Make An Exchange

“Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had suffered from a skin disease. While Jesus was sitting there, a woman went to him. She had a bottle of very expensive perfume made from pure nard. She opened the bottle and poured the perfume on his head.  Some who were there were irritated and said to one another, “Why was the perfume wasted like this?  This perfume could have been sold for a high price, and the money could have been given to the poor….” Mark 14:3-5 

Brokenness is not a weakness as you suppose, it is my strength says the Lord.  In your weakness My strength becomes yours.  Will you give him your treasure?  Will you allow your brokenness to produce the healing that you need?    Today the Lord desires to make an exchange with you. He gives beauty for ashes. He gives strength for our fears.  He gives us the oil of gladness for our sorrows.  Are you ready to pour your heart out to Him in exchange for healing and wholeness?

Bible Tells Us  – 

. Running the Race

Hebrew 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run  with perseverance  the race marked out for us,

. God is Abel

2 Corinthians 9:8

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

Love for Enemies

Matthew 5:43-48

  “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor  and hate your enemy.’    But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,    that you may be children  of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.    If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?  Are not even the tax collectors doing that?   And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?   Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

[Message No: 7791]

Live by Faith

All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith." — Galatians 3:10-11

Thankfully, God provided us the Sacrifice that makes us righteous and pays for our sins, because none of us keeps God's Law perfectly. In his boundless grace, God sent Jesus to do what we cannot do: live a perfect life and offer himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. We don't have to live under law trying to earn our perfection and God's acceptance. Instead, we live "by faith," trusting that God will look at us through Christ's perfection and not our imperfection, judge us based on Jesus' holiness and not our transgressions, and view us through the Son's righteousness and not our unrighteousness. In this way, we fulfill the righteousness requirements of the Law, without having to be bound to the "curse of the law."

Promises in Matthew

John 7:37-39

On the last and greatest day of the festival,  Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.    Whoever believes  in me, as Scripture has said,  rivers of living water  will flow from within them.”    By this he meant the Spirit,  whom those who believed in him were later to receive.  Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

Acts 2:17-21

“‘In the last days, God says,

 I will pour out my Spirit on all people. 

 Your sons and daughters will prophesy, 

 your young men will see visions,

 your old men will dream dreams.

    Even on my servants, both men and women,

 I will pour out my Spirit in those days,

 and they will prophesy. 

    I will show wonders in the heavens above

 and signs on the earth below, 

 blood and fire and billows of smoke.

    The sun will be turned to darkness

 and the moon to blood 

 before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

    And everyone who calls

 on the name of the Lord  will be saved.’

[Message No: 7790]

Knowing God’s Love

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. — 1 John 4:10

Love is demonstrated, not just said. Love goes ahead sharing itself instead of waiting until things are easy or safe. Love redeems when all hope seems lost. Love is not only what God is, but it is also what he does and what he gives.

Journey

. Matthew 10:10

no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep

. Mark 13:34

It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants  in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

. Luke 11:6

a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’

Kiss

. Psalm 2:12

Kiss his son,  or he will be angry

 and your way will lead to your destruction,

 for his wrath  can flare up in a moment.

 Blessed  are all who take refuge  in him.

. Proverbs 24:26

An honest answer

 is like a kiss on the lips.

. Proverbs 27:6

Wounds from a friend can be trusted,

 but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Thought

. Hearts that feel and eyes that smile

Are the dearest gifts that Heaven supplies. - Thomas Moore

[Message No: 7789]

Just One Message to All

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. — Romans 1:16

For the rich and poor, young and old, weak and strong, thin and heavy, there is still just one message and one name and one story that makes the eternal difference. That one message, story, and name are announced in the gospel — God's good news to the world in Jesus Christ. God's good news of life in the story of Jesus Christ is The Story and The Message and The Hope for all.

Thoughts 

. The soul of a person is the lamp of God.- The Talmud

. Inner stillness is an absolute necessity to truly knowing God. - Hannah Whitall Smith

Mercy and the Christian Life

. Mercy is something we should pray  for –

Psalm 86:3

have mercy  on me, Lord,

 for I call  to you all day long.

. Mercy follows the faithful – 

Psalm 23:6

Surely your goodness and love  will follow me

 all the days of my life,

 and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

 forever.

Psalm 32:10

Many are the woes of the wicked, 

 but the Lord’s unfailing love

 surrounds the one who trusts  in him.

. Mercy is found in prayer at the throne of God – 

Hebrews 4:16

. Mercy is reciprocal – 

James 2:13

because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.

[Message No: 7780]

Note: In order to see my YouTube Messages – kindly see to your right side, above the picture along with my wife, you will find the login. You may click the same to watch my Sermons.

Thank you.

[Message No: 7788]

Practicing His Teaching

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like [Moses] from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. – Deuteronomy 18:25

Jesus is that prophet like Moses. He has come and taught us God's truth. He has taught us with his words recorded in the Gospels. He has taught us with his example, through the deeds he has done. He is teaching us through his abiding presence in us and through the Spirit he has given us. But he teaches us most effectively when we put into practice what he has said.

Prayer

Prayer grasps hold of the promises of God and erects them like a wall between us and the powers of darkness. Prayer can be bring God's angels rushing to our assistance (2 kings 6:15-17; Dan. 10:13; Heb. 1:14).

Prayer can overthrow the plans of Satan. Prayer can battle any combination of Satan's forces.

Who's Got Time?

Are you ready to give up? Is the answer to your prayer taking longer than you had hoped? If you have examined your heart for the characteristics of mega faith and know that you are praying "right " then keep trusting God.

Satan might be delaying the answer, but is on the way!

Psalms 27:14

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes; wait for the LORD.

Are we *ready* for the future Challenges?

Mark 9:30-31

We often seek to attract large crowds to our churches, crusades, and rallies. Jesus also ministered to large crowds. But his strongest teaching on discipleship occurs away from the crowds, when he is alone with his disciples. What the crowds are able to accept is not enough to call mature disciples to that next level in their walk with the Savior.

So Jesus withdrew for intensive teaching with a small group of committed disciples so he could mature them and make them ready for future challenges.

[Message No: 7787]

His Masterpieces

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. — Ephesians 2:10

Did you know that God is an artisan? Even more importantly, did you know that you are one of his masterpieces? God has designed us to be beautifully useful for doing good things! So let's not let anyone, especially not the evil one, convince us that we are not worth anything to others or to God. His grace has made our lives canvases upon which he will provide the world more masterpiece works of his artistry! Let's live up to God's high opinion of us.

Angels 

Psalm 91:2

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge  and my fortress, 

 my God, in whom I trust.”

Acts 5:19

But during the night an angel  of the Lord opened the doors of the jail  and brought them out.

Bible 

Proverbs 13:13

Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, 

 but whoever respects  a command is rewarded.

Conflict

Galatians 5:22-23

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

Loneliness

Deuteronomy 31:6

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

1 Kings 17:5

So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there.

[Message No: 7786]

Who We Were

And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. — 1 John 4:21

Some things are very simple. We can't love God and refuse to love each other. This is not hard to understand. On the other hand, some of our kinfolks in the Lord are just down right hard to love because they can be so difficult. But, we need to remember who we were when Christ died for us — powerless, ungodly, sinners, enemies (Romans 5:6-11) — yet God loved us and sent Jesus to save us. 

So before we whine about our "hard-to-live-with" fellow Christians, we had better give thanks that God loved us when we were sinners. Then we need to thank God for his grace by being more loving with each other.

Ways of Unity

. Through Christ 

Ephesians 2:14

For he himself is our peace,  who has made the two groups one  and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility

. Through the Cross

Ephesians 2:16

and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross,  by which he put to death their hostility.

. By making effort

Ephesians 4:3

Make every effort to keep the unity  of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

. In the Faith

Ephesians 4:12

to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ  may be built up

. In the Knowledge

Ephesians 4:13

until we all reach unity  in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God  and become mature,  attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

[Message No: 7785]

Stand Firm

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 

  But we ought always to thank God for you,  brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits  to be saved  through the sanctifying work of the Spirit  and through belief in the truth.   He called you  to this through our gospel,  that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

      So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm  and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you,  whether by word of mouth or by letter.

    May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,  who loved us  and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope

Bible Tells Us - 

. Take the risk of daring faith

Psalm 105:4-5

Look to the Lord and his strength;

 seek his face  always.

    Remember the wonders  he has done,

 his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,

. Fill the Temple

Ezekiel 10:4

Then the glory of the Lord  rose from above the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the temple. The cloud filled the temple, and the court was full of the radiance of the glory of the Lord.

Thought 

. Ice on trees will bend many a branch to the point of breaking.  Similarly, I see a great many people bowed down and crushed by their afflictions.  Yet every now and then I meet someone who sings in affliction, and then I thank God for my own circumstance as well as his.  

There is never a song more beautiful than that which is sung in the night.  You may remember the story of a woman who, when her only child died, looked toward heaven as with the face of an angel and said, “I give you joy, my sweet child.”  That solitary, simple sentence has stayed with me for many years, often energizing and comforting me. - Henry Ward Beecher

[Message No: 7784]

To Teach

[Reasons for studying the Bible]

Ezra 7:10

For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.

It was not because of Ezra's distinguished ancestry, nor because of his excellent literary skill that God chose him to bring his straying nation back to Himself - although He used his gifts and abilities in the task. God used Ezra because he was a man who set his heart to study the law of the LORD. Ezra set his heart to practice it and to teach it to the people of God.

May we meditate on the word of God, day and night, and systematically study the Scriptures, and apply it in our lives - and to show ourselves approved unto the Lord, so that we may prosper in our spiritual walk, grow in the grace of God, mature in our Christian faith and become instruments that the Lord may be willing to use for His greater glory.

Spiritual Warfare

Ephesians 6:12

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,  but against the rulers, against the authorities,  against the powers  of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Be Anxious for Nothing

1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on him  because he cares for you.

Ambient Stress

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace  is sufficient for you, for my power  is made perfect in weakness. ”  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

How to come under His Lordship?

. By confessing Him

Romans 10:9

If you declare  with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,”  and believe  in your heart that God raised him from the dead,  you will be saved.

. By obeying Him

Luke 6:46

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’  and do not do what I say?

[Message No: 7783]

Who is your Joshua?

Look at the land with your own eyes, since you are not going to cross this Jordan. But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see. — Deuteronomy 3:27b-28

Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt and in the wilderness, but did not get to enter into the Promised Land because of his sin. Yet, for all those years, Moses nurtured and prepared the person who would do what he could not do. That person was Joshua. Who are you training, moulding, encouraging, motivating, and calling to do what you won't be able to do? What successor will take your dreams farther than you can? Who is your Joshua?

Two Kingdoms 

. Has a Beginning –

2 Timothy 4:1

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead,  and in view of his appearing  and his kingdom, I give you this charge:

Matthew 6:10

your kingdom  come,

 your will be done, 

 on earth as it is in heaven.

. Timeless-Endless –

Psalm 90:2

Before the mountains were born 

 or you brought forth the whole world,

 from everlasting to everlasting  you are God.

Thoughts 

George Muller had run and orphanage in England in the early 1800s that cared for 5,000 children.  He had made a vow never to ask people directly for anything, but to ask God instead to inspire them to provide food, clothing, money, or whatever else was needed.  He eventually received more than 50 million British pounds in donations, all without ever asking anybody for anything. – Unknown

[Message No: 7782]

Formula for your life

He must become greater; I must become less. — John 3:30

For John the Baptist, this ultimate formula for greatness did not take many words. What's your formula? Paul told the Galatians that a similar formula was needed for them (Galatians 4:19). He told the Colossians that this is what he expended every ounce of his energy to have happen in the lives of Christians (Colossians 1:28-29). 

Paul told the Corinthians that this was what the Spirit was doing in their lives (2 Corinthians 3:18). So, don't you think that maybe this is the real formula for your life?

No time to pray?

Luke 11:1

One day Jesus was praying  in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord,  teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

Heart Proofs

John 16:13

But when he, the Spirit of truth,  comes, he will guide you into all the truth.  He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

The lifter of my head

Psalm 3:3

But you, Lord, are a shield  around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

Questions in 1st Corinthians  

10:29

I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom  being judged by another’s conscience?

12:19

If they were all one part, where would the body be?

10:22

Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy?  Are we stronger than he?

10:29

I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom  being judged by another’s conscience?

[Message No: 7781]

God’s Word … Meditate …

. What do I do with this God?

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We are hard pressed on every side,  but not crushed; perplexed,  but not in despair;   persecuted,  but not abandoned;  struck down, but not destroyed.

. Living beyond the darkness

2 Kings 23:25

But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was celebrated to the Lord in Jerusalem. 

    Furthermore, Josiah got rid of the mediums and spiritists,  the household gods,  the idols and all the other detestable  things seen in Judah and Jerusalem. This he did to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the temple of the Lord.   Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned  to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.

. Die daily

Luke 9:23

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

. The age of opportunity

Galatians 6:10

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good  to all people, especially to those who belong to the family  of believers.

. His grace is enough

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace  is sufficient for you, for my power  is made perfect in weakness. ”  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

. His shelter

Psalm 91:1

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; 

 I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

[Message No: 7780]

Instructions on Worship

1 Timothy 2:1-15

  I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,  intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—   for kings and all those in authority,  that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness  and holiness.   This is good, and pleases  God our Savior,    who wants  all people  to be saved  and to come to a knowledge of the truth.    For there is one God  and one mediator  between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,    who gave himself as a ransom  for all people. This has now been witnessed to  at the proper time.    And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying —and a true and faithful teacher  of the Gentiles. 

    Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands  without anger or disputing.   I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,    but with good deeds,  appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

    A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.    I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.    For Adam was formed first, then Eve.    And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.    But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love  and holiness with propriety.

Bible Tells Us - 

. Look at Jesus

Psalm 37:23-24

The Lord makes firm the steps 

 of the one who delights  in him;

    though he may stumble, he will not fall, 

 for the Lord upholds  him with his hand.

. Beauty out of Brokenness

Philippians 2:14-16

Do everything without grumbling  or arguing,   so that you may become blameless  and pure, “children of God  without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”  Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky   as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ  that I did not run  or labor in vain.

. He cannot disown us

2 Timothy 2:13

if we are faithless,

 he remains faithful, 

 for he cannot disown himself.

[Message No: 7779]

How to come under His Lordship?

. By washing others feet

John 13:14

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

. By doing as for Him

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

. By setting apart

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer  to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope  that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

. By our willingness

Acts 22:10

“‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked.

 “‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’

Thoughts

. One of the keys to real religious experience is the shattering realization that no matter how hateful we are to ourselves, we are not hateful to God.  This realization helps us to understand the difference between our love and his.  Our love is a need, his a gift.  We need to see good in ourselves to in order to love ourselves.  He does not.  He loves us not because we are good, but because He is. - Thomas Merton

. The finite mind does not require us to gasp the infinitude of truth, but only to go forward from light to light. - Peter Bayne

. The way to grow strong in Christ is to become weak in yourself. - C. H. Spurgeon

. Our minds are stuck in a rut, a pattern of thinking that is antagonistic to the will of God.  Successful Christian living depends on getting out of that rut and establishing another one that is characterized by biblical values and ways of thinking. - Doug Moo

[Message No: 7778]

Guidelines for God’s children – how to read your Bibles.

A

Introduction to the Old Testament

Genesis – Exodus – Leviticus – Numbers & Deuteronomy

B

Introduction to the Historical Books

Joshua – Judges – Ruth – 1 Samuel – 2 Samuel – 1 Kings -2 Kings – 1 Chronicles – 2 Chronicles -Ezra – Nehemiah & Esther

C

Introduction to the Books of Wisdom and Poetry

Job – Psalms – Proverbs – Ecclesiastes & Song of Songs

D

Introduction to the Prophetic Books

Isaiah – Jeremiah – Lamentations – Ezekiel – Daniel – Hosea – Joel – Amos – Obadiah – Jonah – Micah – Nahum – Habakkuk – Haggai – Zechariah & Malachi

E

Introduction to the New Testament [Synoptic Gospels]

Matthew – Mark – John - Acts 

F

Introduction to the Letters of Paul

Romans – 1 Corinthians – 2 Corinthians -Galatians – Ephesians -Philippians – Colossians -1 Thessalonians – 2 Thessalonians – 1 Timothy – 2 Timothy -Titus & Philemon

G

Introduction to the General Letters and Revelation

Hebrews – James – 1 Peter – 2 Peter – 1 John – 2 John – 3 John – Jude & Revelation.

[You can share with others one who wants to read the Bible in order]

[Message No: 7777]

For Eternal Life

[Reasons for studying the Bible]

John 5:39

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me;

These religious leaders missed the many clues that identified Jesus as their Messiah and King. They read the letter of the Law but did not recognise the Word made flesh - Who came from heaven to tabernacle among them. They tried to search out how they may inherit eternal life, but in attempting to decipher the letter of the Law.. they missed the Word of God. 

They were blinded to Jesus and deaf to His truth, for He alone has the words of eternal life - for He alone was good enough to pay the price for their sin and for ours. How we thank God that Christ fulfilled the righteous requirement of the Law on behalf of all who would trust in Him for salvation.

Ways to Holiness

. Through Christ

Colossians 1:22

But now he has reconciled  you by Christ’s physical body  through death to present you  holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation

. By offering ourselves

Romans 6:19

I am using an example from everyday life  because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness  leading to holiness.

. Reverence for God

2 Corinthians 7:1

Therefore, since we have these promises,  dear friends,  let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness  out of reverence for God.

Thought

. O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done.  Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord. - John H. Newman, 

[Message No: 7776]

Crown of Righteousness

[For those who loved the Lord’s appearing]

2 Timothy 4:8

Now there is in store for me  the crown of righteousness,  which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Defame

Jeremiah 20:11

But the Lord  is with me like a mighty warrior;

 so my persecutors  will stumble and not prevail. 

 They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; 

 their dishonor will never be forgotten.

1 Corinthians 4:13

when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage  of the world—right up to this moment.

Evidence

Jeremiah 32:10

I signed and sealed the deed,  had it witnessed,  and weighed out the silver on the scales.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for  and assurance about what we do not see.

Old yet New

Revelation 21:5

He who was seated on the throne  said, “I am making everything new!”  Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Are you doing your part?

Ephesians 4:16

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows  and builds itself up  in love,  as each part does its work.

[Message No: 7775]

Note: In order to see my YouTube Messages – kindly see to your right side, above the picture along with my wife, you will find the login. You may click the same to watch my Sermons.

Thank you.

Ask, Seek, Knock

Matthew 7:7-12

  “Ask and it will be given to you;  seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.   For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds;  and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

    “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?   Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?   If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts  to those who ask him!   So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,  for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

How to come under His Lordship?

. By setting apart

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer  to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope  that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

. By our willingness

Acts 22:10

“‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked.

 “‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’

Ways to Holiness

. By making effort

Hebrews 12:14

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone  and to be holy;  without holiness no one will see the Lord.

. By God’s Promises

2 Corinthians 7:1

Therefore, since we have these promises,  dear friends,  let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness  out of reverence for God.

[Message No: 7774]

Your Helping Others

Matthew 25:34-40

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom  prepared for you since the creation of the world.    For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,    I needed clothes and you clothed me,  I was sick and you looked after me,  I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 

    “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?   When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?   When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

    “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Recognize Truth

1 Corinthians 10:15

I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.

Living unto the Lord 

Philippians 1:21

For to me, to live is Christ  and to die is gain.

Seek His face Always

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. — 1 Chronicles 16:11

After restoring the presence of God to his people through the Ark of the Covenant, David and Asaph gave them these verses as a song to perpetually remind them of the importance of seeking God because ... our strength is found in him ... our grace is from his loving presence ... and our hope is in seeing him face to face and knowing him even as we are known by him. We must look to the Lord and not seek our own way or follow our own path.

Thoughts

. The sunrise never finds us where the sunset left us. - Unknown

. Purity of heart means to love God above all things and at the same time to see him everywhere in all things. - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

[Message No: 7773]

We will serve the Lord

If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.... As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. — Joshua 24:15

While we can't speak for everyone in our family, we can commit to what everyone in our family should desire: We will serve the Lord! But more than commit, let's set the example and lead the way. "I will serve the Lord, TODAY!" Then we can ask them to join us.

Churches meeting in houses

In the Bible, we read that in the first century, believers met in houses and worshipped God.

.  House after house

 Acts 10:2 

He and all his family were devout and God-fearing;  he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.

. Cornelius’ house

Acts 12:12 

When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark,  where many people had gathered and were praying.

All time Saviour 

The angel said to [Mary], "Do not be afraid, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever." — Luke 1:30-33

Jesus is identified by many names stated or implied in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). Notice how Jesus is identified in just this one passage: child, son, Jesus, great, Son of the Most High, King, son of David, and leader of Israel (Jacob). Jesus exhausts all descriptions, and yet chose to be limited to imperfect descriptions by becoming human. But this flood of names and descriptions helps us find Jesus as our Savior in every trial and blessing of life. Jesus is Savior for all seasons.

Thoughts 

. It is vanity to desire a long life and to take no heed of a good life. - Thomas Kempis

. It is vanity to desire a long life and to take no heed of a good life. - Thomas Kempis

[Message No: 7772]

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Values of Life

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

The Bible uses the term "shepherd" for all kinds of good leaders. But only One is the quintessential Shepherd. He shows us that the heart of godly leadership is sacrifice not status, service not selfishness. We follow this Shepherd because we know he values us above his own life.

Salvation 

Is it by Christ Alone?

Isaiah 45:21-22

Declare what is to be, present it—

 let them take counsel together.

 Who foretold  this long ago,

 who declared it from the distant past? 

 Was it not I, the Lord?

 And there is no God apart from me, 

 a righteous God  and a Savior; 

 there is none but me.

    “Turn  to me and be saved, 

 all you ends of the earth; 

 for I am God, and there is no other.

Isaiah 59:16

He saw that there was no one, 

 he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; 

 so his own arm achieved salvation  for him,

 and his own righteousness  sustained him.

Acts 4:12

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved

Fatherly Care

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. — Zephaniah 3:17

So God likes to sing too! He even likes to share his lullabies with those he loves. Not only is God Abba Father, he is also like a mother. He gently rocks and quiets his children with his affectionate care.

[Message No: 7771]

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Bible Tells Us -

. Understand the Lord’s Love

Psalm 116:1-2

I love the Lord,  for he heard my voice;

 he heard my cry  for mercy. 

    Because he turned his ear  to me,

 I will call on him as long as I live.

. When the storm doesn’t stop

Lamentations 3:22

Because of the Lord’s great love  we are not consumed, 

 for his compassions never fail.

. Never Forsaken

Psalm 38:21

Come quickly  to help me, 

 my Lord and my Savior.

. He brings you comfort

John 15:26

When the Advocate  comes, whom I will send to you from the Father —the Spirit of truth  who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.

. Covered

Ezekiel 16:8

Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment  over you and covered your naked body. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant  with you, declares the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine.

. Love always protects

Genesis 3:21

The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.

. It’s never too late

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome  the world.”

[Message No: 7770]

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Taking Time to Care

As you go through your day today ask God to show you where and how you can show kindness, consideration and concern in a meaningful and simple way to someone on your pathway. When you feel the nudge take the time to respond. Show consideration.

A – Appreciate

Show appreciation in an intentional and specific way to someone whom the Lord highlights on your radar screen today. Be genuinely appreciative. Say “thanks”.

R – Reach Out

Don’t wait for others to take the first step to greet, speak, say or do something. Be ready to reach out in the moment you become aware of the choice. Go first.

E – Encourage

It costs nothing to say a sincere and encouraging word. Be aware today that you have the power of life and death in your tongue. Bite your tongue when careless words want to spill out. Ask God to fill your mind and heart with His goodness toward others. Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Use your words to build.

Passionate walk with Jesus 

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you — even Jesus. — Acts 3:19-20

When was the last time that you caught yourself straying from a passionate walk with the Lord? Refreshing times come when we change our hearts and lives to live for God and with God in our everyday lives! 

In fact, Jesus has told us that he will reveal himself to us as we live obediently for him (see John 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 Fenelon14:15-21). His home will be in us until he returns for us and we get to enjoy the ultimate refreshment — going home to be with him forever.

Thoughts

. What is needed desperately today is prophetic insight. Scholars can interpret the past; it takes prophets to interpret the present. Learning will enable a man (or woman) to pass judgement on our yesterdays, but it requires a gift of clear seeing to pass sentence on our day. A. W. Tozer

. Most people spend more time working around problems than they do trying to solve them. Henry Ford

[Message No: 7769]

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Stand Fast

. Stand Fast in the Liberty – Decision

Galatians 5:1

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm,  then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

. Stand Fast in the Faith – Devotion

1 Corinthians 16:13

Be on your guard; stand firm  in the faith; be courageous; be strong.    Do everything in love.

. Stand Fast in the Lord – Discipleship

Philippians 4:1

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,  my joy and crown, stand firm  in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

. Stand Fast in One Spirit – Unity

Philippians 1:27

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 the one Spirit, striving together  as one for the faith of the gospel

Daily Living

The earth is filled with your love, O Lord; teach me your decrees. — Psalm 119:64

Sometimes we get so caught up in the wonders of God's creation and the marvellous blessings of his grace we forget to ask him to teach us his truth. Let's not only worship him in awe for his majestic creation, but let's also worship him by learning his will and seeking to live it in our daily lives.

Oaths

Matthew 5:33-37

  “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath,  but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’    But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all:  either by heaven, for it is God’s throne;    or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.    And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.   All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’;  anything beyond this comes from the evil one. 

[Message No: 7768]

Result of Hot Coals

Proverbs 6:28

Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? 

I don't know about where you are, but this time of year, it's really hot in Austin, Texas. You don't have to worry about hot coals; just try the sidewalk. But this reminder about scorching coals is sure good for me. We get to feeling so strong inside spiritually, or we get seduced by a "favorite" temptation, and we decide we can flirt with what is sinful. But the Holy Spirit reminds us through the Wise Man that when we flirt with evil, we're eventually going to get burned.

Why are we not told plainly?

Mark 9:9

Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Have I seen Him?

Mark 16:12

After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country

Moral Divinity

Romans 6:5

For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection

Listen to Him!

Matthew 17:5

A bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" 

Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus on the "Mount of Transfiguration" before Jesus' closest disciples. This was the ultimate honor for them as faithful Jews. God, however, wanted them to know that as important as Moses and Elijah are, only Jesus is his Son. His Son's words are the ultimate authority and the bottom-line truth of God's will. If we are to be refreshed, renewed, and restored, we must begin by listening to and obeying God's Son and our Lord, Jesus Christ.

[Message No: 7767]

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Questions in 1st Corinthians

10:22

Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy?  Are we stronger than he?

10:29

I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom  being judged by another’s conscience?

14:6

Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation  or knowledge  or prophecy or word of instruction?

14:7

Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?

14:8

Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?

14:9

So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

14:15

So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit,  but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing  with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.

14:16

Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen”  to your thanksgiving,  since they do not know what you are saying?

14:23

So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?

14:26

What then shall we say, brothers and sisters?  When you come together, each of you  has a hymn,  or a word of instruction,  a revelation, a tongue  or an interpretation.  Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.

[Message No: 7766]

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Peter Disowns Jesus

 Mark 14:66-72 — Mt 26:69-75; Lk 22:56-62; Jn 18:16-18,25-27

  While Peter was below in the courtyard,  one of the servant girls of the high priest came by.   When she saw Peter warming himself,  she looked closely at him.

 “You 

went out into the entryway.

    When also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,”  she said.

    But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,”  he said, and the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.”   Again he denied it. 

 After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 

    He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” 

    Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.”  And he broke down and wept.

What to Commit?

. Our way to the Lord – Psalm 37:5

Commit your way to the Lord;

 trust in him  and he will do this:

. Whatever we do – Proverbs 16:3

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,

 and he will establish your plans.

. Our bodies to God – Romans 12:1

Therefore, I urge you,  brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,  holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

. Broken and contrite heart – Psalm 51:17

My sacrifice,  O God, is a broken spirit;

 a broken and contrite heart 

 you, God, will not despise.

[Message No: 7765]

More Than Conquerors

Romans 8:31-39

  What, then, shall we say in response to these things?  If God is for us,  who can be against us?    He who did not spare his own Son,  but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?   Who will bring any charge  against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.   Who then is the one who condemns?  No one. Christ Jesus who died —more than that, who was raised to life —is at the right hand of God  and is also interceding for us.    Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?    As it is written:

  “For your sake we face death all day long;

 we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 

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

Thoughts 

. Whatever sort of tribulation we suffer, we should always remember that its purpose is to make us spurn the present and reach out to the future. - John Calvin

. Philosophers, then, are children, unless they have been made men by Christ.

that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Clement of Alexandria

Blamelessness

. Blamelessness of Heart

1 Thessalonians 3:13

May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless  and holy in the presence of our God and Father  when our Lord Jesus comes  with all his holy ones.

.  Blamelessness of Life

1 Thessalonians 2:10

You are witnesses,  and so is God,  of how holy,  righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.

[7764]

Love is an Action

Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. — John 14:21

Love is much more than a feeling or an attitude: love is an action. When we love, we show it by our deeds. As disciples of Jesus, our love is shown by our obedience to the things Jesus taught. Of course, that obedience brings an incredible blessing — Jesus reveals himself to those that obey him!

Direction By Impulse

Jude 1:20

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

Not a bit of It!

2 Corinthians 5:17

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

Why Are You Different?

“In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.” Jonah 2:2

Feelings of Inferiority

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10

Thoughts 

. It is hard to make your adversaries real people unless you recognize yourself in them—in which case, if you don’t watch out, they cease to be adversaries. - Flannery O’Connor

. Life has many choices.  Eternity only two.  What’s yours? - Church sign

. Our perseverance is really His perseverance in us. - James M. Baird, Jr.

The key to missionary Devotion

3 John 1:7

because they went forth for His name's sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

[Message No: 7763]

Prayer Partners

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” - Philippians 1:4-5

Paul prayed with joy because the Philippians were partners with him, not just supporters. Through their financial help, prayers, and interest in his work, they truly shared in his ministry. They were partners! Let's get interested in our congregations' missions. Let's pray and contribute to missions and get to know our missionaries. Let's get to know our missionary partners all over the world!

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 great thou art!

 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.

What’s My Decision Today?

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

No turning back, no turning back.

2. Tho' none go with me, I still will follow,

Tho' none go with me I still will follow,

Tho' none go with me, I still will follow;

No turning back, no turning back.

3. My cross I'll carry, till I see Jesus;

My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus,

My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus;

No turning…

[Message No: 7762]

Knowing our Eternal God

Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. — Hebrews 11:6

Our relationship with God is built on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus and our acceptance of that sacrifice through obedient faith. That faith trusts that God not only exists, but that he also personally cares about us and our desire to know him. He eagerly longs to bless those who seek him. 

What we find when we seek him, however, is that all other blessings pale in comparison to knowing, and being known by the eternal, immortal, and only true God!

Blessings of Praise

. Fruit of Faith – They believed .. and sang his praise.

Psalm 106:12

Then they believed his promises

 and sang his praise.

. Garment  of Praise – Garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

Isaiah 61:3

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

 to bestow on them a crown  of beauty

 instead of ashes, 

 the oil  of joy

 instead of mourning, 

 and a garment of praise

 instead of a spirit of despair.

 They will be called oaks of righteousness,

 a planting  of the Lord

 for the display of his splendor.

. Victory over enemies – they began to .. praise, the Lord .

2 Chronicles 20:22

Questions in Job 

38:39-40

“Do you hunt the prey for the lioness

 and satisfy the hunger of the lions 

    when they crouch in their dens 

 or lie in wait in a thicket?

39:1

“Do you know when the mountain goats  give birth?

 Do you watch when the doe bears her fawn?

How Saul Worshiped the Lord?

. Saul worshiped, being turned away from God

2 Samuel 15:11

Two hundred men from Jerusalem had accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and went quite innocently, knowing nothing about the matter.

[Message No: 7761]

Jesus is our friend

...you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." — 1 Corinthians 1:30-31

Jesus is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Let's unpack those church words. Righteousness — the ability to stand before God and be declared free from guilt. Holiness — the character and nature that reflect the glory and sanctity of heaven. Redemption — the gift of freedom bought at great expense. Christians aren't perfect? Hmmm! We know this is true. But, because of Jesus' loving sacrifice, we also know that in God's eyes we're righteous, holy, and redeemed. That, dear friend of Jesus, is what we call amazing grace!

The Christian Race

. Running after Christ

Song of Solomon 1:4

Take me away with you—let us hurry!

 Let the king bring me into his chambers. 

  Friends

  We rejoice and delight  in you;

 we will praise your love  more than wine.

.Running in His way

Psalm 119:32

I run in the path of your commands,

 for you have broadened my understanding.

. Running with Patience 

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run  with perseverance  the race marked out for us,

. Running not uncertainly

1 Corinthians 9:26

Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;  I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

[Message No: 7760]

Isaiah’s Experience: Comprehension

Isaiah tells us his call to be a prophet: “I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I shall send, and who will go for us? Then  said I, ‘Here am I;  send me.’ And the Lord said, ‘Go, and tell this people…” [Isa. 6:8-9]. Isaiah’s experience  should be our experience:

First, Isaiah comprehended who God is .. The ultimate experience of life is knowing God. The Apostle Paul said, “I consider everything a loss compared to the surprising greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” [Philp. 3:8].

Isaiah comprehended  God and saw him in his righteousness and holiness. And  he saw the seraphim, and they were crying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of us his glory” [Isa. 6:3]. The seraphim were recognizing the holiness and righteousness of God.

Scripture tells us that unless we have that same righteousness and that same holiness, we will never get to heaven.  We Christ died on the cross, he provided us with a righteousness and a holiness and a goodness that we don’t have on our own, and we are clothed in the righteousness of God. When God sees us, he sees the righteousness or Christ and he doesn’t condemn us.

Facts about the Mysteries (God’s Word)

. Kept hidden for ages – Colossians 1:26

the mystery  that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.

. God chose to make known – Colossians 1:27

To them God has chosen to make known  among the Gentiles the glorious riches  of this mystery, which is Christ in you,  the hope of glory.

. Made  known by Revelation – Ephesians 3:3

that is, the mystery  made known to me by revelation,  as I have already written briefly.   In

. Revealed by the Spirit – Ephesians 3:5

which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.

. Hidden in God – Ephesians 3:8-9

Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people,  this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles  the boundless riches of Christ,    and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,  which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

[Message No: 7759]

Hindrances to Hearing

1 Samuel 3:1-10

How sharp is your spiritual hearing? Ask yourself the following questions:

1. How well do I know God? Not knowing God’s character and what pleases Him hinders listening.

2. Have I been too busy to Make time for God? We can’t listen and respond to Him when there’s no breathing room in our schedules and mind.

3. Do I believe God speaks through His Holy Spirit? Unless we believe that our heavenly Father speaks to us personally, we won’t hear His voice.

4. Do I have a sense of guilt? If we don’t live in the freedom of God’s forgiveness—which Christ gained for us on the cross—we’ll experience false guilt, and our listening skills will diminish.

5. Am I committing repeated sin in my life? Unless we repent of known transgressions, we will be harbouring sin, which makes hearing the Lord difficult—like static in our ears.

6. How well do I receive criticism and correction? Our tendency is to reject the messenger without determining if he or she was sent by God.

Believers have a responsibility to listen carefully and be self-aware (Luke 8:18). Consider these questions with an open heart, and God will guide you to the next steps He wants you to take.

Jesus Prays for You

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” John 17:20 (NIV)

Jesus the Nazarene

“…he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said  through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2:23

Wisdom and Revelation

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.” .Ephesians 1:17

The Size of Our God

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”  Psalm 56:3

[Message No: 7758]