Who God Really Is? - 1

. Advocate – 1 John 2:1

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

. Almighty – Revelation 1:8

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

. Alpha – Revelation 1:8

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

. Amen – Revelation 3:14

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:

. Angel of the Lord – Genesis 16:7

Now the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur.

. Anointed One – Psalm 2:2

The kings of the earth set themselves,

 And the rulers take counsel together,

 Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,

. Apostle – Hebrews 3:1

Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,

. Author and Perfecter of our Faith – Hebrews 12:2

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

. Beginning – Revelation 21:6

Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

. Bishop of Souls – 1 Peter 2:25

For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls

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.

You Qualify

Romans 10:12

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

God Hears Your Prayers

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything,  but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Knots in the Sail

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,

The Civic Road

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.”

Faith That Stands

1 John 5:4

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

The Unchanging Lord

Malachi 3:6

“I the Lord do not change.  So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.

[Message No: 7827]

Reasons for David’s Celebration

... I will celebrate before the LORD. — 2 Samuel 6:21

David was ridiculed for his exuberance as he rejoiced with dancing at the Ark of the Covenant's return home. He refused, however, to be deterred by such criticism. The ark's return was a reason for celebration. His God was the only true and living God. His God had given him victory after victory from dangerous foes. 

His God has preserved His people through all sorts of hardships and difficulties over a long history of challenges, oppression, wandering, and battling. David was determined he would and delighted he could celebrate before the Lord. Shouldn't we?

God’s Families

. Serving Family – Joshua 24:15

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites,  in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household,  we will serve the Lord.”

. Obedient Family – Luke 1:6

Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.

Thoughts 

. Buried under the biggest burden is a good place to find an ever bigger blessing.

- Janette Oke

. When we speak about wisdom we are speaking about Christ.  When we speak about virtue, we are speaking about Christ.  When we speak about justice, we are speaking about Christ.  When we speak about truth and life and redemption, we are speaking about Christ. - Ambrose of Milan

. The truest lengthening of life is to live while we live, wasting no time but using every hour for the highest ends.  So be it this day. - Charles Spurgeon

Questions in Genesis 

31:15

Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?

31:26

And Laban said to Jacob: “What have you done, that you have stolen away unknown to me, and carried away my daughters like captives taken with the sword?

[Message No: 7826]

Every ‘Though’ has it’s ‘Yet’ - 2

. Man’s eternal existence

John 5:28-29

Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming  when all who are in their graves will hear his voice   and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.

Revelation 20:12 

And I saw the dead, great and small,  standing before the throne, and books were opened.  Another book was opened, which is the book of life.  The dead were judged  according to what they had done  as recorded in the books.

Thoughts   

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

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

. I ask Him daily and often momently to give me wisdom, understanding and bodily strength to do His will, hence I am asking and receiving all the time.

-George Washington Carver

. Satan pushes and condemns.  God draws and encourages, and with time and experience we learn the difference. - Richard Foster

Questions in Prayer 

. Does He ever answer differently than we expect? – 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

The Thorn in the Flesh

    And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

[Message No: 7825]

On Denying the Incarnation

1 John 4:1-6

  Dear friends,  do not believe every spirit,  but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.    This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh  is from God,    but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist,  which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 

    You, dear children,  are from God and have overcome them,  because the one who is in you  is greater than the one who is in the world.    They are from the world  and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.   We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us.  This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth  and the spirit of falsehood.

The Only Way

Our call and power come from the infallible Word of God–the Bible. It is the very Scripture in which Jesus is revealed. Him we believe; Him we trust; Him we proclaim as Savior; Him we confess before others as our Lord. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Spiritual Arithmetic

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!

God’s Word …

.  Comforting others in grief

Ruth 1:13-14

would you wait until they grew up?  Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter  for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me! ”

    At this they wept  aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother

[Message No: 7824]

New Every Morning

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

"New and Improved!" That should be stamped across the forehead of every Christian! When we come to Christ, he makes us new and he cleanses us of all our sins. Incredibly, this grace can be "new every morning" because of God's faithfulness and transforming power. God's grace and power are given to us through his Holy Spirit. We are new and improved, and will continue to be that way until we are completely transformed to be like Jesus! (See 2 Corinthians 3:18)

Questions in Prayer 

 Was He strengthened by that prayer? – Luke 22:43

An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

 What was Christ’s last prayer upon the Cross?

Luke 23:34

Jesus said, “Father,  forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Luke 23:36

The soldiers also came up and mocked him.  They offered him wine vinegar    and said, “If you are the king of the Jews,  save yourself.”

Matthew 27:46

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

Bible Tells Us  – 

. Plunder you shall become – Jeremiah 30:16

“‘But all who devour  you will be devoured;

 all your enemies will go into exile. 

 Those who plunder  you will be plundered;

 all who make spoil of you I will despoil.

[Message No: 7823]

Lack of Self Control

The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. — 1 Corinthians 7:4-5

In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul told us that our bodies were not our own, but that we had been bought at a price. Once again in chapter 7, he reminds each of us that when we marry, our body is not our own, it belongs to our spouse. We are to use our bodies to bless, please, and bring fulfilment to our marriage partner. This is crucial to our marriage relationship and also to please God!

Living By Conviction

Daniel 6

Have you ever wondered what you would do if practicing your faith, witnessing to others, or attending church resulted in persecution or death? Worldwide, many Christians are facing just such a scenario but stick to their convictions instead of caving in to pressures around them. And some are suffering tremendously because of their faithfulness to Jesus Christ.

Today we have the same choice to either live by our Christian convictions or compromise for the sake of peace and safety. It doesn’t have to be a matter of life or death. Sometimes we simply want to avoid ridicule, evade conflict, or fit in. Although we may gain temporary comfort, we forfeit a godly witness and the opportunity to influence others.

Questions in Prayer 

12] Should we pray with understanding? – 1 Corinthians 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.

13] Should we pray for all saints? – Ephesians 6:18

And pray in the Spirit  on all occasions  with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying  for all the Lord’s people.

14] Should we pray for men? – 1 Timothy 2:1

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,  intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—

[Message No: 7822]

Jesus loved children … why?

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. — Mark 10:13-14

We humans are always trying to define our place in the "pecking order" of life. Jesus reminds his disciples that they have to throw away the everyday rules of the pecking order if they are to really be part of his Kingdom. In fact, he was quite angry with them because they denied toddlers' access to him, apparently because these disciples didn't deem the little ones worthy of their Master's time, energy, and attention. 

Jesus, as he so often did, turned their common worldly values upside down and reminded them they needed to pay more attention to the character of toddlers than their own sense of importance if they were ever going to understand God's Kingdom.

Joy

. Joy of Communion – Luke 24:32

 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us  while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures  to us?”

. Joy of Service – 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.

. Joy of His Presence – John 20:20

After he said this, he showed them his hands and side.  The disciples were overjoyed  when they saw the Lord.

. Joy of His Word – Jeremiah 15:16

When your words came, I ate  them;

 they were my joy and my heart’s delight, 

 for I bear your name, 

 Lord God Almighty.

. Joy of Victory – Nehemiah 12:43

And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

[Message No: 7821]

Is Old Things Passed Away?

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. — Galatians 5:24

When we became Christians, we died to the old person of sin and were raised up a new person. While we have many of the same battles with temptation, we also now have the power of the resurrection and the Holy Spirit at work within us to help us.

The Greatness of Love

. It is the fulfilment of law – Romans 13:10

Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

. It binds together in unity – Colossians 3:14

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

. It never fails – 1 Corinthians 13:8

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies,  they will cease; where there are tongues,  they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

. It is greater than faith and hope – 1 Corinthians 13:13

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love.

Questions in Prayer 

. Should we pray in public? – Acts 1:14

They all joined together constantly in prayer,  along with the women  and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

.  What should we continue in? – Acts 2:42

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching  and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread  and to prayer

.  How did the first Christian martyr die? – Acts 7:60

Then he fell on his knees  and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”  When he had said this, he fell asleep.

[Message No: 7820]

How to use the Word

. Meditate in it – 

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.

. Delight in it

Psalm 119:47

for I delight  in your commands

 because I love them.

Jeremiah 15:16

When your words came, I ate  them;

 they were my joy and my heart’s delight, 

 for I bear your name, 

 Lord God Almighty.

. Declare it

Psalm 119:13

With my lips I recount

 all the laws that come from your mouth.

Jeremiah 23:28

Let the prophet who has a dream  recount the dream, but let the one who has my word  speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord.

Results of Praising God

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. — Psalm 9:1

The words of Jessie Brown Pound's old hymn say it best: "If the light of his presence has brightened your way, O will you not tell it today?" Prayerfully select someone who needs to know of the goodness and graciousness of God and share Jesus with that person. A heart filled with praise to God will not only praise him, but will lead others to do so as well!

[Message No: 7819]

Knowing your God

But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. — Deuteronomy 4:29

When was the last time you truly searched after God? I'm not talking about an obscure theological insight about God or another bestselling book about God. When was the last time you sought after the Father so that you could know him better and appreciate him more? 

Let's open our hearts and go on the Great Quest to find God. Like the prodigal son in Luke 15, we will find he's waiting and watching for us to come home!

Jesus Christ Our Object

. Learning of Jesus – Our Teacher – Luke 10:39

And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.

. Learning of Jesus – Our Strength – Song of Solomon 8:5

A Relative

    Who is this coming up from the wilderness,

 Leaning upon her beloved?

 I awakened you under the apple tree.

 There your mother brought you forth;

 There she who bore you brought you forth.

. Looking for Jesus – Our Hope – Philippians 3:20

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Thought

. His kingdom is so simple–one person telling another about the Savior.  Yet we’re busy and full of excuses.  Just remember, someone’s eternal destiny is at stake.  The joy you’ll have when you meet that person in heaven will far exceed any discomfort you felt in sharing the gospel. - Charles Stanley

Bible Tells Us  – 

. Through the eyes of Jesus – John 9:3

. Someone needs your love – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

. To whom you are listening?

“Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” — Mark 9:7

. What are you lead today? 

“For those who are LED by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Romans 8:14

[Message No: 7818]

JESUS - 2

. Matthew 4:1

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

. Matthew 4:7

Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ”

. Matthew 4:10

Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”

. Matthew 4:17

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

. Matthew 7:28

And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching,

. Matthew 8:4

And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

. Matthew 8:10

When Jesus heard it, He marvelled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!

. Matthew 8:13

Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.

. Matthew 8:14

Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever.

 . Matthew 8:18

And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side

[Message No: 7817]

Isn't God listening?

O LORD, ... be not silent. Do not be far from me, O Lord. Awake, and rise to my defence! Contend for me, my God and Lord. — Psalm 35:22-23

God sometimes seems to be distant and not to be listening to us. Think of the hundreds of years Israel was in bondage praying for God's promised Deliverer. "Isn't God listening?" they must have repeatedly wondered. Yet at the right time, God sent his Son and brought deliverance. Thankfully, God doesn't ask us to pretend that everything is okay when it isn't. He filled the Psalms with cries for deliverance and help. You may find yourself in a position where these words are yours. If you are, realize that thousands of Today's Verse participants are praying today for God's immediate and powerful deliverance of you.

FAITH

Doubt sees the obstacle,

Faith sees the way!

Doubt sees the darkest night,

Faith sees the day!

Doubt dreads to take a step,

Faith soars on high;

Doubt questions, “Who believes?”

Faith answers, “I”

Commands 

Render no evil to evil

1 Peter 3:9

Do not repay evil with evil  or insult with insult.  On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,  because to this  you were called  so that you may inherit a blessing.

Romans 12:17

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

Celestial

1 Corinthians 15:40

There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another.

[Message No: 7816]

JESUS - 1

. Matthew  1:1

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

. Matthew 1:6

And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.

. Matthew 1:18

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.

. Matthew 1:21

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

. Matthew 1:25

and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

. Matthew 2:1

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,

. Matthew 3:13

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.

. Matthew 3:15

But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

.Matthew 3:16

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.

[Message No: 7815]

How one can live.

Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. — Amos 5:14

Many illicit and evil groups have claimed to have God on their side. Horrific things have been done under the disguise of a "Christian" movement. Jesus, however, told us we could recognize people by their fruit. Those who seek good and abhor evil and those who practice justice and mercy are the ones who have God with them. Let's make sure our claim of God's presence is matched by the presence of God's character in our lives!

Two Kingdoms 

Jude 14

Enoch,  the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming  with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones

Zechariah 14:1-5

A day of the Lord  is coming, Jerusalem, when your possessions  will be plundered and divided up within your very walls.

    I will gather all the nations  to Jerusalem to fight against it;  the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped.  Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city.    Then the Lord will go out and fight  against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle.    On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives,  east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split  in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south.   You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake  in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come,  and all the holy ones with him.

Daniel 7:13-14

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man,  coming  with the clouds of heaven.  He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.   He was given authority,  glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him.  His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom  is one that will never be destroyed.

Bible Tells Us

. Bring you into the bond-

Ezekiel 20:37

I will take note of you as you pass under my rod,  and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.

[Message No: 7814]

What is a Christian

 . In Faith, a Believer in Christ – Mark 16:16

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

. In Knowledge, a Disciple – John 8:31

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching,  you are really my disciples.

. In Character, a Saint – Romans 1:7

To all in Rome who are loved by God  and called to be his holy people: 

 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

. In Influence, a Light – Matthew 5:14

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

. In Conflict, a Soldier – 2 Timothy 2:3

Join with me in suffering,  like a good soldier  of Christ Jesus.

. In Communion, a Friend – John 15:15

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

. In Progress, a Pilgrim – Hebrew 11:13

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised;  they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance,  admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.

. In Relationship, a Child – Romans 8:16

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit  that we are God’s children.

. In Expectation, an Heir – Romans 8:17 

Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings  in order that we may also share in his glory.

[Message No: 7813]

God has made us pure

Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Utterly abhor and detest it, for it is set apart for destruction. — Deuteronomy 7:26

A little corruption, a little poison, and a little rotten are all oxymorons. God has made us pure and perfect in Jesus. What a glorious thought! Why would we want to stain his perfection with what is evil. Our Father wants us to dedicate ourselves to him, and to living as his holy people (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:13-16).

Tempt 

. Why do you tempt the Lord

Exodus 17:2

So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water  to drink.” 

 Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?”

. They even tempt God

Malachi 3:15

But now we call the arrogant  blessed. Certainly evildoers  prosper,  and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.’”

. Tempt the LORD your God

Matthew 4:7

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

. That Satan dos not tempt

1 Corinthians 10:9

We should not test Christ,  as some of them did—and were killed by snakes.

. Nor does He Himself tempt

James 1:13

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

Bible Tells Us  – 

.Timeless Saviour – John 8:58

“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born,  I am!”

[Message No: 7812]

Faith Verses Witnesses

He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." — Daniel 3:25

I love the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel 3. Their faith is solid whether God chooses to save them from the fire, or not. God not only saves them, but those who intended to execute them become the key witnesses of their faith and God's miraculous deliverance. They are not only sons of the One True God, but they are also examples to all of us who are tempted to compromise our faith to get along in a society that has lost all respect for the Almighty God.

Mysteries of God’s Word

. Purpose of God – Ephesians 1:9

 he made known to us the mystery  of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed  in Christ,

. Church, The Body of Christ – Ephesians 5:32

This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.

. Work of Lawlessness – 2 Thessalonians 2:7

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

. Seven Churches and Servants – Revelation 1:20

The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand  and of the seven golden lampstands  is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches,  and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Glory of Almighty God

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. — Romans 3:23-24

No matter how hard we try, how good we are, and how much we work, we can never measure up to the only standard that matters — the glory of Almighty God. Thankfully, God doesn't require us to pretend to be what we are not — perfect, spotless, and holy. Instead, God makes us to be these (cf. Colossians 1:21-23) by grace, through the gift of his Son who purchased our pardon and gave us his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Praise God. Praise our Savior, Christ Jesus. Now let's live with Jesus as our Lord; not to earn or secure our salvation, but to thank him for what he has so freely given us!

[Message No: 7811]

Every ‘Though’ has it’s ‘Yet’ -

. Man’s eternal existence

John 5:28-29

Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming  when all who are in their graves will hear his voice   and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.

Revelation 20:12 

And I saw the dead, great and small,  standing before the throne, and books were opened.  Another book was opened, which is the book of life.  The dead were judged  according to what they had done  as recorded in the books.

Thoughts   

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

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

. I ask Him daily and often momently to give me wisdom, understanding and bodily strength to do His will, hence I am asking and receiving all the time.

-George Washington Carver

. Satan pushes and condemns.  God draws and encourages, and with time and experience we learn the difference. - Richard Foster

Bible Tells Us  – 

. Strength for the lonely

Isaiah 41:9-11

I took you from the ends of the earth, 

 from its farthest corners I called  you.

 I said, ‘You are my servant’; 

 I have chosen  you and have not rejected you.

    So do not fear,  for I am with you; 

 do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

 I will strengthen  you and help  you;

 I will uphold you  with my righteous right hand. 

    “All who rage  against you

 will surely be ashamed and disgraced; 

 those who oppose  you

 will be as nothing and perish.

[Message No: 7810]

Every ‘Though’ has it’s ‘Yet’ - 1

. Confidence in His Purpose – Ezekiel 11:16

Therefore say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary  for them in the countries where they have gone.’

.  Confidence in Service – 1 Corinthians 4:15

Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father  through the gospel.

. Confidence in Renewing – 2 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly  we are being renewed  day by day.

. Confidence in the Lord – 2 Corinthians 5:16

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly  point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer

. Confidence in Ministry – 2 Corinthians 11:6

I may indeed be untrained as a speaker,  but I do have knowledge.  We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.

. Confidence in Resurrection – 2 Corinthians 13:4

For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness,  yet he lives by God’s power.  Likewise, we are weak  in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him  in our dealing with you.

. Confidence in His Example – Hebrew 5:8

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

. Confidence in Self – Matthew 26:35

But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you,  I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

. Abraham’s Confidence – Genesis 22:8-16

Acts 17:26

From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.

Genesis 9:16

Whenever the rainbow  appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant  between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

[Message No: 7809]

Don’t please Men

"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." — Matthew 6:1

Compassion is not for personal glory, just as it is not a private internal emotion. Christian compassion must always motivate us to act in the best interest and for the greater good of those in need, without calling attention to ourselves or our sacrifices. God provides what we need to bless others and takes care of the reward when our goal is to please him and to be used by him to bless others who are in need.

Godly Families

. Hospitable family – Acts 16:15

When she and the members of her household  were baptized,  she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

. Witnessing Family – Acts 18:26

He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila  heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

. God fearing Family – 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.

Bible Tells Us  – 

. Jesus turns your Hopeless end into Endless Hope

2 Corinthians 1:9b-10

Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God,  who raises the dead.    He has delivered us from such a deadly peril,  and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope  that he will continue to deliver us

. A friend in a failure

Acts 15:38

but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them  in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.

[Message No: 7808]

When Faith Becomes Hard

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:28

The real issue in our lives is not God's faithfulness, but ours. The history of God's faithfulness to Israel and to his promises is found in the Scriptures. We can depend and rely on him to do what he promises, despite the apparent circumstances of our lives. The real issue is whether or not we choose to truly love him and live for his purposes when life becomes unbearable and faith becomes hard. 

This verse is no platitude, but the life-ring of hope for those with gritty faith who choose to persevere when there is no easy reason for doing so. Faith is rooted in a Savior who triumphed over death, Satan, and sin on the third day while we find ourselves caught up on the second day waiting for the dawn of our full salvation.

Saved

. Through Grace – The Spring

Ephesians 2:5

made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved.

In Christ – The Cause

John 10:9

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.

. By Faith – The Means

Luke 7:50

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you;  go in peace.”

Bible Tells Us  – 

. A matter before he – 

Proverbs 18:13

To answer before listening—

 that is folly and shame.

. At all acquit the wicked – 

Nehemiah 1:3

They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire. ”

[Message No: 7807]

Christ The Shepherd

 The Chief Shepherd – Coming

1 Peter 5:4

And when the Chief Shepherd  appears, you will receive the crown of glory  that will never fade away.

Introducing Jesus to Others

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. — Psalm 71:18

In the beautiful hymn entitled, "O Sacred Head," the final verse ends with this plea: "Lord, let me never, never, outlive my love to thee." To this sentiment we want to add one other: "Lord, let me never, never, die until the next generation knoweth thee!"

Bible Tells Us - 

. To whom are you listening

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life,  and have it to the full.

. The balanced life

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 love the unliveable

John 13:35

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

[Message No: 7806]

Thorned for a Reason

Christ came to love the unlovable, which if I am totally honest about it, includes me. Who am I to judge others?

Perhaps the best thing we can do when someone needles us is to take it to God. Maybe He is allowing this person to be like a sticker burr between our toes for a reason.

Is He using them like a mirror to reflect a sin we have yet to deal with in our own lives? (Remove the log in your eye before you comment about the speck in theirs idea.)

Is He testing our humbleness, or our faith-strength?

Is He preparing us to deal with someone ten times worse who is just around the bend that He can see coming into our lives even though we cannot?

True–Christians, in turning the other cheek,  are not called to be like wimpy spaghetti noodles and people should be held accountable for their actions. But, Scripture tells us to give thanks to God in all circumstances — that goes for those we just cannot seem to get along with at the moment.

Maybe if we all had the attitude of King David, it would then open the pathways a bit wider to spreading Christ’s message of forgiveness and love.

Questions in 2 Kings

5:26

But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time  to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves?

6:6

The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw  it there, and made the iron float.

6:11

This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”

6:15

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.

[Message No: 7805]

Death Can’t Stop …

 I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. — John 5:25

Aren't you glad that not even death can stop us from hearing Jesus' promised words to us: "RISE!"? We will hear his voice and live with him forever. That sure puts a lift in my future plans; what about you?

Divine Certainties 

. Penury of the Sinner

1 Timothy 6:7

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

Job 21:13

They spend their years in prosperity 

 and go down to the grave  in peace.

. Judgment of the Sinner

Hebrews 10:26—31

If we deliberately keep on sinning  after we have received the knowledge of the truth,  no sacrifice for sins is left,   but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire  that will consume the enemies of God.   Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.    How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God  underfoot,  who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant  that sanctified them,  and who has insulted the Spirit  of grace?    For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”  and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”    It is a dreadful thing  to fall into the hands  of the living God.

Saved

. By God – The Source

2 Timothy 1:8-9

So do not be ashamed  of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.  Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel,  by the power of God.   He has saved  us and called  us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done  but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

[Message No: 7804]

Be Insightful - Word

Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. — Ecclesiastes 9:18

Just a little leaven and the whole lump is changed. A sinful person can have the same effect on a whole group of people committed to God. So let's be wise and reverence God by obeying him and his Word. Let's be insightful in the way we deal with sin and temptation in our lives. Also, let's be sure to remember that we are at war with the evil one. 

Then let's praise God, because our Savior has already defeated our enemy and the Holy Spirit empowers us to stand up to Satan's attacks and resist his temptation.

Bible Tells Us  – 

. Let your Gentleness be evident to all

Philippians 4:5-6

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

. The Gentle Christian

Philippians 4:5

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

. Peace in the face of uncertainty

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me,  all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Joy

. Joy of Suffering – Acts 5:41

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing  because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

. Joy of Glory – 1 Peter 1:8

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him  and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

[Message No: 7803]

All are same at the foot of Cross

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. — Galatians 3:28

Wouldn't it be great if we could tear down all the walls that divide us — racial, social, economic, and gender. The apostle Paul spent his entire life trying to do just that: to tear down the walls that divided people by bringing them to Jesus and the cross. There are no positions of superiority or inferiority at the foot of the cross, only a place for those who discover God's might displayed in sacrifice and God's love displayed even when under attack at the hands of human cruelty. While the forces of culture and human selfishness are always finding ways to divide us, we must remember that in Jesus, and only in Jesus, can we be one.

Facts about Holiness

. We are commanded

1 Peter 1:16

for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

. God will do it thoroughly

1 Thessalonians 5:23

May God himself, the God of peace,  sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul  and body be kept blameless  at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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,

Thoughts 

. We find rest in those we love, and we provide a resting place in ourselves for those who love us. - Bernard of Clairvaux

. Give yourself to God to be what He wills you to be. - David Livingstone

[Message No: 7802]

What can sustain us?

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. — Psalm 73:25-26

What can truly fulfill and sustain us? Maybe the best way to answer that question is by asking another: What can we keep when our bodies are placed silently in their graves at death? Only our relationship with God and his people lasts beyond the grave. If he is what lasts, then how can we displace him for anything that doesn't?

Let’s us Boast and Praise our God.

In God we make our boast  all day long, and we will praise your name forever.

- Psalm 44:8

Psalmist David is making this statement saying that, we make our boast all day long. He is mentioning about boasting about God. What’s the reason. Firstly why he wanted to boast about God and not only that not for five minutes, or for some time he is mentioning in the above verse as whole day.

It’s so clear that his relationship with his Father, his closeness, knowing his Father’s nature, his love, his forgiveness. 

As everyone knows that, God had forgiven David from one of his deadly sin, i.e. adultery with Bathsheba. No doubt, David went on confessing his sins and asking for God’s forgiveness. He was totally repented and from his broken heart, he asked Father’s forgives – thus God had forgiven him. Not only that, ultimately he became one of the very close person to God.

This verse not only telling us boasting about whole day long, but also mentioning about Praising. David is mentioning here that I will be praising Him forever.

Well, one who gone through the steps of David will be realizing that, after receiving forgiveness, love and lifting him up from miry clay – he realized it’s worth to praise God not only for the limited time but forever.

Friends, today many of us or everyone of us one has called Father has forgiven and taken care in every circumstances. Can we compare our lives with David today.  Like David after receiving an unending blessings from our Lord, once the circumstances are over, we have gone far away from our Lord.

But as we learnt from this verse which David has mentioned, let’s get back to our spiritual sense, and realize like David we too must boast only in Him and Praise Him all over or Forever. 

[Message No: 7801]

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]

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: 7800]]

The Beatitudes

5:3-12 — Lk 6:20-23

 He said:

     “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

    Blessed are those who mourn,

 for they will be comforted. 

    Blessed are the meek,

 for they will inherit the earth. 

    Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

 for they will be filled. 

    Blessed are the merciful,

 for they will be shown mercy. 

    Blessed are the pure in heart, 

 for they will see God. 

    Blessed are the peacemakers, 

 for they will be called children of God. 

    Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, 

 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

     “Blessed are you when people insult you,  persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.    Rejoice and be glad,  because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Bible Tells Us - 

. Absolute dependence 

John 15:5

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;  apart from me you can do nothing.

. Inviting God into the chaos

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.”

. God comes close

James 4:8

Come near to God and he will come near to you.  Wash your hands,  you sinners, and purify your hearts,  you double-minded.

[Message No: 7799]

Sin in Your Life

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” - Psalm 103:12

Now that's a long way - from sun rising to sun setting, that's how far God has removed our sins. But the key word is removed. When we sin and come to God in repentance, God doesn't just forgive our sin; he purifies us of all unrighteousness. 

What was unholy in me is made righteous in him. What was impure is now clean. What was stained is spotless. Why? How? We can now see more fully what the Psalmist could know only in part. God doesn't see our sin, but Jesus' sacrifice. His blood purifies and cleanses us! Our sin is gone and we are clean.

Bible Tells Us – 

. Time

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life,  and have it to the full.

. Problems have a purpose

Psalm 50:15

. Fishy Reactions

Luke 5:4-6

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 

    Simon answered, “Master,  we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.  But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

    When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

. Problems have a purpose

Psalm 50:15

and call  on me in the day of trouble; 

 I will deliver  you, and you will honor  me.”

. Fishy Reactions

Luke 5:4-6

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 

    Simon answered, “Master,  we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.  But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

    When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

[Message No: 7798]

Role of women in God’s work today

Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women. — Acts 17:4

Women have always played an important role in the work of God. This was especially true in Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea) in the first century. In each of these places, many of the leading women of the community were touched by the Gospel. We know they played important roles in supporting the missionary enterprise (Lydia) and sharing the Gospel with those around them (Euodia and Syntyche). Why not take time today to let a godly woman in your congregation know how important she is to the Lord's work and to you.

Ashamed

Genesis 2:25

Adam and his wife were both naked,  and they felt no shame.

Judges 3:25

They waited to the point of embarrassment,  but when he did not open the doors of the room, they took a key and unlocked them. There they saw their lord fallen to the floor, dead.

Bare

Isaiah 32:11

Tremble,  you complacent women;

 shudder, you daughters who feel secure! 

 Strip off your fine clothes 

 and wrap yourselves in rags.

Isaiah 52:10

The Lord will lay bare his holy arm 

 in the sight of all the nations, 

 and all the ends of the earth  will see

 the salvation  of our Go

Intimate with Jesus

John 14:9

Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.  How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

Worship

Genesis 12:8

From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel  and pitched his tent,  with Bethel on the west and Ai  on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.

[Message No: 7797]

Put God First & He Will See to Your Needs

Matthew 6:33-34

“But seek first his kingdom  and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.    Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Prayer

Lord, I confess my past fear and worry. I have fretted over money, retirement funds, and the pursuit of earthly possessions much more than I have fretted over people around me who are dying and going to hell. Much of my past life has been focused on building up my own kingdom instead of Yours. Forgive me. When I begin to repeat this pattern, Lord, remind me to trust You; remind me of Your promises to provide for my needs. And let this reminder cause me to rest and have peace in Your Words. Let this lead me to share my faith and Your provision so others can find that same rest. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Questions in 1 Kings

22:3

And the king of Israel said to his servants, “Do you know that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, but we hesitate to take it out of the hand of the king of Syria?”

22:4

So he said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to fight at Ramoth Gilead?”

  Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.”

22:6

Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go against Ramoth Gilead to fight, or shall I refrain?”

  So they said, “Go up, for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.”

Complete Access

Ephesians 3:12

in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.

[Message No: 7796]

Questions of Jesus

. On Seeking 

John 1:38

Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

 They said, “Rabbi”  (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

John 18:4-7

Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him,  went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” 

    “Jesus of Nazareth,”  they replied.

 “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)   When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

    Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” 

 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.

John 20:15

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?  Who is it you are looking for?”

 Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

In the Lord’s Hands

. The Place of Blessing

Deuteronomy 33:3

Surely it is you who love  the people;

 all the holy ones are in your hand. 

 At your feet they all bow down, 

 and from you receive instruction,

. The Place of Chastisement

2 Samuel 24:14

David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy  is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.”

[Message No: 7795]

Psalm 7:1

“O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me.”

Who or what is pursuing you? Is it a past mistake? Is it an old enemy? Is it your conscience? Is it a nagging sense of guilt? Is it someone who wants to do you physical harm? Is it a physical illness? In the middle of all the storms and struggles of life, where do you go to find peace and security? There is only One who can be a true and lasting refuge. Just One!

Time like this, what we have to tell our Heavenly Father:

. you are my refuge and source of strength when my courage is gone and my soul is weary. 

. Destroy all the forces and powers and enemies that pursue me and seek to take me captive and draw me away from you. 

From Financial Prison to Palace Prosperity

It’s not getting that makes prosperity worth having … it’s  giving that makes prosperity worth getting. Did God prosper Joseph so he could drive the Mercedes of his day – a golden chariot?

God took Joseph from prison to palace to preserve the lives of his family – the bloodline through which man’s salvation – the Messiah – would come.

Prosperity fulfills God’s first priority  - to win souls.

God’s Word … Meditate … 

. Plunder  the Egyptians – Exodus 3:22

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.”

.Who pass by the way plunder – Psalm 89:41

All who pass by have plundered  him;

 he has become the scorn of his neighbors.

. The plunder of the poor is – Isiah 3:14

The Lord enters into judgment 

 against the elders and leaders of his people:

 “It is you who have ruined my vineyard;

 the plunder  from the poor  is in your houses.

[Message No: 7794]

Overcoming Seasons of Crisis

Today we are going to understand the keys of overcoming times of stress particularly today every one i.e I and you are facing. 

When the leaves change on the trees and they fall off and the weather changes of temperature, everyone knows that season is changing.

Changing seasons, nothing is permanent except God and His promises. God  promises that nothing is permanent. In the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 – For everything there is a season and there is a time for every purpose under heaven. Noting is permanent except God and its promises – so, my dear friends today why are we worried about Carona virus?

What is that purpose? God is promising you that whatever you are going is only a season, whatever is happening it can not last. Friends, this lockdown never last for the long time. 

Seasons gives us Hope. Nothing remains the same. Seasons are always temporary. Crisis is not a permanent condition crisis is a human description. 

God has no crisis. Today, key to life is outlasting the season of it. What you have to do is organize yourself to outlast the season that’s all, it cannot stay.

Seasons gives us Hope, no need for you to quit. This season has given us incentive to plan for our future to  prepare ourselves. Let’s look towards our Heavenly Father.

This season gives us Faith, that is whatever I am going through i.e. Carona virus will not last.

Therefore, my dear friends today let us encourage each other from the word of God, Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Like a Deer

Habakkuk 3:19

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

 he enables me to tread on the heights. 

The Gift of Grace

Ephesians 2:8-9

For it is by grace  you have been saved,  through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—   not by works,  so that no one can boast.

[Message No: 7793]

Need of Prayers for Faith

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction” – Ephesians 6:4

Malachi 4:6 promised that fathers and children would be reunited in heart. Let's make that true in our homes by nurturing and correcting our children — with a balance between nurture and correction. Let's not make our faith so full of rules and restrictions that it becomes impossible for our children to hear that they are our beloved children, with whom we are very pleased! Let's not grant so much freedom that our children feel neglected and uncertain. 

Let's turn our hearts toward them and pray for God to turn their hearts toward their home with us and their home with you!

Used to enforce a Statement 

2 Corinthians 1:20

For no matter how many promises  God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen”  is spoken by us to the glory of God.

Revelation 1:18

I am the Living One; I was dead,  and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!  And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Revelation 22:20

Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel,  who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.

Questions in Genesis 

30:15

But she said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son's mandrakes also?”

30:30

For what you had before I came was little, and it has increased to a great amount; the Lord has blessed you since my coming. And now, when shall I also provide for my own house?”

30:31

So he said, “What shall I give you?”

  And Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep your flocks:

[Message No: 7792]