ALL GLORY TO GOD
By Miles Stanford
"Whether, therefore, ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to
the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31).
The present and eternal ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the
Son; the past, present, and future ministry of the Son is to glorify
the Father. Our life and ministry will bring glory to our Father to the
extent that we abide in the Son, and are controlled by the Holy Spirit.
"When one's ministry or outreach flows from close communion with the
Father, one's influence and moral authority will be recognized.
Moreover, such a workman is not carried beyond what he has received
from the Lord, so that his ministry finds sanction in hearts without
any pressure." -J.N.D.
"The object of all Christian life and ministry, of whatever kind, must
surely be to bring glory to God. Any lesser motive is inferior. If this
were kept in the forefront of our thinking and praying, it would have
two beneficial results. The hectic strain would be taken out of our
lives and service, and spontaneous fruitfulness would follow.
"We can aim to meet the needs of people as a primary objective, and
fret because so many of our efforts prove abortive. We may secretly
pride ourselves on our ability to minister, or on our efficient
service, and reap nothing but frustration. It is only when our whole
outlook is made radiant by His glory, because we are hungry to do His
will and that only, that our activities will be quickened into new
life, and others be truly blessed." -J.C.M.
"He [Abraham] ... was strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Rom.
4:20).
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Happy Wednesday
LOOK AND LIVE!
By Miles Stanford
"But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Cor. 3:18).
As the plant to the sun, we look to the Son for growth!
"What is the good of a man being ennobled, made a prince of, if he feels he has gained no more or sensible acquisition by it? This is the disappointment which souls feel without being able to account for it; and they are subject to nights of wrestling, because they have rested in their grand title, instead of in the means of supporting their titles, which is dependence on, and ever deepening acquaintance with, the One who has conferred them." -J .B.S.
"I cannot conceive anything more satisfying or cheering to the heart than the consciousness that I may not only draw near, but that I draw near in answer to the thought and interest that the Lord Jesus has about me, and that I draw nigh to enjoy myself in His presence where there is so much thought and interest about me. It is there my heart goes out in acknowledgment of Him in answer to His deep, gracious, and everlasting love."
"By means of the Word, look to the Lord Jesus in faith. Exercise the blessed trust that He is yours, and that He has given Himself to you, and that you have a claim to all that is in Him. It is His purpose to work out His image in you. Behold Him with the joyful and certain expectation: the glory that I behold in Him is destined for me!" -A.M.
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6).
By Miles Stanford
"But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Cor. 3:18).
As the plant to the sun, we look to the Son for growth!
"What is the good of a man being ennobled, made a prince of, if he feels he has gained no more or sensible acquisition by it? This is the disappointment which souls feel without being able to account for it; and they are subject to nights of wrestling, because they have rested in their grand title, instead of in the means of supporting their titles, which is dependence on, and ever deepening acquaintance with, the One who has conferred them." -J .B.S.
"I cannot conceive anything more satisfying or cheering to the heart than the consciousness that I may not only draw near, but that I draw near in answer to the thought and interest that the Lord Jesus has about me, and that I draw nigh to enjoy myself in His presence where there is so much thought and interest about me. It is there my heart goes out in acknowledgment of Him in answer to His deep, gracious, and everlasting love."
"By means of the Word, look to the Lord Jesus in faith. Exercise the blessed trust that He is yours, and that He has given Himself to you, and that you have a claim to all that is in Him. It is His purpose to work out His image in you. Behold Him with the joyful and certain expectation: the glory that I behold in Him is destined for me!" -A.M.
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6).
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Happy Tuesday
THE FAITH THAT SAVES
By Pastor Paul Hume
Scripture Reading: Mark 11:22; Gal. 2:20; Heb.12:1-2
It has been truly said that Satan has a counterfeit for almost everything that God does (except to give Life). The Apostle Paul speaks of "another gospel" (2 Cor.11:4a; Gal 1:6,9), "another Jesus" (2 Cor. 11:4b: much of Christendom today worships this "Jesus!"), "another spirit" (2 Cor. 11:4c: how prevalent is this "spirit" now); "false apostles of Christ"( 2 Cor. 11:13: witness the Mormons and their chief apostle, Joseph Smith!), and "ministers of righteousness" (2 Cor. 11: 15: how many priests and ministers fall into this category today!).
Obviously, therefore, there must be a counterfeit faith. We know there are many false "faiths" today ..the apostate Protestant "faith," the Roman Catholic "faith," and the Jehovah's Witnesses "faith" (and the like). Yes, many of the people involved in these false systems have "faith." I heard a liberal preacher on the radio only yesterday broadcasting from a popular church which is only four blocks from our church and exhorting his hearers that the way to keep one's life from being empty is to "have faith in God." This sounds real good. It even sounds Biblical!'
Did not our Lord exhort his wondering disciples in Mark 11:22, "Have faith in God?" But a more accurate rendering of this command makes the meaning clearer: "Hold to the faith of God!" True; saving faith is not naturally generated. All of us have a "natural faith:" e..g., we believe that the cooks in the restaurant where we are eating haven't put poison in our food; we trust the car in which we ride; we believe what history tells us about out great country, and etc. But the kind of faith which our Lord speaks of is identical to that which Paul speaks of: "...justified by the faith of Christ" (Gal. 2:16); "...I live by (or in) the faith of the Son of God" (Gal. 2:20); "...boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him" (Eph. 3:12).
We have a blessed truth in Hebrews 12:2: "Look away (from all else) unto Jesus, the Author (that is, the Originator) and Finisher (that is, the Completer) of faith." True, saving faith comes from God in Christ Jesus. This faith saves. This faith sanctifies. This faith sustains. This faith pleases God. Does this faith operate in you?
Monday, February 10, 2014
Happy Monday
Got Your Back
By: Greg Aitkens
Hebrews 13:1-3
Keep on loving each other as brothers (and sisters). Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison (even the ones without bars) as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
The other day, a friend of mine was describing a recent lunch conversation he had had with another mutual friend of ours, Tom. I realized that I had not spoken to him in many years.
I remembered that Tom was the person who had invited me to a weekend retreat more than 25 years ago. I attended, and that began the series of events which led me to become part of a regular small group meeting with other Christians. On my very first retreat Weekend, my life was transformed because I met a humble fellow named Jesus. That encounter was a life-changer! Tom was the kind person who set all this in motion with a simple invite. I have not even thanked Tom yet for that invitation! (I plan to do so soon.)
Tom "had my back". He was concerned for me and thought enough about me to share what he thought would be good for me-and was it ever! People who have our backs pray for us, encourage us, and even exhort or cajole us when they see us getting "off track". They exude the love of Christ for us with supernatural patience, tolerance, and mercy. They look for the best in us, don't harshly judge our areas of weakness, and do all this with absolutely nothing coming back in return. I find this type of Christian love amazing! In fact, it is out of this world.
I'm making a list of folks who have "had my back" short and long term. At the top of the list is my wife, Ginny, who has had saintly patience with me for almost 40 years of married life. I'm suddenly grateful for a rather long list of folks who have come along at just the right times to provide what I needed at various crossroads and important points at which wisdom and good counsel were needed, or where I was off kilter and needed someone to nicely say, "You're thinking of doing what?"
I believe Our Lord Jesus sends us these angels called "friends" at just the right times. They have our backs. They rely on the power of God and his Holy Spirit to say the right things and encourage us in the love of Jesus himself.
TAKE THE CHALLENGE: Who has "had your back" for a while? Are you ready to encourage and support others who need someone to have theirs?
By: Greg Aitkens
Hebrews 13:1-3
Keep on loving each other as brothers (and sisters). Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison (even the ones without bars) as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
The other day, a friend of mine was describing a recent lunch conversation he had had with another mutual friend of ours, Tom. I realized that I had not spoken to him in many years.
I remembered that Tom was the person who had invited me to a weekend retreat more than 25 years ago. I attended, and that began the series of events which led me to become part of a regular small group meeting with other Christians. On my very first retreat Weekend, my life was transformed because I met a humble fellow named Jesus. That encounter was a life-changer! Tom was the kind person who set all this in motion with a simple invite. I have not even thanked Tom yet for that invitation! (I plan to do so soon.)
Tom "had my back". He was concerned for me and thought enough about me to share what he thought would be good for me-and was it ever! People who have our backs pray for us, encourage us, and even exhort or cajole us when they see us getting "off track". They exude the love of Christ for us with supernatural patience, tolerance, and mercy. They look for the best in us, don't harshly judge our areas of weakness, and do all this with absolutely nothing coming back in return. I find this type of Christian love amazing! In fact, it is out of this world.
I'm making a list of folks who have "had my back" short and long term. At the top of the list is my wife, Ginny, who has had saintly patience with me for almost 40 years of married life. I'm suddenly grateful for a rather long list of folks who have come along at just the right times to provide what I needed at various crossroads and important points at which wisdom and good counsel were needed, or where I was off kilter and needed someone to nicely say, "You're thinking of doing what?"
I believe Our Lord Jesus sends us these angels called "friends" at just the right times. They have our backs. They rely on the power of God and his Holy Spirit to say the right things and encourage us in the love of Jesus himself.
TAKE THE CHALLENGE: Who has "had your back" for a while? Are you ready to encourage and support others who need someone to have theirs?
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Happy Sunday
Does God Shout?
When we open our hearts to God, and position ourselves physically and mentally in a quiet place, God sends us messages of guidance through the Holy Spirit, our Comforter. Sometimes, the messages are clear to us; sometimes, we miss or misunderstand them. For that reason I have always included in daily prayers a request to open my eyes and ears to His daily guidance.
At other times, His communications are so subtle that they are judged by some to be a coincidence. I have even found strong, timely, personal messages directed to me in many devotionals, like a recent PresbyCan Daily Devotional, whose author described her long and trying struggle as caregiver to her ailing husband, who passed away after years of bravely dealing with a debilitating illness. Her message hit home with me, as I had just recently been made aware that my husband had terminal cancer. Her words were helpful and poignant, pointing out certain circumstances that applied directly to me. It was, most certainly, a message of comfort at just the right time.
But there are so many ways that God connects with His children. For example, God has always spoken to me through music in my quiet times.
About ten days before my husband and I received the bad news, I was watching a Gaither Gospel Hour program on television. I don't always catch the show, and indeed, it was almost finished when I tuned in as a group was singing "Jesus Saves". It lasted awhile, as certain different singers offered their rendering of each verse. I found myself singing along to the end, hearing words that I had long since forgotten in my youth.
I awakened the next morning with that song on my heart, loudly and clearly, and it continued throughout the day … and the next day. After three days, I began to wonder when it would end, and whether it was just an "ear worm", so persistent it was.
After the fourth day, I began to ask what God was telling me, for by then, I saw it as a message. And it was not a gentle refrain — it was loud. Just as "ALL CAPS" is declared shouting in literature, this song was uppermost in my mind from dawn to dusk and wanted attention. As time went on, I found myself wondering what God wanted me to know, and feeling that I just didn't "get it". But He was persistent, and the one thing that got through to me was that something was about to happen.
After we received the diagnosis, I certainly understood … in part. I wondered whether He was planning to grant us healing or whether my not-yet-believing husband would indeed be "saved".
Well, the song continues in my heart to this day, and from that, I have all the answers I need. I know that God is with us and that He is in control. I believe that He continues to send the message to emphasize His promise to us when He sent His Son: Jesus saves!
We can be deeply grateful for God's loving messages, be they subtle or strong, always being vigilant and sensitive to His Spirit, so as not to miss any.
Prayer: Dear Father Lord, thank You for Your loving care of us, Your children. Please continue to send us Your messages of hope and love. We want to hear and understand them, so open our hearts, allowing our human frailties to be overridden, to let us view and hear Your guidance clearly, as we know so well that Yours is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Your will be done, dear Father. Amen.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Happy Saturday
"Now" Faith
Hebrews 11:1 - Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. (CEV)
Exodus 15:26b - I am the Lord, who heals you. (NIV)
In 1996, I became so ill that eventually I had Red Cross homemaker service and used a wheelchair. Slow death was my future. In desperation, I asked people of the church to pray for me. My husband prayed. Today, at age 58, I do paid work two or three days a week and live independent of medical aid. God gave me healing. It came by way of a faith relationship with the Lord who heals. It was not a quick fix, but gradual improvement. Almost fourteen years ago, I began a day-by-day journey that continues.
The turning point from slow death to full life happened in the summer of 1997, when I believe that Jesus spoke to me directly through John chapter 5. That morning when I read the passage in my Bible, the words Jesus spoke to the man at the Pool of Bethesda who had been an invalid for 38 years "jumped" off the page. I "heard" them:
John 5:6 - When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" (NIV)
From then on, I deemed insignificant any symptom contrary to my "Yes!" In response to Jesus' question in that Scripture, "Do you want to get well?" Over the years, the symptoms melted away.
The experience of hearing directly from Jesus revolutionized my faith. I moved to a "now" kind of faith, real hope where I was sure of what no one could see. I was healed. Jesus called me to live! Jesus' words set me up to expect wellness. The prayers of others helped me to be ready for this faith. Since then, daily in faith, I search the Scriptures for wisdom, and I pray. A major benefit of the conversations I enjoy in my private prayer and Bible study is His guidance. My faith helps me seek, find, and celebrate His every blessing so that I may share His blessing with others.
Romans 10:17 - No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ. (CEV)
I "heard" because God, in His profound mercy, hooked my attention on that summer day.
After this event, a Ziggy cartoon was published which I posted on my bedroom wall. Ziggy, standing with his back to the reader, was backlit by a sunrise filling the horizon, casting a long shadow toward the reader. Ziggy's face peered over his twisted torso and shoulder. The caption read something like, "When all seems dark, maybe you need to turn and look in a new direction."
Prayer: Father in heaven, we ask in the name of Christ Jesus that You would lead us to a "now" kind of faith. Make us ever-expectant of hearing You speak to us, and make us sure of Your merciful lovingkindness. For Your honour and glory, may we give effective witness to Your powerful, living presence in creation. May we hook the attention of others and direct them to You. Our hearts rejoice in gratitude for Your every good and perfect gift. Amen.
Pat Bell
Desboro, Ontario, Canada
Hebrews 11:1 - Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. (CEV)
Exodus 15:26b - I am the Lord, who heals you. (NIV)
In 1996, I became so ill that eventually I had Red Cross homemaker service and used a wheelchair. Slow death was my future. In desperation, I asked people of the church to pray for me. My husband prayed. Today, at age 58, I do paid work two or three days a week and live independent of medical aid. God gave me healing. It came by way of a faith relationship with the Lord who heals. It was not a quick fix, but gradual improvement. Almost fourteen years ago, I began a day-by-day journey that continues.
The turning point from slow death to full life happened in the summer of 1997, when I believe that Jesus spoke to me directly through John chapter 5. That morning when I read the passage in my Bible, the words Jesus spoke to the man at the Pool of Bethesda who had been an invalid for 38 years "jumped" off the page. I "heard" them:
John 5:6 - When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" (NIV)
From then on, I deemed insignificant any symptom contrary to my "Yes!" In response to Jesus' question in that Scripture, "Do you want to get well?" Over the years, the symptoms melted away.
The experience of hearing directly from Jesus revolutionized my faith. I moved to a "now" kind of faith, real hope where I was sure of what no one could see. I was healed. Jesus called me to live! Jesus' words set me up to expect wellness. The prayers of others helped me to be ready for this faith. Since then, daily in faith, I search the Scriptures for wisdom, and I pray. A major benefit of the conversations I enjoy in my private prayer and Bible study is His guidance. My faith helps me seek, find, and celebrate His every blessing so that I may share His blessing with others.
Romans 10:17 - No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ. (CEV)
I "heard" because God, in His profound mercy, hooked my attention on that summer day.
After this event, a Ziggy cartoon was published which I posted on my bedroom wall. Ziggy, standing with his back to the reader, was backlit by a sunrise filling the horizon, casting a long shadow toward the reader. Ziggy's face peered over his twisted torso and shoulder. The caption read something like, "When all seems dark, maybe you need to turn and look in a new direction."
Prayer: Father in heaven, we ask in the name of Christ Jesus that You would lead us to a "now" kind of faith. Make us ever-expectant of hearing You speak to us, and make us sure of Your merciful lovingkindness. For Your honour and glory, may we give effective witness to Your powerful, living presence in creation. May we hook the attention of others and direct them to You. Our hearts rejoice in gratitude for Your every good and perfect gift. Amen.
Pat Bell
Desboro, Ontario, Canada
Friday, February 7, 2014
Happy Friday
Give What You NeedNicki
Koziarz
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed
down,
shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the
measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38 (NIV
1984)
Last week we were out of milk, so I headed to the
store
with my party of five.
Even though we were in a time crunch, I wanted to make
the
most of our trip and pick up a few other things. Our family divided up—my
husband went to the row of toilet paper, our oldest daughter walked off to
get
bread, our middle daughter headed out for fruit, and the youngest one,
Kennedy
Grace, trekked to the milk fridge with me.
Everyone quickly got what they needed and met back at
the
register—except my husband. At the self-checkout with my three girls, I
scanned
our items thinking Kris would be there any second. But he wasn't. As the
line
behind me quickly grew long and impatient, I wondered if I should cancel my
order and step out of line.
But time was short and we were already running late.
So in
this unnerving moment, I instructed my youngest daughter to run and get the
toilet paper from her daddy. She took off, found my husband, and secured the
rolls under her arm. But, on her way back to the self-checkout, a sparkly
cereal
display distracted her.
In a calm, yet firm voice, I made sure my daughter
heard
me. "Kennedy Grace, come here right now please."
Now, she figured the fastest way to get that toilet
paper
to me was to slide it down the aisle. Without hesitation, she whooshed the
package right to me.
The people standing behind me thought my daughter's
idea
was quite amusing. Everyone except one woman.
As Kennedy Grace giggled, jumped and bounced her way
to
the register, I knew this wasn't the time or place to have a teachable
moment,
so I just muttered quietly for her to calm down.
That one woman, feeling it was a good time to
teach my daughter a lesson, said to me, "Well, isn't she
something?"
I didn't want to get into a hot confrontational mess,
so I
ignored her and bagged my items.
But then she asked Kennedy Grace, "Why are you acting
up
so much?"
Kennedy replied, "I'm just tired."
And then the woman responded with a statement no
stressed-out-momma needs to hear, "Well maybe your mom should put you to bed
earlier."
What did she just say? Unh-huh. I gulped and
took
a deep breath, ready to blurt out something sassy.
But in the midst of this chaos, in the midst of this
tension, I felt the presence of God hold me back with this thought, give
her
what you need most.
Say what, God? I need to give this woman a piece
of my
mind, is what my soul screamed.
But it was true. I need a lot of grace these days.
Grace.
Grace. Grace.
So, I said nothing. I extended grace. I smiled,
grabbed
Kennedy's hand and walked out of the grocery store, challenged by the
thought of
Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed
down,
shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the
measure you use, it will be measured to you."
I make a lot of mistakes. I forget about important
things.
And I too have judged stressed-out mommas in the grocery store with
misbehaving
children. But Scripture tells us that when we give to others what we need,
something very freeing happens: We receive what we need
too.
When we offer emotional generosity to others, we
create
the atmosphere for God to do something powerful in us and through us. I
don't
always want to give others what I need. My initial reaction is often to give
others what I think they deserve.
A quick comeback.
A nasty look.
An unforgiving heart.
A nasty look.
An unforgiving heart.
But none of these things have ever brought me anything
I
needed.
As I continue to live this verse in Luke out, I'm
focusing
on other's needs and reacting based on them, not myself.
But next time we need milk, I'm going to the grocery
store, alone.
Jesus, help me give to others the things I need. Make me
emotionally generous and able to bless in the midst of a conflicting mess.
Amen.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Happy Thursday
God Notices the Grateful Heart
By Max Lucado
God notices the grateful heart. He took a praise-singing shepherd boy And made him a king.
There’s no hint of God getting out of sorts if we aren’t thankful. But There is evidence that we are affected by our own ingratitude. What of The disastrous days? The nights I can’t sleep and the hours I can’t Rest? Am I grateful then? Jesus was.
The Bible records, “On the night he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took Some bread and gave thanks to God for it.” (I Corinthians 11:23). It’s Not often you see the words betrayed and thanks in the same sentence, Much less in the same heart. In the midst of the darkest night of the Human soul, Jesus found a way to give thanks.
Anyone can thank God for the light. Jesus teaches us to thank God for The night. He says to us, “You’ll get through this!” And we will.
Max Lucado
By Max Lucado
God notices the grateful heart. He took a praise-singing shepherd boy And made him a king.
There’s no hint of God getting out of sorts if we aren’t thankful. But There is evidence that we are affected by our own ingratitude. What of The disastrous days? The nights I can’t sleep and the hours I can’t Rest? Am I grateful then? Jesus was.
The Bible records, “On the night he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took Some bread and gave thanks to God for it.” (I Corinthians 11:23). It’s Not often you see the words betrayed and thanks in the same sentence, Much less in the same heart. In the midst of the darkest night of the Human soul, Jesus found a way to give thanks.
Anyone can thank God for the light. Jesus teaches us to thank God for The night. He says to us, “You’ll get through this!” And we will.
Max Lucado
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Happy Wednesday
GOD'S PURPOSE IN EVERYTHING, BIG &
SMALL – 1 Samuel 25
Bonnie Ricks
takeaminute@googlegroups.com
David had a firm grasp of the big picture. He knew God's purpose
for his life. He knew that he would one day be king of
Israel . He also knew that
Saul was still God's anointed king, and that it was not his (David's) decision
when or where Saul would die. He had illustrated that once already,
merely cutting off a piece of Saul's robe at a moment when he could have easily
have killed Saul instead. Later, he would have another opportunity,
walking right up to Saul's side while the man was sleeping. In both
instances, David kept God's purpose in mind and didn't allow his own anger and
pride to get in the way.
But right in between these two incidents came Nabal, an insignificant
but wealthy fool (1
Samuel 25:25 NIV) who really made David angry. David's men had been
guarding Nabal's land and flocks, making sure that nothing of Nabal's was lost.
But when David asked for help – for food for his men – Nabal
stupidly turned him down. The insult infuriated David, and he lost sight
of the big picture. At that point, all he could think of was killing this
man and wiping out everything he owned. David, who could easily restrain
himself from killing the king, allowed his pride to take over when dealing with
a lesser individual. He could keep his focus in the big issues, but lost
it when dealing with the little ones.
Are we any different? We don't have any problem avoiding robbing
a bank or embezzling from our own companies, but we don't think twice about
using the copy machine for personal copies (without permission or payment) or
taking a few pencils and note pads home to the kids. We would never falsify
records that go to the IRS, but don't hesitate to lie to a police officer to
get out of a ticket. We would never consider murdering another
individual, but we thoroughly enjoy bad-mouthing someone we don't like,
assassinating their character with our every word.
God' purpose for our lives is there, both in the big and small
issues. God's principles are the same in everything. Take a look at
how you handle the little things. Are you as faithful in the small things
as you are in the big ones?
Good Morning,
I have a Heart Doctor's appointment this morning... Haven't been to one in many years...
Hoping that I have finally distributed all the February '14 StarLight News papers...
If you missed your copy or perhaps, you live out of the delivery area, you can still read it on line at http://the-starlight-news.blogspot.com/...
Have a Blessed Day,
Richard
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Happy Tuesday
SOMETHING TO UNLOCK US
We also live in a time when there is less interest in religion and more in spirituality. Less in denominations and more in global participation. There seems to be a public yearning for lasting answers to the gnawing emptiness so many feel within.
Television, movies and print media are tying into our universal attraction to all things spiritual. And so is the Internet. Just google the word "God." In English you will get several hundred million hits! More people are writing and talking about God than the world's wealthiest, most powerful and most well-known historical personalities. There is a great interest in spirituality, and for many people, a renewed quest for meaning.
In the wonderful Lewis Carroll story of "Alice In Wonderland," one of the characters is a lock. The lock is restless. It is busily hunting for something behind every rock and tree. As Alice watches the lock, her curiosity is aroused and she asks, "What is the matter?"
The lock replies, "I am looking for something to unlock me."
I think that is our quest -- looking for something to unlock us. Something to open us up to passion and purpose for living. We don't want to die before we ever truly LIVE! And we somehow know that our best answers will be spiritual ones; for we're finally unlocked when our hearts have been opened. It's a key...to peace.
Steve Goodier
I have hear numerous comments like these: "I want my life to matter." "I want to make more of a difference to people." "Life is too short. I may not live a long life, but I do want to look back on a meaningful one." We live in a time when people are seeking more authentic ways to live. We also live in a time when there is less interest in religion and more in spirituality. Less in denominations and more in global participation. There seems to be a public yearning for lasting answers to the gnawing emptiness so many feel within.
Television, movies and print media are tying into our universal attraction to all things spiritual. And so is the Internet. Just google the word "God." In English you will get several hundred million hits! More people are writing and talking about God than the world's wealthiest, most powerful and most well-known historical personalities. There is a great interest in spirituality, and for many people, a renewed quest for meaning.
In the wonderful Lewis Carroll story of "Alice In Wonderland," one of the characters is a lock. The lock is restless. It is busily hunting for something behind every rock and tree. As Alice watches the lock, her curiosity is aroused and she asks, "What is the matter?"
The lock replies, "I am looking for something to unlock me."
I think that is our quest -- looking for something to unlock us. Something to open us up to passion and purpose for living. We don't want to die before we ever truly LIVE! And we somehow know that our best answers will be spiritual ones; for we're finally unlocked when our hearts have been opened. It's a key...to peace.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Happy Monday
Going Without Jesus
by Os Hillman
"After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it" (Luke 2:43).
Bob and Janice had five kids. When they go on any trip, Benjamin, the youngest, always sleeps under the seat in their mini van. In the rush of preparing for their visit to the grocery store and getting the other kids situated, they failed to pick up Benjamin, who was standing outside at the other end of the store. As they proceeded down the road, they assumed that Benjamin was quietly sleeping in his normal place under the seat in the back of the van.
Meanwhile, about an hour later, young Benjamin was wondering why his parents had not picked him up. He went back into the store and told the manager his plight. The manager called the police. The young boy was eventually picked up by a policeman.
Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. Jesus was 12-years old. They were evidently very distracted by the excitement and business of the Feast. In fact, Mary and Joseph began their return trip to Nazareth only to realize well into the trip that Jesus was not with them. It would be three days before they would be reunited with their 12-year-old son. It caused quite a scare for Mary and Joseph, and they reprimanded Jesus for "wandering" off.
As a parent, I find this story truly amazing. How can parents of the Son of God not know their son is not in their presence? Yet, this story illustrates how each of us can become so busy that we continue to operate not realizing Jesus is no longer with us. We can walk away from fellowship with Jesus. Do not let this happen to you. He longs to have daily fellowship with you because He loves you. Today, ask yourself if Jesus is accompanying you in your daily activities. He desires to walk with you each and every day.
by Os Hillman
"After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it" (Luke 2:43).
Bob and Janice had five kids. When they go on any trip, Benjamin, the youngest, always sleeps under the seat in their mini van. In the rush of preparing for their visit to the grocery store and getting the other kids situated, they failed to pick up Benjamin, who was standing outside at the other end of the store. As they proceeded down the road, they assumed that Benjamin was quietly sleeping in his normal place under the seat in the back of the van.
Meanwhile, about an hour later, young Benjamin was wondering why his parents had not picked him up. He went back into the store and told the manager his plight. The manager called the police. The young boy was eventually picked up by a policeman.
Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. Jesus was 12-years old. They were evidently very distracted by the excitement and business of the Feast. In fact, Mary and Joseph began their return trip to Nazareth only to realize well into the trip that Jesus was not with them. It would be three days before they would be reunited with their 12-year-old son. It caused quite a scare for Mary and Joseph, and they reprimanded Jesus for "wandering" off.
As a parent, I find this story truly amazing. How can parents of the Son of God not know their son is not in their presence? Yet, this story illustrates how each of us can become so busy that we continue to operate not realizing Jesus is no longer with us. We can walk away from fellowship with Jesus. Do not let this happen to you. He longs to have daily fellowship with you because He loves you. Today, ask yourself if Jesus is accompanying you in your daily activities. He desires to walk with you each and every day.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Happy Sunday
Good Morning,
I didn't understand the urgency of My LORD'S insistence that I jump ahead on the Daily Devotional Posting and go all the way to Feb. 1 in just a few hours... Little did we know that our world would be rocked that night when our youngest son would end his life...
As a parent, there are times that our child(ren) can be a little tough to handle... Wanting to do what they want to do rather than what is right... Our LORD must feel the same when we as children of GOD want to do it our way rather than follow HIS lead.. As Believers in JESUS, the following verses below give me comfort in knowing that I will see my son again in Heaven...
John 10:25-30 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
30 I and my Father are one.
26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
30 I and my Father are one.
Are you one of JESUS' sheep???
What if the Trouble is in
Me?
Sheila
Walsh
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have
overcome the world." John 16:33b (NIV)
When Barry and I were first married I came up with a
nickname for him: "Velcro-Boy."
He earned that title because every time I turned
around,
there he was. In the beginning, I thought I might suffocate from lack of
oxygen!
If I went out for an hour to buy groceries he would
call
me: "Hey honey, where are you?"
"I'm at the grocery store ... remember, I told you
right
before I left."
I might on a good day make it to the cereal aisle
before
the phone rang again: "I'm missing you. Are you almost
done?"
I'm sure some of you are thinking what a blessed woman
I
am. But while it's lovely to have someone enjoy your company, I subscribe to
the
old adage that, "absence makes the heart grow fonder." My heart was
never going to have that opportunity!
What I've learned over the years is Barry is an
extrovert
and I am an introvert. Being with people energizes him, but I need alone
time to
process life.
We can joke about it now, but back then there was more
to
my need for personal space than I wanted to admit. God was at work in my
life,
and marriage was the perfect forum for the trouble brewing in my heart to
surface.
During the last significant conversation Christ had
with
His closest friends He spoke these words about trouble: "In this world
you
will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John
16:33b
NIV).
While some might find this verse comforting, it echoed
differently inside of me the first time I heard it. The question stuck in my
head: What if the trouble is inside of me?
Have you ever felt that way? Do you believe that if
others
knew the whole truth about you they would, at best, be
disappointed?
Here's the tricky thing though. I wouldn't have been
able
to answer if you had asked me, "So, what's the big secret you're hiding
from
everyone, Sheila?"
Something was wrong back in those early days of
marriage,
but I couldn't identify it. That's the sneaky thing about shame. Guilt says
you've done something wrong, but shame says you are something wrong. Shame
was
like a squatter in my heart that refused to leave.
So how does this unwelcome guest gain access to our
souls?
It often starts with some kind of abuse that changes how we see ourselves.
To
others, it may look as if everything is as still and peaceful as the surface
of
a lake. Only you know the storm raging inside, pounding your heart and soul
onto
the rocks of who you believe you are.
Does the promise Christ made to his friends during the
most brutal 24 hours of his life speak to us? Yes! Yes, a million times
over!
Christ, the innocent Lamb of God became shame so that
we
who are weighed down by it could have a place to take it. And that place is
not
our marriage relationships.
In the early years of my marriage, I allowed that
shame to
intrude in my marriage, and it created a chasm between Barry and me. I
pulled
away and he wondered what he had done. Truth was, he'd done nothing. I was
listening to the old siren song of shame.
Shame tells us to hide but Christ calls us to walk in
the
light with each other. In his first letter, John wrote, "But if we are living in the light, as God is in the
light,
then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son,
cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling
ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he
is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
wickedness" (1 John 1:7-9, NLT).
So is shame sin? No, but refusing to acknowledge its
presence and allowing it to damage my marriage is.
When shame raises its ugly voice, let's bring it into
the
light of Christ. Let's write down every shameful feeling and condemning word
that echoes inside our hearts and hear Christ say to us, "I overcame
that!"
Father God, You sent Your beloved Son to take my shame away.
Today
I choose to receive the love and freedom You offer and lay down the chaos of
who
I have seen myself to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Happy Saturday
Your Daily Thought
"Cowardice asks the question: Is it safe?
Consensus asks the question: Is it popular?
Conscience asks: Is it right?"
"But for the Grace of God . . ."
(Author Unknown)
Bill was a big, awkward, homely guy. He dressed oddly with ill-fitting clothes. There were several fellows who thought it smart to make fun of him.
One day one fellow noticed a small tear in his shirt and gave it a small rip. Another worker in the factory added his bit, and before long there was quite a ribbon dangling. Bill went on about his work and as he passed too near a moving belt the shirt strip was sucked into the machinery.
In a split second the sleeve and Bill was in trouble. Alarms were sounded, switches pulled, and trouble was avoided. The foreman, however, aware of what had happened, summoned the men and related this story:
"In my younger days I worked in a small factory. That's when I first met Mike. He was big and witty, was always making jokes, and playing little pranks. Mike was a leader. Then there was Pete who was a follower. He always went along with Mike. And then there was a man named Jake.
"He was a little older than the rest of us - quiet, harmless, apart. He always ate his lunch by himself. He wore the same patched trousers for three years straight. He never entered into the games we played at noon, wrestling, horse shoes and such. He appeared to be indifferent, always sitting quietly alone under a tree instead. Jake was a natural target for practical jokes.
"He might find a live frog in his dinner pail, or a dead rodent in his hat. But he always took it in good humor. Then one Fall when things were slack, Mike took off a few days to go hunting. Pete went along, of course. And they promised all of us that if they got anything they'd bring us each a piece.
"So we were all quite excited when we heard that they'd returned and that Mike had got a really big buck. We heard more than that. Pete could never keep anything to himself, and it leaked out that they had real whopper to play on Jake.
"Mike had cut up the critter and had made a nice package for each of us. And, for the laugh, for the joke of it, he had saved the ears, the tail, the hoofs - it would be so funny when Jake unwrapped them.
"Mike distributed his packages during the noon hour. We each got a nice piece, opened it, and thanked him. The biggest package of all he saved until last. It was for Jake. Pete was all but bursting; and Mike looked very smug. Like always, Jake sat by himself; he was on the far side of the big table. Mike pushed the package over to where he could reach it; and we all sat and waited.
"Jake was never one to say much. You might never know that he was around for all the talking he did. In three years he'd never said a hundred words. So we were all quite astounded with what happened next. He took the package firmly in his grip and rose slowly to his feet. He smiled broadly at Mike - and it was then we noticed that his eyes were glistening. His adam's apple bobbed up and down for a moment and then he got control of himself.
"'I knew you wouldn't forget me,' he said gratefully; 'I knew you'd come through! You're big and you're playful, but I knew all along that you had a good heart.'
"He swallowed again, and then took in the rest of us. 'I know I haven't seemed too chummy with you men; but I never meant to be rude. You see, I've got nine kids at home - and a wife that's been an invalid - bedfast now for four years. She ain't ever going to get any better. And sometimes when she's real bad off, I have to sit up all night to take care of her. And most of my wages have had to go for doctors and medicine. The kids do all they can to help out, but at times it's been hard to keep food in their mouths. Maybe you think it's funny that I go off by myself to eat my dinner. Well, I guess I've been a little ashamed, because I don't always have anything between my sandwich. Or like today - maybe there's only a raw turnip in my pail. But I want you to know that this meat really means a lot to me. Maybe more than to anybody here because tonight my kids . . .' he wiped the tears from his eyes with the back of his hand, '. . . tonight my kids will have a really . . .'
"He tugged at the string. We'd been watching Jake so intently we hadn't paid much notice to Mike and Pete. But we all noticed them now, because they both dove at once to try to grab the package. But they were too late. Jake had broken the wrapper and was already surveying his present. He examined each hoof, each ear, and then he held up the tail. It wiggled limply. It should have been so funny, but nobody laughed - nobody at all.
"But the hardest part was when Jake looked up and said 'Thank you' while trying to smile. Silently one by one each man moved forward carrying his package and quietly placed it in front of Jake for they had suddenly realized how little their own gift had really meant to them . . . until now . . .
This was where the foreman left the story and the men. He didn't need to say anymore; but it was gratifying to notice that as each man ate his lunch that day, they shared part with Bill and one fellow even took off his shirt and gave it to him."
"When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift of God." Ecclesiastes 5:19 (NIV)
"Lord, thank You for all You have given me to enjoy. Make me aware of people in need with whom I can share from the abundance I have received. Amen"
"Cowardice asks the question: Is it safe?
Consensus asks the question: Is it popular?
Conscience asks: Is it right?"
-
Martin
Luther King, Jr
"But for the Grace of God . . ."
(Author Unknown)
Bill was a big, awkward, homely guy. He dressed oddly with ill-fitting clothes. There were several fellows who thought it smart to make fun of him.
One day one fellow noticed a small tear in his shirt and gave it a small rip. Another worker in the factory added his bit, and before long there was quite a ribbon dangling. Bill went on about his work and as he passed too near a moving belt the shirt strip was sucked into the machinery.
In a split second the sleeve and Bill was in trouble. Alarms were sounded, switches pulled, and trouble was avoided. The foreman, however, aware of what had happened, summoned the men and related this story:
"In my younger days I worked in a small factory. That's when I first met Mike. He was big and witty, was always making jokes, and playing little pranks. Mike was a leader. Then there was Pete who was a follower. He always went along with Mike. And then there was a man named Jake.
"He was a little older than the rest of us - quiet, harmless, apart. He always ate his lunch by himself. He wore the same patched trousers for three years straight. He never entered into the games we played at noon, wrestling, horse shoes and such. He appeared to be indifferent, always sitting quietly alone under a tree instead. Jake was a natural target for practical jokes.
"He might find a live frog in his dinner pail, or a dead rodent in his hat. But he always took it in good humor. Then one Fall when things were slack, Mike took off a few days to go hunting. Pete went along, of course. And they promised all of us that if they got anything they'd bring us each a piece.
"So we were all quite excited when we heard that they'd returned and that Mike had got a really big buck. We heard more than that. Pete could never keep anything to himself, and it leaked out that they had real whopper to play on Jake.
"Mike had cut up the critter and had made a nice package for each of us. And, for the laugh, for the joke of it, he had saved the ears, the tail, the hoofs - it would be so funny when Jake unwrapped them.
"Mike distributed his packages during the noon hour. We each got a nice piece, opened it, and thanked him. The biggest package of all he saved until last. It was for Jake. Pete was all but bursting; and Mike looked very smug. Like always, Jake sat by himself; he was on the far side of the big table. Mike pushed the package over to where he could reach it; and we all sat and waited.
"Jake was never one to say much. You might never know that he was around for all the talking he did. In three years he'd never said a hundred words. So we were all quite astounded with what happened next. He took the package firmly in his grip and rose slowly to his feet. He smiled broadly at Mike - and it was then we noticed that his eyes were glistening. His adam's apple bobbed up and down for a moment and then he got control of himself.
"'I knew you wouldn't forget me,' he said gratefully; 'I knew you'd come through! You're big and you're playful, but I knew all along that you had a good heart.'
"He swallowed again, and then took in the rest of us. 'I know I haven't seemed too chummy with you men; but I never meant to be rude. You see, I've got nine kids at home - and a wife that's been an invalid - bedfast now for four years. She ain't ever going to get any better. And sometimes when she's real bad off, I have to sit up all night to take care of her. And most of my wages have had to go for doctors and medicine. The kids do all they can to help out, but at times it's been hard to keep food in their mouths. Maybe you think it's funny that I go off by myself to eat my dinner. Well, I guess I've been a little ashamed, because I don't always have anything between my sandwich. Or like today - maybe there's only a raw turnip in my pail. But I want you to know that this meat really means a lot to me. Maybe more than to anybody here because tonight my kids . . .' he wiped the tears from his eyes with the back of his hand, '. . . tonight my kids will have a really . . .'
"He tugged at the string. We'd been watching Jake so intently we hadn't paid much notice to Mike and Pete. But we all noticed them now, because they both dove at once to try to grab the package. But they were too late. Jake had broken the wrapper and was already surveying his present. He examined each hoof, each ear, and then he held up the tail. It wiggled limply. It should have been so funny, but nobody laughed - nobody at all.
"But the hardest part was when Jake looked up and said 'Thank you' while trying to smile. Silently one by one each man moved forward carrying his package and quietly placed it in front of Jake for they had suddenly realized how little their own gift had really meant to them . . . until now . . .
This was where the foreman left the story and the men. He didn't need to say anymore; but it was gratifying to notice that as each man ate his lunch that day, they shared part with Bill and one fellow even took off his shirt and gave it to him."
"When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift of God." Ecclesiastes 5:19 (NIV)
"Lord, thank You for all You have given me to enjoy. Make me aware of people in need with whom I can share from the abundance I have received. Amen"
Friday, January 31, 2014
Happy Friday
When You're Hanging on by a
Thread
Micca
Campbell
"The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD
delivers him from them all." Psalm 34:19 (NIV)
I have a dear friend whose husband didn't want to be
married anymore. Sure, she knew there were problems in their relationship,
but
this devastating news blindsided her. We prayed together. She sought
counseling
and even invited her husband along. Still, no matter her attempts to save
her
marriage, it was falling apart.
I've never seen her so helpless, so troubled, so lost.
She
was hanging on by a thread. I understand the darkness she was in and know
the
weakness and heart-wrenching pain because I've been there. Most of us have
experienced terrible news that took us by surprise and left us hanging on by
a
thread.
Perhaps you're there now. You may be experiencing a
broken
relationship. Maybe you need to be saved from some addiction or financial
trouble. Whatever the case, you feel alone, scared and weak. Your situation
is
hard, wrenching and painful. You're losing your grip on
faith.
I could tell that my friend was losing her grip on her
spiritual foundation. In her deep despair, all she had was a thread of hope
to
hang on to. What was that hope? It is the promise of God found in Psalm
34:19,
"The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him
from
them all."
Such was the case of Rahab, a prostitute whose story
is
told in the Bible. Rahab owned an inn near the city gate of Jericho, the
city
soon to be conquered by the Israelites.
Rahab had heard about God's greatness and had come to
believe He was the one true God. So she hid the two Israeli spies that
Joshua,
the commander of the Israelite army, had sent on a scouting mission into
Jericho.
The king of Jericho heard that the spies had been at
Rahab's home, so he sent orders for her to turn them over. When the king's
soldiers questioned her of the whereabouts of the spies, Rahab misguided the
soldiers and sent them on a wild goose chase after the spies whom she had
actually hidden on her roof.
Once the soldiers were gone, Rahab asked the spies to
save
her and her household. She promised to keep silent about their mission if
they
would spare her family when the Israelites invaded the city of Jericho. The
spies told her to hang a scarlet cord from her window as a sign to the Jews
to
protect her.
Rahab obeyed and when the walls of Jericho fell,
Rahab's
life, and all those in her household, hung by the thread of hope that the
spies
would keep their word.
They did, and she and her family were spared from the
destruction when the walls of Jericho crumbled. Her household was passed
over.
Protected. Delivered.
Like Rahab, the only thing my friend had between
herself
and total destruction was a thin thread of hope. It proved to be enough.
Although her marriage came tumbling down, she was saved from total
destruction.
When all was said and done, she still had the love of God, the hope He
offers
and the peace He gives.
Each of us needs a thread of hope—a reminder that just
as
Joshua saved Rahab, God can save each of us. He may or may not change our
circumstances, but He can protect us from being taken under the falling
rubble
that surrounds us.
He is there when we're hanging on by a thread. Even at
our
weakest point, a simple cry such as, "Lord, help me" invites the hand of God
to
take hold of our situation. And deliver us.
Dear Lord, thank You that Your salvation is far reaching. It
not
only takes away my sin and provides eternal life, but also it helps me for
today. Help me, Lord, as I throw to You a thin thread of hope. In Jesus'
Name,
Amen.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Happy Thursday
THE PRICE OF UNBELIEF
By the late Pastor Bob Hanna
Scripture Reading: Revelation 20:15
The fundamental principle of the requirement for salvation has always, in every dispensation, been belief in God - on His terms. "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness" (Galatians 3:6). "It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (I Corinthians 1:21). "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have ever-lasting life" (John 3:16).
But there is a dark side: "He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:18). "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). Christ warned of the day that He will return in judgment and vengeance. "HE shall set the sheep [the saved] on His right hand, but the goats [the lost] on the left. Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal" (Matthew 25:33,41,46).
True to His promise, when the Lord returns, "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Thessalonians I:8). He will seal the doom of the wicked. They will finally appear before the Great White Throne, and be judged and "cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).
By the late Pastor Bob Hanna
Scripture Reading: Revelation 20:15
The fundamental principle of the requirement for salvation has always, in every dispensation, been belief in God - on His terms. "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness" (Galatians 3:6). "It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (I Corinthians 1:21). "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have ever-lasting life" (John 3:16).
But there is a dark side: "He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:18). "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). Christ warned of the day that He will return in judgment and vengeance. "HE shall set the sheep [the saved] on His right hand, but the goats [the lost] on the left. Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal" (Matthew 25:33,41,46).
True to His promise, when the Lord returns, "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Thessalonians I:8). He will seal the doom of the wicked. They will finally appear before the Great White Throne, and be judged and "cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Happy Wednesday
DO NOT SADDEN
GOD!
“Behold, I am
pressed under you and I will press you down in your place as a cart presses
that is full of sheaves” (Amos 2:13 AMP).
Historically,
God was so gracious to the people of Israel. A handful of people that went down
to sojourn in Egypt became a great threatening nation to their hosts. God
raised leaders in Moses, Aaron, Miriam and other prophets for the Israelites
and brought them out of Egypt with many signs and wonders against the
Egyptians. He led them in the wilderness for forty years providing for them and
protecting them from all dangers. He drove powerful nations out of Canaan so
that the Israelites could inherit the Promised Land. He settled them down in
that land flowing with milk and honey. In spite of these, the Israelites were
not grateful. They did all kinds of wrong things against God. They insulted the
prophets sent to them by God. In fact, they abandoned their God for other gods.
God was so depressed by their actions that He promised to depress them by their
enemies (see Amos 2:6-16). The sin of the world during the time of Noah had
also made God to be sad that He destroyed the then world (see Genesis 6:6-7).
Today, many
people are like the ungrateful Israelites. In spite of God’s goodness to them,
they continue to wallow in sins that make God sad. Most of such people are only
religious, they are not spiritual. In spite of the teachings of the Bible to
live rightly with God and other people, they prefer to live sinfully. They,
indeed, sadden God by their behaviours. If these people refuse to repent, God
will not hesitate to bring His judgment on them, but “He is patient with
[them], not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2
Peter 3:9 NIV).
Are you like
those ungrateful Israelites? Do you do things that sadden God? Repent now
before it too late. God will indeed bring His fierce judgment against all those
that are doing contrary to His will. Do not sadden God this year by your
actions.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi
(Pastor).
Prayer Point:
Pray that you will not do things that will sadden God this year.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Happy Tuesday
Jesus Wept
John 11:30-37 (HCSB)
30 Jesus had not yet come into the village but was still in the place where Martha had met Him.
31 The Jews who were with her in the house consoling her saw that Mary got up quickly and went out. So they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to cry there.
32 When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell at His feet and told Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died!”
33 When Jesus saw her crying, and the Jews who had come with her crying, He was angry in His spirit and deeply moved.
34 “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Lord,” they told Him, “come and see.”
35 Jesus wept.
36 So the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”
37 But some of them said, “Couldn’t He who opened the blind man’s eyes also have kept this man from dying?”
Lazarus died and Jesus waited for three days before going to his home. He was very good friends with Lazarus, Mary and Martha. They had seen the miracles that Jesus had performed. Mary and Martha knew that if Jesus had been there he could have healed Lazarus so he would not have died. I don’t know if they were around for some of the miracles Jesus did long distance. They probably were not or they might have believed that Jesus would have healed Lazarus without actually being there.
Jesus might have been sorrowful for the death of Lazarus and that would have shown His human side. But if He knew that He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead why would He be so sorrowful as to weep? The verses above tell us that He was angry in spirit and deeply moved. Why is this? Why would He be angry in this case? This can be answered with one word:
UNBELIEF
These people did not fully believe in what Jesus could do. This at first made Him angry then made Him so sad that He wept.
Near the time of Jesus’ crucifixion He wept over Jerusalem because of the unbelief in that city. Many people there had seen Him and seen what He had done but did not believe He was the Messiah.
Could Jesus be weeping now as he sees what is going on in this world at this time? Does he weep; when we say, “I know the Lord can do thus and so.” But don’t believe he will do it for us? Does he weep when he hears us say that you have to follow certain steps to have him do a miracle for you? We need to believe that Jesus Christ can work and does work in His time and in His way.
May we say, like the father of the demoniac:
Mark 9:24 (HCSB)
24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe! Help my unbelief.”
By Dean W. Masters
John 11:30-37 (HCSB)
30 Jesus had not yet come into the village but was still in the place where Martha had met Him.
31 The Jews who were with her in the house consoling her saw that Mary got up quickly and went out. So they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to cry there.
32 When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell at His feet and told Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died!”
33 When Jesus saw her crying, and the Jews who had come with her crying, He was angry in His spirit and deeply moved.
34 “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Lord,” they told Him, “come and see.”
35 Jesus wept.
36 So the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”
37 But some of them said, “Couldn’t He who opened the blind man’s eyes also have kept this man from dying?”
Lazarus died and Jesus waited for three days before going to his home. He was very good friends with Lazarus, Mary and Martha. They had seen the miracles that Jesus had performed. Mary and Martha knew that if Jesus had been there he could have healed Lazarus so he would not have died. I don’t know if they were around for some of the miracles Jesus did long distance. They probably were not or they might have believed that Jesus would have healed Lazarus without actually being there.
Jesus might have been sorrowful for the death of Lazarus and that would have shown His human side. But if He knew that He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead why would He be so sorrowful as to weep? The verses above tell us that He was angry in spirit and deeply moved. Why is this? Why would He be angry in this case? This can be answered with one word:
UNBELIEF
These people did not fully believe in what Jesus could do. This at first made Him angry then made Him so sad that He wept.
Near the time of Jesus’ crucifixion He wept over Jerusalem because of the unbelief in that city. Many people there had seen Him and seen what He had done but did not believe He was the Messiah.
Could Jesus be weeping now as he sees what is going on in this world at this time? Does he weep; when we say, “I know the Lord can do thus and so.” But don’t believe he will do it for us? Does he weep when he hears us say that you have to follow certain steps to have him do a miracle for you? We need to believe that Jesus Christ can work and does work in His time and in His way.
May we say, like the father of the demoniac:
Mark 9:24 (HCSB)
24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe! Help my unbelief.”
By Dean W. Masters
Monday, January 27, 2014
Happy Monday
The divine art of sympathy
(J.R. Miller)
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are" Hebrews
4:15
No books nor universities can teach us the divine art of sympathy.
We must be strongly tempted ourselves--before we can understand what others suffer in their temptations.
We must have deep sorrow ourselves--before we can be true comforters of others in their times of sorrow.
We must walk through the deep valley ourselves--before we can be guides to others in the same shadowy valleys.
We must feel the strain, and carry the burden, and endure the struggle ourselves--and only then can we be touched with the feeling of sympathy, or can give help to others in life's stresses and overwhelming needs. So we see one compensation of suffering--it prepares us for being helpers to others.
"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble." 1 Peter 3:8
(J.R. Miller)
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are" Hebrews
4:15
No books nor universities can teach us the divine art of sympathy.
We must be strongly tempted ourselves--before we can understand what others suffer in their temptations.
We must have deep sorrow ourselves--before we can be true comforters of others in their times of sorrow.
We must walk through the deep valley ourselves--before we can be guides to others in the same shadowy valleys.
We must feel the strain, and carry the burden, and endure the struggle ourselves--and only then can we be touched with the feeling of sympathy, or can give help to others in life's stresses and overwhelming needs. So we see one compensation of suffering--it prepares us for being helpers to others.
"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble." 1 Peter 3:8
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Happy Sunday
He Loves to Hear
Acts 9:11
Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. The moment Saul began to pray, the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul. When our hearts are broken and we bow in prayer, we are often only able to employ the language of sighs and tears; still our groaning has made all the harps of heaven thrill with music.
That tear has been caught by God and treasured in the receptacle of heaven. "Put my tears in your bottle"1 implies that they are caught as they flow. The petitioner, whose fears prevent his words, will be well understood by the Most High. He may only look up with misty eye; but "prayer is the falling of a tear."
Tears are the diamonds of heaven; sighs are a part of the music of Jehovah's court and are numbered with "the sublimest strains that reach the majesty on high." Do not think that your prayer, however weak or trembling, will be unregarded.
Jacob's ladder is lofty, but our prayers shall lean upon the Angel of the covenant and so climb its starry rounds.
Our God not only hears prayer but also loves to hear it.
He does not forget the cry of the humble. True, He does not regard high looks and lofty words; He does not care for the pomp and pageantry of kings; He does not listen to the drums of war; He does not regard the triumph and pride of man.
But wherever there is a heart enlarged with sorrow or a lip quivering with agony or a deep groan or a penitential sigh, the heart of Jehovah is open.
He marks it down in the registry of His memory; He puts our prayers, like rose leaves, between the pages of His book of remembrance, and when at last the volume is opened, there will be a precious fragrance springing from it.
Faith asks no signal from the skies,
To show that prayers accepted rise.
Our Priest is in His holy place,
And answers from the throne of grace.
Acts 9:11
Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. The moment Saul began to pray, the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul. When our hearts are broken and we bow in prayer, we are often only able to employ the language of sighs and tears; still our groaning has made all the harps of heaven thrill with music.
That tear has been caught by God and treasured in the receptacle of heaven. "Put my tears in your bottle"1 implies that they are caught as they flow. The petitioner, whose fears prevent his words, will be well understood by the Most High. He may only look up with misty eye; but "prayer is the falling of a tear."
Tears are the diamonds of heaven; sighs are a part of the music of Jehovah's court and are numbered with "the sublimest strains that reach the majesty on high." Do not think that your prayer, however weak or trembling, will be unregarded.
Jacob's ladder is lofty, but our prayers shall lean upon the Angel of the covenant and so climb its starry rounds.
Our God not only hears prayer but also loves to hear it.
He does not forget the cry of the humble. True, He does not regard high looks and lofty words; He does not care for the pomp and pageantry of kings; He does not listen to the drums of war; He does not regard the triumph and pride of man.
But wherever there is a heart enlarged with sorrow or a lip quivering with agony or a deep groan or a penitential sigh, the heart of Jehovah is open.
He marks it down in the registry of His memory; He puts our prayers, like rose leaves, between the pages of His book of remembrance, and when at last the volume is opened, there will be a precious fragrance springing from it.
Faith asks no signal from the skies,
To show that prayers accepted rise.
Our Priest is in His holy place,
And answers from the throne of grace.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Happy Saturday
Forgive Our Trespasses
by Charles R. Swindoll
"Open shame belongs to us, O Lord, to our kings, our princes and our fathers, because we have sinned against You. To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him; nor have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His teachings which He set before us through His servants the prophets." ---Daniel 9:8-10 block quote end
Forgive us, our Father, for being attracted to the pleasures of sin . . . to what appears to be full of ecstasy and satisfaction but is, in fact, empty and stupid. Thank You for bringing conviction, for pointing out our rebellion. We need that reminder every day, so that we might invest ourselves in that which endures. We want to pursue the things of God, the things You consider important and valuable---a righteous walk, a pure heart, a committed lifestyle. We long to place family above fortune and purpose above fame and righteousness above riches.
Our Father, You instruct us and teach us in the way we should go. Thank You for that. You shine a bright light on our path from Your Word. Thank You for the relief that comes with being forgiven and the peace of mind that accompanies a clean heart. Finally, thank You for Your mercies, new every morning, and Your grace, needed every day.
We thank You in the dear name of Jesus. Amen.
by Charles R. Swindoll
"Open shame belongs to us, O Lord, to our kings, our princes and our fathers, because we have sinned against You. To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him; nor have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His teachings which He set before us through His servants the prophets." ---Daniel 9:8-10 block quote end
Forgive us, our Father, for being attracted to the pleasures of sin . . . to what appears to be full of ecstasy and satisfaction but is, in fact, empty and stupid. Thank You for bringing conviction, for pointing out our rebellion. We need that reminder every day, so that we might invest ourselves in that which endures. We want to pursue the things of God, the things You consider important and valuable---a righteous walk, a pure heart, a committed lifestyle. We long to place family above fortune and purpose above fame and righteousness above riches.
Our Father, You instruct us and teach us in the way we should go. Thank You for that. You shine a bright light on our path from Your Word. Thank You for the relief that comes with being forgiven and the peace of mind that accompanies a clean heart. Finally, thank You for Your mercies, new every morning, and Your grace, needed every day.
We thank You in the dear name of Jesus. Amen.
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