joyful, even when things don't appear to be going well.

Baptism

. Who  did the Apostles send to Samaria?

Acts 8:14

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria  had accepted the word of God,  they sent Peter and John  to Samaria.

. What did the Apostles do?

Acts 8:15-17

When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit,    because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them;  they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.    Then Peter and John placed their hands on them,  and they received the Holy Spirit.

. What did Simon do?

Acts 8:18-19

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money   and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

. What did Peter say to him?

Acts 8:20-23

Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!    You have no part or share  in this ministry, because your heart is not right  before God.   Repent  of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.   For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

[Message No: 7953]

A beautiful picture in – Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. — Revelation 7:17

What a beautiful picture! The One who died for us will nourish and refresh us. The One upon whom all eternity hinges will take time to personally comfort us. No wonder Paul could say that he did not consider his present sufferings worth comparing to the glory that would be revealed to us! (Romans 8:18)

Anyone and Everyone

Jesus isn’t a distant image to be honored; we must have a person-to-person connection with Him through faith. May we see the value of the salvation He offers and move forward into a spiritual relationship with Him today.

God Makes a Way

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”  Isaiah 43: 18-19

Just a Little Kindness

“But be kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you!”  Ephesians 4:32

I Trust in You

“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.”  Ephesians 1:18

Inside the Fire

Jesus is with us when we face intimidation and trials. In the moments when we’re urged to give in to pressure, we don’t have to be afraid. We may not always know how or when God will help us, but we know He’s with us. He’ll give us the strength to stay faithful to Him through every “fire” we endure.

The Long Way

The shortest way isn’t always the best. Sometimes God lets us take the longer route in life, whether it’s in our career or other endeavors, so that we’ll be better prepared for the journey ahead. When things don’t seem to happen quickly enough, we can trust in God—the One who leads and guides us.

[Message No: 7952]

The Word of God - 2

 . what converts the Soul?

Psalm 19:7-11

The law of the Lord  is perfect, 

 refreshing the soul. 

 The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, 

 making wise the simple. 

    The precepts of the Lord are right, 

 giving joy  to the heart.

 The commands of the Lord are radiant,

 giving light to the eyes. 

    The fear of the Lord  is pure,

 enduring forever.

 The decrees of the Lord are firm,

 and all of them are righteous. 

    They are more precious than gold, 

 than much pure gold;

 they are sweeter than honey, 

 than honey from the honeycomb. 

    By them your servant is warned;

 in keeping them there is great reward.

. are we born of the Word?

1 Peter 1:23

For you have been born again,  not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,  through the living and enduring word of God.    

. are we sanctified by the Word?

John 17:17

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

. are the Words of Christ Life?

John 6:63

The Spirit gives life;  the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.

[Message No: 7951]

We are His Goal

God has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. — 2 Timothy 1:9

Before the beginning of time! How do you understand when that was. God first thought of us at a time we cannot even begin to understand! His reason for thinking of us was to demonstrate his grace and call others to his side. Jesus has always been God's plan and we have always been his goal. Let's make sure we respond by living his holy life!

Questions in Genesis 

43:29

As he looked about and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother’s son,  he asked, “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?”  And he said, “God be gracious to you,  my son.”

44:4

They had not gone far from the city when Joseph said to his steward,  “Go after those men at once, and when you catch up with them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil?

44:5

Isn’t this the cup  my master drinks from and also uses for divination?  This is a wicked thing you have done.’”

44:8

We even brought back to you from the land of Canaan  the silver  we found inside the mouths of our sacks.  So why would we steal  silver or gold from your master’s house?

Prayers 

.. Holy and Righteous Father, please forgive me for lying, exaggerating, and withholding the truth when it is needed. I want my heart and my lips to be invested in forever. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

.. Forgive me, O God, for the grudges I've harbored and the evil things I've thought about others. Help me to see and to value them as Jesus does. In his name I pray. Amen.

.. After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. - Matthew 2:9

[Message No: 7950]

The Day and Hour Unknown

Mark 13:32-37

  “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.    Be on guard! Be alert!  You do not know when that time will come.   It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants  in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

    “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.   If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.   What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

Works of the Holy Spirit

. Renews Us – Titus 3:5

he saved us,  not because of righteous things we had done,  but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing  of rebirth and renewal  by the Holy Spirit,

. Glorifies Christ – John 16:14

He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.

. Reveals Us – 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

However, as it is written:

  “What no eye has seen,

 what no ear has heard,

 and what no human mind has conceived”—

 the things God has prepared for those who love him— 

     these are the things God has revealed  to us by his Spirit. 

 The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

. Teaches Us – John 14:26

But the Advocate,  the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,  will teach you all things  and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

. Give Power – Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;  and you will be my witnesses  in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,  and to the ends of the earth.”

[Message No: 7949]

Sharing – Eternal Victory

[The Lord says] "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." — Isaiah 41:10

Fear saps our will power and leaves us feeling depleted and hopeless. Yet very few of us have ever experienced a defeat so complete and bitter as the one God's people faced when Isaiah shared this message of hope. The preservation of Israel through their horrors to the time of Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead when all appeared lost, the triumph of the Church through centuries of persecution and opposition are all powerful reminders that underneath us are the everlasting arms of a mighty and loving God who will ultimately bring us to share in his eternal victory.

Ways to Unselfish Life

- Not pleasing ourselves

Romans 15:1

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus.

Romans 15:3

Then Jesus told them this parable:

- Seeking the good of others

1 Corinthians 10:33

even as I try to please everyone in every way.  For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many,  so that they may be saved.

- Becoming slave to win others

 1 Corinthians 9:19

Though I am free  and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,  to win as many as possible.

- Being crucified with Christ

Galatians 2:20

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

- Considering everything loss

Philippians 3:8

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing  Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ

[Message No: 7948]

Results of following Jesus

Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. — Proverbs 16:19

What is your source of significance? This proverb challenges us to view the world upside down to the rest of culture. Humility and association with the lowly and oppressed are valued by God. Abusive power and arrogance are not. God didn't just give us this proverb, he sent us his Son to demonstrate it. Now if we can only learn to live it. Ah! But Jesus does give us the opportunity to demonstrate it when he says, “Follow me!” (cf. John 13)

Everlasting

. Psalm 112:6

Surely the righteous will never be shaken; 

 they will be remembered  forever.

. Psalm 139:24

See if there is any offensive way  in me,

 and lead me  in the way everlasting.

. . Psalm 145:13

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, 

 and your dominion endures through all generations.

. Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, 

 to us a son is given, 

 and the government  will be on his shoulders. 

 And he will be called

 Wonderful Counselor,  Mighty God, 

 Everlasting  Father,  Prince of Peace.

. Isaiah 26:4

Trust  in the Lord forever, 

 for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock  eternal.

. Isaiah 33:14

The sinners  in Zion are terrified;

 trembling  grips the godless:

 “Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? 

 Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?”

[Message No: 7947]

Questions in 2 Kings

10:15

After he left there, he came upon Jehonadab  son of Rekab,  who was on his way to meet him. Jehu greeted him and said, “Are you in accord with me, as I am with you?”

 “I am,” Jehonadab answered.

 “If so,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.”  So he did, and Jehu helped him up into the chariot.

10:34

As for the other events of Jehu’s reign, all he did, and all his achievements, are they not written in the book of the annals  of the kings of Israel?

12:7

Therefore King Joash summoned Jehoiada the priest and the other priests and asked them, “Why aren’t you repairing the damage done to the temple? Take no more money from your treasurers, but hand it over for repairing the temple

12:19

As for the other events of the reign of Joash, and all he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah?

13:8

As for the other events of the reign of Jehoahaz, all he did and his achievements, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel?

13:12

As for the other events of the reign of Jehoash, all he did and his achievements, including his war against Amaziah  king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the annals  of the kings of Israel?

14:10

You have indeed defeated Edom and now you are arrogant.  Glory in your victory, but stay at home! Why ask for trouble and cause your own downfall and that of Judah also?”

14:15

As for the other events of the reign of Jehoash, what he did and his achievements, including his war  against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel?

[Message No: 7946]

Prepare to meet God

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Thessalonians 5:23

We know that true righteousness and holiness are qualities possessed perfectly by only God. Amazingly, God uses his Spirit to make those qualities a growing reality in our lives when we will yield to his leadership. Yesterday, we committed to let the Spirit work on maturing us in our weakest areas. 

Let's take an extra five or ten minutes sometime today, open God's Word, and read several passages of Scripture that apply to our specific vulnerabilities. Then, let's ask God's Spirit to transform us in these areas to be more like Christ!

Prayer for the Church

Faith. God’s salvation is something we should never take for granted. Thank Him for bringing the gospel to the people in your church and giving them the faith to believe.

Love. Ask the Lord to increase their love for one another so they can respond—both inside and outside the church—as Christ would. 

Hope. Pray that the hope of heaven would be their focus rather than the fleeting pleasures and values of this world.

Truth. Praise the Lord for the gospel, which has been proclaimed in your church. Ask that it would bear fruit and increase so more people will understand its truth and receive God’s grace.

Becoming A People of Mercy

“Why is your Teacher eating with the tax-gatherers and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11).

Our Loving Sacrificial Savior

It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” — Matthew 9:12

Doctrine of SIN

Sin is evil because it is unholy. Sin is anti-God, anti-Christ, and anti-humanity. If sin is to be avoided and conquered, we must recognize  sin for what it is.

Sin is tragically real. Sin has polluted, deceived, and begun destroying every human being.

[Message No: 7945]

On Borrowing

. Do not turn away from the borrower

Matthew 5:42

Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

. You will borrow from none

Deuteronomy 28:12

The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse  of his bounty,  to send rain  on your land in season and to bless  all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.

. Borrowing in the part of cure

Deuteronomy 28:15

However, if you do not obey  the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today,  all these curses will come on you and overtake you:

Deuteronomy 28:44

They will lend to you, but you will not lend to them.  They will be the head, but you will be the tail.

. The wicked borrow and pay not

Psalm 37:21

The wicked borrow and do not repay,

 but the righteous give generously;

. Wisdom required in borrowing

Deuteronomy 15:3

You may require payment from a foreigner,  but you must cancel any debt your fellow Israelite owes you.

. Let no debt remain. 

Romans 13:8

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

[Message No: 7944]

Let’s Not Satan Divide Us

In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. — 1 Corinthians 11:11

"We are all one in Christ Jesus!" Paul told the Galatians (Galatians 3:26-29). Satan, however, constantly tries to divide God's people. One of his most effective means of division has been to divide men and women — whether in families or churches. Paul reminds us that if Jesus is our Lord, we recognize we need each other and we are committed to placing value on each other. Rather than letting Satan divide us through our differences, we choose to unite around our Savior!

Daily Prayers

. Thank you, God, for revealing to me the Way, the Truth, and the Life through Jesus. Forgive me for the times I may have misused his name or underestimated his glory. Restore in me the child-like sense of joyous wonder that I need to have in his presence. In the holy and awesome name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

. Holy God, I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. I believe that he came to earth as a human, lived an exemplary life of grace and power, and died for my sins so I could live for you, and with you, forever. Please forgive me, O God, for the times that I have hedged on my commitment to you and flirted with the darkness. I want to live for you with passion, joy, and fulfillment. I want to be transformed to be like Christ. In his name, Jesus the Lord, I pray. Amen.

. Holy LORD, God Almighty, please accept the offering of my thoughts, my words, and my actions today, and each day that follows, as my loving worship to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

. May my words and my actions bring you delight, O LORD, my God! You have done so much for me, dear Father, I want to bring you great joy! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

. O LORD God, please bless me as I seek to impart my faith to others, especially to those in my family. Please bless me with a consistent and faithful witness to them and the right words to say when the time is right. Give me the strength and sensitivity to say it with loving respect, and the courage to live as a strong Christian example for my children and grandchildren. Most of all, may those I influence see my joy in living for you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[Message No: 7943]

Kinds of Law

. Memorial Law

Deuteronomy 5:15

Remember that you were slaves  in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand  and an outstretched arm.  Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.

. Ceremonial Law

Exodus 12:26-27

And when your children  ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’   then tell them, ‘It is the Passover  sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’”  Then the people bowed down and worshiped.

. Civil Laws

Deuteronomy 24:5

If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.

. Moral Laws

Exodus 20:12

“Honor your father and your mother,  so that you may live long  in the land  the Lord your God is giving you.

. Divine Laws

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.    Love  the Lord your God with all your heart  and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Thoughts 

. The million little things that drop into our hands, the small opportunities each day brings, He leaves us free to use or abuse and goes unchanging along His silent way. - Helen Keller

. I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.

- Booker T. Washington

[Message No: 7942]

Bible Tells Us – 3

Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the one 

 who does not walk  in step with the wicked 

 or stand in the way  that sinners take 

 or sit  in the company of mockers, 

    but whose delight  is in the law of the Lord, 

 and who meditates  on his law day and night.

    That person is like a tree  planted by streams  of water, 

 which yields its fruit  in season

 and whose leaf  does not wither—

 whatever they do prospers.

1 John 1:9

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

1 John 2:5

But if anyone obeys his word,  love for God is truly made complete in them.  This is how we know  we are in him:

. Lord, instruct me as I  put my life in right order

Hebrews 13:17

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.

1 Corinthians 12:18

But in fact God has placed  the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.

Matthew 10:39

Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

[Message No: 7941]

JESUS - 5

. Matthew 11:25

At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.

. Matthew 12:1

At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat.

. Matthew 12:15

But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all.

. Matthew 13:1

On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea.

. Matthew 13:34

All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them,

. Matthew 13:53

Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there.

. Matthew 13:57

So they were offended at Him.

  But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.”

. Matthew 14:1

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus

. Matthew 14:12

John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it.  Then they went and told Jesus.

. Matthew 14:13

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.

. Matthew 14:16

Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

[Message No: 7940]

If you had only been here,

"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died." — John 11:21

If you have ever stood at the grave side of a loved one, this thought probably crossed your mind, too — if you had only been here, Lord! Where is Jesus when we hurt? Why couldn't he be here to help us? There are a couple of crucial answers to remember. First, Jesus is with us in our moments of loss and grief. 

The Church is Jesus' Body and every act of kindness, support, comfort, and help is Jesus working to alleviate our grief. Second, while he may not have kept our loved one from passing from this life to the next, he has been the abiding and unbroken presence for each Christian who has died physically. 

Paul reminds us that when a Christian dies, he or she goes to be with Christ (2 Cor. 5:6-7; Phil. 1:21-23) and God's loving presence is never lost to him or her (Rom. 8:35-39)

Impact of receiving Blessings!

Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. — Proverbs 11:22

To take what is physically beautiful and then profane it with sin is to waste a great gift. It is blessing someone who doesn't even have a clue why God gave the blessing of physical beauty. 

No matter what gifts we have been given, whether physical beauty, athletic talent, keen intellect, a charming personality, or anything else, we must remember that God blessed us with these things so we could bless others and honor him!

Influence of God's Spirit!

He [Barnabas] was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. — Acts 11:24

Barnabas was a good man! Why? For many reasons. But, the key reason was that he was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. This shouldn't surprise us. 

When the Holy Spirit lives in us, he is at work producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and conforming us to the character of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

 No wonder Barnabas' influence was so great on the lives of those who lived in Antioch; his life was under the influence of God's Spirit!

[Message No: 7939]

Holding On

VERSE

Lord I'm holding on to You

Jesus closer and closer to You

And with all that I am

And in everything I do

I'm holding on to You

CHORUS

Called into Your presence

You're calling my name

In loving You and serving You

I'm transformed and changed

Reflecting Your glory

The image of God

So I'm holding on

An Incorruptible Crown

1 Corinthians 9:25-27

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown  that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.    Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;  I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.  

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

Bible Study

Psalm 119:9

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? 

 By living according to your word.

Children

2 Samuel 7:29

Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing  the house of your servant will be blessed forever.”

[Message No: 7938]

'Gathering His Courage' — Mark 15:42-43

If we love Jesus and remember his suffering and humiliation on the cross, we too can gather our courage and stand up for him — even when there is much to lose and there appears to be nothing to gain. However, we need to remember that there is always something to be gained because God can do great things from our faithfulness even in the smallest things.

Daily Prayers

. Dear God, "I believe, but help my unbelief." Please mature and empower my faith so that my life will be a steadfast and consistent testimony to your presence and grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

. Holy and Righteous Father, forgive my foolishness and silliness. I find myself getting so worked up over meaningless things and forgetting to keep my focus on the matters and people that are important to you. May all I do today, and every day, be done as a conscious decision to honor you and bring you respect. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

. Father, thank you for declaring me righteous by the atoning death of Jesus. Please transform me more and more each day to be righteous in all I say, think, and do. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

. Dear God, please forgive me for the times I doubted your selection of leaders. Please give me, along with my congregation, the ability to discern who your leaders are in our midst. Please give them the courage to lead unselfishly and faithfully. In Jesus' name. Amen.

. Almighty God and Creator of the universe, I praise your creative genius revealed through the incredible variety found in your creation. Please be with us, your human children, as we seek to be faithful stewards of this wonderful gift. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

. Father, please bless the group of Christians with whom I regularly meet — or used to meet before COVID19. Bless them through my words, attitude, and influence as we walk beside each other and encourage each other to honor you – whether in person or meeting virtually. Stir me to bless and encourage others during this time of separation and isolation. Thank you for giving me people with whom I can share my journey home to you and use me to find creative ways to bless them and stir them on to Christ-like living. In your name, Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.

[Message No: 7937]

Fellowships

.  fellowship with the Father

1 John 1:3

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard,  so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

. fellowship of the Son

1 Corinthians 1:9

God is faithful,  who has called you  into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

   . fellowship of the Spirit

Philippians 2:1

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,  if any tenderness and compassion,

. fellowship of the Light

1 John 1:7

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

. fellowship of Suffering

Philippians 3:10

want to know  Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,  becoming like him in his death,

. fellowship in Service

Colossians 4:7

  Tychicus  will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant  in the Lord

. fellowship in the Gospel

Philippians 1:5

because of your partnership  in the gospel from the first day  until now

[Message No: 7936]

Believe for something Bigger

One has learn to say: God, I want your best. I want to accomplish everything you have for me! We serve a big God! he thinks big. There’s not a person alive who has tapped into everything the Lord has for him. It doesn’t matter how far you have gone, how much you have believed, or how much you have received – God has more!

He is huge. He is Supernatural.

All Used Up

The first step toward receiving God’s best for you is to quit accepting less than His best. You need to raise the standard, but not through condemnation. Don’t say, “O God, I am a terrible person because I have not stepped in faith” NO, the Lord loves you just like you are, but He loves you so much that He does not want to  leave you where you are. He wants to raise you up to a higher level. God wants you to believe for His best, but it’s not going to come to pass for you accidentally. 

You are going to have set God’s best as your goal and pursue it.

Begging to See the Light

Lord, I realize to do anything of significance or accomplish lasting without You. I know it is not by my strength or wisdom that powerful things happen in my life, but it is by Your Spirit. My prayers are not answered because of what I know, but because of whom I know.

Thank You that I have come to know You as the light of my world. Thank You for the light of Your Spirit that I experience every day. Help me to truly see Your light more and more, and to trust that it is always there because You are always there.

Christmas 

. “I’m afraid many people today have lost sight of the original meaning of Christmas. Instead, it has become more and more secular and commercialized, focusing mainly on gift-giving or holiday parties or family gatherings. These aren’t necessarily wrong—but far too often we lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas, and we fail to reflect on the greatest Christmas gift of all: God’s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation.”

[Message No: 7935]

Emblems of the Holy Spirit - 4

. Wind is reviving

Ezekiel 37:9-10

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath;  prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds  and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’”   So I prophesied as he commanded  me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

Ezekiel 37:14

I will put my Spirit  in you and you will live, and I will settle  you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord. ’”

. Wind is independent 

John 3:8

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

1 Corinthians 12:11

All these are the work of one and the same Spirit,  and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

. Wind is invisible 

John 3:8

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Oil 

Psalm 45:7

You love righteousness  and hate wickedness; 

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

 by anointing  you with the oil of joy.

[Message No: 7934]

Developing the importance of blood sacrifice

Exodus 12:3

Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb  for his family, one for each household.

Leviticus 17:11

For the life of a creature is in the blood,  and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.

Genesis 4:1-10

Adam made love to his wife  Eve,  and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain.  She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.”   Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.

Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil.    In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering  to the Lord.    And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions  from some of the firstborn of his flock.  The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering,    but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

    Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry?  Why is your face downcast?   If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door;  it desires to have you, but you must rule over it. ”

    Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. 

    Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” 

 “I don’t know, ” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

    The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.

Thy Loving Kindness

Thy loving kindness

Is better than life.

Thy loving kindness.

Is better than life.

My lips shall praise Thee,

Thus will I bless Thee.

Thy loving kindness.

Is better than life.

[Message No: 7933]

Three Reactions to the Incarnation

1. The reaction of adoration

Matthew 2:1-2

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,  during the time of King Herod,  Magi from the east came to Jerusalem   and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star  when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:10-11

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.   On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.  Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts  of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

2. The reaction of indignation

Matthew 2:3

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

Matthew 2:13

When they had gone, an angel  of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.  “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

Matthew 2:16-18

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.   Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 

     “A voice is heard in Ramah,

 weeping and great mourning,

 Rachel  weeping for her children

 and refusing to be comforted,

 because they are no more.”

3. The reaction of preoccupation

Matthew 2:5-6

“In Bethlehem  in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

     “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

 are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

 for out of you will come a ruler

 who will shepherd my people Israel.’

[Message No: 7932]

The Miraculous Birth of Christ

. Is miraculous in His Conception

Matthew 1:18

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 1:20

But after he had considered this, an angel  of the Lord appeared to him in a dream  and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

. Is miraculous in His Commission

Matthew 1:21

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,  because he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:25

But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

. Is miraculous in His Condescension

Matthew 1:22

All this took place to fulfil  what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Matthew 1:23

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”  (which means “God with us”).

Thoughts

Christmas 

. “As this Christmas approaches, I pray you will look at Jesus—as He is revealed in the pages of the New Testament—with an open heart and mind. When you do, you’ll discover not only that God is real, but that He loves you and wants to transform your life.” – Billy Graham

. “That baby who was born to Mary was more than just another man—He was God in human flesh. He came into the world for one reason: to make it possible for our sins to be forgiven, so we could become part of God’s family forever.”

[Message No: 7931]

Wife - 2

Genesis 11:29

Abram and Nahor  both married. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai,  and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milkah;  she was the daughter of Haran, the father of both Milkah and Iskah.

Genesis 11:31

Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot  son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law  Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans  to go to Canaan.  But when they came to Harran,  they settled there.

Genesis 12:5

He took his wife Sarai,  his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated  and the people  they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the 

of Canaan,  and they arrived there.

Genesis 12:11-12

As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai,  “I know what a beautiful woman  you are.   When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live.

Genesis 13:1

So Abram went up from Egypt  to the Negev,  with his wife and everything he had, and Lot  went with him

Genesis 16:1

Now Sarai,  Abram’s wife, had borne him no children.  But she had an Egyptian slave  named Hagar;

Genesis 16:3

So after Abram had been living in Canaan  ten years,  Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife

Genesis 17:15

God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai  your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah.

Genesis 17:19

Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son,  and you will call him Isaac.  I will establish my covenant with him  as an everlasting covenant  for his descendants after him.

Genesis 18:9-10

“Where is your wife Sarah?”  they asked him.

 “There, in the tent, ” he said.

    Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year,  and Sarah your wife will have a son.” 

 Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.

[Message No: 7930]

1 Corinthians 9:22

“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.”

Christ left heaven and came to earth to save us. Paul sacrificed everything to share the Gospel with both Jews and Gentiles. What have we done... what have we left... what have we given up... what have we become... to share Jesus with those we love, know, or influence?

Hebrews 11:6

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

And just why do we serve God? ... Fear? ... Sense of obligation? ... Because our parents did? How about because we want to please God and bring the Father joy? How about because of we believe in what God has done and will do for us? We believe that God sent his Son Jesus to die for our sins so we can be forgiven, cleansed, and adopted as his children into his forever family. What's more, we believe that God longs to share his blessings with us and loves to reward those who believe in his grace and love. We believe and so we earnestly, diligently, and passionately seek him!

Hebrews 10:29

“How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?”

We often look at the swift and dramatic discipline and punishment God used with his people in the Old Testament and are struck by its severity. The Holy Spirit reminds us that while this is true, to spurn grace and ridicule the sacrificial death of Jesus are actions all the more worthy of God's punishment. Grace is incredible. It is marvelous. But to reject it, to reject Jesus and all that he did to bring it, is to court disaster and reject any source of true grace.

Matthew 11:5

“[In response to John the Baptist's question as to whether Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus said to tell him,] "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."

The clear sign of the Messiah's presence was a time of true blessedness for all who know and follow him. Just think how glorious it will be and all the blessings we will share when he comes again!

[Message No: 7929]

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Philippians 1:3-11

  I thank my God every time I remember you.    In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray  with joy   because of your partnership  in the gospel from the first day  until now,   being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion  until the day of Christ Jesus. 

    It is right  for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart  and, whether I am in chains  or defending  and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.   God can testify  how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

    And this is my prayer: that your love  may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,    so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,    filled with the fruit of righteousness  that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Bible Tells Us - 

. Help me believe

Mark 9:23-24

If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 

    Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

. Growing in grace – you choose

Proverbs 16:6

Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;

 through the fear of the Lord  evil is avoided.

. What pulls your strings?

Ephesians 5:10

and find out what pleases the Lord.

. Effective Eyes

Luke 11:34

Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness.

Thought 

. If a person is seeking God, his Beloved is seeking him much more…and the desire for God is the preparation for union with Him. - John of the Cross

[Message No: 7928]

Show

. Genesis 12:1

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household  to the land  I will show you.

. Psalm 25:4

Show me your ways, Lord,

 teach me your paths.

. Isaiah 46:8

Remember  this, keep it in mind,

 take it to heart, you rebels.

. John 5:20

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.

. John 14:8

Philip  said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

God’s Word for Tod’s People

. 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. - Isaiah 41:10

. Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. - Psalm 119:165

Most

. Song of Solomon 5:16

His mouth  is sweetness itself;

 he is altogether lovely.

 This is my beloved,  this is my friend,

 daughters of Jerusalem.

. Jude 1:20

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up  in your most holy faith  and praying in the Holy Spirit

[Message No: 7927]

Rely on God’s Love

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”  1 John 4:16

Thought

We can be sure that God loves us. He wants us to live in and be blessed by his love. That love is more than just the grace that reaches us when we are saved. God’s love extends through us. His love is redemptive in our loving behaviors to others. His presence is seen in our loving attitudes and deeds. God wants his love to be shared by us to others. 

this way, his love blesses us when we receive it and also when we share it!

God’s Word for Tod’s People

. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. - Luke 2:4-5

. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. - Matthew 1:21

. Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. - Isaiah 7:14

. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. - Colossians 3:15

. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks tohim and praise his name. - Psalm 100:4

. I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful 

Prayer

. Heavenly Father, what a great and awesome God You are. Your faithfulness to Your people, Israel, and the promises You have given them are beyond our understanding. Thank You that Jesus came to earth as the Messiah of Israel and Saviour of the Gentile world, and that through faith in Him, I have become Your child. Remove the blinkers from the eyes of Your chosen people, through Whom was born my own, precious Saviour, Who died for my sins and rose again, so that I too may rise into life immortal. I look forward to the day when Your New Covenant with the united kingdoms of Israel and Judah will be fully and finally ratified, when the earth will be subjected to Christ's kingdom of righteousness and justice. Thank You in Jesus' name, AMEN.

[Message No: 7926]