Long Ago

[Zechariah said,] "Praise be to the Lord, God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he said through his holy prophets long ago." — Luke 1:68-70

What God does in Jesus, is not a surprise. Yes, it was unexpected, but the "hints" and prophecies of his coming are found all over the Old Testament. The holy prophets had spoken about it "long ago." But more than the prophets, Jesus coming is God keeping his word. Jesus' coming is God's answer to his promises. That's why Paul can say that all God's promises find their yes in Jesus and it is through Jesus that the "amen" is spoken (2 Cor. 1). In Jesus, God comes, God ministers, God cares, God saves, God redeems, and God keeps his promises.

                                                       Prayer

O troubled soul, beneath the rod,
Your Father speaks, be still, be still;
Learn to be silent unto God,
And let Him mold you to His will.
O praying soul, be still, be still,
He cannot break His promised Word;
Sink down into His blessed will,
And wait in patience on the Lord.
O waiting soul, be still, be strong,
And though He tarry, trust and wait;
Doubt not, He will not wait too long,
Fear not, He will not come too late.
Albert B. Simpson

Do you see your calling?

Romans 1:1
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God

The Call of God

1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

The Constraint of the call

1 Corinthians 9:16
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

[Message No: 7285]

It Is Well With My Soul

.. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

..Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Marks of Spirituality

. Minds set on what the Spirit desires

Romans 8:5
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

. To be one Spirit with the Lord

1 Corinthians 6:17
But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

Questions in Job 

25:6
How much less man, who is a maggot,
 And a son of man, who is a worm?”

26:2
“How have you helped him who is without power?
 How have you saved the arm that has no strength?

26:3
How have you counseled one who has no wisdom?
 And how have you declared sound advice to many?

[Message No: 7284]

What’s Love?

(Jesus said) "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love." — John 15:10

Love is not just a feeling. Love is action. For believers, the action that most shows our love for Jesus is for us to be obedient to his words, his will, and his example.

God's Grace

The grace of God is like the man who went into the clothing store to buy a suit and was shown a blue one. "No," the customer said, "That won't do. I want a green suit." So the clerk called out to his partner, "Turn on the green light, Joe, the man wants a green suit!" It is not that things are changed. But we see them differently. In Christ we are given spectacles which give us a kingdom perspective.
 We see ourselves in a heavenly light; through God's eyes. We see how things really are. We need no longer suffer from the stigma that "sinner" - forgiven or otherwise - denotes. We can see ourselves as "heirs" with Christ of the Divine inheritance. The world is not changed, but we see it and ourselves in a new light; a kingdom light.

Prophet – Jacob

Genesis 32:9
Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham,  God of my father Isaac,  Lord, you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’

Genesis 32:12
But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will
 make your descendants like the sand  of the sea, which cannot be counted

Moral Decision About Sin

Romans 6:6
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Moral Dominion

Romans 6:9-11
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.   For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.   Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

[Message No: 7283]

The Mercy of God

Mercy  is (a) an essential quality of God –

Exodus 34:6-7

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,    maintaining love to thousands,  and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.  Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished;  he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

Deuteronomy 4:31
For the Lord your God is a merciful  God; he will not abandon  or destroy  you or forget  the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.

Psalm 62:12
and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”;
 and, “You reward everyone
 according to what they have done.”

Scriptures are not to be learned but to be lived

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God  may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

God wants us to be prepared to do good works. Thankfully he gave us the Scriptures. Today we have the Bible translated into many different languages, dialects, and versions. Rather than a threat, this is a great blessing. But we must remember that the goal of Scripture is not to be learned but to be lived. God intended his Word to be practical truth — a gift that prepares us to do every good work.

Thoughts 

. Dear friend, God may send you some valuable gifts wrapped in unattractive paper.  But do not worry about the wrappings, for you can be sure that inside He has hidden treasures of love, kindness, and wisdom.  If we will simply take what He sends and trust Him for the blessings inside, we will learn the meaning of the secrets of His providence, even in times of darkness. - A. B. Simpson

. He tenderly laid His hand upon me to say, “My dear child, your only safety comes from loving, trusting, and praising Me through everything.” - Mark Guy Pearse

[Message No: 7282]

Our Hunger

Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." – John 6:35

We crave food at regular intervals during the day. During this holiday season food occupies our thoughts and fills up our activities. But deep in our soul is a hunger, a soul hunger. This hunger cannot be filled by food, drink, or chemicals. This hunger was the desire built into us by our Creator, placed there when he knit us together in our mother's womb. This hunger can only be satiated by Jesus.

How will Jesus Return?

. Like The Lightening -

Matthew 24:27
For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Luke 17:24
For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.

. In the Same Way that He Left –

Acts 1:10-11
And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,  and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

The Power of the Cross

. In receiving the Holy Spirit

Galatians 3:14
so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

. In Bringing Forth the Spirit’s Fruit

Galatians 5:22-25
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

  If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.  Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

[Message No: 7281]

END

1. End of Sin – Romans 6:21
What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!

2. End of Holiness – Romans 6:22
But now that you have been set free from sin  and have become slaves of God,  the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

3. End of the Law – Romans 10:4
Christ is the culmination of the law  so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

4. End of the Commandment – 1 Timothy 1:5
The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart  and a good conscience  and a sincere faith.

5. End of Faith – 1 Peter 1:9
for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

6. End of the Lord – James 5:11
As you know, we count as blessed  those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance  and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.  The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

7. End of the Sinner – Philippians 3:19
Their destiny  is destruction, their god is their stomach,  and their glory is in their shame.  Their mind is set on earthly things.

The Faith to Please

 Hebrews 11:6

God asked Noah to build a large boat to save his family, a boat he had seen no one else build in the past. Noah needed divine direction to know the size of the boat and other details. So, Noah embraced God’s desires and plan, working by faith. He had to trust God step by step until he completed that boat.

Likewise, you and I can please God if we activate our faith to make things happen. Faith means more than working towards what you want. Focus instead on pleasing God.
Take action when God tells you to do something. Have faith in the desired result as God gives you step by step directions. If you don’t live by faith, you cannot please God. To get things done God’s way, you must activate your faith. How can you show your faith to others if you do not do the works of faith?

[Message No: 7280]

Prophet – Abraham

Genesis 2:19

Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.

Genesis 2:23-24

And Adam said:
  “This is now bone of my bones
 And flesh of my flesh;
 She shall be called Woman,
 Because she was taken out of Man.”
    Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Genesis 3:20

And Adam called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.

Acts 3:21
whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.

Name of God – Redeemer

Isaiah 44:6

“Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel,
 And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
 ‘I am the First and I am the Last;
 Besides Me there is no God.

Isaiah 44:24

Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer,
 And He who formed you from the womb:
 “I am the Lord, who makes all things,
 Who stretches out the heavens all alone,
 Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself;

Thought 

. The life of the Spirit is not our life, but the life of God within us. - Teresa of Avila

[Message No: 7279]

Holy Spirit will help us to love one another

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” - John 13:34

Wow, that's a tall order to fill, isn't it! Jesus has just washed the feet of his disciples. Over the next few hours, Judas will betray him with a kiss, Peter will deny him three times, and the other 10 disciples will forsake and leave him to die alone. Yet he still washed their feet knowing they would do this. He still goes to the cross for them while knowing they will abandon him.

I'm not sure that I can love like that... yet. However, with the Holy Spirit's help, I will make a renewed commitment to love others who have hurt and disappointed me. I will also seek to mend relationships where I have hurt and disappointed others.

Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior

.. Pass me not, oh gentle Savior
Hear my humble cry
While on others Thou art calling
Do not pass me by

.. I'm calling Savior, Savior
Hear my humble cry
While on others Thou art calling
Do not pass me by

.. Let me at Thy throne of mercy
I find a sweet relief
Kneeling there in deep contrition
Help my unbelief

.. I'm calling Savior, Savior
Why don't You hear my humble cry?
While on others Thou art calling
Do not pass me by

Thought 

. God’s promises have no expiration dates. – Unknown

[Message No: 7278]

Generosity

The Mercy of God

. It is  His delight –

Micah 7:18

Who is a God  like you,
 who pardons sin  and forgives  the transgression
 of the remnant  of his inheritance?
 You do not stay angry  forever
 but delight to show mercy.

Micah 7:20

Who is a God  like you,
 who pardons sin  and forgives  the transgression
 of the remnant  of his inheritance?
 You do not stay angry  forever
 but delight to show mercy.

Psalm 52:8

. He is “Father of mercies” –

2 Corinthians 1:3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

. Rich in mercy –

Ephesians 2:4

But because of his great love for us,  God, who is rich in mercy,

Genesis 31:3

Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Go back  to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”

[Message No: 7277]

Preparation during our Old Age

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. — 2 Corinthians 4:16

While we joke about growing older, the challenges of aging are tough. We realize our mortality. Our bodies can betray us. We can't do what we once could do. As Christians, we know that our aging actually brings us closer to home and to the time when Jesus gives us immortal bodies not subject to decay. God can help us use these physical realities to be heavenly reminders of what is important. With the help of his Spirit, we can be transformed to be more like our Savior and to be more ready for our heavenly home!

Scripture for Charity

. Ecclesiastes 11:1

Cast your bread upon the waters,
   For you will find it after many days.

. Psalm 37:26

He is ever merciful, and lends;
 And his descendants are blessed.

. Isaiah 58:7-8

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
 And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
 When you see the naked, that you cover him,
 And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
  Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
 Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
 And your righteousness shall go before you;
 The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

One of God’s Great Don’ts

Psalm 37:8
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
 Do not fret—it only causes harm.

[Message No: 7276]

When You Don’t Know What to Do

Colossians 3:12-15
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Spiritual Things

. Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 14:1
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

. Spiritual Body

1 Corinthians 15:44
It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

. Spiritual Wisdom

Colossians 1:9
For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

. Spiritual House

1 Peter 2:15
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—

. Spiritual Sacrifices

1 Peter 2:15 
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—

[Message No: 7275]

The Faith of Our Fathers

1. God in the Lovingness of His Personality
1 timothy 4:10
That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,  who is the Savior of all people,  and especially of those who believe.

2. Christ in the Saviourhood of His Deity
Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

3. The Atonement of our Lord in His Substitution Sacrifice
Matthew  20:28
just as the Son of Man  did not come to be served, but to serve,  and to give his life as a ransom  for many.”

4. The Holy Spirit in the Power of His Sanctify

2 Thessalonians 2:13
But we ought always to thank God for you,  brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as first fruits  to be saved 
the sanctifying work of the Spirit  and through belief in the truth.

5. The example of Christ in the steps of His Life
1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

6. The Devotion of Christ in, the work of His Ministry
Acts 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

7. The Love of God in the Inspiration of His influence
1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God hath
us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

8. The Word of God in the Principles of its Truth
Psalm 119:142
Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
and thy law is the truth.
Psalm 119:151
Thou art near, O Lord;
and all thy commandments are truth.

9. The Promises of Jehovah in the sufficiency of their Grace
2 Corinthians 1:20
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

10. The coming of Christ in the Magnetism of its power
2 Peter 1:16
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

[Message No: 7274]

Patience: Our Gift of Service

Colossians 3:12-13

“When we are troubled or in pain, we turn to people who will listen patiently to our cries of distress. But I wonder how often we seek to be the person who steps up to share a hurting friend’s burden.”
In today’s reading, the apostle Paul encouraged believers to put on a heart of compassion, kindness, and patience. In other words, we don’t come from the womb pre-equipped with these traits. Rather, we receive on-the-job training in imitating Jesus Christ as we bear with and forgive one another.
The Holy Spirit is more than willing to instruct us in the proper ways to grow spiritual fruit. The heavenly Father then provides opportunities for us to try out our newly developed skills.

Prophet – Jacob

Genesis 28:13-15
There above it stood the Lord,  and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac.  I will give you and your descendants the land  on which you are lying.    Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you  will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south.  All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.    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. ”
Genesis 31:3

Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Go back  to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”

Hanani

2 Chronicles  16:7-10
At that time Hanani  the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him: “Because you relied  on the king of Aram and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand.   Were not the Cushites  and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers  of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the Lord, he delivered  them into your hand.   For the eyes  of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish  thing, and from now on you will be at war. ”

    Asa was angry with the seer because of this; he was so enraged that he put him in prison.  At the same time Asa brutally oppressed some of the people.

[Message No: 7273]

MANY

1.Many infallible proofs
Acts 1:3
 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them  over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
2. Many wonders and signs

Acts 2:43
Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
3. Christ was seen “many days” after His Resurrection

Acts 13:31
and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem.  They are now his witnesses  to our people.

4. Many believed in the Lord
Acts 9:42
This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.

5. Suffer many things
Matthew 16:21
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem  and suffer many things  at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law,  and that he must be killed  and on the third day  be raised to life.

6. Many were gathered together unto Him
Mark 2:2
They gathered in such large numbers  that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.

7. Many of His disciple went with Him
Luke 7:11
Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him.

[Message No: 7272]

Life and Death

Genesis 50:22-26

Death of Joseph

    So Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his father's household. And Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. Joseph saw Ephraim's children to the third generation. The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were also brought up on Joseph's knees.

   And Joseph said to his brethren, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

Thoughts

. Though our private desires are ever so confused, though our private requests are ever so broken, and though our private groanings are ever so hidden from men, yet God eyes them, records them, and puts them upon the file of heaven, and will one day crown them with glorious answers and returns. - Thomas Brooks

Enjoy the View

Psalm 148:1-6

Praise to the Lord from Creation
   Praise the Lord!
 Praise the Lord from the heavens;
 Praise Him in the heights!
  Praise Him, all His angels;
 Praise Him, all His hosts!
  Praise Him, sun and moon;
 Praise Him, all you stars of light!

  Praise Him, you heavens of heavens,
 And you waters above the heavens!
  Let them praise the name of the Lord,
 For He commanded and they were created.
  He also established them forever and ever;
 He made a decree which shall not pass away.

[Message No: 7271]

How to Overcome Temptation? - 1

1. By Resolving – Daniel 1:8   
But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.

2. By Feeling – 1 Timothy 6:11
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

3. By Trusting Away – 1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,”  for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.      
Grace be with you.

4. By Avoiding – 2 Timothy 2:16
But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 

5. By Escaping – Genesis 39:12
she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.

6. By Making Covenant – Job 31:1
“I have made a covenant with my eyes;
how then could I gaze at a virgin?

7. By Guidance – Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
 But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

8. By Being Firm – 2 Kings 5:16
But he said, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused.

9. By Indwelling Word – Psalm 37:31
The law of his God is in his heart;
None of his steps shall slide.

[Message No: 7270]

God Seeker

God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. — Psalm 53:2

Are you a "God-seeker"? Through much of history, especially when things are going well or in times of great wickedness, God has not found many who seek after him. But he's looking! He's searching! It matters to him! Just as God walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day before sin destroyed their relationship, God longs to walk with us. But he's looking for those whose hearts are yearning for his presence in their lives. So let's yearn!

Scripture for Charity

Isaiah 58:10
If you extend your soul to the hungry
 And satisfy the afflicted soul,
 Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
 And your darkness shall be as the noonday.

2 Corinthians 9:7
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Rape

Genesis 34:2
When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of that area, saw her, he took her and violated her.
Kindly read 2 Samuel chapter 13

Questions in Job

7:12
Am I a sea, or a sea serpent,
 That You set a guard over me?

7:17
“What is man, that You should exalt him,
 That You should set Your heart on him,

[Message No: 7269]

When morning comes

Hebrews 11:1-8

By Faith

 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  For by it the people of old received their commendation.  By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

  By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.  By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.  And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 

By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
  By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going

Thought 

. We Christians must simplify our lives or lose untold treasures on earth and in eternity.  Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible.  The need for solitude and quietness was never greater than it is today. - A. W. Tozer

Hindrances to Prayer

. Neglecting the Word

Proverbs 28:9
If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination.

. Doubting

James 1:6-7
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

[Message No: 7268]

The Grand Consultant

By myself I can do nothing;  I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just,  for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. – John 5:30

When businesses or key business leaders get in a bind or try to decide about strategic opportunities, they hire a consultant. They use a consultant to help them sort through the issues, avoid making careless mistakes, and make the best decisions. Jesus consistently used this same strategy in his ministry.

However, Jesus used only one consultant, the Grand Consultant, his Father. Incredibly, Jesus taught us to use this same Consultant as well. So as you face tough decisions or questions about what you need to do, why not follow the example of your Savior? Spend time consistently with the Grand Consultant!

Questions in 1 Kings

21:19
You shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Have you murdered and also taken possession?” ’ And you shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: “In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, dogs shall lick your blood, even yours.” ’ ”

21:20
So Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?”
  And he answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the Lord:

Confident Trust

Hebrews 10:38
Now the just shall live by faith;
 But if anyone draws back,
 My soul has no pleasure in him.

Thought 

. Man needs but little for his body; but all his strength is insufficient to elevate his soul. – Michelangelo

[Message No: 7267]

Our Help Began at Pentecost?

Our dependence upon the Holy Spirit should grow in tandem with our understanding of God. As we learn of the Christ to whom is conforming us, the Holy Spirit at the same time reveals our inadequacy to appropriate such divine attributes without His intervention. God’s Spirit calls us to surrender our will and way of coping so that He may live the character of Christ through us. We trade frustration for peace, anger for patience, and shallow happiness for pure joy as we become more like the Lord we serve.

With the aid of God’s Helper, our old existence of lonely desolation is pushed away in favor of a triumphant Christian life.

Thoughts 

. For some who pray expecting an answer, it takes a long time to learn that delays of answers are not denials.  There are deep secrets of love and wisdom that we have never imagined awaiting us.  We tend to want to pick our blessings from the tree while they are still green, yet God wants us to wait until they’re fully ripe.  Do not doubt His love. 

Instead, lift up your eyes and begin praising Him right now for the deliverance that is on its way to you.  Then you’ll be abundantly rewarded for the delay that has tried your faith. - L. B. Cowman

Jesus is stronger than our Fears

Mark 4:39
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

The blood, the covering

Genesis 3:21
Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.


No blood, no atonement

Leviticus 17:11
For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’

[Message No: 7266]

When Jesus Returns - The Second Coming

. The early Christians encouraged one another with it.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Revelation 1:7
Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

. The Holy Spirit bears witness of it

2 Corinthians 5:5
Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

We have been sent by the One who Lives there [Heaven]

John 17:16-18
They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

2 Corinthians 5:20
 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.

The Vision and the Verity

1 Corinthians 1:2
To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

Thought 

. All our history proves that God may be understood, not by reasoning, but by submission to Him and obeyance to His laws.  Only by doing this can we understand His will on earth. - John Ruskin

[Message No: 7265]

Heaviest Burdens

Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
I feel so burdened myself, that sometimes I can't even see others burdens. But Jesus reminds me that if I am to be like him, I will be a burden carrier. This is why he came, why he died, and why his resurrection is so important — to lift from us the burdens of sin, death, and depravity.
He has blessed us by carrying our heaviest burdens so that we might lighten the load of those around us.

Evangelism 

. John the Baptist stood in the cold waters of the Jordan, baptizing, but Jesus the Baptizer stands in a river of liquid fire.

. Fire is the ensign of the Gospel, the sign of the Son of Man. Only Jesus baptizes in fire.
. Faith – chilling items have nothing to do with the Christ of Pentecost. Whatever He touches catches fire.

. just being happy and clappy does not satisfy God’s design. The Holy Spirit works for eternal purposes.

. The proper purpose of Pentecost is to get the wheels rolling for God in every  church, thereby transporting the Gospel across the face of the whole earth.

. If baptizing into the Holy Spirit is His work, what does it mean? It means that everything to do with Him and with the Gospel should be characterized by fire. It should burn.

Commands

. Leave parents  and cleave  to wife

Matthew 19:5
and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?

Mark 10:7
“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,

Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

[Message No: 7264]

The abandonment of God

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.

The worker’s ruling passion

2 Corinthians 5:9
So we make it our goal to please him,  whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

Mercy and the Christian Life

. Mercy of God is praiseworthy –

Psalms 89:1
I will sing  of the Lord’s great love forever;
 with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
 through all generations.

 1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks  to the Lord, for he is good;
 his love endures forever.

Psalm 115:1
Not to us, Lord, not to us
 but to your name be the glory,
 because of your love and faithfulness.

The Bow in the Cloud

Genesis 9:13
I have set my rainbow  in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

The Impartial Power of God

Hebrews 10:14
For by one sacrifice he has made perfect  forever those who are being made holy.

[Message No: 7263]

Heaviest Burdens

Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2

I feel so burdened myself, that sometimes I can't even see others burdens. But Jesus reminds me that if I am to be like him, I will be a burden carrier. This is why he came, why he died, and why his resurrection is so important — to lift from us the burdens of sin, death, and depravity.

He has blessed us by carrying our heaviest burdens so that we might lighten the load of those around us.

"Holding On"     

VERSE
Lord I'm holding on to You
Jesus closer and closer to You
And with all that I am
And in everything I do
I'm holding on to You

CHORUS
Called into Your presence
You're calling my name
In loving You and serving You
I'm transformed and changed
Reflecting Your glory
The image of God
So I'm holding on

Thoughts 

. Confess your sins, not your neighbors’ sins! - Unknown

. The one concern of the devil is to keep the saints from praying.  He fears nothing from prayerless studies/work/Christian activity.  He laughs at our toil, mocks our wisdom, but trembles when we pray. - Samuel Chadwick

. You get to the very top of the ladder, and then you find it has not been leaning against the right wall. - Adrian Raine

[Message No: 7262]

Praying for Others

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. — Colossians 1:9

When we hear of Christians in other places, especially where circumstances and times are difficult, or they are new in the Faith, let's intentionally and purposefully pray this prayer for them!

Concerning Individuals 

. Paul’s Ministry

Acts 9:15-16
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake.”

Acts 22:10
So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’

Acts 23:11
But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”

Acts 26:16-18
But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

Scars

Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn,
 For they shall be comforted.

[Message No: 7261]

What Word of God does for us?

The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. — Hebrews 4:12

How often do you let God do major surgery on your spirit as his Spirit uses the Word to encourage, judge, motivate, convict, instruct, and inspire? With such a great tool so readily at hand for most of us, let's not let a day go by that we don't let God use his word on hearts.

Questions in Job 

31:3
Is it not ruin  for the wicked,
 disaster  for those who do wrong?

31:4
Does he not see my ways
 and count my every step?

31:14
what will I do when God confronts me?
 What will I answer when called to account?

31:15
Did not he who made me in the womb make them?
 Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?

34:7
Is there anyone like Job,
 who drinks scorn like water?

34:13
Who appointed  him over the earth?
 Who put him in charge of the whole world?

34:17
Can someone who hates justice govern?
 Will you condemn the just and mighty One?

[Message No: 7260]

New born Spiritual Babies

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. - Romans 14:1
Parents are careful and tender with their newborn babies even though babies are demanding, messy, and sometimes difficult. When parents aren't this way with their babies, they are recognized as abusive and dangerous. So if new Christians are newborn children of God, shouldn't our patience be greater, our words more tender, our understanding more generous, and our care more attentive?

Beautiful

She has done a beautiful thing to me.—Mark 14:6
Jesus devoted much of His time and attention to people like the girl in the wheelchair. People with lifelong disabilities or physical deformities as well as those who were looked down on by others for various reasons. In fact, Jesus let one of “those people” anoint Him with oil, to the disdain of the religious leaders (Luke 7:39). On another occasion, when a woman demonstrated her love with a similar act, Jesus told her critics, “Leave her alone . . . . She has done a beautiful thing to me” (Mark 14:6).

God values everyone equally; there are no distinctions in His eyes. In reality, we are all in desperate need of Christ’s love and forgiveness. His love compelled Him to die on the cross for us.
May we see each person as Jesus did: made in God’s image and worthy of His love. Let’s treat everyone we meet with Christ like equality and learn to see beauty as He does.
Everyone we meet bears the image of God.

Questions in Job 

28:12
But where can wisdom be found?
 Where does understanding dwell?

28:20
Where then does wisdom come from?
 Where does understanding dwell?

30:2
Of what use was the strength of their hands to me,
 since their vigor had gone from them?

[Message No: 7259]

Ministry by Singing

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Ephesians 5:19-20

Hearts full of thanks — that's what makes for good singing! With Jesus as the source of our salvation and centre of our future, how can we not sing! But singing is not just for us and God. God wants our songs to bless others. It is our ultimate spiritual talk.

Prophet Moses

Exodus 3:17-22
And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt  into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.’

    “The elders of Israel will listen  to you. Then you and the elders are to go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews,  has met  with us. Let us take a three-day journey  into the wilderness to offer sacrifices  to the Lord our God.’   But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand  compels him.   So I will stretch out my hand  and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders  that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go.

    “And I will make the Egyptians favourably disposed  toward this people, so that when you leave you will not go empty-handed.    Every woman is to ask her neighbor and any woman living in her house for articles of silver  and gold  and for clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. And so you will plunder  the Egyptians.”

Inferior missing’s about Jesus

John 4:11
“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?

Is He really Lord?

Acts 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me;  my only aim is to finish the race  and complete the task  the Lord Jesus has given me —the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

[Message No: 7258]

Let’s pray for heart of wisdom

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. — Psalm 90:12

When we lose our sense of urgency to live for God, we end up wasting our time! God has a plan for us, for our world, and for his church. Without God's gift of "spiritual arithmetic" (numbering our days aright), we will never gain a heart of wisdom. So how do we get such a gift?

Ask for it without doubting (James 1:5-7)! Trusting the Lord for wisdom has a huge effect on us and the way we conduct our lives. Rather than losing heart, God gives us a heart of wisdom!

Who Is Jesus?

John 1:1-5
Jesus is eternal. [John 1:1-5]]

He is God. [John 1:1]

He is with God (John 1:1-2).

Jesus is the Creator. [John 1:3]

In Him is life (John 1:4).

Is this the Jesus you’ve trusted for your salvation? Though He became a man, we must never cease to recognize and worship Him as the Son of God.

How Great Thou Art

And when I think that God his Son not sparing sent him to
Die, I scarce can take it in; That on the cross, my burdens gladly
Bearing. He bled and died  to take away my sin,
.. Then sing my soul, my  Savior Got to thee. How

Prophet Moses

Exodus 4:8-9
Then the Lord said, “If they do not believe  you or pay attention to the first sign,  they may believe the second.   But if they do not believe these two signs or listen to you, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. The water you take from the river will become blood  on the ground.”

[Message No: 7257]

Heaven

Night

Revelation 22:5
And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Curse

Revelation 22:3
No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.

Pain

Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Crying, Sorrow

Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Death

Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Heaven: A place of great Glory

Matthew 13:43
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Thought

. Give us grace and strength to persevere.  Give us courage and gaiety and the quiet mind.  Spare to us our friends and soften to us our enemies.  Give us the strength to encounter that which is to come, that we may be brave in peril, constant in tribulation, temperate in wrath and in all changes of fortune, and down to the gates of death loyal and loving to one another. - Robert Louis Stevenson

[Message No: 7256]

Are we a new creation?

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”  - 2 Corinthians 5:17

It's better than starting over! As Christians, we get a fresh and new start. God not only forgave us, pardoned us, ransomed us, and saved us, he also made us a new creation! And every time we come to him, every day we rededicate ourselves to serve him, and every new year we offer to him, we get a new start and a whole new world. So as we begin this new year, let's begin by offering ourselves to him, asking him to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and take leadership of our lives.

Take The Name Of Jesus With You

.. Take the name of Jesus with you,

Child of sorrow and of woe;
It will joy and comfort give you,
Take it then where'er you go.
Ch. Precious name! Oh, how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of heav'n;
Precious name! Oh, how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of heav'n.

.. Take the name of Jesus ever,

As a shield from every snare.
If temptations round you gather,
Breathe that holy name in prayer.

Quickened in Christ

Ephesians 1:2
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:5-6
having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

[Message No: 7255]

Shine, Jesus Shine

.. Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me
Ch - Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light

Prophet – Abraham

Genesis 20:7
Now therefore, restore the man's wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”

Genesis  12:1-3
Promises to Abram
   Now the Lord had said to Abram:
  “Get out of your country,
 From your family
 And from your father's house,
 To a land that I will show you.
  I will make you a great nation;
 I will bless you
 And make your name great;
 And you shall be a blessing.
  I will bless those who bless you,
 And I will curse him who curses you;
 And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

[Message No: 7254]

Our God’s Image

For by him [Jesus] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. — Colossians 1:16

"Jesus is Lord!" That doesn't just mean that we have yielded our lives to his will and trusted in his grace. "Jesus is Lord!" This means that everything that is created is his. All angels, demons, and spirits are below him and their purpose is to honor and serve him. Even though demons have chosen not to honor and serve him, that decision does not change what their purpose should be nor the fact that Jesus showed his superiority over them in his crucifixion and resurrection.  It means the universe, with its vast expanse and glory, was made by him and made to declare his glory. As God's image to us, God's presence for us to know and see, he is our King, Lord, and Savior. If our life is in his hands and our hearts are yielded to his will, then no one and nothing can prevent his ultimate victory for us and in us.

Circumcision

. a servant to the Circumcision – Romans 15:8
Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to
confirm the promises made to the fathers

. Circumcision is nothing and – 1 Corinthians 7:19
Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.

. Christ Jesus  neither Circumcision -Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

Bought back by the blood

1 Peter 1:18-19
knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

[Message No: 7253]

Praying for Others

We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. - 2 Thessalonians 1:11
Paul prays for God to be active in the lives of these new Christians — to maximize the good they intend to do as well as fully bless every good deed they do out of their commitment of faith. What new Christian do you need to pray this for?

The Power of the Cross

. To deliver from the World
Galatians 6:14
But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
. In the New Birth
Galatians 4:4-7
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
   And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

The Sphere of Exaltation

Mark 9:2
Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them.

Individual Discouragement and Personal Enlargement

Exodus 2:11
Now it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens. And he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren.

Thought

. God knows best what cross we need to bear, and we never know how heavy someone else’s cross may be.  We envy someone who is rich, with a cross of gold, adorned with jewels, but we do not know how heavy it is.  We look at someone whose life seems so easy and who carries a cross covered with flowers.  Yet if we could actually test all the crosses we think are lighter than ours, we would never find one better suited for us than our own. - J. R. Miller

[Message No: 7252]

Heaven is the Throne Room of God

Psalm 103:19
The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.

Excuses of the Deceived

God is too good to damn anyone –

Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.  For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Matthew 7:21
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Mark 1:5
And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Luke 13:1-5

Repent or Perish

 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.  And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way?  No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.  Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

John 3:16-18

For God So Loved the World

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

John 5:40
yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life

[Message No: 7251]

What kind of God do we have in our Ministry?

We proclaim him [Jesus], admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we present everyone perfect in Christ. — Colossians 1:28

Our goal as Christians is not to obey some law, to adhere to some set of rules, or even be followers of some discipline. Our goal as Christians is to be conformed to the character and ministry of Jesus. This is the Spirit's work in us (2 Cor. 3:18) as Paul makes clear here and in other places (Galatians 4:19), this is his goal in working with others. Shouldn't this be our work as parents, friends, and spiritual mentors, too?

The delight of sacrifice

2 Corinthians 12:15
So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well.  If I love you more,  will you love me less?

Questions in Job 

30:25
Have I not wept for those in trouble?
 Has not my soul grieved for the poor?

31:1
I made a covenant with my eyes
 not to look lustfully at a young woman.

31:2
For what is our lot  from God above,
 our heritage from the Almighty on high?

Do ye now believe?

John 16:30-31
Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe  that you came from God.”
    “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied.

The undeviating question

John 21:17
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
 Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?”  He said, “Lord, you know all things;  you know that I love you.”
 Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

[Message No: 7250]

In His time

.. In His time, in His time,
He makes all things beautiful in His time.
Lord, please show me everyday
As You’re teaching me Your way,
That you do just what You say in Your time.

.. There’s a time, there’s a time
Both for sowing and for reaping there’s a time.
Time for losing, time for gain,
Time for joy and time for pain,
Every purpose under heaven has a time.

Scripture  for Comfort

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you;
 Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
 I will strengthen you,
 Yes, I will help you,
 I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Isaiah 61:1

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
   Because the Lord has anointed Me
 To preach good tidings to the poor;
 He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
 To proclaim liberty to the captives,
 And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

Thoughts 

. What is intended as a little white lie often ends up as a double feature in technicolour. - Madena R. Wallingford

. God may say “wait,” but He never says “worry.” – Unknown

. The created world is but a small parenthesis in eternity. - Thomas Browne

. What is intended as a little white lie often ends up as a double feature in technicolour. - Madena R. Wallingford

[Message No: 7249]

Questions in Job - 2

14:16
For then you would number my steps;
you would not keep watch over my sin;

15:2
“Should a wise man answer with windy knowledge,
and fill his belly with the east wind?

15:3
Should he argue in unprofitable talk,
or in words with which he can do no good?
15:7
Are you the first man who was born?
Or were you brought forth before the hills?
15:8
Have you listened in the council of God?
And do you limit wisdom to yourself?

15:9
What do you know that we do not know?
What do you understand that is not clear to us?

15:11
Are the comforts of God too small for you,
or the word that deals gently with you?

15:12
Why does your heart carry you away,
and why do your eyes flash,

15:12-13
Why does your heart carry you away,
and why do your eyes flash,
  that you turn your spirit against God
and bring such words out of your mouth?   

[Message No: 7248]

Praying for Good Leader

May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD's people will not be like sheep without a shepherd. — Numbers 27:16-17

Wow! For any city, county, or country electing new leadership, or church selecting elders or ministers, what greater prayer could there be?

Praying for Others

Paul prayed for the Christians – in various places

Ephesians 1:16
do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
The Holy Spirit prays for God’s People

Romans 8:26-27
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Questions in Job

3:23
Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden,
 And whom God has hedged in?

4:2
“If one attempts a word with you, will you become weary?
 But who can withhold himself from speaking?

4:6
Is not your reverence your confidence?
 And the integrity of your ways your hope?

[Message No: 7247]

Heaven is the Place of God’s Full Glory

Daniel 7:9-10

“As I looked,      
thrones were placed,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat;
his clothing was white as snow,
and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames;
its wheels were burning fire.

  A stream of fire issued
and came out from before him;
a thousand thousands served him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him;
the court sat in judgment,
and the books were opened.

Acts 7:55
But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Excuses of the Deceived

1 John 3:8-10
Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.  No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. 
By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

Thought

. Prayer should never be regarded as a science or reduced to a system—that ruins it, because it is essentially a living and personal relationship, which tends to become more personal and also more simple, as one goes on. - Evelyn Underhill.

[Message No: 7246]

Flatter [Fawn Upon]

Psalm 5:9
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
 their heart is filled with malice.
 Their throat is an open grave;
 with their tongues they tell lies.

Psalm 12:3
May the Lord silence all flattering lips
 and every boastful tongue—

Psalm 36:2
In their own eyes they flatter themselves
 too much to detect or hate their sin.

Psalm 78:36
But then they would flatter him with their mouths,
 lying to him with their tongues;

Proverbs 20:19
A gossip betrays a confidence;
 so avoid anyone who talks too much.

Proverbs 26:28
A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
 and a flattering mouth  works ruin.

Daniel 11:21
“He will be succeeded by a contemptible  person who has not been given the honor of royalty.  He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue.

1 Thessalonians 2:5
 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed —God is our witness

Prophet – Abraham

On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram  and said, “To your descendants I give this land,  from the Wadi of Egypt  to the great river, the Euphrates —   the land of the Kenites,  Kenizzites, Kadmonites,   Hittites,  Perizzites,  Rephaites,    Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.”

[Message No: 7245]

What happened at Bethany?

1. JESUS SPOKE AND THE DISCIPLES PUT INTO PRACTICE WHAT HE SAID AND THEY BECAME EMPOWERED – they went out scared, anxious, and unsure but they came back confident and fulfilled

2. THOSE WHO WERE TIED UP BECAME FREE – the empowered disciples put their faith in Jesus used what He gave them and became instruments of liberation for others

3. THE PRESENCE OF JESUS TRANSFORMED THE ATMOSPHERE FROM DEJECTION TO CELEBRATION – the recognition in part of who Jesus is infused a dejected and despondent people with hope and joy for the present and the future

4. LOVING CORRECTION WAS PROVIDED TO A CHURCH AND A PEOPLE THAT HAD GONE OFF COURSE – the fig tree was enjoying the benefits of life without giving anything back and the lust for power and selfishness led to abusive practices within the house of God

Forgiveness

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." - Mark 11:25

To me, this is one of the most challenging reminders of God's will in Scripture. I must forgive others! When I refuse, it cuts me off the stream of forgiveness that God so longs to give to me. While forgiving others is never easy, God has not only commanded us to do it, he has also given us his Son as an example of forgiveness.

 In addition, he has promised to empower us to be able to do his will by the power of the Holy Spirit. The real issue: Will we let go of our bitterness toward those who have wounded us?

Power in Christ

Ephesians 1:19-20
and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

The Consciousness of the Call

1 Corinthians  9:16
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

[Message No: 7244]

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

1 Samuel 20:35-42

And so it was, in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad was with him. Then he said to his lad, “Now run, find the arrows which I shoot.” As the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. When the lad had come to the place where the arrow was which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried out after the lad and said, “Is not the arrow beyond you?” And Jonathan cried out after the lad, “Make haste, hurry, do not delay!” So Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows and came back to his master. But the lad did not know anything. Only Jonathan and David knew of the matter. Then Jonathan gave his weapons to his lad, and said to him, “Go, carry them to the city.”

   As soon as the lad had gone, David arose from a place toward the south, fell on his face to the ground, and bowed down three times. And they kissed one another; and they wept together, but David more so. Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘May the Lord be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.’ ” So he arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.

River Tree

John 8:9-11
Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”

   She said, “No one, Lord.”

  And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

The Overmastering Direction

Acts 26:16
But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.

[Message No: 7243]

Prayers – 2

Job 22:27
You will make your prayer to Him,
 He will hear you,
 And you will pay your vows.

James 5:16
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Matthew 6:6
But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
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.

Psalm 91:15
shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
 I will be with him in trouble;
 I will deliver him and honor him.

Proverbs 15:29
The Lord is far from the wicked,
 But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

Psalm 65:2
O You who hear prayer,
 To You all flesh will come.

Thought 

. I went to a theological book and crammed my brains with sentences long enough to make the jaw of a Greek professor squeak for a week.  It didn’t amount to shucks.  So I went and loaded up the old gun with rough-on-rats, ipecac, saltpeter, rock salt, dynamite and every other kind of explosive, and I pulled the trigger, and that Pharisee gang has been on the run ever since. - Billy Sunday

[Message No: 7142]

Shepherd’s Commitment

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. — John 10:11

How do we determine who we will follow? How can we tell the religious predators, shysters, and charlatans from those who truly speak for God? Jesus comes and shows us the ultimate test; will the Shepherd lay down his life for them?

Have you ever been carried away for Him?

Mark 14:6
Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.

The discipline of Spiritual Tenacity

Psalm 46:10
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
 I will be exalted  among the nations,
 I will be exalted in the earth.”

The determination to serve

Matthew 20:28
just as the Son of Man  did not come to be served, but to serve,  and to give his life as a ransom  for many.”

Prophet – Abraham

Genesis 24:40
“He replied, ‘The Lord, before whom I have walked faithfully,  will send his angel with you  and make your journey a success,  so that you can get a wife for my son from my own clan and from my father’s family

Exodus 32:13
Remember  your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self:  ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars  in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land  I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’”

[Message No: 7241]

Our Blessings in Christ

. Everything cantered in Christ

Ephesians 1:10
as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

. Inheritance in Christ

Ephesians 1:11
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

. Glorified in Christ

Ephesians 1:12-13
so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,  who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Excuses of the Deceived

1 John 4:1-5
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

   You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.

The Bent of Resignation

Galatians 1:15-16
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,  was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;

[Message No: 7240]

We and Us – Me and Mine

You are to help your brothers until the LORD gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them. After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise.

- Joshua 1:14-15

I find it so easy to think of my needs and my safety first. I don't want to be selfish, but when it comes to making decisions about the investment of my time, it's so easy for me to see things only from MY perspective. But with God's people, it's a "we" and "us" perspective that is important, not a "me" and "mine" perspective. The Eastern tribes of Israel had reached their Promised Land. But they were not to quit the fight and settle there until all God's people were safely in their homeland. The same is true for us in God's Kingdom today. We are to look not only to our needs, but also to those of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Prophet – Abraham

Genesis 17:15-16

God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai  your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah.    I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her.  I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations;  kings of peoples will come from her.”

Genesis 17:19-21

Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son,  and you will call him Isaac.  I will establish my covenant with him  as an everlasting covenant  for his descendants after him.   And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers.  He will be the father of twelve rulers,  and I will make him into a great nation.    But my covenant  I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you  by this time next year.”

Thought 

. 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

[Message No: 7239]

Heaven – A place of continual worship

Revelation 19:1-6

Heaven Exults over Babylon

   After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” Again they said, “Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen! Alleluia!” Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”
   And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!

Revelation 5:11-12

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice:

   “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
 To receive power and riches and wisdom,
 And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

We have our names recorded there

Hebrew 12:23
to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Thought 

. Prayer is the test of everything; prayer is also the source of everything; prayer is the driving force of everything; prayer is also the director of everything.  If prayer is right, everything is right.  For prayer will not allow anything to go wrong. - Theophan the Recluse

[Message No: 7238]

Pastor and Members

 “David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skilful hands he led them.” - Psalm 78:72

One of the greatest honors and responsibilities a Christian leader can have is to be designated a pastor or shepherd in God's family. While only a few truly qualify biblically to be recognized as shepherds over God's flock (see Acts 20; 1Tim 3; Titus 1), a shepherding concern for others is important for all of us. Let's demand that those who are selected as our Shepherds have the integrity of heart and proven skill in caring for people. And when they lead, let's give them our support in effort, prayer, and ministry.

Moral Decision About Sin

Romans 6:6
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 —

The Collision of God and Sin

1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins”  in his body on the cross,  so that we might die to sins  and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

These Boarders of Distrust

John 16:32
A time is coming  and in fact has come when you will be scattered,  each to your own home. You will leave me all alone.  Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

Prophet – Abraham

Genesis 21:12-13
But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.    I will make the son of the slave into a nation  also, because he is your offspring.”

Genesis 22:18
Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation. ”

[Message No: 7237]

Commands – Romans 12:9

Cleave to the good – Romans 12:9

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.eve to good

Collect just dues only – Luke 13:13

I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

Psalm 139:9-10

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. —

I guess for those who find themselves in places they shouldn't be, the abiding presence of God might be a bit terrifying. But I find great comfort in knowing that no matter where I go, from the moment of my conception to the day of my death, God is always there. He is there to guide me and sustain me. Even when I'm in places I am not supposed to be, doing things I am not supposed to do, he is still there.
I can turn to him in repentance and receive his grace. I can turn to him in need and receive his strength. I can turn to him and know I am not alone.

Questions in Nehemiah

5:9
Then I said, “What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?

6:3
So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work

cease while I leave it and go down to you?”

ways to Repentance

the faith of Sinners – Matthew 21:32

For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.

[Message No: 7236]