What God Is Able To Do?

+ Able to save

Hebrews 7:25

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

+ Able to keep

2 Timothy 1:12

That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame,  because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard  what I have entrusted to him until that day.

+ Able to Deliver

Daniel 3:17

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver  us from it, and he will deliver  us from Your Majesty’s hand.

+ Able to Succour

Hebrews 2:18

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

+ Able to Subdue

Philippians 3:21

who, by the power  that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies  so that they will be like his glorious body.

+ Able to Raise

Matthew 3:9

And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’  I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.

Thoughts

"To love God is the greatest of virtues; to be loved by God is the greatest of blessings." - Portuguese Proverb

"The Christian life isn't difficult — it is impossible. If we don't know that, we will try to do things ourselves. Faith is not necessary when we think we can do it ourselves. Faith comes along when we realize that we cannot do it on our own." - Joseph Garlingen

[Message No: 6276]

Three Seals

+ The Father’s seal on the Son

John 6:37

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Matthew 17:5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him

+ The Believer’s Seal on Word

John 3:33

He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

+ The Spirit’s Seal on the Saint

Ephesians 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

2 Timothy 1:7

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
When we became Christians, Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:3-7). The Spirit lives in us, making our bodies a Temple (1 Cor. 6:19-20) and blessing us in many ways (Romans 8). We can be courageous people even in the face of attack, criticism, and ridicule because of the Spirit's presence.

The fruit that the Spirit produces (Gal. 5:22-23) and the love that the Spirit pours into our heart (Rom. 5:5) do n! ot make us weak. Instead, the Spirit's presence is a powerful force to help us overcome sin (Rom. 8:13) and live self-disciplined lives.

Thoughts 

. "You don't need to see the way if you follow the one that is the Way." - Author Unknown
. "There's nothing like a good crisis to increase my energy and remind me how much I need God." - Anne Christian Buchan

[Message No: 6275]

No Celebration without Confession

A Sunday School class in a church once made an unusual request one day. They requested that the prayer of confession be taken out of the order of worship. They gave the following reasons:

1. Confessions imply that we are bad people.

2. Our children will get a negative image of themselves.

3. Guilt is damaging; we need to think positively.

4. Worship should always be uplifting and make us feel good.

This sounds like the philosophy advocated by that book some years ago "I'm OK you're OK." Tell me then. If I'm OK and you're OK then what are we doing here? The refusal to acknowledge that we are sinful people is damaging the church today, and it is damage that is coming from within, not from without. We have bought in to the modern culture that we should have a positive self-image through positive thinking. Friends, sin is real, and it is too destructive to ignore. The cross reminds us just how serious our sin is. The failure to express our sin before God and one another devalues God's redemptive grace. It is not positive thinking that will remove our guilt; it is God's redemptive action.

James 1:22

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. -

"The proof of the pudding is in the tasting." The proof of biblical wisdom and understanding is in the living. To simply know the truth doesn't mean a whole lot; to live the truth is everything. (cf. Matthew 7)

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

What else is there to say, other than "Praise God!" and "Thank you Jesus!"

Blessing of foresight

Proverbs 22:3

The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it.

[Message No: 6274]

Examples of Paul: Consecration to death

Philippians 1: 20-24

 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.

Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.  I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.  But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

2 Timothy 4:6

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.

To follow apostolic example

Philippians  4:9

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

1 Corinthians 11:1

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:6

 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Thoughts 

+ He should not preach about hell who can not do it without tears. - Dwight L. Moody

+ "There was no "before" the beginning of our universe, because once upon a time there was no time." - John D. Barrow

+ Prayer is a principal means for opening oneself to the power and love of God that is already there—in the depths of reality. - James A. Pike

[Message No: 6273]

Quiet Time - 3

Quiet time is simply a qualitative time with God on a regular basis. Many men of God in the Scripture and outside  the Scripture trace back their secrets to the quiet time.

It is a time alone with God!

+ The Command

Exodus 34:11

Obey what I command  you today. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.

+ The Record

Exodus 34:27

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write  down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant  with you and with Israel.”

+ The Cost

Exodus 34:28

Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights  without eating bread or drinking water.  And he wrote on the tablets  the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.

+ The Result

Exodus 34:29

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai  with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands,  he was not aware that his face was radiant  because he had spoken with the Lord.

+ The Ministry

Exodus 34: 31-32

But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community  came back to him, and he spoke to them.   Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands  the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai.

[Message No: 6272]

No Difference

+ In Sin and Need

Romans 3:22

This righteousness  is given through faith  in Jesus Christ  to all who believe.  There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,

+ In Salvation and Acceptance

Romans 10:12

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile —the same Lord is Lord of all  and richly blesses all who call on him,

+ In Standing and Liberty

Acts 15:9

He did not discriminate between us and them,  for he purified their hearts by faith.

Psalm 37:16-17

“Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.”

What is your most important capital; your money or your character? I can assure you, this question will be asked of you a myriad of ways; quite often at the worst of all possible times when you are most vulnerable. Martin Luther supposedly said that the last thing to get converted in a man was his wallet.

So will you choose the little of the righteous over the wealth of many wicked? Hmmm! Tough question in a pinch. So let's make that decision now before the circumstances change. God, his Kingdom, his will, and his righteousness come first, right?

Prayer 

Lord, deliver me from sexual immorality. Help me to avoid this sinful state. Remind me that You created sexual pleasure and our desire for fulfilment in that area, but that it should only be enjoyed by those living in the covenant relationship You called marriage. And help me to honor Your pattern for marriage since the beginning of creation: a man and a woman. Lord, we all have sexual desires we should not fulfil; some of us have homosexual desires we shouldn’t fulfil, while others have heterosexual ones they shouldn’t fulfil. Help me deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

[Message No: 6271]

Where to Pray

. In Your Closet

Matthew 6:6

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father,  who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

. On the Mountain

Luke 6:12

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.

. In the Upper Room

Acts 1:13-14

When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room  where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.    They all joined together constantly in prayer,  along with the women  and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

. In the House of God

Acts 3:1

One day Peter and John  were going up to the temple  at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.

. In the Jail

Acts 16:25

About midnight  Paul and Silas  were praying and singing hymns  to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

. With Anxious Souls

Read Acts 10th chapter.

Thought

. "There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, in the end, 'Thy will be done.' All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. To those who knock it is opened." - C. S. Lewis

[Message No: 6270]

Two kinds of Sons

Proverbs 15:5

A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

Effects of Sin and Holiness

Proverbs 14:34

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.

Advice to Servants

Proverbs 14:35

A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.

How to Pacify Wrath

Proverbs 15:1-2

A gentle answer  turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,  but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

1 John 5:4

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. —

This is the companion passage to 1 John 2:17 — "The world and its desires are passing away, but the one who does the will of God lives forever." Our destiny and future are not limited to the boundaries of existence tied to our little blue planet. Our future and our hope burst the boundaries of mortality and are tied to our faith in a resurrected and victorious Savior who is coming back to bring us to his eternal home. This faith is displayed by doing God's will even when most people in our contemporary culture choose to chase what is fleeting and transient.

Omnipresence of God

Proverbs 15:3

The eyes  of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

[Message No: 6269]

Quiet Time - 2

Quiet time is simply a qualitative time with God on a regular basis. Many men of God in the Scripture and outside  the Scripture trace back their secrets to the quiet time.

It is a time alone with God!

+ The Communion

Exodus 34: 4-5

So Moses chiseled  out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the Lord had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands.    Then the Lord came down in the cloud  and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord.

+ The Proclamation

Exodus 34:5

Then the Lord came down in the cloud  and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord.

+ The Presence

Exodus 34:5-6

Then the Lord came down in the cloud  and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord.    And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate  and gracious God, slow to anger,  abounding in love  and faithfulness,

+ The Lesson

Exodus 34:6

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate  and gracious God, slow to anger,  abounding in love  and faithfulness,

+ The Response

Exodus 34:8

Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped.

+ The Confession

Exodus 34:9

Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor  in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us.  Although this is a stiff-necked  people, forgive our wickedness and our sin,  and take us as your inheritance.”

+ The Provision

Exodus 34:10

Then the Lord said: “I am making a covenant  with you. Before all your people I will do wonders  never before done in any nation in all the world.  The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you.

+ The Promise

Exodus 34:10

Then the Lord said: “I am making a covenant  with you. Before all your people I will do wonders  never before done in any nation in all the world.  The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you.

Sometimes Our Kids Drive Us to Jesus

The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”  Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. – John 4:49-50
Sometimes the circumstances with our children drive us to Jesus for help. Deep inside our souls, we already know that we should daily seek Jesus with all of our heart. Unfortunately, everyday "busy-ness" and routine distractions choke out our apparent hunger to be in his presence. Then the crisis comes, and we realize again how much we need him.

The real question for us is whether we will come to Jesus for help in our time of need. If your concern for children or grandchildren is heavy on your heart, please turn to Jesus for a listening ear, a sensitive heart, and the power to act. If you aren't at the point of crisis, now is the best time to bring your children and grandchildren to the Lord in prayer and through time spent with them with a focus on the Lord.

Kindness Kills Anger & Wisdom Calms Others

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. – Proverbs 15:1-2

Prayer - 

Lord, I’ve spoken loud and fast so often in the past. Now I realize this upsets others and breeds anger, and I also see how this is a foolish approach. Forgive me, Lord, and help others to forgive me, too. From now on help me to speak slowly, softly, and calmly when I face a tense or difficult situation. Help me to bring peace and gentleness to those around me who need it most.

Fill me with Your Spirit so I can help bring others closer to You. I want to be a part of the solution in the future instead of causing the problems to become worse. Remind me to stop when I’m about to be loud and angry, Lord, and help me to listen for that small, still voice in the heat of the moment. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Thought 

"Hypocrites in the Church? Yes, and in the lodge and at the home. Don't hunt through the Church for a hypocrite. Go home and look in the mirror. Hypocrites?

Yes. See that you make the number one less." - Billy Sunday —

[Message No: 6267]

God's Children

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. - Romans 8:16

We can believe that we are God's children. We can think it. We can desire it with all of our hearts. We can pray for it. But, the real validation happens when the Holy Spirit joins with the spirit inside of each of us to speak to God, the Father of all grace. The Spirit's words are simple, "O Father, hear the heart of your child!" The Spirit then makes clear the emotions and needs of the believer in that moment.

God, the Holy Spirit lives inside each disciple. He intercedes for us when we pray even when we don't have words to say what our hearts yearn to express (Romans 8:26-27). The Spirit's presence in us is one of the proofs that we are children of God (Romans 8:9). In the presence of God, there is no doubt that we are God's children and co-heirs with the Prince of heaven (Romans 8:17). Such truth should make our hearts soar with confidence in our future with God!

1 Thessalonians 4:14

“We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

Jesus' resurrection was just the beginning! His resurrection means that those of us who have faith in him, who trust in the Father that raised him from the dead, can have confidence that those who belong to him, whether they are living or dead when he comes, will also share in his victory over death.

Thoughts 

. "You'll never realize Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you've got." - Mother Teresa

"The most glorious promises of God are generally fulfilled in such a wondrous manner that He steps forth to save us at a time when there is the least appearance of it." - C. H. von Bogatzy

. "Gratitude is the most fruitful way of deepening your consciousness that you are not an "accident," but a divine choice." - Henri Nouwen

Prayer

O Father God, please transform my heart and mind by the power of your Holy Spirit. I want my thoughts to be your thoughts. I want my hearts desire to reflect the passions of your Son. I want my will to be guided by your Spirit. Please forgive my tendency to ruthlessly hang on to my own importance, my own will, and my own self-justification, even when I know it is not right or best. Make my mind more like the mind of your Son. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
[Message No: 6266]

Quiet Time - 1

Quiet time is simply a qualitative time with God on a regular basis. Many men of God in the Scripture and outside  the Scripture trace back their secrets to the quiet time.

It is a time alone with God!

+ God and the Believer

Exodus 34:1

The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones,  and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets,  which you broke.

+ The Preparation

Exodus 34:2

Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai.  Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain.

+ Special Place

Exodus 34:2

+ Specific Time

Exodus 34:2

Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai.  Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain.

+ The Purpose

Exodus 34:2

Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai.  Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain.

+ Alone with God

Exodus 34:3

No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain;  not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain.”

+ Materials – The Word

Exodus 34:1

The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones,  and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets,  which you broke.

Exodus 34:27

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write  down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant  with you and with Israel.”

[Message No: 6265]

When one becomes a brother

. Do we receive them into the family of God, or ignore them?

Romans 15:7

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

. Do we edify them, or put stumbling blocks in their way?

Romans 14:19

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

. Do we submit to them, or arrogantly rule over them?

Ephesians 5:21

submitting to one another in the fear of God

. Do we serve them in love, or expect them to serve us?

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

. Do we demonstrate hospitality to them?

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.

Prayer 

.Lord, this sin-sick world is full of disease and pain. No one has a perfect body; we all need to experience Your healing power in some form. Thank You for hope and for the power of Your Word. And thank You for reminding me that there is a special power when I combine fervent prayer with a loving touch. Forgive me for minimizing the potential power of prayer plus human touch. Grant me faith to experience Your healing power in myself as well as in others. Heal others through me. Make me a channel of blessing to those who need it most. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

[Message No: 6264]

Honesty and Purity

2 Corinthians 4:1-2

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.  But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

Acts 20:26

Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all,

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

God Rejects Your Worship Until You Reconcile

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,  leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. – Matthew 5:23-24

Trust and Faithfulness

1 Timothy 1:11-12

in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
 Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners

 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,

Romans 1:14-15

I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.  So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

Prayer 

Lord, forgive me for all the times I’ve come to worship You with malice in my heart against my brother or sister. It is sobering to realize that You actually reject my worship until I’ve done all I can to make it right between us. From now on, Lord, I want to worship You with a clean heart, so please place on my heart right now anyone who has something against me so I can go and make it right. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

[Message No: 6263]

Psalmist – I waited patiently

When the cloud tarried... then the children of Israel... journeyed not (Numbers 9:19).

This was the supreme test of obedience. It was comparatively easy to strike tents, when the fleecy folds of the cloud were slowly gathering from off the Tabernacle, and it floated majestically before the host. Change is always delightful; and there was excitement and interest in the route, the scenery, and the locality of the next halting-place. But, ah, the tarrying.

The Psalmist says, "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry." And what He did for the Old Testament saints He will do for believers throughout all ages. Still God often keeps us waiting. Face to face with threatening foes, in the midst of alarms, encircled by perils, beneath the impending rock. May we not go? Is it not time to strike our tents?

Have we not suffered to the point of utter collapse? May we not exchange the glare and heat for green pastures and still waters?

Death: the Final Uncertainty

Why we must die? The Bible says, “It is appointed unto men once to die” (Hebrews 9:27). It is the most democratic of all experiences.

Today we confront with so many voices telling us how to live. We are told how to look young, stay trim, keep healthy, have a good image, think positively, make more money, hove more friends.
All these are reasonable ambitions, but they indicate that we are trying  desperately to cling to this present world. The truth is, life transitory. “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14).

The psalmist said, “Each min’s life is but a breath” fact that is going to end.

Dr. L. Nelson Bell, wrote many years ago, “Only those who are prepared to die are really prepared to live.” The uncertainty is not the dying, it’s the preparation

Thoughts 

+ Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life’s problems fall into place of their own accord. - J. I. Packer

+ I often wonder if my knowledge about God has not become my greatest stumbling block to my knowledge of God. - Henri Nouwen

[Message No: 6262]

Obedience -3

Blessings of Obedience
+ Many made righteous

Romans 5:19

by the power of signs and wonders,  through the power of the Spirit of God.  So from Jerusalem  all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

+ Full of Joy

Romans 16:19

Everyone has heard  about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

+ Experience the Best
Isaiah 1:19
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land;
+ God gives Holy Spirit

Acts 5:32

We are witnesses of these things,  and so is the Holy Spirit,  whom God has given to those who obey him.”

+ Freedom from Sin

Romans 6:17-18

But thanks be to God  that, though you used to be slaves to sin,  you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching  that has now claimed your allegiance.   You have been set free from sin  and have become slaves to righteousness.

+ Eternal Salvation

Hebrews 5:9

and, once made perfect,  he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him

+ Sincere love from the Heart

1 Peter 1:22

Now that you have purified  yourselves by obeying  the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply,  from the heart.

{Message No: 6261}

When a brother is overtaken in a fault

. Do we even consider them?

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.

. Do we exhort them, lest they become hardened by sin?

Hebrews 3:12-14

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. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,

. Are we willing bear their 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 fulfil the law of Chris

. Are we quick to forgive them when they repent?

Ephesians 4:32

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

Psalm 35:22-23

O LORD, ... be not silent. Do not be far from me, O Lord. Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. —

God sometimes seems to be distant and not to be listening to us. Think of the hundreds of years Israel was in bondage praying for God's promised Deliverer. "Isn't God listening?" they must have repeatedly wondered. Yet at the right time, God sent his Son and brought deliverance. Thankfully, God doesn't ask us to pretend that everything is okay when it isn't. He filled the Psalms with cries for deliverance and help.

You may find yourself in a position where these words are yours. If you are, realize that thousands of Today's Verse participants are praying today for God's immediate and powerful deliverance of you.

[Message No: 6260]

Secrets of Humility

+ The Yoke of Jesus

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,  for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

+ In The Child

Matthew 18:4

Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
+ Through Servanthood

Philippians 2:7-8

rather, he made himself nothing   by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!

+ Under God’s Hand

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
+ Through The Word

1 Kings 21:27

When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth  and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.

1 Kings 21:29

“Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled  himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day,  but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son.”

+ By Acknowledging Justice

2 Chronicles 12:6

The leaders of Israel and the king humbled  themselves and said, “The Lord is just.”

+ By Responsive Heart

2 Chronicles 34:27

Because your heart was responsive  and you humbled  yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the Lord.

[Message No: 6259]

Obedience - 2

Ways to Obedience

+ From suffering

Hebrews 5:8

Son  though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered

+ By taking every captive thought

2 Corinthians 10:5

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,  and we take captive every thought to make it obedient  to Christ.

+ By the attitude of fear

2 Corinthians 7:15

And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient,  receiving him with fear and trembling.

+ By humbling oneself

Philippians 2:8

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!

+ From faith

Romans 1:5

Through him we received grace  and apostleship to call all the Gentiles  to the obedience that comes from faith  for his name’s sake.

+ By the exemplary life

Romans 15:18

I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done—

+ Through the Spirit

Romans 15:18-19

I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles  to obey God  by what I have said and done—   by the power of signs and wonders,  through the power of the Spirit of God.  So from Jerusalem  all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

[Message No: 6258]

This Changing Work

1 Peter 1:6-7

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,  so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

 Loving me, leading me
 Guiding me, strengthening me
 Testing me in the fire-purified
 Will I come forth as gold?

Part of the work God does to grow us and change us is by testing through various trials.

On the other hand, some of the changing work He does in our lives is quiet and gentle as He asks us to willingly bend our hearts to the work He is doing.

But, some of the changing work won’t be accomplished without the testing trials. Whether He is quietly working on us – or purifying us in the fire, the same result will be produced and that result will be a genuine faith deeply grounded in our hearts.

 Isaiah 64:8 “But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.”

Psalm 31:23-24

“Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.”

Love the LORD! Be strong because of your hope in the LORD. In other words, recognize where your strength is. Acknowledge your source of grace. Give praise to God for his abundant mercy and power lavished on us through his Holy Spirit. The LORD God does preserve his people. He does honor faithfulness even if it is mocked in this world. The LORD will bless his people and deal justly with those who mock and abuse them.

Prayer 

. Holy and Righteous Father, God Almighty, I confess that your Son is my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. I thank you Jesus for being my Lord and paying the price for my sins. I ask, blessed Holy Spirit, that you help me fashion more of Jesus' character and compassion in my life. In Jesus' name I ask for this blessing. Amen.

[Message No: 6257]

Christian Triumph in Suffering

Matthew 26:36

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.”

1 Corinthians 4:9

 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.

2 Corinthians 4:8

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;

2 Corinthians 6:3

We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry,

2 Corinthians 11:23

Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.

Romans 8:35-39

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?  As it is written,      
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hebrews 11:33-40

who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,  quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.  Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.  Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.  They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—  of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

  And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,  since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

[Message No: 6256]

Obedience - 1

Facts About Obedience

+ We are slaves when we obey.

Romans 6:16

Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey —whether you are slaves to sin,  which leads to death,  or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?

+ We are chosen for obedience.

1 Peter 1:2

who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge  of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit,  to be obedient  to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:

 Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

+ Be obedient in everything.

2 Corinthians 2:9

Another reason I wrote you  was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.

+Obey God rather than men

Acts 5:29

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!

+ Children to obey their parents

Ephesians 6:1

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

+ People to obey authorities

Titus 3:1

+ Believers  to obey spiritual elders

Hebrews 13:17

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

[Message No: 6255]

Model Converts

Receive and Propagate the Gospel

Mark 16:17-20

And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;  they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
  So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.  And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]]

Acts 8:4

Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.

Acts 11:19-21

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.  But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus.  And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

Philippians 1:7

It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel.

Proverbs 3:9

Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops...

Honoring God comes first in everything. We don't give him the last, the least, or the leftovers. He gave us his best, most precious, and most perfect of gifts — his Son Jesus. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! How could we give him anything less than our best, our first, and our most precious?

[Message No: 6254]

Facts about Humility

+ Before God

1 Kings 21:29

Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled  himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day,  but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son.”

+ With God

Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly  and to love mercy and to walk humbly  with your God.

+ It Is Good

Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly  and to love mercy and to walk humbly  with your God.

+ Cloth With It

Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves  with compassion, kindness, humility,  gentleness and patience.

+ It Is In Jesus

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,  for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

+ Before Honour

Proverbs 15:33

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

+ Used In Service

Acts 20:19

I served the Lord with great humility and with tears  and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents.

[Message No: 6253]

Our God

+ God for us – Justifying

Romans 8:31

What, then, shall we say in response to these things?  If God is for us,  who can be against us?

+ God with us – Keeping

Genesis 28:15

I am with you  and will watch over you  wherever you go,  and I will bring you back to this land.  I will not leave you  until I have done what I have promised you. ”

Matthew 1:23

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

+ God in us – Indwelling

1 John 4:16

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

 “Proverbs 20:22

Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.”
Vengeance is an awful and painful way to respond to those whom we feel have wronged us. The LORD is our assurance of just rewards. Leave it to him. Escalating vindictiveness only leads to broken people and to broken lives. Worse yet, it leads to broken character.

John 17:18

“As you [God] sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”
We are not here by accident! God has a purpose and plan for us. Jesus has sent us into the world to touch it with his redemption and make a positive impact on it for him.

[Message No: 6252]

Acts 16:30-33

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. —

Faith in Jesus is the absolutely crucial response to God's grace and is such a life-transforming blessing. For the jailer, faith meant hearing the gospel of Jesus as Lord and responding by believing that message, being baptized immediately, demonstrating a life change, and sharing in fellowship with other believers (cf. Acts 2:42-47). Imagine going from being the jailer over men to washing their wounds in your own home! Think about being responsible for the painful incarceration of men, then have these men baptize you and your family that same night! Imagine locking in chains men who would later sit at your table sharing a meal! Isn't God incredible! Isn't his grace indescribable! No wonder we rejoice when those who are lost truly believe! Life is forever different.

Two good choices

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
  Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

Prayers

. Lord Jesus, I believe in You and pledge my allegiance to You. My desire is to be a true disciple, obeying Your commands and following Your teachings and examples. Help me to remain faithful in spite of the temptations and trials and fears brought on by this evil world. Help me to remain in Your Word; fill me with Your truth. Grant me perseverance and persistence to be all You created me to be. I pray for the peace and freedom that comes only by being faithful to Your truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Thought 

Submerge as much of your day as you can, to make it your invisible keel, by eliminating less important things.  You need time to look into the face of God, time to read and study his Word systematically, time to think and plan for your life, time to praise, time to intercede, time to get wisdom for handling people and for making decisions. - Anne Ortlund
[Message No: 6251]

Things To Buy

Wine and Milk – For Salvation

Isaiah 55:1

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy  and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

The Truth – For Sanctification

Proverbs 23;23

Buy the truth and do not sell it—wisdom, instruction and insight as well.

God Tried in the Fire For Preservation

Revelation 3:18

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire,  so you can become rich; and white clothes  to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness;  and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

 In our battle against evil, we use the spiritual weapons of God that enable us to know the truth and the freedom that the truth brings. The devil's greatest tools are deception and death. God's grace allow us to see through the deception and demolish its falsifying grip on the minds of men and women.
God's power has broken through the barrier of death and given us victory in Jesus Christ. Our task in this victory march? To obey our Lord and help others to do the same, finding his grace and power sufficient to help us overcome all that we face that could defeat us.

Thoughts 

. "There are thoughts which are prayers. There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body, the soul is on its knees." - Victor Hugo

. "Truth indeed rather alleviates than hurts, and will always bear up against falsehood, as oil does above water." - Miguel de Cervantes

[Message No: 6250]

Only the Holy Spirit' — John 3:6-7

[Jesus said to Nicodemus,] "Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don't be surprised when I say, 'You must be born again.'" - John 3:6-7

Not religious practice. Not religious accomplishment. Not religious titles. Not religious pedigree. Not the faith of parents. Not the recognition of community. There is no human means that can accomplish our new birth, our God-birth, our birth from above, our spiritual rebirth.

Only the Holy Spirit can give us "life from heaven." God's Kingdom is as revolutionary as it is eternal. Humans can't muster the righteousness or perfection or power to enter the Kingdom. But God can, and does, do it for us by the power of his Holy Spirit. That's why it is called being saved by grace! Only God can make this happen for us.

The Church

Christ for the World We Sing

Christ for the world we sing! The world to

Christ we bring, with loving zeal; the poor, and

Them that mourn, The faint  and over borne,

Sin-sick and sorrow worn, Whom Christ doth heal.

1 Corinthians 13:6-7

Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. —

Always love — pretty tall order and pretty tough stuff. Only God is always. But then Christians are fuelled to an always love through the Holy Spirit! Elsewhere, Paul tells us that "The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Rom. 5:5) No wonder this love is always — it is God's love, demonstrated by Jesus' sacrifice, and delivered by the Holy Spirit!

Evangelism 

"Hell is larger today than it

Parts of the world. Yes, we are great organizers, but poor pray-ers." - Paul E. Billheimer

[Message No: 6249]

Christ’s Threefold Headship

+ Head of Creation – Eternity

Colossians 1:15-17

The Son is the image  of the invisible God,  the firstborn  over all creation.   For in him all things were created:  things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;  all things have been created through him and for him.    He is before all things,  and in him all things hold together.

+ Head of Every Man – Worthily

1 Corinthians 11:3

But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ,  and the head of the woman is man,  and the head of Christ is God.

Philippians 2:9-10

Therefore God exalted him  to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
+ Head of His Body – Vitality

Colossians 1:18

And he is the head  of the body, the church;  he is the beginning and the firstborn  from among the dead,  so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Revelation 1:8

I am the Alpha and the Omega,”  says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come,  the Almighty.”

John 17:15

“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”
Jesus, in showing his love and care for his disciples in prayer before God, is our great example that we must, we should, and we can pray for God's spiritual protection on those we love.

[message no..6248]

Never Give In

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Never give in!

The testing of your faith is more precious than gold…Now is the time to fight the good fight of faith.

Never give in!

You are not alone in your trials and temptations…He is with you and will make a way of escape.

Never give in!

Someone is praying…Jesus is before the Mercy Seat making intercession on your behalf.

Never give in!

Heaven’s resources are yours…He will make all grace abound toward you.

Never give in!

You can live beyond yourself…God’s strength is made perfect in weakness.

Never give in!

The power of God is almighty…Greater is He that is within you than he that is in the world.

Never give in!

The hard times will not last forever…Nothing can compare to what God has prepared for you.

Proverbs 31:9

Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. —

"No room in the inn!" "Placed him in a manger!" So often we play favorites with the rich, beautiful, powerful, and prestigous. Isn't it interesting that God revealed himself as the defender of the widow, the orphan, and the alien and then entered the world as the child of a Jewish carpenter and a young virgin from a small town.

God wants us to notice those in need around us. He wants it to be more than an annual good gesture at Christmas. He wants us to be advocates for the folks like Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. We're not just told to be fair; we're told to defend and to plead the rights of those in need. When we do, we do it for him (see Matthew 23).

[Message No: 6247]

Two power of wealth

Proverbs 19:4

Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.

Punishment of liars

Proverbs 19:5

A false witness  will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.

True human nature

Proverbs 19:6-7

Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.

The poor are shunned by all their relatives—how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.

Knowledge and wisdom

Proverbs 19:8

The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.

Philippians 1:27-28

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God. —

Let's live as if we've been redeemed! Let's show our love and character in our daily lives. Let's especially work together, with one voice and spirit, making a vigorous effort to share the Gospel with those who have never heard of the grace of God in the ministry of Jesus. In the face of opposition, let's not be deterred or divided. Instead, let's work hand-in-hand for the cause of the Gospel.

Baptismal Truths

> The Baptism of John -  Repentance

Mark 3:6

Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians  how they might kill Jesus.

> The Baptism of the Cross – Judgement

Luke 12:50

But I have a baptism  to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed

> The Baptism of the Spirit – Unity

1 Corinthians 12:13

 For we were all baptized  by one Spirit  so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free —and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

> The Baptism of Believers – Identification

Romans 6:1-7

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ

  What shall we say, then?  Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?    By no means! We are those who have died to sin;  how can we live in it any longer?   Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized  into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?   We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death  in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead  through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

    For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.    For we know that our old self  was crucified with him  so that the body ruled by sin  might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin —   because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

> Believers are the subjects

Acts 2:41

 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number  that day.

Acts 8:12

But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God  and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized,  both men and women.

> Burial is the meaning

Romans 6:4

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Colossians 2:12

 having been buried with him in baptism,  in which you were also raised with him  through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

> Two examples

Matthew 3:16

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened,  and he saw the Spirit of God  descending like a dove and alighting on him.

Acts 8:38

And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

[Message No: 6245]

Things not to fear

` People

Numbers 14:9

Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.”

` Idols

Judges 6:10

And I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.’ But you have not obeyed my voice.”

2 Kings 17:35-39

The Lord made a covenant with them and commanded them, “You shall not fear other gods or bow yourselves to them or serve them or sacrifice to them,  but you shall fear the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and with an outstretched arm. You shall bow yourselves to him, and to him you shall sacrifice.

And the statutes and the rules and the law and the commandment that he wrote for you, you shall always be careful to do. You shall not fear other gods,  and you shall not forget the covenant that I have made with you. You shall not fear other gods,  but you shall fear the Lord your God, and he will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.”

` Evil

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
` War

Psalm 27:3

Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.

[Message No: 6244]

Children of God

+ Accounting to God’s Promise

Romans 9:8

In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children,  but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.

Galatians 3:29

If you belong to Christ,  then you are Abraham’s seed,  and heirs  according to the promise

+ By Grace

Galatians 3:17

And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

Galatians 3:26

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Romans 4:16-17

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,   (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

+ Through Christ Jesus

John 1:12

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Ephesians 1:5-6

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,   To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

+ Likeness to God

Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Ephesians 5:1

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

1 John 3:2

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

[Message No: 6243]

References for Gates in the Bible. – 5

Jeremiah 20:2

Pashhur had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put him in the stocks that were at the upper Benjamin Gate, which was by the house of the LORD.

Ezekiel 44:11

"Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, having oversight at the gates of the house and ministering in the house; they shall slaughter the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister to them.

Acts 3:10

and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Joshua 6:26

Then Joshua made them take an oath at that time, saying, "Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with the loss of his firstborn he shall lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he shall set up its gates."

Genesis 28:17

He was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."

1 Samuel 17:52

The men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted and pursued the Philistines as far as the valley, and to the gates of Ekron And the slain Philistines lay along the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and Ekron.

1 Kings 16:34

In his days Hiel the Bethelite built Jericho; he laid its foundations with the loss of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which He spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.

Matthew 16:18

"I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

John 10:1-3

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. "But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. "To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

The Promise of Humility

1 Peter 5:5-7

Jesus’ life exemplified humility. While on earth, He did not assert His rights, but cloaking himself with humanity, He chose to live in full obedience as a servant to His Father (Phil. 2:5-7). He laid aside His rightful glory and authority and humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross.

The decision is yours to make

Will you humble yourself and live for God’s glory rather than your own, or will you plot your own course and invite His opposition ❓

Stop

[About the man who had been healed, John wrote:] But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, "Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you." Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him. - John 5:14-15

Stop sinning! Isn't it interesting that while all the fury and fuss were about Jesus' supposed sin on the Sabbath, the real sinner was the man who was healed. He didn't want to take responsibility for anything. He wouldn't go out on the limb to honor Jesus and follow him. Jesus warned him, and he ignored the warning. He went and immediately betrayed Jesus into the hands of those who would do him harm.

When we become ashamed to share the testimony of what Jesus is doing in our lives, the sad reality is that we are easily conscripted to do holy-sounding things that actually do the Kingdom great harm. Jesus says to us, "stop sinning"! Let's heed his warning today.

Romans 14:8

“If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

We are the Lord's. He bought us out of bondage to sin and death. We have voluntarily placed our lives in his hands. No matter what we do or where we go, his grace goes with us. He has promised to never leave us. He has assured us that nothing can separate us from his love. So let's live with a sense of excited anticipation, looking to see where the Lord will lead us. Let us face difficulty, and even death, with the assurance that we will not face tough times alone. Even in the shadow of death, we don't have to fear what the evil can do. We are the Lord's.

Good News! — Mark 1:1

We are beginning a journey through the Gospel of Mark. Gospel means "good news." Mark wants us to know four things about our journey with him through the life of Jesus. First, it is a journey about God's good news. Second, it is about a very human person named Jesus; his humanity is revealed throughout Mark's Gospel. Third, this Jesus is also the Messiah (or Christ) promised in the Old Testament, and fourth, he is the Son of God

Never lose sight of the fact that Mark is telling us the good news of God about Jesus in the message that he shares with us. Sometimes the words and stories will be challenging and hard to understand. Yet at the heart of each story, event, or teaching is an implicit hope that God has brought us something very good in Jesus!

Deuteronomy 10:14

“To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.”

It all belongs to God! The multifaceted and creative side of our heavenly Father's nature is revealed in the astounding beauty and variety in our universe. This is not our world, but our Father has chosen to share it with us as one of his many gifts to us. Our Creator chose to provide us with the changing seasons in each year and the kaleidoscope of colors in each sunset and sunrise to frame our days. These are reminders of his love for beauty and variety, for predictability and also change. In addition to all that God has made and placed before us, he has crowned us, his human children, with glory and honor. Each of us is made, even with all of our differences, in his likeness. We are bearers of his divine image. Each person and all the peoples are precious to him.

Thought 

The thing of which we have to beware is not so much damage to our belief in God as damage to our Christian temper.  “Therefore take heed to thy spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.” 
The temper of mind is tremendous in its effects, it is the enemy that penetrates right into the soul and distracts the mind from God, and until we get back to the quiet mood before God, our faith in Him is nil, and our confidence in the flesh and in human ingenuity is the thing that rules. - -Oswald Chambers

References for Gates in the Bible. – 4

Nehemiah 11:19

Also the gatekeepers, Akkub, Talmon and their brethren who kept watch at the gates, were 172 men.

Nehemiah 12:39

and above the Gate of Ephraim, by the Old Gate, by the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate; and they stopped at the Gate of the Guard.

Psalm 122:2

Our feet are standing Within your gates, O Jerusalem,

Isaiah 60:11

"Your gates will be open continually; They will not be closed day or night, So that men may bring to you the wealth of the nations, With their kings led in procession.

Jeremiah 1:15

"For, behold, I am calling all the families of the kingdoms of the north," declares the LORD; "and they will come and they will set each one his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all its walls round about and against all the cities of Judah.

Acts 3:2

And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple.

2 Chronicles 23:19

He stationed the gatekeepers of the house of the LORD, so that no one would enter who was in any way unclean.

2 Chronicles 24:8

So the king commanded, and they made a chest and set it outside by the gate of the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 31:2

And Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and the Levites by their divisions, each according to his service, both the priests and the Levites, for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister and to give thanks and to praise in the gates of the camp of the LORD.

Four Great Sins

Proverbs 17:4-5

A wicked person listens to deceitful lips;
 a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
Whoever mocks the poor  shows contempt for their Maker;
 whoever gloats over disaster  will not go unpunished.
Two abominations to God

Proverbs 17:15

Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent —
 the Lord detests them both.
Why some remain fools

Proverbs 17:16

Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom,
 when they are not able to understand it?
How to know true friends

Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times,
 and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Seven things that cause sorrow

Proverbs 17:18-21

One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge
 and puts up security for a neighbour.
    Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin;
 whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.
    One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper;
 one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.
    To have a fool for a child brings grief;
 there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.

Christ the Lord is Risen

Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bands

Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands,

for our offenses given;

but now at God’s right hand He stands

and brings us light from heaven.

Therefore let us joyful be

and sing to God right thankfully

loud songs of hallelujah.

Hallelujah!

 *Amen* .

Matthew 11:28-30

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

I guess we could call it the irony of discipleship. To follow Christ means that we give up everything and follow him. To follow Christ means that we receive untold blessings in this life and eternal life with God in the life to come. So is it hard? Yes, sometimes it is. But life is hard. Is the burden light as Jesus promised? Yes, because we know our lives are not lived in vain, that we are living life as God intended it, and when life is over, it isn't really over! We get to go home and be with our Lord!

Thoughts 

. "Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose."
— Lyndon B. Johnson

. "Between two evils, choose neither; between two goods, choose both."
— Tryon Edwards

. "Live as though Christ died yesterday, rose from the grave today, and is coming back tomorrow." - Theodore Epp

. "Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life." - Jonathon Edwards

References for Gates in the Bible. – 3

Nehemiah 1:3

They said to me, "The remnant there in the province who survived the captivity are in great distress and reproach, and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates are burned with fire."

Nehemiah 2:3

I said to the king, "Let the king live forever Why should my face not be sad when the city, the place of my fathers' tombs, lies desolate and its gates have been consumed by fire?"

Nehemiah 3:1

Then Eliashib the high priest arose with his brothers the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors They consecrated the wall to the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel.

John 5:2

Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes.

Nehemiah 3:3

Now the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors with its bolts and bars.

Nehemiah 3:26

The temple servants living in Ophel made repairs as far as the front of the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower.

Nehemiah 3:28-29

Above the Horse Gate the priests carried out repairs, each in front of his house. After them Zadok the son of Immer carried out repairs in front of his house. And after him Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, carried out repairs.

Nehemiah 6:1

Now when it was reported to Sanballat, Tobiah, to Geshem the Arab and to the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall, and that no breach remained in it, although at that time I had not set up the doors in the gates,

Nehemiah 7:3

Then I said to them, "Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot, and while they are standing guard, let them shut and bolt the doors. Also appoint guards from the inhabitants of Jerusalem, each at his post, and each in front of his own house."

Predestined us to be sons

Galatians 4:4

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,

Romans 8:28-29

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

1 Peter 1:2-5

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,      

To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,       according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:      

May grace and peace be multiplied to you.   

 Born Again to a Living Hope

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,  who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

John 1:14

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

 Jesus is God's message. It wasn't a message contained in a book or given in a vision, or revealed on a mountain to only a watchful few. No, God's message was human flesh, bone, and blood. God's message came and lived among us. He faced our hardship, got our dirt between his toes, felt our disappointments, struggled with our temptations, suffered our treachery, and bled our blood. Yet living in our world, God's message brought us more than truth; he delivered us from death by God's grace.

The Lord’s Supper

+ It’s institution

Matthew 26:26-28

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it  and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

    Then he took a cup,  and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.   This is my blood of the covenant,  which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

+ It’s Celebration

Acts 20:7

On the first day of the week  we came together to break bread.  Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

 For I received from the Lord  what I also passed on to you:  The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,   and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body,  which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”   In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant  in my blood;  do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”   For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

+ It’s meaning

1 Corinthians 10:16

Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break  a participation in the body of Christ?

1 Corinthians 11:24-26

and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

References for Gates in the Bible. – 2

Acts 9:24

but their plot became known to Saul They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death;

Acts 12:10

When they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

Acts 16:13

And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer; and we sat down and began speaking to the women who had assembled.

Revelation 21:25

In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed;

Revelation 22:14

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.

Nehemiah 2:13-15

So I went out at night by the Valley Gate in the direction of the Dragon's Well and on to the Refuse Gate, inspecting the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were consumed by fire. Then I passed on to the Fountain Gate and the King's Pool, but there was no place for my mount to pass. So I went up at night by the ravine and inspected the wall. Then I entered the Valley Gate again and returned.

2 Kings 14:13

Then Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Beth-shemesh, and came to Jerusalem and tore down the wall of Jerusalem from the Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate, 400 cubits.

2 Chronicles 25:23

Then Joash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash the son of Jehoahaz, at Beth-shemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem and tore down the wall of Jerusalem from the Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate, 400 cubits.

Take Heed

+ What ye hear – the matter

Mark 4:24

And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

+ How ye hear – the manner

Luke 8:18

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

+ How you build – the work

1 Corinthians 3:10

According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

 We are comforted because we are heartbroken. We are comforted because we need a blessing. We are comforted because God loves us. We are comforted to comfort others. While each of the above statements is true, the last is the most crucial one. There is something about comfort that cannot be fully realized until it is shared with someone else.

It is that final step in the healing process of grief, disappointment, hurt, and loss. Until we share the comfort we have received, until we pass it on to another, our comfort is weak and shallow and limited. Comfort — pass it on!

Prayer 

. Almighty Shepherd, in the noise and confusion of many thoughts burdened by many concerns, minister to me through your Holy Spirit. I need your comfort and peace. I ask for your presence and your grace. In Jesus' name I ask. Amen.

Examples of being directed by God

Joseph’s brethren 

Genesis 45:5

But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For

Read Genesis 37:18-28

Pharaoh’s daughter -

Exodus 2:5

Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river. And her maidens walked along the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it.

Saul -

1 Samuel 23:26-28

Then Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. So David made haste to get away from Saul, for Saul and his men were encircling David and his men to take them.

   But a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines have invaded the land!” Therefore Saul returned from pursuing David, and went against the Philistines; so they called that place the Rock of Escape. Then David went up from there and dwelt in strongholds at En Gedi.

Jesse -

1 Samuel 16:8-11

So Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.”

  And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.”

1 Samuel 17:23

Then as he talked with them, there was the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, coming up from the armies of the Philistines; and he spoke according to the same words. So David heard them.

1 Samuel 17:53

Then the children of Israel returned from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their tents.

Syrians –

2 Kings 5:2

And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman's wife.

The Samaritan Woman –

John 4:7

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.”

References for Gates in the Bible. – 1

2 Chronicles 14:7

For he said to Judah, "Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side." So they built and prospered.

Psalm 107:16

For He has shattered gates of bronze And cut bars of iron asunder.

Psalm 147:13

For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your sons within you.

Isaiah 22:7

Then your choicest valleys were full of chariots, And the horsemen took up fixed positions at the gate.

Isaiah 45:1-2

Thus says the LORD to Cyrus His anointed, Whom I have taken by the right hand, To subdue nations before him And to loose the loins of kings; To open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: "I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars.

Jeremiah 51:30

The mighty men of Babylon have ceased fighting, They stay in the strongholds; Their strength is exhausted, They are becoming like women; Their dwelling places are set on fire, The bars of her gates are broken.

Hosea 11:6

The sword will whirl against their cities, And will demolish their gate bars And consume them because of their counsels.

Luke 7:12

Now as He approached the gate of the city, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a sizeable crowd from the city was with her.

I Am in Christ (Affirmations) - 4

John 5:24

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

2 Corinthians 5:18

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;

Colossians 1:12

giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Colossians 2:7

rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

1 John 5:18

We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.

Revelation 17:14

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

Ephesians 5:1

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children

Ephesians 2:19-20

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,  built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,

Ephesians 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

Deuteronomy 28:2

And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.

Three Looks

Looking to the Savior – Salvation

Isaiah 45:22

“Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.
Looking on the Master Contemplation

John 1:36

and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”
Looking for the Bridegroom Glorification

Titus 2:13

waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

Idolatry Should Trouble Us Toward Outreach

Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.  So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. - Acts 17:16-17

Prayer:

Lord, every day and in many ways, I, too, see idolatry around me in this land. People put money and power and fame and position far above godliness and faithfulness to You. I have even done the same. Forgive me. Forgive the people of this land. And please bring us back to You. Remind us of Your greatness and Your power and Your love for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Psalm 34:17

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. -
Deliverance! A great theme of the Bible is that God is a God of deliverance who keeps his promises and faithfully shares his grace, mercy, and justice. Let this promise stir you to righteous living and then to cry out to God in all your troubles. One way to do this is to read through the Psalms regularly, letting these inspired words from so long ago offer a rich topography of prayer from which you can call to God. Whether you use the Psalms or not, however, cry out to God with the praises, questions, and wounds that life brings. Let his presence be real to you and your heart open to him.

Envying’s

{Works of the Flesh

Matthew 27:18

For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.

Mark 15:10

For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.

Romans 1:29

They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,

Philippians 1:15

 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will

1 Timothy 6:4

he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions,

Titus 3:3

 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

James 4:5

Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”?

1 Peter 2:1

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander

Zephaniah 3:17

God is with us! That's the great message of the story of Jesus (Matt. 1:23). That's the message of hope Zephaniah gives the defeated people of God. God is among us. He is mighty to save. He loves us. He delights in us.

He stills the storms of our hearts with his loving touch. He sings us lullabies of joy. God longs to be close to us and invites us to draw near. What will your response be?