Things Righteousness Compared To - 2

>Trees

Psalm 1:3

That person is like a tree  planted by streams  of water, which yields its fruit  in season and whose leaf  does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

Psalm 52:8

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust  in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.

Jeremiah 17:8

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Hosea 14:6

his young shoots will grow. His splendour will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.

> City on a Hill

Matthew 5:14

“You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

>Wheat

Matthew 3:12

His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Matthew 13:39

>Salt

Matthew 5:13

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

Thought 

Abe, I’m going to leave you now and I shall not return.  I want you to be kind to your mother and live as I have taught you.  Love your heavenly Father and keep his commandments. - Thomas Lincoln’s last words to nine-year-old son Abraham Lincoln

Warning to Christians

(Warning to Christians to enter into rest  by faith and not by observing someday)

Colossians 2:14-17

 by cancelling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.  He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
 Let No One Disqualify You
 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.  These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
Galatians 4:9-10
But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?  You observe days and months and seasons and years!

Romans 14:5-6

One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.  The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.

Romans 14:13

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.

It is so easy to be judgmental of others. We don't know their struggles. We don't know their situation. Most of all, we don't know their hearts. When we are judgmental, we erect a barrier between others and ourselves. We often spread that judgmental impression to others in gossip. Our stubborness to only view them with a judgemental spirit erects a barrier, a stumbling block, that can cause them to become discouraged and stumble.

Thoughts 

The only certainties that don’t break down are those acquired in prayer. - Reinhold Schneider

Example of whole heartedness

Caleb

Numbers 14:24

But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.

Prayer 

. Lord, remind me of Your truth the instant I need it. Help me to make a habit of being in Your truth on a regular basis, so its principles become like second nature to me. And help me to act righteously in everything I do, so I can bring You great glory. Satan and his forces are out to get me. Enlarge my faith so that Your protection is big enough to cover me completely. Let it be wide enough and thick enough for me to win my battles for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

2 Timothy 1:12

I am suffering ... Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. —

As Paul faced very difficult circumstances near the end of his life, many of those he had led to the Lord abandoned him. But he was confident that the Lord would not abandon him! He had committed his life to Jesus as Lord. That Lord would ensure that the investment Paul had made would not be wasted. His life, his future, and his eternal destiny were entrusted to the Lord. He was confident that they were also secure in the Lord. He believed with every fiber of his being that on a special day known only to God, Jesus will return and every knee will bow and Paul's faith in the Lord will be joyously validated.

Three blessings of right living

Proverbs 21:21

He who follows righteousness and mercy
 Finds life, righteousness and honor.

Quotes 

.. A heart out of tune, out of sync with God’s heart, will produce a life of spiritual barrenness and missed opportunities. - Jim Cymbala

.. Jesus gives us the ultimate rest, the confidence we need, to escape the frustration and chaos of the world around us. - Billy Graham

.. Struggling with God over the issues of life doesn’t show a lack of faith–that is faith. - Lee Strobel

Things Righteousness Compared To -

> The Sun

Judges 5:31

“So may all your enemies perish,  Lord! But may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” Then the land had peace  forty years.

Matthew 13:43

Then the righteous will shine like the sun  in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

> The Stars

Daniel 12:3

Those who are wise  will shine  like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness,  like the stars for ever and ever.

>The Lights

Matthew 5:14

“You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Philippians 2:15

so that you may become blameless  and pure, “children of God  without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”  Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

>Mount Zion

Psalm 125:1-2

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken  but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds  his people both now and forevermore.

>Lively Stones

1 Peter 2:5

you also, like living stones, are being built  into a spiritual house  to be a holy priesthood,  offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Thought 

There’s nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child. - Frank A. Clark

How to detect the wicked

Proverbs 19:28

A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.

Two prepared things

Proverbs 19:29

Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

Three great facts

Proverbs 20:1

Wine  is a mocker  and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray  by them is not wise.

Two things to fear

Proverbs 20:2

A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.

True honor and dishor

Proverbs 20:3

It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool  is quick to quarrel.

Why some men beg

Proverbs 20:4

Sluggards  do not plow in season;so at harvest time they look but find nothing.

Romans 12:9

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. —

Our love cannot be feigned, faked, or fickle! That means that we abhor things that are evil. We not only stay away from them, but we disdain them. At the same time, we commit ourselves to lovingly drawing closer to goodness and righteousness. In our intentions, there are no shades of gray, only a passionate desire for what is right, good, and holy.

All Men are Equal

Ezekiel 18:3-4

“As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, you will no longer quote this proverb  in Israel.   For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child—both alike belong to me. The one who sins  is the one who will die.

Ezekiel 18:25-28

“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’  Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust?  Is it not your ways that are unjust?   If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will die for it; because of the sin they have committed they will die.  

But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life.    Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die.

River of the Sanctuary

Zechariah 14:8-9

On that day living water  will flow  out from Jerusalem, half of it east  to the Dead Sea and half of it west to the Mediterranean Sea, in summer and in winter.

    The Lord will be king  over the whole earth.  On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.

Revelation 22:1-2

Then the angel showed me the river  of the water of life,  as clear as crystal,  flowing  from the throne of God and of the Lamb   down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life,  bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Jude 24-25

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. —

 Two things I trust implicitly: 1) God's power and might, and 2) my joy at getting to share in his presence. My best efforts will always fall short, but God's grace is greater and more glorious than my best efforts! The faultlessness that I have when I stand before him is based on his grace and mercy. How can I not praise him from a thankful heart and anticipate seeing him face to face in glory?

Vital Godliness - 2

It’s pattern and sources in Christ ..

Hebrews 5:7

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions  with fervent cries and tears  to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard  because of his reverent submission.

It’s treatment by the world ..

2 Timothy 3:12

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

It’s pursuit by believers ..

1 Timothy 4:7

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;  rather, train yourself to be godly.

1 Timothy 6:11

But you, man of God,  flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness,  faith, love,  endurance and gentleness.

It’s importance in view of Eternity ..

2 Peter 3:11

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives

2 Corinthians 5:17

If  anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

We all like "do-overs" or second chances. God does much better than that! He allows us to become new again. Being the "God of new things" he can even make us new. Beyond forgiveness, beyond cleansing, he makes us holy through Jesus. Let's use the opportunity of a New Year as a springboard for living a life fresh and new and alive for God!

Bible Promises

. 1 Peter 1:3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

We are to love One Another

. As commanded by Jesus

John 13:34-35

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 15:12

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

John 15:17

These things I command you, that you love one another.

. As taught by Paul

Romans 13:8

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

1 Thessalonians 4:9

But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;

. As instructed by Peter

1 Peter 1:22

Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart

. As stressed by John

1 John 3:11

For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,

1 John 3:23

And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

1 John 4:7

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:11-12

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

    Seeing God Through Love

    No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us

Vital Godliness - 1

It’s lack in the world ..

Psalm 12:1-8

Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore;
 those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.
    Everyone lies  to their neighbor;
 they flatter with their lips
 but harbor deception in their hearts.
    May the Lord silence all flattering lips
 and every boastful tongue—
    those who say,
 “By our tongues we will prevail;
 our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”
    “Because the poor are plundered  and the needy groan,
 I will now arise, ” says the Lord.
 “I will protect them  from those who malign them.”
    And the words of the Lord are flawless,
 like silver purified  in a crucible,
 like gold refined seven times.
    You, Lord, will keep the needy safe
 and will protect us forever from the wicked,
    who freely strut  about
 when what is vile is honored by the human race.
It’s need among the worldly ..
It’s pattern and sources in Christ ..

1 Timothy 3:16
Beyond all question, the mystery  from which true godliness  springs is great:
  He appeared in the flesh,
 was vindicated by the Spirit,
 was seen by angels,
 was preached among the nations,
 was believed on in the world,
 was taken up in glory.

The beginning, not the end of all wisdom

Proverbs :1:29

since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord.

Proverbs 2:5

then you will understand the fear of the Lord  and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 8:13

To fear the Lord  is to hate evil; I hate  pride and arrogance, evil behaviour and perverse speech.

Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the Lord  is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One  is understanding.

Proverbs 10:27

The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

Proverbs 14:26-27

Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life turning a person from thsnares of death.

Proverbs 15:16


Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.

Proverbs 15:33

Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honour.

Proverbs 16:6

Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord  evil is avoided.

Proverbs 19:23

The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Proverbs 22:4

Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honour  and life.

Proverbs 23:17

Do not let your heart envy  sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

Aloud – 3

. Shouted

Ezra 3:12

But many of the priests and Levites and heads of the fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this temple was laid before their eyes. Yet many shouted aloud for joy,

Psalm 132:16

I will also clothe her priests with salvation,
 And her saints shall shout aloud for joy.

. Sing

Psalm 51:14

Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
 The God of my salvation,
 And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.

Psalm 59:16

But I will sing of Your power;
 Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;
 For You have been my defense
 And refuge in the day of my trouble

Psalm81:1

Sing aloud to God our strength;
 Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob.

Psalm 149:5

. Pray

Psalm 55:17

Evening and morning and at noon
 I will pray, and cry aloud,
 And He shall hear my voice.

Aloud – 2

. Cried

Micah 4:9

Now why do you cry aloud?

 Is there no king in your midst?

 Has your counselor perished?

 For pangs have seized you like a woman in labor.

Mark 15:8

Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them.

Isaiah 24:14

They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing;

 For the majesty of the Lord

 They shall cry aloud from the sea.

Isaiah 54:1

Sing, O barren,

   You who have not borne!

 Break forth into singing, and cry aloud,

 You who have not labored with child!

 For more are the children of the desolate

 Than the children of the married woman,” says the Lord.

Isaiah 58:1

“Cry aloud, spare not;

   Lift up your voice like a trumpet;

 Tell My people their transgression,

 And the house of Jacob their sins.

Aloud - 1

. Wept

Genesis 45:2

And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it.

. Cried

1 King 18:27-28

And so it was, at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, “Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them.

Job 19:7

“If I cry out concerning wrong, I am not heard.
 If I cry aloud, there is no justice.

Daniel 3:4

Then a herald cried aloud: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,

Daniel 4:15

Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth,
 Bound with a band of iron and bronze,
 In the tender grass of the field.
 Let it be wet with the dew of heaven,
 And let him graze with the beasts
 On the grass of the earth.

Daniel 5:7

The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke, saying to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing, and tells me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck; and he shall be the third ruler in the kingdom

Hosea 5:8

“Blow the ram's horn in Gibeah,
 The trumpet in Ramah!
 Cry aloud at Beth Aven,
 ‘Look behind you, O Benjamin!’
  Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke;

Prepare the Way' - Mark 1:1-3

Where does the Gospel actually begin? Where does God's good news originate? Matthew and Luke begin their accounts of Jesus' life with the stories surrounding his birth. John begins with the creation of the world where the Son of God was not only present, but also did the creating. Mark, with his focus on good news, chooses to begin a different place. If folks are going to be open to the good news of God, then someone is going to have to be a servant and prepare the way for Jesus to come and for his word to be heard. In many ways, the good news always begins in this place.

The real question is whether we are willing to be used as servants like John the Baptist—who is introduced in the next verse—and prepare the way for Jesus' good news to be heard by our friends.

Daily Bible Promises . 

. Job 19:25

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

. Luke 2:14

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

Turn from your Sins - Mark 1:4

Have I come to God to receive his forgiveness and grace?
Have I truly turned to God and away from sin?
To whom will I be God's messenger?

Thought 

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

Evangelism

"While women weep, as they do now, I'll fight; while children go hungry, as they do now I'll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I'll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll fight - I'll fight to the very end!" - William Booth

Two kinds of Planning

Proverbs 14:22

Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

Sixteen contrasted classes

Proverbs 14:14-21

The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,
 and the good rewarded for theirs.
    The simple believe anything,
 but the prudent give thought to their steps.
    The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,
 but a fool  is hot-headed and yet feels secure.
    A quick-tempered person  does foolish things,
 and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
    The simple inherit folly,
 but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
    Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good,
 and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
    The poor are shunned even by their neighbours,
 but the rich have many friends.
    It is a sin to despise one’s neighbour,
 but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.

Law of Poverty

Proverbs 14:23

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Thought

As light increases we see ourselves to be worse than we thought. - Francis Fenelon

Smallest Services Rewarded

Matthew 12:36

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

Matthew 16:27

For the Son of Man  is going to come  in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.

Romans 14:10

You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt?  For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.

1 Corinthians 3:11

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us  for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Questions in 1 Kings

~ Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar? – 1 Kings 4:1

~ Comest thou peaceably? – 1 Kings 2:13

~ Why dost thou ask Abishag the shunammite for Adonijah – 1 Kings 2:22

~ Did I not make thee to swear by the Lord, and protested unto thee, saying know for a certain, on the day thou,  goest out, and walkest abroad and whither, that thou shall surely die? – 1 Kings 2:42

1 John 3:8

He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. —

Two simple truths: 1) The person who continues to live a life caught up in sin is of the devil. 2) The Son of God came to destroy all that the devil stands for. So, I guess the issue isn't as complex as we sometimes make it, which leads me to a final thought: Who are we going to side with in this heavenly war?

Satan – Means of Deceptions

. Through the Believers

1 Timothy 4:1

The Spirit  clearly says that in later times  some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits  and things taught by demons.

. Through the Teachers

1 Timothy 4:2

Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

. Through the Demons

1 Timothy 4:1

The Spirit  clearly says that in later times  some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits  and things taught by demons.

. Through the Teachings

1 Timothy 4:2

Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

. Through the Falsehood

1 Kings 22:22

“‘By what means?’ the Lord asked.

“‘I will go out and be a deceiving spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,’ he said.
“‘You will succeed in enticing him,’ said the Lord. ‘Go and do it.’

Hebrews 12:29

For our God is a consuming fire. —

We should worship God with reverence because he is a consuming fire! Mmm. What does that mean? Is the focus on his holiness? Does this warn of judgment? Is this an expression of his purity? Yes, YES, YES! You see, God is holy and pure and righteous. Our imperfections, flaws, failures, and sins stand out glaringly in comparison to his perfection.

Yet rather than destroying us with his holy fire. He can make us new and clean and more than what we once were. So not only can we draw near to him because of Jesus, we can stay near him as we live Jesus' life in our world (see Hebrews 13). That, dear friend, is reverential worship at its finest!

Receive One Another

Romans 15:7

Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.

For Fruitfulness

John 15:4-5

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
   “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

To Hear – Discipleship

Ecclesiastes 5:1

Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.

Jesus, the Savior – For Me

Matthew 1:21

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

In the love of Christ

John 15:9

As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
My soul – thirsteth – Desire
O God, You are my God;
 Early will I seek You;
 My soul thirsts for You;
 My flesh longs for You
 In a dry and thirsty land
 Where there is no water.

How to appease anger

Proverbs 21:14

A gift in secret pacifies anger,
 And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.

Luke 2:6-7

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. —

Jesus entered our world in the most normal of ways for a child: the time came, his mother gave birth, he was wrapped in soft cloth, and placed in a crib. Only this was the Son of God who was born. His crib was a corncrib where animals ate, not a baby's crib. His room was a stable because there was no room for him. It wasn't just normal; it was common, even below average conditions for his birth. Can you imagine? The Holy God who created everything enters our world as a baby to share our way of life as one of us. Why? He loves us and wants us to come home to him. Incredible! Incredible story. Incredible love. Incredible God!

Thoughts 

. Believe in the Lord, and He will do half the work–the last half. - Cyrus Curtis

. God is our true Friend, who always gives us the counsel and comfort we need.  Our danger lies in resisting Him; so it is essential that we acquire the habit of hearkening to His voice, or keeping silence within, and listening so as to lose nothing of what He says to us. 

We know well enough how to keep outward silence, and to hush our spoken words, but we know little of interior silence.  It consists in hushing our idle, restless, wandering imagination, in quieting the promptings of our worldly minds, and in suppressing the crowd of unprofitable thoughts which excite and disturb the soul. - Francois Fenelon

Daily Bible Promises

. John 1:41

The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah".

. Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prayer 

. Holy and loving Father, please help me know my place in the Body of Christ so that I can serve faithfully and productively and bring glory to the Lord and his Body. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Channels – through Believers

John 7:38-39

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Beholding the coming One – Glorification

1 John 3:2

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

Given out of the World 

John 17:6

“I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You.

The Trinity of the Godhead

Matthew 28:19

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

Romans 12:21

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —

A friend used to remind me that the number one goal in dealing with difficult people or circumstances is this: Don't become what you hate. He wasn't talking about hating the person, but he meant that we don't want to become evil, wicked, petty, and sinful in our actions and motivations.
We don't overcome the Devil by underhanded and dishonorable means. We overcome evil, we drive it back into the abyss, by doing what is right and filling our hearts and lives with goodness. There is no greater example of overcoming evil with good than Jesus.

Beholding the Dyeing One – Salvation

John 1:29

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Born into the World

John 16:21

A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.

No one Offering for Sins

Hebrews 9:26

He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

Hebrews 10:18

Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.

Source – in God

Jeremiah 2:13

“For My people have committed two evils:

 They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
 And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.

Psalm 33:9

For He spoke, and it was done;
 He commanded, and it stood fast.

Thoughts 

Many blessings are promised to our outward man, here in this life; and hereafter it is to be made a glorious and incorruptible body, like unto the glorious body of our Lord Jesus Christ: it is to be clothed with light and crowned with rays, never more to suffer injuries without or diseases within. - Ezekiel Hopkins

A good medicine

Proverbs 17:22

A cheerful heart is good medicine,
 but a crushed  spirit dries up the bones.

Table bearers and the lazy

Proverbs 18:8-9
 
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
 they go down to the inmost parts.
    One who is slack in his work
 is brother to one who destroys.

True and false refuge

Proverbs 18:10

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;
 the righteous run to it and are safe.

Two indisputable facts

Proverbs 18:11-12

The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;
 they imagine it a wall too high to scale.
    Before a downfall the heart is haughty,
 but humility comes before honor.

John 1:12

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God... —
Isn't it incredible that we are called children of God!? But that is exactly what we are! (cf. 1 John 3:1-3) We are God's children. Our Father created the universe with its billions and billions of planets. Our Father paints a new sunset every day and chases away the darkness every morning. Our Father not only loves us, but claims us as his own and will bring us to his eternal home. Why? Because we heard his message in Jesus. Because we received his grace offered in his Son. Incredible! Glorious! Grace!

Jesus, Priceless Treasure

Jesus, priceless treasure, source of purest pleasure


Truest friend to me, long my heart hath panted, till it well nigh

Fainted, thirsting after  thee, thee. Thine I am, o spotless lamb,

I will suffer naught to hide thee, ask for naught beside thee

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ has only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Luke 2:4-5

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

For the next few days, let's journey with Joseph and Mary as they experience the incredible grace of God. These verses give us the basics: they took a trip south from their home, they went to Bethlehem which was King David's city, they were "betrothed" or pledged in marriage but not yet fully married, Mary was pregnant, and they were going there to register with the Roman government. Intrigue and scandal ripple between the lines of this straightforward account. Promise and fulfillment are strongly suggested with the connection. Faithfulness through the midst of storm is demonstrated. A real historical context for everyday people is made with the presence of a Roman census. Scandal, promise, faithfulness, and history collide.

Jesus enters our world very much in a place where we find ourselves — a place of hope and dreams marred by scandal and disappointment. He will be a people's Messiah. We know it before he is even born. It makes us love him and appreciate him more! . God has chosen to enter our world as one of us, not as some pristine and untouched alien from beyond. This is a Messiah we can reach and follow. This Jesus is one of us.

In Obeying The Lord

Psalm 119:34

Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law;
 Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

Sin against God

Psalm 51:4

Against You, You only, have I sinned,
 And done this evil in Your sight—
 That You may be found just when You speak,
 And blameless when You judge.

How to remain poor

Proverbs 21:17

He who loves pleasure will be a poor man;
 He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

Sin leads to Slavery

John 8:34

Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.

Isaiah 6:1

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. —
We often view difficult times, crisis times, as bad because the circumstances we face are very hard. But difficult times can also be an opportunity for our hearts to re-awaken to the steadfastness and the gloriousness of God, as well as our great need for him in our lives. The crisis of Uzziah's death for Israel and Isaiah became the great opportunity for Isaiah to see God in a fresh way and to be called into a special ministry for God. How can God use your crises, hardships, trials, and difficulties? Why don't you ask him to show you!

Have Thine Own Way, Lord

. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Thou art the

Potter; I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy
Will, while I am waiting, Yielded and still.

.Have Thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Hold o’er my

Being absolute sway! Fill with thy spirit till all shall
See Christ only, always, living in me!

The Judgment of the Dead

The judgement throne:

Revelation 20:11-12

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

Psalm 89:14

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
 Mercy and truth go before Your face.

1 Samuel 12:20

"Do not be afraid," Samuel replied [to the people of Israel]. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart." —
Israel wanted a King. This crushed Samuel's heart and angered God with the people's lack of faith. Samuel, however, reminds them that while they have stumbled and fallen, they must not abandon the LORD himself. Instead, their political concerns must give way to their total allegiance to God and their willingness to serve him fully.

Bible Promise

Luke 1:30-33

. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end."

First Vision of God’s Glory

Ezekiel 3:12

Then the Spirit lifted me up,  and I heard behind me a loud rumbling sound as the glory of the Lord rose from the place where it was standing.

Ezekiel 3:23

So I got up and went out to the plain. And the glory of the Lord was standing there, like the glory I had seen by the Kebar River,  and I fell facedown.

Ezekiel 8:2
He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen what the elders of Israel are doing in the darkness,  each at the shrine of his own idol? They say, ‘The Lord does not see  us; the Lord has forsaken the land.’

Ezekiel 9:3

Now the glory  of the God of Israel went up from above the cherubim,  where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. Then the Lord called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side

Ezekiel 11:22

Then the cherubim, with the wheels beside them, spread their wings, and the glory  of the God of Israel was above them.

Ezekiel 43:2

and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters,  and the land was radiant with his glory.

Ezekiel 44:4

Then the man brought me by way of the north gate  to the front of the temple. I looked and saw the glory of the Lord filling the temple  of the Lord, and I fell facedown.

Prayer

. Forgive me, dear Father, for the sinfulness, short-sightedness, and silliness that I have, at times, shown. I want to serve you with an undivided heart, cleansed by your forgiveness and the transforming power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you! In Jesus' name. Amen.

How we show our love for One Another

. We are to "receive one another"

Romans 15:7

Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.

. We are to "edify another"

Romans 14:19

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

. We are to "serve one another"

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.

. We are to "bear one another's burdens"

Galatians 6:1-2

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

. We are to be "forgiving one another"

Ephesians 4:32

And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
. We are to be "submitting to one another"

Ephesians 5:22

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

. We are to "exhort one another"

Hebrews 3:12-13

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

. We are to "consider one another"

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

. We are to be "hospitable to one another"

1 Peter 4:8-10

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Contrasted wells

Proverbs 20:5

The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

Something scarce

Proverbs 20:6

Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?

A profitable walk

Proverbs 20:7

The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.

A minister for good

Proverb 20:8

When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes.

A big question

Proverbs 20:9

Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?

Two abominable things

Proverbs 20:10

Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 12:13

For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free — and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. —

What makes us family? In God's family, the Holy Spirit makes us one. The Spirit is not only God's presence and power in us, but the Spirit is also God's spiritual DNA that connects us to each other and to our Father. This spiritual bond transcends human family, race, nationality, gender, and any other human barrier. The Spirit's presence ensures that we are God's children and function as Jesus' Body here on earth.

Satan – Demonic Deceptions

. In the are of physical sickness

Luke 13:11

and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years.  She was bent over and could not straighten up at all.

. In the area of Spiritual Worsening


Luke 11:26

Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.”

. In the area of Offering Sacrifice

1 Corinthians 10:20

No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons,  not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.

. In the area of Committing Suicide

Mark 9:22

It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

. In the area of predicting future

Acts 16:16

Once when we were going to the place of prayer,  we were met by a female slave who had a spirit  by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling.

1 Timothy 4:12

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. —

How do you command the respect of others when you are young? You don't! You earn that respect by the character and quality of your life. Those of us who are older must recognize and validate younger Christians who are people of character and faith. Those of us who are younger, need to live a life of character that cannot be questioned. Character, morality, faith, and loving kindness are essential attributes of the Christian, no matter his or her age.

In Loving The Lord

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

Eternal Sin

Mark 3:29

but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”

Deadly Sin

1 John 5:6

This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth

Luke 2:6-7

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. —

Jesus entered our world in the most normal of ways for a child: the time came, his mother gave birth, he was wrapped in soft cloth, and placed in a crib. Only this was the Son of God who was born. His crib was a corncrib where animals ate, not a baby's crib. His room was a stable because there was no room for him. It wasn't just normal; it was common, even below average conditions for his birth. Can you imagine? The Holy God who created everything enters our world as a baby to share our way of life as one of us. Why? He loves us and wants us to come home to him. Incredible! Incredible story. Incredible love. Incredible God!

Quotes 

. Ask the God who made you to keep remaking you. - Norman Vincent Peale

. When you and I are related to Jesus Christ, our strength and wisdom and peace and joy and love and hope may run out, but His life rushes in to keep us filled to the brim.  We are showered with blessings, not because of anything we have or have not done, but simply because of Him. - Anne Graham Lotz

. At times our prayer may be reduced to a single word: “Mercy!” - Richard Foster
. Love God, and He will enable you to love others, even when they disappoint you. - Francine Rivers

Witness by Bro. Ninan Thomas

I am Ninan Thomas a retired Govt Officer from Mumbai. After retirement I am active with the Gideons International in India, YMCA and also am active lay leader. God has blessed me and my family  abundantly. God has lead me to settle in Mumbai after a serving the Govt of India in several places in India including Nagaland.

God has used me to help various Christian organizations in India.

My sister in-law Ann George was recently diagnosed with acute Lukemia ( blood cancer).

She was admitted to the hospital and is still under treatment.  I had send prayer  request to all my Christian friends Pastors, and I thank them  for their prayers. After the treatment the Dr said that all her test including bone marrow tests are 99% ok but a few more injection need to be given so that the cancer doesn't relapse.

The All Mighty God we serve is Jehovah Rapha the Lord who heals us.

Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever.

THE HEALING POWER OF JESUS IS GREATER THAN THE DESTRUCTIVE POWER OF CANCER.

Ann George has testified that she can feel the power of Jesus healing her as she is being treated by the Doctors.

In the Word of Christ

John 8:31

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.

For Prayer

John 15:7

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

1 Samuel 12:22

For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. —

The great and holy God will not be unfaithful. In fact, he will act to show his character and honor his holy name, even when his people don't deserve his grace. Why God would love and preserve us and our great Israelite ancestors is nothing short of grace, love, and faithfulness.

Thoughts 

. We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God. - C. S. Lewis

. Satan fails to speak of the remorse, the futility, the loneliness, and the spiritual devastation which go hand in hand with immorality. - Billy Graham

Esteem one Another

Philippians 2:3

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

The forgiven Man

Psalm 32:1

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
 Whose sin is covered.

To do – Service

2 Samuel 15:15

And the king's servants said to the king, “We are your servants, ready to do whatever my lord the king commands.”

Sin – Not believing Jesus

John 16:9

sin, because they do not believe in Me;

Nehemiah 12:30

When the priests and Levites had purified themselves ceremonially, they purified the people, the gates and the wall. —

God has placed each of us in a circle of influence. Before we try to "clean up" those around us, let's first offer ourselves to God to be consecrated and to be made pure by his grace. Then, let's live in a way that shows the impact of that holiness in our lives. Jesus told us to remove the plank from our own eye before we try to clean the speck out of someone else's eye. For leaders at any level, "living holy" is essential before calling others to holiness! God's greatest times of spiritual renewal begin when leaders first consecrate themselves to God and his work.

'A Living Sacrifice' - Romans 12:1-2

Dear Father, all worthy God,

I present my body to you, O Lord, as a living sacrifice. May it be holy and pleasing to you.
Let this be my spiritual act of worship, not done at set times of remembrance, but constantly, moment by moment, day by day, night by night.

Let me not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, which is doomed to pass away. Instead, let me be transformed by the renewing of my mind, so that I may be able to test and approve what your holy will for me is - what is good, pleasing, and perfect.

By the authority of Jesus and in his name I ask for this growth in grace. Amen.

Thoughts 

. The more wisdom enters our hearts, the more we will be able to trust our hearts in difficult situations. - John Eldredge

. God will often use the desert of quiet faithful service, or the prison of injustice, to permanently transform our self-confidence into Christ-confidence.  It is only when control is out of our own hands and we are thrust blindly into God’s arms that He is free to teach us that He can be completely relied upon. - Tim Burns

Two unbecoming things

Proverbs 17:7

Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool—how much worse lying lips to a ruler!

The power of gifts – Proverbs 17:8

A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it;
 they think success will come at every turn.

How to win friends and make enemies – Proverbs 17:9

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

How to classify certain men – Proverbs 17:10-11

A rebuke impresses a discerning person
 more than a hundred lashes a fool.
    Evildoers foster rebellion against God;
 the messenger of death will be sent against them.

Good advice for all – Proverbs 17:12-14

Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
 than a fool bent on folly.
    Evil will never leave the house
 of one who pays back evil  for good.
    Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
 so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

Romans 14:1

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. —

Our life in Christ is such a blessing! We welcome new Christians into our fellowship to share that blessing. We don't bring them in to scrutinize their past failures or the current struggles, but to bring them into the love of God's family. God has welcomed us graciously and compassionately. Let's do the same with new Christians.

The “little horn” destroyed

Daniel 8:25

He will cause deceit  to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes.  Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.

Daniel 9:27

He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed  is poured out on him.”

Daniel 11:45

He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain.  Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.

2 Thessalonians 2:8

And then the lawless one will be revealed,  whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth  and destroy by the splendor of his coming.

Isaiah 11:4

but with righteousness  he will judge the needy, with justice  he will give decisions for the poor  of the earth. He will strike  the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath  of his lips he will slay the wicked.

Revelation 19:19-21

Then I saw the beast  and the kings of the earth  and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse  and his army.   But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet  who had performed the signs  on its behalf.  With these signs he had deluded  those who had received the mark of the beast  and worshiped its image. 

The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake  of burning sulfur.    The rest were killed with the sword  coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse,  and all the birds  gorged themselves on their flesh.

Revelation 20:10

And the devil, who deceived them,  was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur,  where the beast  and the false prophet  had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

In Changing World

The Unchanging Message for an Ever Changing World is the Gospel!

• The Gospel Needs No Additions.

• Distorting The Gospel Is Serious Business.

• Only the Gospel Can Save Men From Their Sins.

• Only The Gospel Produces Changed Lives.

Faithless Offering

Hebrews 11:4

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

Secret of security

Proverbs 21:23

Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
 Keeps his soul from troubles.

Thoughts 

. The well of God’s forgiveness never runs dry. - Grady Nutt

. We are never more easily offended than when we behold in others the evil that is in ourselves. - Donald Mallough

In Returning to God

Jeremiah 24;7

Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart.

In Seeking God

Jeremiah 29:13

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God

1 Corinthians 10:31

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Sin – All wrongdoing

1 John 5:17

All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.

Hebrews 12:25

See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? —
With the gift of Jesus comes an awesome responsibility: we must listen, follow, and honor him! If God demanded that his people obey his lesser messengers who were prophets or kings, what do you think the responsibility is for us to listen when he has emptied heaven of his Son's glory so that it might shine on us?

God Gave to Give Us Life' — John 3:16

God loves us! That is the triumphant message of the Bible. That is the greatest message we will ever receive. Thankfully, however, this is not just a message in words. God wanted us to know his love for us, so he demonstrated that love at great personal cost. God loves us! We know that because he gave his Son for us. God loves us!

He didn't want the power of "perish" to claim us, so he gave us the power of his love. God loves us! He sacrificed so we could have life. God loves us! Don't ever doubt it. Don't let the evil one rob you of this life-giving truth. God loves you and wants to give you life!

'Acts of Faith Are Weapons of Freedom'

She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, ‘If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.’ - Mark 5:27-28

Prayer

Lord, help me to deduce new and wonderful truths as I read, study, and internalize the stories and parables in Your Holy Scriptures. Thank you for this woman with an issue of blood who did just that although there was no command or example or promise that this small act of faith would be rewarded with healing. That’s exactly what You did for her — in spite of the fact that she was disobedient by not announcing she was unclean and yelling for others to stay away, as she was supposed to have been doing. Help me to have the faith to do similar acts of faith throughout my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Common knowledge

Proverbs 20:11

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

Two created things

Proverbs 20:12

The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made them both.

How to escape poverty

Proverbs 20:13

Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread.

A universal practice

Proverbs 20:14

“It is good for nothing,” cries the buyer; But when he has gone his way, then he boasts.

Thoughts 

- Witnessing for Christ is not something we turn on and off, like a TV set.  Every believer is a witness at all times–either a good one or a bad one. - Warren Wiersbe

- The only true wisdom is to be always prepared to meet God, to put nothing off which concerns eternity and to live like men ready to depart at any moment. –

J. C. Ryle

Romans 12:17-18

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. —

REDEMPTIVELY — That's how Jesus lived! He sought to make a difference in the lives of others. His goal wasn't getting even, getting what was rightfully his, or even winning the arguments. His focus was to interact with people receptively and to leave them more blessed than where he found them.

Bible Promises

Psalm 147:11

. The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

1 Peter 1:3

. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Regathering of Israel - 3

Micah 4:6

In that day,” declares the Lord, “I will gather the lame; I will assemble the exiles
 and those I have brought to grief.

Micah 5:7

The remnant  of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples like dew  from the Lord, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for anyone or depend on man.

Micah 7:11

The day for building your walls  will come, the day for extending your boundaries.

Zechariah 2:6

“Come! Come! Flee from the land of the north,” declares the Lord, “for I have scattered  you to the four winds of heaven,”  declares the Lord.

Zechariah 10:6

“I will strengthen  Judah  and save the tribes of Joseph. I will restore them  because I have compassion  on them.  They will be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the Lord their God and I will answer  them.

Zechariah 10:9

Though I scatter them among the peoples, yet in distant lands they will remember me. They and their children will survive, and they will return.

Malachi 3:18

And you will again see the distinction between the righteous  and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

Read: Ezekiel 20:33-40

Read: Ezekiel 37:11-19

Read: Zechariah 8:1-8

Daily Bible Promises . 

. Galatians 1:3-4

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.

. John 14:6

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Regathering of Israel -2

Jeremiah 33:7

I will bring Judah  and Israel back from captivity  and will rebuild  them as they were before.

Jeremiah 46:27

“Do not be afraid,  Jacob  my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel.  I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid.

Jeremiah 50:4

“In those days, at that time,” declares the Lord,  “the people of Israel and the people of Judah together will go in tears  to seek  the Lord their God.

Ezekiel 16:53

“‘However, I will restore the fortunes of Sodom and her daughters and of Samaria and her daughters, and your fortunes along with them,

Ezekiel 36:24

“‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land.

Ezekiel 39:25

“Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will now restore the fortunes of Jacob  and will have compassion  on all the people of Israel, and I will be zealous for my holy name.

Hosea 2:14

“Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her.

Hosea 3:5

Afterward the Israelites will return and seek  the Lord their God and David their king.  They will come trembling  to the Lord and to his blessings in the last days.

Amos 9:13

“The days are coming,”  declares the Lord, “when the reaper  will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading  grapes. New wine  will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills,

Daily Bible Promise.

. Isaiah 43:19

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Murders or Slaughters

- Mark 7:21

For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder,

- Mark 15:7

A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising.

- Luke 23:19-25

A man called Barabbas was (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)

    Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again.   But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

    For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”
    But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.   So Pilate decided to grant their demand.   He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

- Romans 1:29

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

- Acts 9:1

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.  He went to the high priest

- Galatians 5:21

and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.  I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

- Romans 9:21

Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?

Made on the Cross

John 19:30

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

John 19:34-36

But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.”

Hebrews 9:14

how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

In whom should we strong?

Ephesians 6:10

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

What did God say to Noah?

Genesis 7:1

Then the Lord said to Noah, “Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation.

The Empire of Satan

John 12:31

Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.

John 16:11

of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

1 John 5:4

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Does the difference  between the righteous and the wicked end in Death?

Revelation 14:9-13

Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

   Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

   Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ”

  “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”

Better than riches

Proverb 20:15

There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
Double security

Proverbs 20:16

Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress.

Sowing and reaping

Proverbs 20:17

Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

Sound advice

Proverbs 20:18-19

Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.

Bible Promises

1 Peter 1:3

. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Luke 2:13-14

. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests."

Thoughts 

When Christ comes into the human heart, a process begins that the Bible calls sanctification.  You begin to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ toward spiritual maturity.  Sanctification actually means “separated” or “clean.”  In one sense, sanctification is instantaneous.  The moment you receive Christ as Saviour, the Holy Spirit comes into your heart.  There is also a sense in which sanctification is progressive.  You grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. - Billy Graham

The Lent Season

The Lenten Season originated during the fourth century A.D. it Lasts for 40 weekdays beginning on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Saturday before Easter. (This year  Ash Wednesday: February 14, Good Friday: March 30, & Easter: April 1.)

The number 40 is an important number in the Bible. Many  biblical events are connected  with this number such as Great flood [Gen. 6], the Israelites ate manna for 40 years [Exd. 16:35]. Moses spent 40 days  and nights on the mountain with God [Exd. 24:18]. Elijah travelled for 40 days and 40 nights  to Mount Horeb (Sinai – 1Kings 19:8).

Our Lord fasted and prayed for 40 days before He began His public ministry [Mt. 4:1-2]

Things to Observe or Follow during Lent are:

- I will turn  away from my sin and  ask for God’s forgiveness

- I will devote my time, talents and life to God

- Eliminate wasteful habits, excessive expenses, cut down on unnecessary purchases

- Give up one big meal a week, daily choose simpler, more healthful meals. Make your family focus of mealtime.
- Self-denial is a positive act. Help others though Church activities. Watch less television or videos, forgo some favourite sports events and pray instead.

- Spend more time in reading, studying and meditating Word of God and Praying.

- Attend Church regularly with family.

- Maintain good fellowship other believers.

- Consider about the many times that God has forgiven you.

- Speak forgiveness from someone you have hurt

- Forgive someone who has hurt you

- Ask God to forgive  your sins and commit your life to Him. Accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.

- Think about better  ways  to resolve problems at home and at work.

- Meet God in the morning, walk with Him during day and night.

- Think about my attitudes and behaviour patterns that need to change. Pray  for God’s help in changing them.

- Read the Bible everyday for God’s guidance, inspiration and comfort.

- Join a prayer group.

- I will live a full Christian life by sharing your resources and talents with others.

- I will show my concern, be compassionate towards the needy, unfortunate, the suffering and the lonely persons.

- I will not gossip or spread rumours.

- I will pray for Christians who are persecuted.

- I will visit patients in the hospital and senior and lonely people.

- I will pray for prisoners and their families.

- Pray for Great Commission work.

Regathering of Israel -1

Isaiah 14:1

The Lord will have compassion  on Jacob; once again he will choose  Israel and will settle them in their own land. Foreigners  will join them and unite with the descendants of Jacob.

Isaiah 27:12

In that day the Lord will thresh  from the flowing Euphrates to the Wadi of Egypt,  and you, Israel, will be gathered  up one by one

Isaiah 43:5

Do not be afraid,  for I am with you; I will bring your children  from the east and gather  you from the west.

Isaiah 60:9

Surely the islands  look to me; in the lead are the ships of Tarshish, bringing  your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor  of the Lord your God,
 the Holy One  of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.

Isaiah 66:20

And they will bring  all your people, from all the nations, to my holy mountain  in Jerusalem as an offering to the Lord—on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels,”  says the Lord. “They will bring them, as the Israelites bring their grain offerings, to the temple of the Lord in ceremonially clean vessels

Jeremiah 30:10

“‘So do not be afraid,  Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel,’ declares the Lord. ‘I will surely save  you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid.

Jeremiah 31:8

See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather  them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind  and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return.

Jeremiah 32:37

I will surely gather  them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger  and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety.

Daily Bible Promises . 

.  Psalm 20:4

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

. Revelation 21:5a

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"

The Book of Lamentations

Lamentations features six major themes, all linked with suffering:

1] Their  suffering was the result of their sin.

2] Their suffering was seen as coming from God rather than from man.

3] Their suffering could direct them toward God.

4] Suffering, tears, and prayer belong together.

5] Prayer should always look for some ray of hope.

6] Their responsibility was so to submit to the sufferings patiently.

Proverbs 12:19

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. —

"Tell the truth the first time, then you won't have to remember what you said." This truism by the famous Speaker of the House, Sam Rayburn, is good medicine for us today. Telling a lie seems gratifying at the time, but it nearly always catches up with us and gives us the added burden of trying to remember what we said and why. Truth endures; a lie is a momentary illusion that ends up a trap filled with burdens.

Thoughts 

- The victory lies not with us, but with Christ, who hast taken on him both to conquer for us and to conquer in us. - Richard Sibbes

- If a man wins God’s race, it doesn’t matter where else he loses.  If a man loses God’s race, it matters not where else he may win. - Steven Lawson

- O Christ, I see thy crown of thorns in every eye, thy bleeding, naked, wounded body in every soul; thy death liveth in every memory; thy crucified Person is embalmed in every affection; thy pierced feet are bathed in everyone’s tears; and it is my privilege to enter with thee into every soul. - Thomas Traherne

Prayer

. Holy and Righteous Father, your grace has not only saved me, but it sustains me even when Satan tries to use my own failures to make me doubt your love for me. Thank you for triumphing over my unworthiness and giving me righteousness so that I will be fit for your kingdom and glory. In Jesus' name I praise you. Amen.

Better than a liar

Proverbs 19:22

What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.

Three blessings of fear

Proverbs 19:23

The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Three common classes

Proverbs 19:24-25

A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!
Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning,  and they will gain knowledge.

A worthless man

Proverbs 19:25-27

Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning,  and they will gain knowledge.

Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.
Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Romans 12:10

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. —

"He who toots his own horn plays in a very small band!" A very selfish part of us wants all attention and appreciation to be focused on what we have done, sacrificed, and accomplished. One of the signs of spiritual maturity that Paul lists here, however, is a devotion to others who are our fellow Christians. This means that we genuinely rejoice when others are honored. In fact, we are even more interested in honoring others than in receiving honor ourselves.

Thoughts 

- We are not living by faith if we believe how we feel more than we believe what God’s Word says. - Joyce Meyer

- Marvellous are all God’s works; but the greatest delicacy and beauty are to be found among those works least exposed to view. - John Dawson

Satan – Areas of Deceptions

. Deception regarding God

Ezekiel 28:2

“Son of man , say to the ruler of Tyre, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:
  “‘In the pride of your heart you say, “I am a god;  I sit on the throne  of a god
 in the heart of the seas.” But you are a mere mortal and not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god.

. Deception regarding Jesus

2 Corinthians11:4

For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached,  or if you receive a different spirit  from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel  from the one you accepted, you put up with it  easily enough.

. Deception regarding The Holy Spirit

2 Corinthians 11:4

For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached,  or if you receive a different spirit  from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel  from the one you accepted, you put up with it  easily enough.

. Deception regarding The Gospel

2 Corinthians 11:4

For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached,  or if you receive a different spirit  from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel  from the one you accepted, you put up with it  easily enough.

. Deception regarding miracles

2 Thessalonians 2:9

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan  works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders  that serve the lie,

Thought 

Frustration is not the will of God.  There is time to do anything and everything that God wants us to do. - Elisabeth Elliot

Gentile Powers to be Judged – 2

Zidon - Ezekiel 28:20-26

A Prophecy Against Sidon

  The word of the Lord came to me:   “Son of man, set your face against  Sidon;  prophesy against her   and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:

  “‘I am against you, Sidon,

 and among you I will display my glory.

 You will know that I am the Lord,

 when I inflict punishment  on you

 and within you am proved to be holy.

    I will send a plague upon you

 and make blood flow in your streets.

 The slain will fall within you,

 with the sword against you on every side.

 Then you will know that I am the Lord.

     “‘No longer will the people of Israel have malicious neighbors who are painful briers and sharp thorns.  Then they will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.

    “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: When I gather  the people of Israel from the nations where they have been scattered,  I will be proved holy  through them in the sight of the nations. Then they will live in their own land, which I gave to my servant Jacob.   

They will live there in safety  and will build houses and plant  vineyards; they will live in safety when I inflict punishment  on all their neighbours who maligned them. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God. ’”

Matthew 25:21

His master replied, `Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' —

We want it all now! We don't want to have to wait for anything. But God has a principle that is absolutely vital: we will be entrusted with much only after we have been faithful with a little. So let's not discount those moral choices about "small and inconsequential matters." How we handle these reveals who we are and helps determines what we become.

Gentile Powers to be Judged – 1

Amon – Ezekiel 25:1-7

The word of the Lord came to me:   “Son of man, set your face against  the Ammonites  and prophesy against them.    Say to them, ‘Hear the word of the Sovereign Lord. This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Because you said “Aha! ” over my sanctuary when it was desecrated  and over the land of Israel when it was laid waste and over the people of Judah when they went into exile,    therefore I am going to give you to the people of the East  as a possession.

They will set up their camps  and pitch their tents among you; they will eat your fruit and drink your milk.    I will turn Rabbah  into a pasture for camels and Ammon into a resting place for sheep.  Then you will know that I am the Lord.   For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Because you have clapped your hands  and stamped your feet, rejoicing with all the malice of your heart against the land of Israel,    therefore I will stretch out my hand  against you and give you as plunder  to the nations.
I will wipe you out from among the nations and exterminate you from the countries. I will destroy  you, and you will know that I am the Lord. ’”

Moab - Ezekiel 25:8-11

A Prophecy Against Moab

  “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Because Moab  and Seir  said, “Look, Judah has become like all the other nations,”   therefore I will expose the flank of Moab, beginning at its frontier towns—Beth Jeshimoth , Baal Meon  and Kiriathaim —the glory of that land.  

I will give Moab along with the Ammonites to the people of the East as a possession, so that the Ammonites will not be remembered  among the nations;   and I will inflict punishment on Moab. Then they will know that I am the Lord.’”

Edom - Ezekiel 25:12-14

A Prophecy Against Edom

  “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Because Edom  took revenge on Judah and became very guilty by doing so,   therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will stretch out my hand  against Edom and kill both man and beast.  I will lay it waste, and from Teman  to Dedan  they will fall by the sword.   

I will take vengeance on Edom by the hand of my people Israel, and they will deal with Edom in accordance with my anger  and my wrath; they will know my vengeance, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”

Tyre – Read Ezekiel 26:1-28

Command to Worship

Daniel 3:4-7

Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language,  this is what you are commanded to do:   As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp,  pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image  of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.    Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”

    Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

Isaiah 40:30-31

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. —

What is your strength? Is it your youth? ...your conditioning? ...your wisdom? ...your friends? ...your experience? None of us can depend upon our human ability. Health, wisdom, and wealth are all vulnerabe to the fragility of life and circumstance. Only the LORD can ensure that we can survive the unthinkable, thrive in the mundane, and soar in good times. Let's call upon, let's wait upon, let's depend upon the LORD!

Sound Advice

Proverbs 14:7

Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.

Thoughts 

` It’s difficult to imagine anything more nourishing to the soul than family life. -Thomas Moore
` Trust in the Redeemer’s strength…exercise what faith you have, and by and by He shall rise upon you with healing beneath His wings.  Go from faith to faith and you shall receive blessing upon blessing. - Charles H. Spurgeon

Prayer

. Dear Father and LORD of heaven and earth, please help me see my opportunities to serve in your Kingdom. Please grow my effectiveness in your service so that I can bring you glory and be a blessing to the Body of Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen.