How to Cry Out to God

“And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Matthew 14:29-30

When we cry out to God, He may remove the problem immediately, yet we often have to wait for His perfect timing. Harsh circumstances might even be allowed to remain for His good purposes.

But we can always count on His comfort and presence, which enable us to live with joy and hope.

Change Takes Time

“Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” Ephesians 4:24

Talk It Over:

Why do you think God wants to make changes in you over time and not just instantly
 How does the Holy Spirit work in your life? How have you seen him work in your life?
What role does a small group play in someone’s spiritual growth?

2 Chronicles 6:18

"But will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!"

Thoughts on This Verse....

As Solomon dedicated the Temple, he realized that this tremendous accomplishment of great beauty was far too insignificant and small to house the Creator of the Universe. But, God did choose to dwell with mortals. That is what the life of Jesus is about (John 1:11-18).

God is awesome and beyond description, far too holy to be expected to associate with flawed human beings. As God, however, he has chosen to love us and come and live with us so we can return to him and share in his glory.

Freedom through the Cross

Jesus’ death on the Cross was a great victory for us. Because God dealt with our sin on the Cross, it means that all the misery and suffering – which is a result of sin – was dealt with.

1. Freedom from Satan

Colossians 2:15

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Colossians 1:13

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

2. Freedom from Sin

Colossians 2:13

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,

3. Freedom from sickness

Matthew 8:17

This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”

4. Freedom from the Curse

Galatians 3:13

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Thoughts on This Verse....

What a powerful promise! If we are willing to generously share with others in the name of Jesus as the apostle Paul discusses in the previous two verses, we will have what we need and our lives will be full of good deeds that bring glory to God.

 So let's remind ourselves of one the very first lessons we should have learned as young children: share! Only this time, as children of God, let's share in the name of Jesus to bless others so they may come to his grace.

Results of Witnessing

Souls were added

Acts 2:40-41

And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”  So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Enriched in every way

1 Corinthians 1:5-6

That in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you

Stained as martyrs

Revelation 6:9

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne.

Acknowledged before the angels

Luke 12:8

And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God,

Acknowledged before the Father

Matthew 10:32

So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven,

Matthew 9:12

On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."

Thoughts on This Verse....

Why did Jesus associate with sinners? Because we need him to associate with us! What's the most crucial part of that truth: Jesus' desire to save or our recognition of our sinfulness? Of course the most crucial part is Jesus' desire to save because without him, recognizing our sinfulness would only lead to despair.

But without recognizing our need for his grace, his sacrifice for us is lost. So let's praise Jesus as our loving and sacrificial Savior, but let's also acknowledge our need for his merciful and mighty grace!

Ways of Witnessing

With God’s help

Acts 26:22

To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:

By the power of the Spirit

Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

With courage

Acts 23:11

The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

By suffering

Mark 13:9

But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them.

Telling the Lord’s mercy

Mark 5:19

And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

By convincing

Acts 28:23

When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

By devoting exclusively

Acts 18:5

When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus

By testifying the true grace

1 Peter 5:12

By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

Witnessing the light

John 1:8

He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
By shaking off the dust – if they don’t receive

Mark 6:11

And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”

Paul’s witnessing

1. Before Christ experiencing

Acts 26:10-11

And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. 

And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

2. At the Cross experience

Acts 26: 12-16

“In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.  At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun that shone around me and those who journeyed with me.  And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 

And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.  But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you,

3. In Christ experience

Acts 26:22-23

To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:  that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

1 Corinthians 9:14

In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

Thoughts on This Verse....

One of the great tragedies of our modern world is that while some who preach and teach the gospel are charlatans and cheats, the vast majority of God's servants work just barely scraping by financially. Why not find some underpaid and forgotten Kingdom servant and share a little of the blessings God has given you?

Why witnessing?

1. Command of our Lord

Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

2. Example of our Lord

1 Timothy 6:13

I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession,

3. Appointed to be so

Acts 26:16

But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you,

4. It is our experience

John 3:11

Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony.

5. Others might believe

John 1:7

He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.

6. As His companions

John 15:27

And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.

7. To confess our hope

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Refreshing Spring Rains

He will come to us like the . . . spring rains that water the earth.—Hosea 6:3

How do we relate to God? Do we seek Him mainly in times of trouble, searching for answers in our distress but ignoring Him during our seasons of celebration? Are we like the Israelites, easily swayed by the idols of our age, including such things as busyness, success, and influence?

Today, may we recommit ourselves to the Lord, who loves us as surely as the flowers bud in the spring.

Lord Jesus, You gave Yourself that we might be free. Help us to love You wholeheartedly.
Though we may be unfaithful to God, He will never turn from us.

1 Thessalonians 5:16

Be joyful always.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Now wait just a minute. I have some pretty sorry days! Things don't always go well for me! Some of my friends have abandoned me at my worst possible moments. How can I be joyful ALWAYS? "Simple, my child," the Father reminds me. "First, joy is more than always feeling happy, but is instead, a deep abiding sense of being in God's grace and purpose.

Second, no matter where you are, no matter how hopeless things may seem, your life is bound for glory — my glory!" In the light of this incredible truth, all other things seem bland, out of touch, and insignificant.

Proverbs 10:9

The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.

Thoughts on This Verse....

"Tell the truth the first time and then you won't have to remember what you said." That's a quote attributed to the famous Speaker of the House (U.S.A. House of Representatives) Sam Rayburn. That's basically what God's wisdom is trying to teach us in this passage. Be a person of integrity. Then, when someone finds out your secrets, you can feel secure knowing that you have lived for godliness. However, a perverse and deceitful person has to constantly worry that someone will find him out.

There is no security or assurance in crooked paths, only the certainty of getting tripped up and caught. When the secrets of evil that have been whispered in dark places get shouted from the rooftops, those who have lived for the Lord can be secure, knowing that what gets shouted about them is said with the voice of God: "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

The Lenten Season

- Reconsider the suffering and death of our Lord. He paid the price by lying down His life on the Cross voluntarily on behalf of each one of us.

- Resolve to celebrate Easter (on April 16th) with renewed joy and enthusiasm as we celebrate the victory of Jesus over sin, death and devil.

- Resolve to make changes in our life and in our family where necessary so that our life can reflect the victories life of Jesus.

Deuteronomy 3:27b-28

Look at the land with your own eyes, since you are not going to cross this Jordan. But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt and in the wilderness, but did not get to enter into the Promised Land because of his sin. Yet, for all those years, Moses nurtured and prepared the person who would do what he could not do.

That person was Joshua. Who are you training, molding, encouraging, motivating, and calling to do what you won't be able to do? What successor will take your dreams farther than you can? Who is your Joshua?

Journey in the Lent …

So when your days are dark, hold onto his nail-scarred hands. Press into his wounds. They are there to remind you that sometimes the answer to questions beyond your comprehension is a love too wonderful for words.

Galatians 5:22-23

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

Thoughts on This Verse....

Where the Holy Spirit lives, human character is changed and spiritual fruit can be seen. Certainly this maturity isn't found overnight! It is, however, noticeable over the long haul of life. What fruit is the Spirit bearing in your life? In what ways have you matured?

In what areas do you want the Spirit to exercise greater control? Why not take a moment and consciously yield those areas in which you struggle to him now, as you pray?

I Can't Remember

A few years ago, rumors spread that a certain Catholic woman was having visions of Jesus. The archbishop decided to check her out.

'Is it true, m'am, that you have visions of Jesus?' asked the cleric.

'Yes,' the woman replied.

'Well, the next time you have a vision, I want you to ask Jesus to tell you the sins that I confessed in my last confession. Please call me if anything happens.'

Ten days later the woman notified her spiritual leader of a recent apparition.

Within the hour the archbishop arrived. 'What did Jesus say?' he asked.

She took his hand and gazed deep into his eyes. 'Bishop,' she said, 'these are his exact words: I CAN'T REMEMBER. '

How to Cry Out to God

“And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Matthew 14:29-30

When we cry out to God, He may remove the problem immediately, yet we often have to wait for His perfect timing. Harsh circumstances might even be allowed to remain for His good purposes.

But we can always count on His comfort and presence, which enable us to live with joy and hope.

Change Takes Time

“Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” Ephesians 4:24

Talk It Over:

Why do you think God wants to make changes in you over time and not just instantly

 How does the Holy Spirit work in your life? How have you seen him work in your life?

What role does a small group play in someone’s spiritual growth?

'Equal Access'

He [Jesus] brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.

— Ephesians 2:17-18

Assured grace means equal access! Because of Jesus' sacrifice and because of the work of the Holy Spirit, we are all welcomed at the throne of grace regardless of gender, social standing, financial status, race, nationality, political affiliation, or any other differences.

This equal access brings a kind of peace that wars can't accomplish and diplomacy can't achieve. This status is a peace brought to us because Jesus paid the price for the peace and sent the Spirit to give us the assurance that we are loved and heard by the almighty God.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Thoughts on This Verse....

What do you use for your life's compass? No matter how insightful, wise, experienced, or knowledgeable we may be, only God can guide our steps properly. God asks us to trust him and his wisdom even when we can't immediately see the rationale behind it.

He wants us to recognize his presence, guidance, and grace in all we do. As we trust and as we acknowledge his presence, we suddenly realize that our paths are a lot straighter and our destinations are a lot a closer.

Luke 3:22

... the Holy Spirit descended on him [Jesus] in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

Thoughts on This Verse....

God spoke these wonderful words to his Son when Jesus was baptized. God feels the same about us when we follow our Savior's example and are baptized, too! Jesus pours out his Spirit on us (Titus 3:4-7) guaranteeing that we are God's children (cf. Ephesians 1:13-14).

No matter what Satan may do to make us doubt it (cf. Luke 4:3), we can confidently know that we are God's beloved children, with whom he is well pleased! Because of the Spirit, we can call God our Abba Father (Galatians 4:6) knowing that the Spirit intercedes for us making even our inexpressible thoughts known to our Father (Romans 8:26-27).

Bible Verses about Speaking - 2

Matthew 6:7

And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

Luke 12:3

Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

Psalm 105:1

Oh, give thanks to the Lord!
 Call upon His name;
 Make known His deeds among the peoples!

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turns away wrath,
  But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:22

Without counsel, plans go awry,
 But in the multitude of counselors they are established.

James 3:2

For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

Ecclesiastes 10:12

The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious,
 But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up;

Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning’s which cannot be uttered.

Romans 10:9

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Matthew 12:36

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment.

Proverbs 15:23

A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,
 And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!

Who should praise the Lord - 2

Psalm 135:1

Praise the Lord!
 Praise the name of the Lord;
 Praise Him, O you servants of the Lord!

All His angels.

Psalm 148:2

Praise Him, all His angels;
 Praise Him, all His hosts!

All nature.

Psalm 148:3-10

Praise Him, sun and the moon;
Praise Him, all you stars of light!
  Praise Him, you heavens of heavens,
 And you waters above the heavens!
  Let them praise the name of the Lord,
 For He commanded and they were created.
  He also established them forever and ever;
 He made a decree which shall not pass away.
  Praise the Lord from the earth,
 You great sea creatures and all the depths;
  Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
 Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;
  Mountains and all hills;
 Fruitful trees and all cedars;
  Beasts and all cattle;
 Creeping things and flying fowl;

Who should praise the Lord? - 1

The people of God.

Psalm 79:13

So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture,
 Will give You thanks forever;
 We will show forth Your praise to all generations.

The righteous.

Psalm 140:13

Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name;
 The upright shall dwell in Your presence.

The saints.

Psalm 145:10

All Your works shall praise You, O Lord,
 And Your saints shall bless You.

The redeemed.

Psalm 107:1-2

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
 For His mercy endures forever.
  Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
 Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,

Those who fear the Lord.

Psalm 22:23

You who fear the Lord, praise Him!
 All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him,
 And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!

Those who know and believe the truth.

1 Timothy 4:3

Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;

The Servants of God.

Psalm 113:1

Praise the Lord!
 Praise, O servants of the Lord,
 Praise the name of the Lord!

Psalm 134:1

Behold, bless the Lord,
 All you servants of the Lord,
 Who by night stand in the house of the Lord!

New relationship with God through the Cross

1. We become acceptable to God through the Cross

2 Corinthians 5:21

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

2. We receive forgiveness through the Cross

Colossians 1:13-14

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

3. We become members of God’s family through the Cross

Hebrews 2:11

For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren

Hebrews 2:13

And again:

  “I will put My trust in Him.” And again:
 “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”

John 1:12

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

Luke 3:8

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Grace is given to us as a free gift. It cannot be earned or merited. But salvation that does not move us out of our self-destructive and rebellious ways is counterfeit. Repentance is a life change. It is a realization that we have been going the wrong way on a one-way street. It is an acknowledgement that trying to guide our own lives is always going to end in disappointment, disaster, and death without Jesus being Lord of both our lips and our lives.
We know that God's grace is marvelous, but let's also learn that his will is gracious. As we do, we will change our behavior to reflect the character of the Father who sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins!

The Cross

When Jesus Christ was put to death by being nailed to a wooden cross, wicked people thought they were just executing a man who was disturbing their way of life. They did not realize that the Cross was planned by God, from the beginning of the world.

God Deals With All Sin

Through His son’s death on the Cross, the great Creator God was dealing with every person’s sin, suffering and sorrow. Jesus was dying in the place of every individual in the world. Receiving personally what he has done on the Cross, bring the answer to all our needs.

1. God reveals His power through the Cross:

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

2. God shows His love on the Cross:

Romans 5:8

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

3. God removed our sorrows on the Cross:

 Isaiah 53:4

Surely He has borne our grief’s
 And carried our sorrows;
 Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
 Smitten by God, and afflicted.

Quote

"Jesus is the yes to every promise of God." - William Barclay —

Proverbs 29:25

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

Jesus told us not to fear other human opponents (Lk. 12:4-5). When we try to please others, when we fear what others may say or do to us, we place ourselves in a position of great vulnerability. Our lives no longer remain our own. We become captive to what others think, want, or threaten. We are only to trust the LORD and reverence him. In God is our safety, both now, and forevermore.

Our response to God’s Mercy

1. To be merciful

Luke 6:36

Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

2. To love mercy

Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O man, what is good;
 And what does the Lord require of you
 But to do justly,
 To love mercy,
 And to walk humbly with your God?

3. To wait for the mercy

Jude 21

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

4. To offer our bodies to God

Romans 12:1

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

5. To glorify God

Romans 15:9

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:
  “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles,
 And sing to Your name.”

Habakkuk 2:14

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”

Thoughts on This Verse....

What a glorious day when this promise is fully realized! Let's make every effort and commit ourselves to the task of making our glorious God known to every nation, tribe, language, and people.

How God Speaks

God speaks to His people

Psalm 32:8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
 I will guide you with My eye.
God speaks with His people

1 John 1:3

That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

Go speaks through His people

Matthew 10:20

For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

1 John 3:1

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. – 1 John 3:1
Some gifts are too precious for words and too wonderful to fully appreciate. The greatest of these gifts is that we are God's children! We have been adopted into the Father's family! Jesus claims us as his younger siblings! Even though the world may not acknowledge this, that condition doesn't make it any less true. After all, the world didn't recognize its Creator when he became flesh and lived among the people he had made. God's Word, however, still proclaims the truth; we ARE the children of God!”

Jeremiah 2:28

“Where then are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them come if they can save you when you are in trouble! For you have as many gods as you have towns, O Judah.”

Thoughts on This Verse....

Let's focus on one simple concept today. Based on the allocation of our time, interest, lifestyle, expenditures of money, and speech, who or what is our god? Is it the Lord God?

Strong and Courageous?

Courage is not the absence of fear, but is a trust in God that gives us the strength to face and overcome our fears.

No matter what you may be facing in your life right now, I pray that the Lord is near and real to you, that you trust in faithfulness, that you will walk with him in obedience to his will, and that you act with the strength the Spirit inspires and the courage that faith instills. The LORD God, your Father in heaven, will never leave you or forsake you as you face your future as his child!

Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Friends, today as you go to your Churches – “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” – John 4:23-24

Amen

Quotes 

Forgive and give as if it were your last opportunity. 

Bitterness is the trap that snares the hunter. 

Don't quit. For if you do, you may miss the answer to your prayers. 

Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life. 

God’s goal is not to get what you want; it is get you what you need. 

Allowance

Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. (NLT) ( Ephesians 4:2 ) 

Have you been a little short lately on grace with your loved ones? When life gets busy and complications arise we all let our tempers flare.  However, the people we love in our lives deserve better.  Even if they are full of faults, extend patience by making allowance for them.

Thought

Salvation is the process that’s done, that’s secure, that no one can take away from you.  Sanctification is the lifelong process of being changed from one degree of glory to the next, growing in Christ, putting away the old, taking on the new.

Smile

Parenting is the ultimate form of discipleship.

Take me back to the old Paths,

Take me back to the old Paths,
when Moms were at home.
Dads were at work.
Brothers went into the army.
And sisters got married BEFORE having  children!
Crime did not pay;
Hard work did;
And people knew the difference.

Moms could cook;
Dads would work;
Children would behave...
Husbands were loving; Wives were supportive; and children were polite.

People loved the truth,
and hated a lie;
They came to church to get IN, Not to get OUT!

Hymns sounded Godly; Sermons sounded helpful;
Rejoicing sounded normal; and crying sounded sincere.
Cursing was wicked; Drinking was evil; and divorce was unthinkable.

We read the Bible in public; Prayed in school;
And preached from house to house.
To be called a Christian was worth living for;
To be called a traitor was a shame!

Sex was a personal word. Homosexual was an unheard of word,
And abortion was an illegal word.

Preachers preached because they had a message;
and
Christians rejoiced because they had the VICTORY!

Preachers preached from the Bible;
Singers sang from the heart;
Sinners turned to the Lord to be SAVED!

A new birth meant a new life; Salvation meant a changed life;
Following Christ led to eternal life.

Being a preacher meant you proclaimed the word of God;

Being a deacon meant you would serve the Lord;

Being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus;

And being a sinner meant someone was praying for you!

Laws were based on the Bible;
Homes read the Bible;
And churches taught the Bible.

Preachers were more interested in new converts than new clothes and new cars.

Church was where you found Christians on the Lord's day,
rather than in the park,
on the creek bank,
 on the golf course,
or being entertained somewhere else.

Give me that old time !
'Tis good enough for me!
 I still like the "Old Paths" best!
Jeremiah 6:16.

  Save a soul today.

Healing – God’s Word - 5

James 5:14-15

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

1 Peter 2:24

who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

1 John 5:14-15

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

Isaiah 43:25-26

Even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake;
 And I will not remember your sins.
  Put Me in remembrance;
 Let us contend together;
 State your case, that you may be acquitted.

2 Timothy 1:7

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

Psalms 118:17

I shall not die, but live,
 And declare the works of the Lord.

Galatians 6:2

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Thoughts on This Verse....

"I didn't know Jesus had a law!" Well, he doesn't have a written one like we find in the Old Testament (2 Corinthians 3). No, his is Spirit-imprinted on our hearts and transforms our character. This law gives us liberty from written law (James 2:12-17) and emphasizes the undergirding principle that guided Jesus' life — sacrifice and service for others (Philippians 2:5-11). Far more than a written law, this is a passion for Christ and a commitment to be like him.

Healing – God’s Word - 4

Mark 11:24

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

Nahum 1:9

What do you conspire against the Lord?
 He will make an utter end of it.
 Affliction will not rise up a second time.

John 9:31

Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.

John 10:10

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful

Hebrews 10:35

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.

Joel 3:10

Beat your plowshares into swords
 And your pruning hooks into spears;
 Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’ ”

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever

3 John 1:2

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Healing – God’s Word - 3

Jeremiah 30:17

For I will restore health to you
 And heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord,
 ‘Because they called you an outcast saying:
 “This is Zion;
 No one seeks her.” ’

Deuteronomy 30:19

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

Philippians 2:13

For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Psalms 91:16

With long life I will satisfy him,
 And show him My salvation.”

Isaiah 53:5

But He was wounded for our transgressions,
 He was bruised for our iniquities;
 The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
 And by His stripes we are healed.

Matthew 18:18

“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

Matthew 18:19

Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

Mark 11:22-23

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

Healing – God’s Word - 2

Deuteronomy 7:15

And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt which you have known, but will lay them on all those who hate you.

Proverbs 4:20-22

My son, give attention to my words;
 Incline your ear to my sayings.
  Do not let them depart from your eyes;
 Keep them in the midst of your heart;
  For they are life to those who find them,
 And health to all their flesh.

Malachi 3:10

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
 That there may be food in My house,
 And try Me now in this,”
 Says the Lord of hosts,
 “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
 And pour out for you such blessing
 That there will not be room enough to receive it.

Psalms 107:20

He sent His word and healed them,
 And delivered them from their destructions.

Ephesians 6:10-13

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Healing – God’s Word - 1

Exodus 23:25

“So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.

Revelation 12:11

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Psalms 103:15

As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

Joshua 21:45

Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.

Mark 16:17-18

And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

Matthew 8:2-3

And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”

   Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Exodus 15:26

And said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.”

What is a Spiritual Church?

1 Corinthians 1:7

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

1 Corinthians 14:12

Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal.

For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?

1 Peter 2:2

As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

Ephesians 4:4-6

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

John 4:23-24

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

1 Corinthians 14:15

What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding

Acts 4:32-33

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

James 1:27

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Ephesians 4:11-12

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

1 Peter 2:5

You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9  

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

Immaturity

You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? – 1 Corinthians 3:3

The Corinthians boasted in their wisdom, giftedness, and tolerance. But, no matter how gifted a church, no matter how full of earthly wisdom, no matter how tolerant, if the people of that church are caught up in petty arguments, cliquishness and ugly quarrels, they are immature.

Rather than being a place where Christ is known and shown, their meetings are no more than just a gathering of "mere humans. “We are recreated in Christ to be more!

Repentance 

Be not afraid, O land; be glad and rejoice. Surely the LORD has done great things. – Joel 2:21

This reassurance from God is given to a people facing desperate times, which were brought on by God to lead them to repent. Their land lies desolate and decimated from drought, plagues, and poor harvests. God, however, is now promising to bless them if they will return to him with all their hearts.

The LORD, the covenant God of Israel, will do great things to bring his people to deliverance through their repentance and his gracious power. The land can rejoice and be glad. So should his people! So should we! Because of Jesus, we know that "the LORD has done great things" for us!

Change of heart

In those days John the Baptist came ... saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." – Matthew 3:1-2
These words sound strange in a world that is afraid to tell the truth about sin, wickedness, and evil. Yet every lost person desperately needs to repent — to change his or her heart and life, seek after God, and live for Jesus as Lord. Yes, salvation is given to us by God's incredible grace.

On the other hand, grace that leaves us unchanged is not true grace. Grace not only forgives us through Jesus' sacrificial death on the Cross, but it also liberates us from the empty and destructive life without God and his guidance.

Christ, our Spiritual Rock

1 Corinthians 10:4

And all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.

The Rock of Redemption

2 Samuel 22:47

“The Lord lives!
 Blessed be my Rock!
 Let God be exalted,

 The Rock of my salvation!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Hebrews 13:12

Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.

The Rock of Restoration

Isaiah 32:2

A man will be as a hiding place from the wind,
 And a cover from the tempest,
 As rivers of water in a dry place,
 As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

Psalm 37:7

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
 Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
 Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

Psalm 23:3

He restores my soul;
 He leads me in the paths of righteousness
 For His name's sake.

The Rock of Resolution

Psalm 40:2

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
 Out of the miry clay,
 And set my feet upon a rock,
 And established my steps.

1 Peter 5:10

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

The Rock of Rejoicing

Isaiah 42:11

Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voice,
The villages that Kedar inhabits.
Let the inhabitants of Sela sing,
Let them shout from the top of the mountains.

Psalm 37:4

Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Results of Fasting

1. Meekness

So it was, when Ahab heard those words, that he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his body, and fasted and lay in sackcloth, and went about mourning.

2. Humility

1 Kings 21:29

See how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity in his days. In the days of his son I will bring the calamity on his house.”

3. Repentance

Jonah 3:7

And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water.

Jonah 3:10

Then God saw their works that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.

4. Destruction averted

Jonah 3:10

Then God saw their works that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.

5. Help from the LORD

2 Chronicles 20:3-4

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.

6. Sent for Ministry

Acts 13:3

Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

7. Received the Word

Exodus 34:28

So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.

How to Fast?

1. Fast personally

Deuteronomy 9:18

And I fell down before the Lord, as at the first, forty days and forty nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water, because of all your sin which you committed in doing wickedly in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger.

2. As a Church

Acts 14:23

So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed

3. Led by the Spirit

Luke 4:1-2

Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.

4. Prayerfully in Fasting

Daniel 9:3-4

Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. And I prayed to the Lord my God, and made confession, and said, “O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments,

5. With the Word and with confession

Nehemiah 9:1

Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, in sackcloth, and with dust on their heads.

Nehemiah 9:3

And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for one-fourth of the day; and for another fourth they confessed and worshiped the Lord their God.

6. With Repentance

Joel 2:12

“Now, therefore,” says the Lord,
“Turn to Me with all your heart,
With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”

7. Wholeheartedly

Joe“Now, therefore,” says the Lord,
“Turn to Me with all your heart,
With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”l 2:12

8. Fast secretly

Matthew 6:17-18

But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

9. With humility

Psalm 35:13

But as for me, when they were sick,
 My clothing was sackcloth;
 I humbled myself with fasting;
 And my prayer would return to my own heart.

Fidelity

1 Samuel 3:19-21

So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the Lord. Then the Lord appeared again in Shiloh. For the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.
God gave His message to Samuel because He knew Samuel was faithful. The lad was accustomed to being alert to Eli’s voice and to obeying immediately, so when God spoke, Samuel was ready. Being faithful in a few small things prepares you for bigger things (Matt. 25:21).

Hearing the voice of God did not keep Samuel from doing the work of God (v.15); he went right back to the old tasks. The nation would now listen to Samuel’s words, for they knew he was God’s spokesman.

Our Mediator 

But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs [Those who served as priests in Old Testament times.] as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better
promises. - Hebrews 8:6

The Old Testament is a beautiful covenant of love, as God redeems fallen mankind and sets in motion his plan of grace to bring us to Jesus. But as powerful as that old covenant was, we have come to a superior covenant because the mediator of this new covenant is Jesus, who is the perfect sacrifice and guarantor of God's great promises.

God’s Promise

In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. - Exodus 15:13

As a minister, I am privileged to be present at many of the most important events in people's lives. Good or bad, to be there at the crossroads of life is a sacred trust. In those moments that are hardest, dying and death, verses like this one fill my heart with strength and remind me why I answered a call to serve in waters way above my head. God's promise here is a great reminder that what he began when he redeemed his people out of Egypt, he would also complete by bringing them into the Promised Land.

Now, we can hear a more powerful promise behind these words. We can find it even more reasonable to trust them. God did what he said for Israel. Since he did for them, can't we say with confidence, "I know you will guide us to your holy dwelling?"

Is foot washing an ordinance?

Genesis 18:4

Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.

Genesis 19:2

And he said, “Here now, my lords, please turn in to your servant's house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.”

  And they said, “No, but we will spend the night in the open square.”

Genesis 24:31-32

And he said, “Come in, O blessed of the Lord! Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels.”

   Then the man came to the house. And he unloaded the camels, and provided straw and feed for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him.

Genesis 43:23-24

But he said, “Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.
   So the man brought the men into Joseph's house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys feed.

Luke 7:44

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

John 13:14

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.

Galatians 5:13

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

Romans 16:16

Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

1 Corinthians 16:20

All the brethren greet you.
  Greet one another with a holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12

Greet one another with a holy kiss.

1 Thessalonians 5:26

Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

1 Peter 5:14

Greet one another with a kiss of love.
  Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Luke 7:44-45

Read John 13:1-15

Be your own Boss

Hebrews 13:9

Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

Discipline your Devotions

Matthew 6:33

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

Discipline your Doubts

Matthews 21:21

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.

Discipline your Desires

Colossians 3:2

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Discipline your Duties

1 John 3:22

And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

Romans 1:6

Among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

God is Calling You and Me

If ever there was an hour in history with potential for maximum world harvest, it is now. If ever there was a time when Christ’s imminent return give a sense of urgency to missions and to prayer, it is now. If ever there was a time when a Christian who cannot go to the mission field for personal service could yet have a worldwide role through prayer, it is now.

If evangelical believers supporting the various missionary societies, missionary radio, and evangelistic teams could ever block the power of Satan and prepare the way of the Lord by prayer, it is now. Let us all issue the call to prayer more clearly. Let us all join our prayers with the believing prayers of others who share the same commitment to the Lord, to world harvest now, and to Spirit-born revival now. This is the day the Lord has made, the day God has been preparing for us as His co-laborers.

Which is the Bridal Church? - 2

Ephesians 5:30

For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.

Ephesians 5:32

This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Revelation 19:7

Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”

Revelation 21:2

Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Revelation 21:9.

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife.”

2 Corinthians 11:2

For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Ephesians 5:25-27

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

1 Peter 2:5

You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Which is the Bridal Church? - 1

Colossians 1:13

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

1 Corinthians 11:12-13

For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.
   Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?

Hebrews 12:23

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Hebrews 12:10-13

For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

    Renew Your Spiritual Vitality

    Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

Acts 2:47

Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Hebrews 12:22-24

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

1 Corinthians 12:27

Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

Divine Guide

Begone unbelief, my Savior is near,
And for my relief will surely appear;
By prayer let me wrestle and He will perform;
With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm.
Though dark be my way, since He is my guide
‘Tis mine to obey, ‘it’s His provide;
Though cisterns be broken and creatures all fall,
The word He hath spoken shall surely prevail.
-John Newton

Temptation

Let no man think himself to be holy because he is not tempted, for the holiest and highest in life have the most temptations. How much higher the hill is, so much is the wind there greater; so how much higher the life is, so much the stronger is the temptation of the enemy.
-John Wycliffe

Revenge

In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but passing it over, he is superior.
-Francis Bacon

Quotes

. There is no better evangelist in the world than the Holy Spirit.

. Lying covers a multitude of sins – temporarily.

-Dwight L. Moody

. The golden rule for understanding in spiritual matters is not intellect, but obedience. – Oswald Chambers

. A theology without spirituality would be a sterile academic exercise. – John Macquarrie

Why we are all sinners today?

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, all of us have sinned. Today, all this is happening because of our self-pride and we are lacking humility.

Why Fasting?

1. It’s God’s command

Joel 1:2

Hear this, you elders,
 And give ear, all you inhabitants of the land!
 Has anything like this happened in your days,
 Or even in the days of your fathers?

2. God has chosen

Isaiah 58:6

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
 To loose the bonds of wickedness,
 To undo the heavy burdens,
 To let the oppressed go free,
 And that you break every yoke?

3. Example of Jesus

Matthew 4:2

And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.

4. Example of the church

Acts 14:23

So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

5. To pray with

Daniel 9:3

Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.

6. To worship God

Luke 2:37

And this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

7. For the leading of the Spirit

Acts 13:2

As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Types of Fasting

1. Absolute Fast

Acts 9:9

And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

2. Normal Fast

Luke 4:2

Being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.

3. Partial Fast

Daniel 10:3

I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

4. Spiritual Fast

Isaiah 58:6

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
 To loose the bonds of wickedness,
 To undo the heavy burdens,
 To let the oppressed go free,
 And that you break every yoke?

5. Hypocritical Fast

Matthew 6:16

“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward

6. Pharisaical Fast

Luke 18:11-12

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’

7. Real Fast

Matthew 6:18

So that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Defeating Negativism

By your decision

Deuteronomy 30:19

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

Genesis 50:20

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

By your devotion

Psalm 119:11

Your word I have hidden in my heart,
 That I might not sin against You.

Luke 18:1

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,

By your diligence

Proverbs 11:27

He who earnestly seeks good finds favor,
 But trouble will come to him who seeks evil.

Proverbs 11:30

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
 And he who wins souls is wise.

By His direction

Psalm 32:8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

 I will guide you with My eye.

2 Corinthians 6:1

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

Proverbs 3:6

In all your ways acknowledge Him,
 And He shall direct your paths.

Ways to receive God’s Mercy

1. By being merciful

Matthew 5:7

Blessed are the merciful,
 For they shall obtain mercy.

2. By pleading for mercy

Psalm 51:1

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

3. By approaching God’s throne

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

4. By renouncing sin

Proverbs 28:13

He who covers his sins will not prosper,
 But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

5. By following the new creation

Galatians 6:15

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Galatians 6:18

Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

 Spiritual Thoughts

. Never call it quits in pursuing Jesus.

. Our greatest hope comes from trusting God.

. Commitment to Christ is a daily calling.

Amazing Grace

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Redeems from Sin

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Relives our Fears

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Reassures through Danger

Psalm 91:11

For He shall give His angels charge over you,

 To keep you in all your ways.

Psalm 91:14-16

Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
 I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
  He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
 I will be with him in trouble;
 I will deliver him and honor him.
  With long life I will satisfy him,
 And show him My salvation.”

Rewards Eternally

1 Peter 1:13

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

John 14:1-3

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.