Walk in the Light

Walk in the Light

Written By: admin - Oct• 31•13

1 John 1:5-7 (NIV) “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
When we decide to walk in the light and are actually doing it, not only do we know it, we can actually feel it. There is a sense of warmth when our fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ starts with a faith discussion and when we are able to be witness to strangers with our actions, our deeds, and our words. God’s peace, which provides spiritual comfort, fills our soul when we practice what we have learned from Jesus’ teachings. We should read the sermon on the mound often, Mathew 5,6,7. It is powerful and provides the foundation of our faith and the recipe for our daily walk; basically the teachings that we must put into practice to walk in the light:
Matthew 5:14,16 (NIV) “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Our Lord knows what is in our hearts. He knows our thoughts before we think them, He knows our actions before we do them, yet we have the free will to decide: light or darkness. There is no grey area; we either walk through the narrow gate and the road that leads to life, or we don’t. A choice that has eternal implications!
Have a blessed day!

Accomplishes What Concerns You

by Dr. Charles Stanley

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; Your loving kindness, O LORD, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands. Psalms 138:7-8

 David was a man who walked through trouble on a regular basis. His psalms express the struggles and disappointments he faced, yet in the end, he always turned his focus back to God. The key to his victorious attitude was his strong faith in the Lord.

David was confident in God’s purpose. That’s why he could say, “The Lord will accomplish what concerns me” (v. 8). The only way we can walk through trouble and not be defeated is by keeping our focus on the Lord and His purpose. He has promised to do a good work in our lives, but sometimes the only way He can complete it is in valleys of hardship.

 He relied on the Lord’s power. When troubles arise, we, too, can trust God to deliver us, but it may not be by escape. Sometimes He sustains us through the difficulty, walking with us every step of the way.

David believed the promises of God. Throughout these two verses, he repeatedly reminds himself what the Lord will do. We also need to have some specific promises from Scripture that will anchor us in times of trouble. The truths of the Bible are our most valuable possession when the storms of life assail us. Self-reliance or advice from others will never equal the help God’s Word offers us.

God assumes responsibility for accomplishing what concerns you in times of trouble. Your job is to believe that He will fulfill His purpose, His power is adequate, and He’ll keep every promise. When the trial has achieved His goal, He’ll remove it. Until then, keep walking with your eyes on Him.

Commit to the Lord

Commit to the Lord

Written By: admin - Oct• 30•13

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
Luke 12:22-26 (NIV) “Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”
Two very interconnected verses. Jesus is telling his disciples not to worry about life, not to worry about food or clothing, because God will take care of them for they are committed; and once you commit to the Lord, your plans will succeed. If we really believe this, if we do our best with our God given ability and place our plans in His care then we should not be concerned, for the outcome is in His hands. We are being told by Jesus, that if we cannot add a single hour to our life by worrying, then why do it? In fact, it has been medically proven that constant stress and worrying will lead to many ailments that will shorten our life. We all have obligations at home, at work, as volunteers, teachers, coaches, parents, spouses and others that we need to plan for, and take care of. We need to prepare, we need to execute the plan as we commit to the Lord all that we do, but the outcome belongs to the Him. Our success is for His glory. I am not inferring a “don’t worry, don’t care and be happy” attitude, I am suggesting that:
Proverbs 21:31 “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.”
So, let us go and do our best, let’s enjoy life to the fullest and let’s commit our plans to Him.
Have a blessed day!

We Are Butterflies – Neil Anderson

 Philippians 2:13
For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure

We present Jesus as the Messiah who came to die for our sins. We tell people that if they accept Christ they will go to heaven when they die. What's wrong with that? First, it's only half the gospel. Second, it gives the impression that eternal life is something we get when we die. Jesus had to die for sins in order to cure the disease that caused us to die. Then He gave us life, making us new creations in Christ.

Suppose that you are a prostitute. One day you hear that the king has decreed that all prostitutes are forgiven. Since you're a prostitute, that's great news! But would it necessarily change your behavior or your self-perception? Probably not. You may dance in the streets for awhile, but chances are you would continue in your same vocation. You would see yourself as nothing more than a forgiven prostitute.

Now suppose the king not only forgave you, but he made you his bride as well. You're a queen. Would that change your behavior? Of course. Why would you want to live as a prostitute if you were a queen?

The church is the bride of Christ! You are far more likely to promote the kingdom if you are the queen rather than a forgiven prostitute. We are not redeemed caterpillars; we are butterflies. Why would you want to crawl in some false humility when you are called to mount up with wings as eagles?

"I would be filled with pride if I believed that," says the skeptic. You are defeated if you don't believe it! Humility is not putting yourself down when God is trying to build you up. Self-abasement has the appearance of wisdom, but it has no value against fleshly indulgence according to Colossians 2:23. Humility is confidence properly placed. We need to be like Paul and "put no confidence in the flesh" (Philippians 3:3). Let's put our confidence in God: "For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13).

Prayer: Lord, thank You for not only forgiving me but also for taking me as Your bride. May this realization shape my walk with You today.

Spirit of Power and Love

Spirit of Power and Love

http://contemplationsoftheword.com/spirit-of-power-and-love/

Courage for the Discouraged

Courage for the Discouraged
by Charles R. Swindoll

I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
He brought me up out of the pit of
destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
—Psalm 40:1–2

Lord, we pray that You would bring relief when we are swamped with the ever-rising tide of discouragement. Grant deliverance for us who are caught in that swamp and start to slide into its slimy waters. Encourage our hearts as we face those depressing, dark moments that leave us feeling hopeless and believing the lie that things will never change. Father, give us hope beyond the heartbreaks we experience. We cling to the inspired words of the apostle Peter that if we humble ourselves before the mighty hand of God, You will lift us up. You will exalt us at the proper time. Discouragement keeps us humble, we confess, for we are never discouraged and bigheaded at the same time.

In humbleness, Father, we call upon You as Your children. We ask You to lift our spirits by transforming our minds. Strengthen us to see the value of dwelling on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Help us to fix our minds on heavenly things rather than on those earthly things that drag us down.

Give us a rallying point around Your grace, dear Lord. We need that point of focus, our times being as they are . . .  and our moods so given to change. Thank You that Christ loves us and keeps on loving us. Thank You that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Thank You that the grace that saved us keeps us saved . . . regardless of our doubts and other weird feelings.

We also pray for those weary souls who have never met Your Son as Savior. How do they ever make it through the day? We ask that their burden of discouragement would be lifted by the realization that Jesus's death on the cross paid the complete price for their sins. Help them see past their pain to the reality that there is nothing they need to do or promise or change or give up or become . . . in order to be accepted by You. Help them to trust in Your Son. May they do so today.

Now to Him who is able to guard us from stumbling and to cause us to stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior . . . be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority . . . now and forever.

In His great name we pray. Amen.

See also Psalm 69:1–4; Daniel 4:36–37; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:8; 12:2; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1–4; 1 Peter 5:6; Jude 1:24–25

Excerpted from The Prayers of Charles R. Swindoll, Volume 1, Copyright © 2010 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

Sid Stewart

Executive Director

864 226-6193

www.havenofrest.cc

BRAG ABOUT IT

“We remember b4 our God & Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love....”1Thes1:3 wp.me/p29yfQ-y4

You’re saved by faith… now what? By Jack Graham

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

There was a president at a very prominent U.S. university several years ago who spoke about his personal faith at a graduation ceremony. He said, “Every since the day I received Christ, the rest of my life has been a P.S. to say, ‘Thank you Lord, for saving me.’ ”

As we think about the role of works in our lives, I see many who fall into the wrong thinking that to be saved, they have to do their part, and God has to do His. The problem with this line of thinking is that the Bible tells us there are no good works we can do that will earn us salvation (Eph. 2:8).

So what is the role of works in our lives? Are we allowed to simply live however we want and abuse the grace of God? Certainly not! We’re told by the apostle Paul in today’s verse that good works are a product of our salvation. Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone!

Because of our salvation, God has given us the amazing title of His workmanship… those who are created to do good works. So as you live a life of faith, let your works be evidence of the new life within you!

IN CHRIST, YOU ARE GOD’S WORKMANSHIP. LIVE A LIFE OF GOOD WORKS BECAUSE OF THE FAITH THAT’S SAVED YOU!

For Daily Doubts by Charles R. Swindoll

He said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"—John 20:27–28  

Our Father, encourage us—especially we who often doubt and feel ashamed of our doubt. May we realize that You are in the midst of our reflections and, through such inner searching, we can come to new insights and deeper depths that otherwise we would never have known.

Thank You for preserving the story of Thomas. We see ourselves portrayed so vividly in his doubts. May we come to a realization that You're pleased even in our searching, and You honor our honest questions. Thank You for accepting us in our struggles and understanding our doubts. Thank You for Your grace in understanding that though we weep when we lose our friends and family, and we question the tragedies and calamities of life, it isn't that we doubt Your right to rule. It's that we struggle with releasing our own rights . . . we're simply trying to reason our way through those mysterious valleys.

Father, we wish to know You as we've never known You before. May today be the beginning of increasing trust and decreasing doubts.

We ask this in the rock-solid name of Jesus, our Lord and our God. Amen.

See also Matthew 14:28–33; James 1:5–8; Jude 1:22.

Daily Encouragment

I want each of you to know that YOU matter! It's days like today that we can easily get off course and focus on our situations rather than on our relationship with Christ. If we allow our self to get caught up in things of this world, our emotions, or fear, we lose sight of the one who came to overcome all of those issues and He already won the battle, He won the whole war. Victory should free us, but we choice to walk in our 'stuff' and therefore we live in a total funk. I say "NO MORE"! I am taking a stand to live free and in that I am overcome with the JOY and PEACE that flood my soul. I will no longer live under chains of stress, anxiety, or fear! I matter to God, you matter to God, and His plan for our life is more amazing than my wildest dreams! I am going to have a blessed day and I pray that you choose that too! Be blessed

Heather Mabe

Development Coordinator

DISOBEDIENT HEARTS:

DISOBEDIENT HEARTS: "Our fathers refused to obey him...and in their hearts they turned to Egypt.” Acts7:39 wp.me/p29yfQ-y0 #thoughts

Godly Stability

Godly Stability – C.H. Spurgeon
"And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brazen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD"   (Jeremiah 15:20).

Stability in the fear and faith of God will make a man like a wall of brass, which no one can batter down or break. Only the LORD can make such; but we need such men in the church, and in the world, but specially in the pulpit. Against uncompromising men of truth this age of shams will fight tooth and nail. Nothing seems to offend Satan and his seed like decision. They attack holy firmness even as the Assyrians besieged fenced cities. The joy is that they cannot prevail against those whom God has made strong in His strength. Carried about with every wind of doctrine, others only need to be blown upon and away they go; but those who love the doctrines of grace, because they possess the grace of the doctrines, stand like rocks in the midst of raging seas. Whence this stability? "I am with thee, saith the LORD": that is the true answer. Jehovah will save and deliver faithful souls from all the assaults of the adversary. Hosts are against us, but the LORD of hosts is with us. We dare not budge an inch; for the LORD Himself holds us in our place, and there we will abide forever.

CONSIDER THE SPARROW:

CONSIDER THE SPARROW: “...not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.” Mat10:29 wp.me/p29yfQ-xV #love

The Importance of Prayer

The Importance of Prayer
by Charles R. Swindoll

O Lord, I beseech You, may Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere Your name, and make Your servant successful today and grant him compassion before this man."  —Nehemiah 1:11

Father in heaven, we call upon You today. We know that You are the Giver of all good things . . . and that You never change like shifting shadows. We believe that Your heart is moved when Your people pray. So remind us, our Father, as we bow before You, that there is nothing more important we can do when facing situations that are beyond us . . . than to pray.

We remember that prayer forces us to wait, and we must learn to wait patiently for Your timing. Prayer quiets our hearts before You. The chaos subsides and life seems to settle down around us as we pray. Prayer clears our vision, Father, as we think about our lives, as we ponder where we're going, and as we pursue Your will. May we walk with You in such a way that our obedience is revealed through deeds that honor Your name . . . even when that means doing the hard things You want us to do.

For those who are in a difficult strait, under pressure, up against a wall, facing a test—perhaps the greatest in their lives—we ask that You remind them that the saint who advances on his or her knees never retreats. Help them remember that You are still on Your throne and they are still at Your footstool . . . with only a knee's distance between the two of you.

May we all become people who pray. May we also learn to leave the burden with You, rather than pick it up and carry it with us after claiming that we're trusting You. Right now, Lord, take the burden. We cast it upon You, knowing that You’re better able to handle it than we ever will be. We ask that this time of prayer might make a difference in the balance of this day . . . which we commit to You now, in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.

See also Psalm 40:1; Mark 1:35-39; 1 Timothy 2:1; James 1:17; 5:13; 1 Peter 5:7.

Excerpted from The Prayers of Charles R. Swindoll, Volume 1, Copyright © 2010 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

 

BILLBOARD FOR GOD

 "but my righteous one shall live by faith....” Heb10:38 http://wp.me/p29yfQ-xR

Fearing God by John MacArthur

"The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever" (Ps. 19:9).

In the Old Testament, to fear God was to view Him with reverential awe and bow to His sovereign authority. In Psalm 34 David wrote, "Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the man who desires life, and loves length of days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it" (vv. 11- 14). His son Solomon added, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. . . . Fear the Lord and turn away from evil" (Prov. 1:7; 3:7).
The concept of fearing God isn't limited to the Old Testament. Paul said, "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12), "Let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor. 7:1) and, "Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ" (Eph. 5:21).
Our fear of God compels us to worship Him and conform our lives to His will. If you fear Him, pleasing Him will be your greatest delight and displeasing Him, your greatest disappointment.
In Psalm 19:9 David uses "fear" as a synonym for God's Word, implying that Scripture is God's manual on how to worship Him. "Clean" (v. 9) is a comprehensive term that speaks of the absence of sin, corruption, filthiness, defilement, imperfection, and error. The message Scripture conveys is always "flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times" (Ps. 12:6, NIV).
Because it is so perfect, Scripture endures forever (Ps. 19:9). That's why Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" (Mark 13:31). It never needs to be updated to accommodate contemporary thinking. It stands forever as authoritative and unyielding. Those who judge it, slander it, or ignore it are in grave peril. Far better to fear God and bow to His revealed will.
Suggestions for Prayer:

Read Psalm 33 as a prayer of praise to the Lord.

CHRIST IS FOR YOU:

CHRIST IS FOR YOU: "If it had not been for the Lord who was on our side….” Ps124:1 wp.me/p29yfQ-xM #onmyside #Jesus #friend #cheer

God's Ministry Of Darkness – Neil Anderson

God's Ministry Of Darkness – Neil Anderson

 

2 Corinthians 4:11 

For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh

 

What is the point of troubled times in our lives? What is God trying to do? What is He trying to teach us? Peter wrote, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation" (1 Peter 4:12, 13).

 

In God's ministry of testing, we learn a lot about ourselves. Whatever is left of simplistic advice such as "Read your Bible" or "Just work harder" or "Pray more" gets stripped away. Most people going through testing times would love to resolve the crisis, but they seemingly can't and don't know why.

 

In God's ministry of darkness we learn compassion. We learn to wait patiently with people. We learn to respond to the emotional needs of people who have lost hope. We weep with those who weep. We don't try to teach or instruct or advise. If God took away every external blessing and reduced our assets to nothing more than meaningful relationships, would that be enough to sustain us? Yes, I believe it would.

 

Perhaps God brings us to the end of our resources so we can discover the vastness of His. We don't hear many sermons about brokenness in our churches these days, yet in all four Gospels Jesus taught us to deny ourselves, pick up our cross daily, and follow Him. I don't know any painless way to die to ourselves, but I do know that it's necessary and that it's the best possible thing that could ever happen to us.

 

"No pain, no gain," says the body builder. Isn't that true in the spiritual realm as well (Hebrews 12:11)? Proven character comes from persevering through the tribulations of life (Romans 5:3-5). Every great period of personal growth in my life and ministry has been preceded by a major time of testing.

 

Prayer: Lord, I submit to Your testing so I may come to the end of my resources and joyfully discover Yours.

 

 

Sid Stewart

Executive Director

864 226-6193

www.havenofrest.cc

God Accomplishes What Concerns You – Dr. Charles Stanley

Psalms 138:7-8

David was a man who walked through trouble on a regular basis. His psalms express the struggles and disappointments he faced, yet in the end, he always turned his focus back to God. The key to his victorious attitude was his strong faith in the Lord.

David was confident in God's purpose. That's why he could say, "The Lord will accomplish what concerns me" (v. 8). The only way we can walk through trouble and not be defeated is by keeping our focus on the Lord and His purpose. He has promised to do a good work in our lives, but sometimes the only way He can complete it is in valleys of hardship.

He relied on the Lord's power. When troubles arise, we, too, can trust God to deliver us, but it may not be by escape. Sometimes He sustains us through the difficulty, walking with us every step of the way.

David believed the promises of God. Throughout these two verses, he repeatedly reminds himself what the Lord will do. We also need to have some specific promises from Scripture that will anchor us in times of trouble. The truths of the Bible are our most valuable possession when the storms of life assail us. Self-reliance or advice from others will never equal the help God's Word offers us.

God assumes responsibility for accomplishing what concerns you in times of trouble. Your job is to believe that He will fulfill His purpose, His power is adequate, and He'll keep every promise. When the trial has achieved His goal, He'll remove it. Until then, keep walking with your eyes on Him.

BEAUTIFUL IN GOD'S SIGHT

“At this time Moses was born; and He was beautiful in God’s sight.” Acts7:20 wp.me/p29yfQ-xI #heartforGod

A HOLY REVERENCE:

A HOLY REVERENCE: “Ezra opened the book...and as he opened it, the people all stood up.” Neh8:5 wp.me/p29yfQ-xE #respect #God #honor

Argue from the Past – Alistair Begg

Argue from the Past – Alistair Begg

1 Samuel 27:1

The thought in David's heart at this time was a false thought, because he certainly had no ground for thinking that God's anointing him by Samuel was intended to be left as an empty, unmeaning act. On no occasion had the Lord deserted His servant; he had often been placed in perilous positions, but not one instance had occurred in which divine intervention had not delivered him. The trials to which he had been exposed had been varied; they had not assumed one form only, but many-yet in every case He who sent the trial had also graciously ordained a way of escape. David could not put his finger on any entry in his diary and say of it, "Here is evidence that the Lord will forsake me," for the entire course of his past life proved the very reverse. He should have argued from what God had done for him that God would be his defender still.

But is it not in the same way that we doubt God's help? Is it not mistrust without a cause? Have we ever had the shadow of a reason to doubt our Father's goodness? Hasn't His loving-kindness been marvelous? Has He ever once failed to justify our trust? Our God has never left us at any time. We have had dark nights, but the star of love has shone out amid the blackness; we have been in tough battles, but over our head He has held high the shield of our defense. We have gone through many trials but never to our detriment, always to our advantage; and the conclusion from our past experience is that He who has been with us in six troubles will not forsake us in the seventh.

What we have known of our faithful God proves that He will keep us to the end. Let us not, then, reason contrary to the evidence. How can we ever be so ungenerous as to doubt our God? Lord, throw down the Jezebel of our unbelief, and let the dogs devour it.

A GLAD HEART:

A GLAD HEART: "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word makes him glad."Prv12:25 wp.me/p29yfQ-xz #goodword #love #joy

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

There are times in our spiritual lives when human counsel or sympathy, or even the ordinances of our faith, fail to comfort or help us. Why does our gracious God permit this? Perhaps it is because all too often we attempt to live without Him, and thus, in order to drive us to Himself, He takes everything from us upon which we have been in the habit of depending.

 

It is a blessing, however, to live at the source of "the fountain of life." Doing so keeps our "bottles" of flesh full, but when we run dry, nothing will help us, except calling to the Lord, as Hagar later did, saying, "You are the God who sees me" (Gen. 16:13). We are like the prodigal son (see Luke 15:11-32), for we are prone to love the pig troughs and their husks and to forget our Father's house. Remember, we can turn even our various Christian rituals and ordinances into pig troughs; they are blessed things, but once we put them in place of God, they have no value. Anything becomes an idol when it keeps us from God. Even "the bronze snake" should be despised as "Nehushtan" (2 Kings 18:4) if we worship it instead of God. [NIV footnote: "Nehushtan sounds like the Hebrew for bronze and snake and unclean thing."]

 

The prodigal son was never safer than when he was driven to his father's embrace, because his needs could be met nowhere else. Our Lord blesses us with "a famine through the land" (Amos 8:11) in order to make us seek after Him all the more. The best place for a Christian is one of living wholly and directly on God's grace--abiding where he stood at first--"having nothing, and yet possessing everything" (2 Cor. 6:10). And may we never think, even for a moment, that our standing before God is the result of our works of holiness, our self-denying discipline, our talents, or our feelings; but let us know that we are saved only because Christ offered full atonement and that we are complete only in Him. Then, trusting in nothing of our own, but resting solely on the merits of Jesus, His passion and holy life provide for us the only solid ground of confidence.

 

Beloved, when we are brought to the point of true thirst, we are sure to turn to "the fountain of life" with eagerness

 

BE COOL:

BE COOL: “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.”Prv17:27 wp.me/p29yfQ-xv

Why God Speaks – Dr. Charles Stanley

Why God Speaks – Dr. Charles Stanley

James 1:23-25

God is not one to speak in generalities. When He whispers from the pages of Scripture or confronts through a friend's words, the Father directly addresses issues in His children's lives. With that in mind, let's look at His three goals for communicating with believers—namely, for us to:

1. Comprehend the truth. God wants us to learn His ways and principles, to recognize our own frailty, and to identify the needs of others. He does more than offer this as head knowledge—He makes truth applicable to our lives. For example, the Lord assured Paul that His strength was sufficient to carry the apostle through anything (2 Cor. 12:9). Circumstances taught the apostle that God's Word was true.

2. Conform to the truth. Our lives are shaped by our belief system. What we hold as true influences our thinking. In turn, how we think affects our character, conduct, and conversation. God is determined to mold His children into Christlikeness so that they reflect His gospel to the world.

3. Communicate the truth. Every child of God is called to make disciples (Matt. 28:19). Believers can know the Lord and walk in His light but still fall short of this expectation. We must share the gospel by sharing God's truth with others and explaining how His words played out in our lives.

Notice that each goal builds on the one preceding it. Christians are a light reflecting God's glory to this world. We shine brightly by being attentive to God's voice and following His will. And when someone takes an interest in the source of our light, we are prepared to share the good news of Christ.

 

COUNT THE COST:

COUNT THE COST: “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost...?"Lk12:48 wp.me/p29yfQ-xm

A FAITHFUL SPOUSE:

A FAITHFUL SPOUSE: "...the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth...." Mal2:13-15 wp.me/p29yfQ-xr #lovemyfamily

WHO & WHY:

WHO & WHY: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession.."1Pt2:9-10 wp.me/p29yfQ-xi

A Species of Wonder

A Species of Wonder
by Charles R. Swindoll
Psalm 139:13–16

David's song about the Lord's attributes includes a celebration of human life, proof of God's creative genius.

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well. (139:14)

Isn't this true? We are a species of wonder. No one would argue that the human body is a phenomenal combination of strength, beauty, coordination, grace, and balance on the outside. But if you think the outside is remarkable, just glance inside. Talk about something wonderful! Verse 15 describes our origin.

My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth.

We sometimes refer to our bodily shape as our "frame." The original Hebrew term here means "bony substance" or "skeleton." Our skeletons were not hidden from God when they were made in secret . . . in the depths of the earth." This is an idiomatic expression for a protected place, a concealed and safe place—as one may hide his treasure by burying it. No doubt this "secret place" is a reference to the womb. The Hebrew word translated "skillfully wrought" literally means "variegated," like a multicolored piece of cloth. Moses used the same Hebrew term in Exodus when he referred to the making of the curtains in the ancient tabernacle. The idea is similar to an embroidered piece of tapestry or a work of fine needlepoint. The picture must include the concept of our veins and arteries, "embroidered" like variegated threads within the body. God is that involved in the making of our bodies. He is like a careful, skillful artist who takes great pain with each color and stroke. Verse 15 paraphrased: "My skeleton and bones were not hidden from You when I was made in that concealed place of protection, when my veins and arteries were skillfully embroidered together in variegated colors like fine needlepoint."

The truth of all this was brought home to me several years ago in a conversation I had with a young man doing his medical internship. He was studying to be a surgeon. He commented on the beautiful "color scheme" God has placed within our inner bodies. He stated that there are definite colors in our various organs, that the veins and arteries almost make the inner network appear "variegated" in color. He smiled when I informed him that David used those exact words in his song centuries ago.

David then caps off this series of thoughts with a statement about God's sovereignty.

Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them. (139:16)

God's eyes were fixed upon my "unformed substance," says David. The Hebrew verb from which this descriptive statement is taken means "to fold together, to wrap up." In its noun form it appears only here in the Old Testament, and it means "embryo." In other words, David is saying: "In my very first hours and days of life after conception—when I was still wrapped up in embryonic form—God was watching over me. He was never absent nor unconcerned."

Looking at life from God's vantage point, David says that our heavenly Father marks out our days and "ordains" them even before we are born. The original term translated "ordain" is often used in the Old Testament in connection with a potter who forms clay on his wheel, shaping and pressing and pulling at it until the lump takes the shape he has in mind. God forms our days so that they are exactly the kind of days we should have to become the kind of person He wants us to be. There is little room left for insecurity once we understand His constant interest in our lives.

 
Sid Stewart

Executive Director

864 226-6193

www.havenofrest.cc

God's Concept of Happiness

God's Concept of Happiness

1 Timothy 6:6 NIV 

Godliness with contentment is great gain

The world's concept of happiness is getting what we want. All merchandising is based on this idea. To really be happy, we need a flashier car, a sexier cologne, or any number of items that are better, faster or easier to use than what we already have. We watch the commercials, read the ads, and pursue all the latest fashions, fads and fancy doodads. We buy into the lie that we're not really happy until we get what we want.

God's concept of happiness is summed up in the simple proverb: "Happy is the man who wants what he has." As long as you are focusing on what you don't have, you'll be unhappy. But when you begin to appreciate what you already have, you'll begin to experience the joys of life. Paul wrote to Timothy: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV ).

Actually, you already have everything you need to live a joyful life. You have Christ. You have eternal life. You are loved by a heavenly Father who has promised to supply all your needs. No wonder the Bible repeatedly commands us to be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:18). If you really want to be happy, learn to be thankful for what you have and not covet what you don't have.

Prayer: Father, today I want to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, knowing that You will add to my life all that I need.

 

 

God's Concept of Happiness

1 Timothy 6:6 NIV 

Godliness with contentment is great gain

The world's concept of happiness is getting what we want. All merchandising is based on this idea. To really be happy, we need a flashier car, a sexier cologne, or any number of items that are better, faster or easier to use than what we already have. We watch the commercials, read the ads, and pursue all the latest fashions, fads and fancy doodads. We buy into the lie that we're not really happy until we get what we want.

God's concept of happiness is summed up in the simple proverb: "Happy is the man who wants what he has." As long as you are focusing on what you don't have, you'll be unhappy. But when you begin to appreciate what you already have, you'll begin to experience the joys of life. Paul wrote to Timothy: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV ).

Actually, you already have everything you need to live a joyful life. You have Christ. You have eternal life. You are loved by a heavenly Father who has promised to supply all your needs. No wonder the Bible repeatedly commands us to be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:18). If you really want to be happy, learn to be thankful for what you have and not covet what you don't have.

Prayer: Father, today I want to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, knowing that You will add to my life all that I need.

GOD OF TRUTH:

GOD OF TRUTH: “God is not a man, so he does not lie...." Num23:19 wp.me/p29yfQ-xe #nolie #truth #God #trust #heart #hope

YES LORD:

YES LORD: “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word....'” Lk1:38 wp.me/p29yfQ-x9

Miraculous Catch of Fish

Miraculous Catch of Fish – Alistair Begg

Luke 5:4

We learn from this narrative the necessity of human activity. The catch of fish was miraculous, but neither the fisherman nor his boat nor his fishing tackle were ignored; they were all were used to take the fish. So in the saving of souls, God works by means; and while the present economy of grace shall stand, God will be pleased by the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe. When God works without instruments, He is glorified; but He has selected this plan of human involvement as being that by which He is most magnified in the earth.

The means themselves can accomplish nothing. "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!" What was the reason for this? Were they not experienced fishermen going about their business? They were not novices; they understood the work. Was the problem that they lacked skill? No. Were they lazy? No; they had worked. Did they lack perseverance? No; they had worked all night. Was there a lack of fish in the sea? Certainly not, for as soon as the Master came, they swam to the net in large numbers. What, then, is the reason? It is because there is no power in the means themselves apart from the presence of Jesus. Without Him we can do nothing. But with Christ we can do all things.

Christ's presence confers success. Jesus sat in Peter's boat, and His will, by a mysterious influence, drew the fish to the net. When Jesus is lifted up in His Church, His presence is the church's power-the shout of a king is in the midst of her. "I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."¹ Let us go out this morning on our work of soul-fishing, looking up in faith, and around us at the great opportunity. Let us work until the night comes, and we will not labor in vain, for He who tells us to let down the net will fill it with fish.

¹John 12:32

 

BIG VALLEYS

“Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life....” 1Kg19:3 wp.me/p29yfQ-x3 #nofear #trustGod #GodisGood #faith

Expect Trouble

James 1:2-3 says. . .

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Notice that it does not say if you face trials. Instead it says when you face trials. Whenever you attempt something that has the potential to make an eternal impact, it should come as no surprise that there will be trials—or even blatant opposition. These verses encourage us to embrace difficult times because the end result is perseverance and faith strong enough to withstand trials.

Clearly Define

In any situation, two factors exist: those outside your control and those under your control. Knowing the difference between the two is a game-changer. Whenever you experience a trial, take a moment to clearly define these elements before you react.

Pray Specifically

For the things you cannot change, pray specifically and expectantly for God to do the things that only He can do. For the things you can change, pray for wisdom, strength and courage. Pray that God would strengthen your resolve during the times when it would be easier to give up. Pray for God to clearly show you His purpose for this time of trial.

Take Action

For the things you can change, it’s time to get going. Move with boldness and confidence knowing that God is with you. You’ll discover that His movement is often even clearer during times of adversity as you learn to trust and obey.

Finally, be encouraged by the words of Psalm 46.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)

Questions for Reflection: Are you experiencing a trial? If so, have you identified what is under your control and what isn’t?  Have you specifically prayed for wisdom, strength, and courage to move forward as God directs? Is there something that is stopping you from taking action for the things you can change? If so, ask God for the courage to get moving.

By Jake Sumner from Blueprint for Life

HEAVEN AWAITS:

HEAVEN AWAITS: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself....” Jn14:2-3 wp.me/p29yfQ-wU

FRUIT INSPECTION:

FRUIT INSPECTION: “... for the tree is known by its fruit...." Mat12:33,34 wp.me/p29yfQ-wY #checkup #witness #bearfruit #change

Prayer in Times of Inadequacy

Prayer in Times of Inadequacy - Charles Stanley

Nehemiah 2:1-10

 

After Nehemiah heard about the desperate condition of the Jews who had returned from exile to Jerusalem, his heart was burdened (Neh. 1:3-4). By getting his attention in this way, the Lord could reveal what He wanted Nehemiah to do. Scripture doesn't spell out the man's reaction on realizing that he was to be a part of the solution, but we can imagine a sense of inadequacy probably engulfed him. How could he possibly help? He wasn't even near Jerusalem, and as a servant of the king, he didn't have the freedom to pack up and leave.

 

But whenever God puts a burden on our hearts, He will open a door to accomplish His will. In this case, the Lord used Nehemiah's sad expression and desperate prayer to prepare a pagan king to send him on his mission.

 

How do you respond when you sense the Lord is calling you to a task that seems beyond your abilities? Do you list all the reasons you can't possibly do it? God already knows everything about you and the situation. He's not asking your permission to proceed; rather, He is calling you to move forward with faith and obedience. He didn't make an error in choosing you for the task, but you will make a huge mistake if you refuse to do it.

 

God will equip you for whatever He calls you to do. Because the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer, we have all we need to fulfill the Lord's mission. Instead of letting inadequacy hinder you from obeying, let it drive you to your knees so you can arise with renewed insight and power.