On Being Known

I acknowledged my sin to You . . . . I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. —Psalm 32:5
One reason we are unwilling to risk being known is that we fear rejection and ridicule. But when we discover that God knows us, loves us, and is willing to forgive even the worst thing we have done, our fear of being known by God begins to fade away. And when we find a community of believers who understands the dynamic relationship between forgiveness and confession, we feel safe confessing our sins to one another (James 5:16).

‘The voice of sin may be loud, but the voice of forgiveness is louder.’

Prayer 

. Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.

. No one is a firmer believer in the power of prayer than the devil; not that he practices it, but he suffers from it.

. Trouble and perplexity drive me to prayer and prayer drives away perplexity and trouble.


. Don't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines.

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

. Prayer may not change things for you, but it for sure changes you for things.

. We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.

. When at night you cannot sleep, talk to the Shepherd and stop counting sheep.

Develop a Better Picture 

Mark 8:18

Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?
= What kind of pictures have you placed on the walls of your mind?

Isaiah 46:4

[The Lord says,] "Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Thoughts on This Verse....

God will not forget us when we're in trouble or when we are old. We may outlive our friends and be forgotten by those who know us, but God will never leave us or forsake us. He will sustain, carry, protect, and rescue us.

Let’s Start Believing For More

Hebrews 11:1

 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen

= God has so much in store.

Having a Positive Vision 

Matthew 6:22-23

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.   But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

= Abraham saw himself as the father of many nations, he  saw it through his eyes of faith.

John 6:29

“Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."

Thoughts on Today's Verse....

"What do you do for a living?" It is one of the most commonly asked questions in many cultures. We define each other in large measure by the work we do. God, however, defines us by his grace. So the work God has for us, the way he wants us to "make our living," so to speak, is by fully trusting in Jesus. This is the orientation point for each of our lives!

Repeat Warnings

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel. —Galatians 1:6

Repeated announcements can be annoying, but they do have value. As a matter of fact, the apostle Paul thought repeating a warning was so vital that he did it in the text of Galatians. But his statement had value far beyond the danger of tripping at the airport. Paul warned them not to listen to, nor believe, him or an angel from heaven if they preached “any other gospel” than what they had already heard (1:8).

 In the next verse, Paul said it again. It was a warning worth repeating. The Galatians had begun to believe that their salvation was dependent on good works instead of the true gospel: faith in Christ’s work.

The gospel of Jesus—His death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins—is the story that we have the privilege and responsibility to share. When we present the gospel, let’s share that the risen Jesus is the only solution to the problem of sin.

‘Only one road leads to heaven— Jesus Christ is the way.’

Family

Genesis 16:5

And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the Lord judge between me and thee.

Genesis 13:4

Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord.

Genesis 12:8

And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord.

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

1 Corinthians 16:19

The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Matthew 18:22

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

 Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Proverbs 30:23

For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

My Way 

Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel. —2 Kings 5:15

We’ve probably all had times when we’ve said “I’ll do it my way” to God. But His way is always the best way. So let’s ask God to give us humble hearts that willingly choose His way, not our own.

  Father, forgive me for my pride and for so often thinking I know best. Give me a humble heart that is willing to follow Your way in everything.

‘Humility is to make a right estimate of one’s self.’

Message and Power

Mark 3:13

And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him.

Mark 6:7

And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits

Luke 6:12

Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Luke 9:1

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.

Faithful Service 

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. —2 Timothy 2:3

Serving Christ requires perseverance. We may encounter obstacles of poor health, troubled relationships, or difficult circumstances. But as a good soldier we press on—with God’s strength—because we serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who sacrificed Himself for us!
Dear Father, help me to be faithful in my service to You. Thank You for the strength You provide to help me persevere through suffering.

‘God’s love does not keep us from trials, but sees us through them.’

Quote 

With Jesus, you can do it.

There’s hope. There’s God.

Have you thanked God today?

Thoughts 

. Sooner or later you’ll have to face God.

. Have faith in God - not faith in faith.

. Christ is the reason for the season.

. Obedience to God is the key to freedom.

Ways – false prophets are known

By inward state –

Matthew 7:15

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

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.

Matthew 5:28

But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Matthew 23:25-28

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

   “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Mark 7:21-23

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

Acts 3:19-20 

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you — even Jesus.

Thoughts on This Verse....

When was the last time that you caught yourself straying from a passionate walk with the Lord? Refreshing times come when we change our hearts and lives to live for God and with God in our everyday lives! In fact, Jesus has told us that he will reveal himself to us as we live obediently for him (see John 14:15-21). His home will be in us until he returns for us and we get to enjoy the ultimate refreshment — going home to be with him forever.

Event of the 75 days

Sending out missionaries from Jerusalem to evangelize the nations.

Isaiah 2:2-4

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days

 That the mountain of the Lord's house

 Shall be established on the top of the mountains,

 And shall be exalted above the hills;

 And all nations shall flow to it.

  Many people shall come and say,

 “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

 To the house of the God of Jacob;

 He will teach us His ways,

 And we shall walk in His paths.”

 For out of Zion shall go forth the law,

 And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

  He shall judge between the nations,

 And rebuke many people;

 They shall beat their swords into plowshares,

 And their spears into pruning hooks;

 Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

 Neither shall they learn war anymore.

Isaiah 11:9

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,

 For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord

 As the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful upon the mountains

 Are the feet of him who brings good news,

 Who proclaims peace,

 Who brings glad tidings of good things,

 Who proclaims salvation,

 Who says to Zion,

 “Your God reigns!”

Zechariah 8:23

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” ’ ”

Quotes

1

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in that action.

 2

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.

 3

We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls.

 4

Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.

 5

Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.

6

Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home.

 7

We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.

 8

If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.

9

Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty.

 10

The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion because if a mother can kill her own child, what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me? There is nothing between.

 11

Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.

 12

Let us more and more insist on raising funds of love, of kindness, of understanding, of peace.

13

Money will come if we seek first the Kingdom of God - the rest will be given.

God is impartial

Deuteronomy 10:17

For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome,

2 Chronicles 19:7

Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

Acts 10:34-35

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but

Romans 2:11

For God does not show favoritism.

Galatians 2:6

As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message.

Ephesians 6:9

And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Colossians 3:25

Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

1 Peter 1:17

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.

Good is a very good word. 

 “God, when He created the world, said it was ‘good.’ When He created light, He said it was ‘good.’ When He created the land, He said it was ‘good.’ When He created plants and animals He said it was ‘good.’

When He created humans, He said it was ‘good.’ And when He sat back and looked at everything He had created, He said it was ‘very good'” (see Genesis chapter 1).

Therefore,  “‘Good’ is a very good word.” And if GOD is good, then ‘good’ is certainly one of the most astounding words we could use.

Thoughts

1
God says we don’t need to be anxious about anything; we just need to pray about everything.

2
The world has never been stable.  Jesus Himself was born into the cruelest and most unstable of worlds.  No, we have babies and keep trusting and living because the Resurrection is true!  The Resurrection was not just a one-time event in history; it is a principle built into the very fabric of our beings, a fact reverberating from every cell of creation: Life wins!  Life wins!

3
All those who look to draw their satisfaction from the wells of the world–pleasure, popularity, position, possessions, politics, power, prestige, finances, family, friends, fame, fortune, career, children, church, clubs, sports, sex, success, recognition, reputation, religion, education, entertainment, exercise, honors, health, hobbies–will soon be thirsty again!

4
Since the quiet hour spent with God is the preacher’s power-house, the devil centers his attention on that source of strength.

5
When you can’t see him, trust him.  Jesus is closer than you ever dreamed.

6
If all struggles and sufferings were eliminated, the spirit would no more reach maturity than would the child.

7
Continually restate to yourself what the purpose of your life is.

8
God’s Word never said we were not to grieve our losses.  It says we are not to grieve as those who have no hope.  Big Difference.

9
You learn your theology most where your sorrows take you.

10
Joy is a by-product not of happy circumstances, education or talent, but of a healthy relationship with God and a determination to love Him no matter what.

11
If the Spirit of God has transformed you within, you will exhibit Divine characteristics in your life, not good human characteristics.  God’s life in us expresses itself as God’s life, not as a human life trying to be godly.

12
Some people have received Christ but have never reached spiritual maturity.  We should grow as Christians every day, and we are not completely mature until we live in the presence of Christ.

13
Too many people think religion consists in what they do for God–those poor, puny, pitiful things they sometimes manage to do for Him. Consequently, they find all of religion poor pun and pitiful and they trudge along joylessly…But religion consists in what God does for us–those great, stupendous things He dreams up for us.

14
“But he knows where I am going.  And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” - Job 23:10

15
It is gratefulness which makes the soul great.

Dangerous Liberty

 “Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God.”  1 Peter 1:17,

Each life is . . . a story to be written.

The Author starts each life story, but each life will write his or her own ending.

What a dangerous liberty. How much safer it would have been to finish the story for each Adam. To script every opinion. It would have been simpler. It would have been safer.

But it would not have been love.

Love is only love if chosen.

Second Birth 

 “God is being patient with you . . . He wants all people to change their hearts and lives.”  2 Peter 3:9
In many ways your new birth is like your first: In your new birth God provides what you need; someone else feels the pain, and someone else does the work. And just as parents are patient with their newborn, so God is patient with you. But there is one difference. The first time you had no choice about being born; this time you do.

The power is God’s. The effort is God’s. The pain is God’s. But the choice is yours.

Only Through the Cross 

 “We have freedom now, because Christ made us free.” Galatians 5:1

Some teach that we earn God’s favor by what we know (intellectualism). Others insist we are saved by what we do (moralism). Still others that salvation is determined by what we feel (emotionalism).
However you package it, Paul contests, salvation comes only through the cross—no additions, no alterations.

Crumbs of Time 

Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. —Daniel 6:10

God desires a relationship with us. In the morning we can invite Him into our day, and then we can praise Him and ask Him for His help throughout the day. At other times we can treasure some time alone with Him and reflect on His faithfulness. As we spend time with God in prayer and in His Word, we grow in our relationship with Him and learn to become more and more like Him. As time with God becomes a priority, we enjoy His company more and more.

Dear Father, I want to have an intimate relationship with You. I invite You to be part of my entire day—from the time I awake until I go to sleep.

‘Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. Isaiah 40:31’

God Is Never Wrong

 “The Lord our God is right in everything he does.” Daniel 9:14

God is never wrong. He has never rendered a wrong decision, experienced the wrong attitude, taken the wrong path, said the wrong thing, or acted the wrong way. He is never too late or too early, too loud or too soft, too fast or too slow.

He has always been always will be right. He is righteous.

Divinely Human 

 “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David.” 2 Timothy 2:8, NIV

In a letter written within earshot of the sharpening of the blade that would sever his head, Paul urged Timothy to “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David . . .”

Remember the dead called from the grave with a Galilean accent. Remember the eyes of God that wept human tears. And, most of all, remember this descendant of David who beat the hell out of death.

An Inviting God 

 “Jesus said, ‘Come.’”  Matthew 14:29

You can’t read anything about God without finding him issuing invitations. He invited Eve to marry Adam, the animals to enter the ark, David to be king, Israel to leave bondage, Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem. God is an inviting God. He invited Mary to birth his son, the disciples to fish for men, the adulterous woman to start over, and Thomas to touch his wounds.

God is the King who prepares the palace, sets the table, and invites his subjects to come in.

2 Corinthians 3:18

And we, who with unveiled faces all [contemplate and] reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Thoughts on This Verse

"Transformed ... with ever-increasing glory." In other words, it's an ongoing process, but with the continual help of the Spirit, we're going to arrive at our goal — to be like Jesus! The point is not to give up on our journey. Let's keep looking to Jesus and keep trusting that the Holy Spirit is doing God's work in us, making us more and more like Jesus each day.

God’s Refreshing Word

God’s Refreshing Word

My word . . . shall not return to Me void.—Isaiah 55:11

Likewise, in the Holy Land after a rainstorm, dry ground can seemingly sprout vegetation overnight. Isaiah used rain’s renewal to illustrate God’s refreshing Word: “As the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isa. 55:10-11).

Scripture carries spiritual vitality. That’s why it doesn’t return void. Wherever it encounters an open heart, it brings refreshment, nourishment, and new life.

God’s Word is like refreshing rain

That waters crops and seed;

 It brings new life to open hearts,

 And meets us in our need.

-The Bible is to a thirsty soul what water is to a barren land.

Seeing Beyond Loss 

I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the works of the Lord. —Psalm 77:10-11

In dealing with disappointment, we can either focus on our loss or on God Himself. The Lord invites us to look to Him and see the scope of His goodness, His presence with us, and His eternal love.
Heavenly Father, this life can be both wonderful and disappointing. We know that things are not the way they ought to be. Our disappointments cause us to turn to You, the only true hope for the world. Share this prayer from our Facebook page with your friends.

-Faith in God’s goodness keeps hope alive.

The Big Stink 
 
God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. —Genesis 3:5

Like the corpse flower, sin holds out promises but in the end offers no rewards. Adam and Eve found this out the hard way. Eden was beautiful until they ruined it by doing the one thing God urged them not to do. Tempted to doubt God’s goodness, they ignored their Creator’s loving warning and soon lost their innocence. The God-given beauty of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil became like a corpse flower to them. The reward for their disobedience was alienation, pain, emptiness, toil, and death.

Sin looks inviting and may feel good, but it doesn’t compare with the wonder, beauty, and fragrance of trusting and obeying God, who has made us to share His life and joy.

What temptations are you facing today? Remember that God promises to help you fight against temptation. Ask Him to help you remember to rely on Him.

‘God’s commands can overpower Satan’s suggestions.’

Adopted

 “Serve only the Lord your God. Respect him, keep his commands, and obey him.” Deuteronomy 13:4
Christ’s kingdom is . . . a kingdom where membership is granted, not purchased. You are placed into God’s kingdom. You are “adopted.” And this occurs not when you do enough, but when you simply admit you can’t do enough. You don’t earn it; you simply accept it. As a result, you serve, not out of arrogance or fear, but out of gratitude.

Second Birth 

 “God is being patient with you . . . He wants all people to change their hearts and lives.”  2 Peter 3:9
In many ways your new birth is like your first: In your new birth God provides what you need; someone else feels the pain, and someone else does the work. And just as parents are patient with their newborn, so God is patient with you. But there is one difference. The first time you had no choice about being born; this time you do. The power is God’s. The effort is God’s. The pain is God’s. But the choice is yours.

Only Through the Cross 

 “We have freedom now, because Christ made us free.” Galatians 5:1

Some teach that we earn God’s favor by what we know (intellectualism). Others insist we are saved by what we do (moralism). Still others that salvation is determined by what we feel (emotionalism).
However you package it, Paul contests, salvation comes only through the cross—no additions, no alterations.

Crumbs of Time 

Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. —Daniel 6:10

God desires a relationship with us. In the morning we can invite Him into our day, and then we can praise Him and ask Him for His help throughout the day. At other times we can treasure some time alone with Him and reflect on His faithfulness. As we spend time with God in prayer and in His Word, we grow in our relationship with Him and learn to become more and more like Him. As time with God becomes a priority, we enjoy His company more and more.

Dear Father, I want to have an intimate relationship with You. I invite You to be part of my entire day—from the time I awake until I go to sleep.

‘Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. Isaiah 40:31’

A wonderful explosion

As I have loved you, . . . you also love one another. —John 13:34

The Bible challenges us to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15). We can consistently display this loving response because of the Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts. When we receive Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside us. The apostle Paul described it this way, “Having believed [in Christ,] you were sealed with the Holy Spirit” (Eph. 1:13).

Caring for others—with God’s supernatural assistance—shows the world that we are His followers (John 13:35). It also reminds us of His love for us. Jesus said, “As I have loved you . . . you also love one another” (v.34).

Dear Jesus, help me to experience Your  love more deeply so that I can share with others. Empower me through Your Holy Spirit so that I can glorify You.

‘Love given reflects love received.’

Be encouraged! 

“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”

The Three Word Obituary of Jesus 

Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God. —Romans 8:34

When Jesus was crucified, the Lord’s obituary could have read, “He is dead.” But after 3 days, it would have been changed to front-page news saying, “He is risen!” Much of the New Testament is devoted to proclaiming and explaining the results of Christ’s resurrection. “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? . . . We are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Rom. 8:34-37).

The three-word obituary of Jesus, “He is dead,” has been transformed into an eternal anthem of praise to our Savior. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

 Lord, we rejoice in Your great victory over sin and death through Your resurrection. May we live in light of it every day.

‘Jesus sacrificed His life for ours.’

Where can we lean?

I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake. —2 Samuel 9:7

In the Old Testament, we read that King David took a young man named Mephibosheth into his home with the purpose of showing him kindness for the sake of his father, Jonathan (David’s friend who had died; see 2 Sam. 9:1). Years earlier, Mephibosheth had been injured when his nurse dropped him as they fled after the news that his father had been killed (4:4). He was surprised that the king would care for him; he even referred to himself as “a dead dog” (9:8). Yet the king treated him as his own son (9:11).

I’d like to be that kind of person, wouldn’t you? Someone who cares for others and helps them hang on to faith in Jesus even when life looks hopeless.

Lord, You showed the ultimate kindness by rescuing us when we were helpless in our sins. May our lives be marked by kindness so that others will see You in us.

‘God does most of His work for people through people.’

Romans 10:15

How can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Thoughts on This Verse.

How beautiful are your feet? People with beautiful feet are either "sending folks" or they are "going folks" who share the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. Which are you? If we're not one of those two options, we're Christians with ugly feet

Now nobody would want that to be said of him or her? So let's make a partnership agreement with other believers by either going or asking for their support and help, or by helping and supporting others while they are going!

Prayer

True prayer is a way of life, not just for use in case of emergency. Make it a habit, and when the need arises you will be in practice.

Fear 

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:12-13

Assemble the people—men, women and children, and the foreigners residing in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law. Their children, who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

Surprised!

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him. —Luke 24:31

“Jesus rarely comes where we expect Him; He appears where we least expect Him, and always in the most illogical connections. The only way a worker can keep true to God is by being ready for the Lord’s surprise visits.”

Whatever road we are on today, may we be ready for Jesus to make Himself known to us in new and surprising ways?

Lord Jesus, open our eyes to see You, the risen Christ, alongside us and at work in the circumstances of our lives today.

‘To find the Lord Jesus Christ we must be willing to seek Him.’
Life

    "God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile."

“If the mind of God as discovered to us in His word and works is so vast and deep, what must His mind be in all its undisclosed resources in the infinity and eternity of its existence?”

Ephesians 3:7 

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace.

Lord, Your grace is amazing to me. I’m grateful that in spite of my sinfulness, You offer Your love to me.

Never measure God’s unlimited power by your limited expectations.

Attitude 

“The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That’s the day we truly grow up.”

It is not the body’s posture, but the heart’s attitude that counts when we pray.

Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you’re going to live your life.

Baptism 

    "Indeed, baptism is a vow, a sacred vow of the believer to follow Christ. Just as a wedding celebrates the fusion of two hearts, baptism celebrates the union of sinner with Savior."

Salvation 

    "Though the Bible was written over sixteen centuries by at least forty authors, it has one central theme--salvation through faith in Christ."

Sledding and Praying

Now it came to pass in those days that [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. —Luke 6:12

I’ve been thinking about this in regard to prayer. Sometimes we do the “10 seconds in the backyard” kind of praying—a quick, spur-of-the-moment prayer or a short thanks before eating. At other times, we’re drawn to “down the mountain” praying—extended, intense times that require concentration and passion in our relationship with Him. Both have their place and are vital to our lives.

Jesus prayed often, and sometimes for a long time (Luke 6:12; Mark 14:32-42). Either way, let us bring the desires of our heart to the God of the backyards and the mountains of our lives.

Lord, please challenge us to pray constantly—both in short sessions and long. As we face the valleys, hills, and mountains of our lives, may we lift our hearts and minds to You in constant communication.
‘The heart of prayer is prayer from the heart.’

Philippians 3:17

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

Thoughts on This Verse....

"I would rather see a sermon any day, than hear one." I'm not distressed because people want to "see a sermon," but because so many of us don't "practice what we preach." As leaders — whether as friends, parents, or in positions of authority — our primary tool of influence is our life of character (or lack of it). Do you practice what you "preach"? All of us who seek to influence others redemptively, MUST! Why? Because most folks need to both hear and see the message before it becomes a part of them.

Answer the cry 

[The Lord] will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry. —Isaiah 30:19

Today, people all around us are in need of someone to take action to help them. It is a high privilege to become the hands of God as we respond on His behalf to cries for help.

 Lord, remind me that You desire to show compassion to those in need and that You often call on us to be the instruments of that compassion. Give me an opportunity today to show Your love to at least one person in need.

‘Show that God cares by lending a helping hand.’

Season or no season

God’s vision and God’s mission are not dependent on seasons – favorable or unfavorable. A man with vision, passion and enthusiasm does not wait for opportunities but engineers opportunities. Disciples said there are four months for harvest – including a season for harvest. “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” Persons proactive in mission are able to open their eyes and see in different perspective than ordinary persons do.

Their outlook or perspective is mixed with faith and can see the harvest ready and ripe.
“The sluggards says, ‘There is a lion outside!’ or, ‘I will be murdered in the streets!’” A pessimistic outlook reveals lack of faith and has imaginations that are destructive and non-productive. The diligent sees opportunities and challenges in the street, and not the lions and murderers.

Isaiah 41:10 

“I will strengthen you and help you.”

At times, God may allow our resources to dwindle so that we rely on His strength to keep going. Our needs showcase His power, but He is the One who says, “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10).

Dear God, I am thankful for Your strength. You carry me when I am weak. Help me to give You the credit for every victory in life.

‘God wants us to depend on His strength, not our own.’

Opportunities 

When we fill our tires, let's learn to thank and bless those who does it...

Your simplicity shall turn their heads to approval..

Often render a Smile and a blessing...

As yo do it, you shall see the fruit in immediacy...

Most of the guys or kids who work at these bunks have a low profile in their journey... With your words you can create a new world in Christ..

In Christ! Amen!

Be an imitator of God

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” - Ephesians 5:1-2, ESV

Have you ever spent time with a small child or baby and had them mimic your every sound or action? To them it’s a fun game, but internally, they are learning by watching and copying everything you do. They just observe and do the same thing. That’s because we are all wired to be imitators.

Even as adults, just like little children, we are all still imitators. So many people today end up imitating what they see in the world, on TV, in the news and magazines. But scripture tells us that we are to be imitators of God and follow His example of love.

If you need to make a change in your life today, change what you are imitating. Change your focus. The more you focus on the Word, the more you will imitate God. When you do things God’s way, you will get God’s results—peace, joy and blessing all the days of your life!

Colossians 1:13

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves

Thoughts on This Verse....

God doesn't just hear our cries for deliverance; he sends a powerful Deliverer! God sent Moses in response to the Israelites' cries from Egypt (see Exodus 3). God also sent Jesus in response to the world's cries for deliverance from its bondage to the evil prince of darkness. Our new world, our Kingdom, is built on love — the sacrificial love of a Savior who not only conquered death for us, but gave himself up to do so. Jesus is not only our rescuer (saves us FROM something), he is also our Savior (also saves us FOR something as well)!

JESUS

- Jehovah Nissi – the Lord our  Banner,

- Jehovah Rapha – the Lord our Healer.

God Promises Us a Refuge

“God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). What a great and simple promise! This does not imply that we huddle and are panic-stricken behind a protective wall. It pictures a person actively involved in life, for the psalmist says that God is ever present.” He goes with His people into the scene of suffering onto the platform of pain to sustain them in the midst of it.

Gold ordained moments

“‘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.'” -Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

God created every one of us to be successful. Before the foundations of the world, He laid out an exact plan for your life. In this plan, He has marked moments that are going to come across your path. These moments are not ordinary. They are destiny-altering moments. They are designed to thrust you years ahead.

It says in Ecclesiastes that “time and chance come together for every person.” That means you’ll have opportunities to meet the right people, opportunities to advance in your career, and opportunities to fulfill your dreams. God has already prearranged times of increase and blessing. You may not see a lot of good breaks right now, but be encouraged because there are seasons of favor and increase marked for your future!

Zechariah 8:21

The inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, "Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself am going."

Thoughts on This Verse....

This Messianic message from Zechariah anticipates the day of the LORD's redemption. Many different peoples, from all over the world, will come looking for the great mercy of God. God's people will have one key phrase on their hearts: "Let's go seek the presence of God. I'm going; why don't you join me?" As believers, we know Jesus has come, has died, and has been raised from the dead. We know Jesus is returning with salvation for all who truly know and follow him. Let's ask others to join us in going to the great celebration of grace and salvation at his return!

Mission Field

People who don't believe in missions have not read the New Testament. Right from the beginning Jesus said the field is the world. The early church took Him at His word and went East, West, North and South. -- J. Howard Edington

SIN

"If you will not have death unto sin, you shall have sin unto death. There is no alternative. If you do not die to sin, you shall die for sin. If you do not slay sin, sin will slay you."

Satan

"I do not think the devil cares how many churches you build, if only you have lukewarm preachers and people in them."

Thoughts 

. To love God is to obey God.

. Broken things become useful in God’s hands.

370 – Kinds of Sins committed and recorded in Scriptures

15

Mockery: Gen. 37:19, Prov. 17:5

16

Kidnapping: Gen. 37:27-28, 1 Tim. 1:10

17

Adultery: Gen. 38:13-18

18

Murmuring: Ex. 3:11, 5:19

19

Rebellion: Ex. 6:9, Num. 16

20

Bearing false witness: Ex. 20:16, Pr. 35:11

21

Idolatry: Ex. 32:1-6

22

Blasphemy: Lev. 24:10-23

23

Despising God: Num. 11:20

24

Breaking Sabbath: Num. 15:32-36

25

Provoking God: Dt. 9:7-8, 22,

 32:16-21

26

Covetousness: Josh.7

27

Robbery: Josh. 7:21, 1 Cor. 6:9

28

Forsaking God: Judg. 2:11-13

29

Rejection of God: Judg. 2:16-19

Examples of Sorrow

Bible study -

Examples of Sorrow

Cain: Punishment – Gen. 4:13-14

Hagar: Homelessness – Gen. 21:17

Israel: Bondage – Ex. 3:7-10

Jacob for Joseph – Gen. 37:34-35

Jacob for Benjamin – Gen. 43:14

Hannah: Barrenness – 1 Sam. 1:15

Saul: Rejected – 1 Sam.15:24, 30

David for Absalam – 2 Sam. 18:33 – 19:8

Mary and Martha – Jn. 11:19-40

Jesus – Isa. 53:3, Mt. 26:37-44

Judas: Betrayal – Mt. 27:3-5

The Corinthians – 2 Cor. 7:8-12

John 3:30

He must become greater; I must become less.

Thoughts on This Verse

For John the Baptist, this ultimate formula for greatness did not take many words. What's your formula? Paul told the Galatians that a similar formula was needed for them (Galatians 4:19). He told the Colossians that this is what he expended every ounce of his energy to have happen in the lives of Christians (Colossians 1:28-29). Paul told the Corinthians that this was what the Spirit was doing in their lives (2 Corinthians 3:18). So, don't you think that maybe this is the real formula for your life?

Proactive Mission

Enthusiasm:

Compelling vision and robust attitude gives vibrant enthusiasm in mission. Mission is not drudgery but an adventure of thrill and faith. The more a person is involved the more he or she is excited about it.
Such enthusiasm would burst forth even when a person is persecuted, as it was in the life of Paul who sang in prison (Acts 16) and rejoiced in prison writing the epistle to the Philippians. Challenges create more energy and enthusiasm along with faith. The challenge of Goliath gave new faith, enthusiasm and energy for David to face him and defeat him.

370 – Kinds of Sins committed and recorded in Scriptures.

1

Eating of tree of knowledge: Gen. 3

2

General wickedness: Gen. 6:5-7

3

Drunkenness: Gen. 9:21, 19:33-38, 1 Cor. 6:9, Gal. 5:19-21

4

Defiance of God: Gen. 11:1-9

5

Deceit: Gen. 12:12-13, 20:2, 26:7-8, 27:14-27

6

Hatred: Gen. 27:41, Gal. 5:20

7

Sodomy – homosexuality: Gen. 19 Rom. 1

8

Incest: Gen. 35:21-22, 1 Cor. 6

9

Taking advantage of others: Gen. 25:29-34, 27:35-36, 29:23-25

10

Lying: Gen. 26:7-8, 27:19-21

11

Jealousy: Gen. 31:1-2, 1 Sam. 18:8-11

12

Rape: Gen. 34:2, 2 Sam. 3

13

Plotting murder: Gen. 37:18-22

14

Envy: Gen. 37:11, Rom. 1:29, 2 Cor. 12:20

Closer to Christ

 God never intended God's boundaries to be less than the whole world. Therefore, none of us have a monopoly on God's love. We may feel like we do when we look down on someone different than we are, or when we snicker at someone's misfortune, or when we say, "Thank you, Lord, that I am not like them," or when we say, "It's too bad they do not believe as we believe."

But woe be unto us whenever we reek of such arrogance! For when we try to restrict God's grace to ourselves, we cut ourselves off from that very grace. Why? Pierre Teilhard de Chardin may have said it best, "It is impossible to love Christ without loving others, and it is impossible to love others without moving nearer to Christ."

Quotes from Billy Graham

- I haven't been faithful to my own advice in the past. I will in the future.

- It's no secret that in New York during the last 30 years there has been a tragic exodus from the churches into materialism, secularism and humanism.

- The Bible is clear - God's definition of marriage is between a man and a woman.

- When anyone has the power to destroy the whole human race in a matter of hours, it becomes a moral issue. The church must speak out.

Luke 5:31-32

Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Thoughts on This Verse....

Jesus was often criticized for deliberately associating with people who were suspect in the eyes of the "religious." There was a reason for his behavior. He wasn't doing this to be popular, weird, bizarre, or hip. Jesus came to redeem the enslaved, find the lost, mend the broken, and reclaim the sinner. Can Jesus' bodily presence strive for anything less than this today, and still call herself Jesus' Church?

Spiritual Quotes

"There is no way of belonging to Jesus Christ except by belonging gladly and irrevocably to the glorious ragbag of saints and fat-heads who make up the One, Holy and Universal Church!"

"Help us to help each other, Lord,|Each other's cross to bear,|Let each his friendly aid afford,|And feel his brother's care."

"They that know God will be humble; they that know themselves cannot be proud."

"Behind every saint stands another saint."

"The virtuous soul that is alone and without a master is like a lone burning coal; it will grow colder rather than hotter."

"The Bible knows nothing of solitary religion."

Open your mouth

Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it…” Psalm 81:10, NLT

Do you have your mouth open wide today? In other words, are you expecting God to fill you and increase you beyond measure? Are you ready for Him to satisfy your needs and desires with good things? Think about a baby bird. When they are ready to eat, they open their mouths wide. They trust that they will be fed. They expect it. They look for it. They are ready for it.

It should be the same way with us. We need to keep our spiritual mouths open by expecting the goodness of God to satisfy us. Negative thinking is like closing your mouth. A closed mouth can’t be filled. But Jesus is saying today, why don’t you take the limits off? Why don’t you trust and believe for supernatural opportunities?

That little bird waiting for food isn’t concerned about where the mother is going to get it from. It isn’t concerned about how she’s going to dig it up. No, that bird just opens its mouth, trusting and waiting. Why don’t you do the same today? Trust that God is working behind the scenes. Open your mouth wide today, you won’t be disappointed. God is faithful to His Word, and He will fill you and satisfy you when you put your trust in Him!

1 John 4:18

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.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Do you remember what Jesus said when he came walking on the water to his disciples during the storm? He literally told them, "Do not fear, I Am." In the presence of the holy and awesome Son of God, we don't have to be afraid. God's grace to us in Jesus takes away our need for fear because Jesus' sacrifice makes us holy, without fault, and free from any charge against us (Colossians 1:21-22).
Our response? Love! We love our Father for who he is, for what he has done, for his great sacrifice for us, and most of all, for making us holy and taking away our fear.

Heaven

"The Christian life is very much like climbing a hill of ice. You cannot slide up. You have to cut every step with an ice axe. Only with incessant labor in cutting and chipping can you make any progress. If you want to know how to backslide, leave off going forward. Cease going upward and you will go downward of necessity. You can never stand still."

Backsliding

"It is a good thing God chose me before I was born, because he surely would not have afterwards."

Fear

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:12-13

Assemble the people—men, women and children, and the foreigners residing in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law. Their children, who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

Joshua 4:24

He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.”

Joshua 8:1

Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land.

Joshua 10:8

The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.”

Joshua 10:25

Then Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.”

Joshua 22:24

But in fact we have done it for fear, for a reason, saying, ‘In time to come your descendants may speak to our descendants, saying, “What have you to do with the Lord God of Israel?

Joshua 24:14

“Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord!

Your story ends in victory.

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” - Psalm 139:16, NLT

Did you know that all of your days have already been written? God has already recorded every part of your life from the beginning to the end. He knows every disappointment, every loss and every challenge. The good news is that even though you’ve had some challenges, even though you’ve faced some setbacks, your story ends in victory. Your final chapter concludes with you fulfilling your God-given destiny and experiencing His eternal restoration.

Any time we face a disappointment in life or go through a loss, we have to remember that there’s another chapter in front of us. We can’t stop on that page, we have to keep moving forward. Instead of focusing on what didn’t work out, wondering why we went through a marriage that didn’t last, or why we didn’t get that position we worked so hard for, focus on the future. Let go of the past and press forward because your story ends in victory, and God will restore everything that has been stolen from you!

Galatians 6:7

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Thoughts on This Verse.

We're not going to fool God. While we might put up a facade for others, God knows our hearts. So, if we spend our wealth, time, and interest in other things and give God the crumbs, we need to know that we are not going to reap a bounteous spiritual harvest.

Spiritual thoughts 

Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God. William Carey

God uses ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary plan.

Resentment comes from looking at others; contentment comes from looking at God.

God remains faithful in every change.

Amos 5:14

Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is.

Thoughts on This Verse

Many illicit and evil groups have claimed to have God on their side. Horrific things have been done under the disguise of a "Christian" movement. Jesus, however, told us we could recognize people by their fruit. Those who seek good and abhor evil and those who practice justice and mercy are the ones who have God with them. Let's make sure our claim of God's presence is matched by the presence of God's character in our lives!

Gold ordained moments

“‘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.'” -Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

God created every one of us to be successful. Before the foundations of the world, He laid out an exact plan for your life. In this plan, He has marked moments that are going to come across your path. These moments are not ordinary. They are destiny-altering moments. They are designed to thrust you years ahead.

It says in Ecclesiastes that “time and chance come together for every person.” That means you’ll have opportunities to meet the right people, opportunities to advance in your career, and opportunities to fulfill your dreams. God has already prearranged times of increase and blessing. You may not see a lot of good breaks right now, but be encouraged because there are seasons of favor and increase marked for your future!

What Abraham Lincoln says about the Bible?

“But for this book we could not know right from wrong.”

“I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from The Savior of the world is communicated to us through this Book.”

Christian Fellowship

“Unity is necessary to the outpouring of the Spirit of God. If you have 120 volts of electricity coming into your house but you have broken wiring, you may turn on the switch, but nothing works – no lights come on, the stove doesn’t warm, the radio doesn’t turn on. Why?

Because you have broken wiring. The power is ready to do its work…, but where there is broken wiring, there is no power. Unity is necessary among the children of God if we are going to know the flow of power…to see God do His wonders.”  ~ A. W. Tozer

Matthew 5:28

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Living in a sexually supercharged world and facing the prevalence of pornography on the Internet and in today's media, how are you doing with this issue?

Thoughts 

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. Acts 16:31

Jesus understands.

Each small step of faith is a giant step of growth.

The God of more than enough

“…the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am Almighty God…” - Genesis 17:1, NKJV
Do you need more peace, joy, or provision in your life? We serve a God who is more than enough and He has more than enough! The original Hebrew word in this verse is El Shaddai which means “the All-Sufficient One” or the God of plenty. In other words, our God is more than enough! He’s not worried about how He’s going to meet your needs.

He’s not wondering how He’s going to provide for you; He’s already overflowing with everything you need in this life, and He longs to bless you. Do you know why? He wants to bless you abundantly so that you can turn around and be a blessing to other people. He wants you to be His reflection in the earth. Today, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Remember, you serve the Almighty God. He promises to supply all your needs because He is El Shaddai, the God of more than enough!

Think it over

Belief in Jesus's death and resurrection brings the assurance of life with Him forever.

Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story. Psalm 107:2

Brokenness can lead to wholeness

When life's struggles make you weary, find strength in the Lord.

When life knocks you down, you’re in the perfect position to pray!

Even when everything seems meaningless, God still has a purpose for your life.

Genesis 6:8

But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Reminds me of what God told Jesus at his baptism — "... in you I am well pleased!" Even in the middle of a culture steeped in sin in Noah's time, God could find the one heart loyal to him and use him and his family to be a blessing and provide the world a future. May we each be such a person in our day, in our job, in our school, in our neighborhood. Can you imagine the difference it would ultimately make if each of us decided to be a Noah?

Christian Living

“Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to them them.”

Joy

Joy comes from putting another’s needs ahead of our own.