NONE LIKE GOD:

NONE LIKE GOD: “There is none like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is great in might.” Jer10:6 wp.me/p29yfQ-Ee #OnetrueGod

Acknowledging the ultimate source of everything

Acknowledging the ultimate source of everything – John MacArthur

"Joyously giving thanks to the Father" (Col. 1:11- 12).

The inseparable link between joy and thanksgiving was a common theme for Paul. In Philippians 4:4-6 he says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! . . . Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." He told the Thessalonians to "rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thess. 5:16- 18).

As often as Paul expressed thanks and encouraged others to express theirs, he was careful never to attribute to men the thanks due to God alone. For example in Romans 1:8 he says, "I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world." He thanked God, not the Roman believers, because he knew that faith is a gift from God.

That doesn't mean you can't thank others for the kindnesses they show, but in doing so you must understand that they are instruments of God's grace.

Thanking Him shows humility and acknowledges His rightful place as the Sovereign Lord and the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). Those who reject His lordship and refuse to give Him thanks incur His wrath (Rom. 1:21).

Only those who love Christ can truly give thanks because He is the channel through which thanks is expressed to the Father. As Paul says in Colossians 3:17, "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Hebrews 13:15 adds, "Through [Christ] then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name."

As one who is privileged to know the God of all grace, be generous in your praise and thanksgiving today. See everything as a gift from His hand for your joy and edification.

Suggestions for Prayer:

Recite Psalm 136 as a prayer of praise to God.

LIAR, LIAR:

LIAR, LIAR: "...for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Jn8:44 wp.me/p29yfQ-Ea #liar #enemy #listentoGod #speaktruth

The Missionary Call

The Missionary Call – Dr. Charles Stanley

Matthew 4:18-22

I've heard every reason you can imagine for avoiding missionary service: "I haven't been to seminary." "I can't preach." "I'm too old." "My family won't go for it." On and on the list goes. Let me tell you that there are thousands of active missionaries who once thought that God couldn't use them either. I often have the privilege of hearing their stories of how the Lord turned resistance into enthusiasm.

People can offer God plenty of reasons why He shouldn't call them to spread the gospel. But His call is not issued for our consideration; He expects a response of obedience and surrender.

A believer is accountable only to say yes to God's call. It is the Lord's responsibility to equip the chosen for the work He's assigned. A personal plan has been mapped for each believer's life, and God provides the personality and temperament that suits. Then He adds skills that can be developed and the spiritual gifts necessary to fulfill His mission.

God makes His call with wisdom and discernment. He knows why He created you and what you're capable of accomplishing in His strength (Eph. 2:10). Rejecting the invitation to serve Him is foolish. It would be like telling almighty God that He made a mistake. But surrender opens the door to a lifetime of service, blessing, and joy!

Mission work can occur near or far. You could serve: at home by writing to prisoners; down the street by dishing out meals at a shelter; across the nation by providing flood relief; or in a foreign land by translating the gospel. In short, a missionary calling is whatever God tells you to do.

 

WHEN GOD SPEAKS:

WHEN GOD SPEAKS: “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Gen1:3 wp.me/p29yfQ-E6 #God #Creator #Power #Truth

Say Not To This

Say Not To This – by Shana Schuette / Blueprint For Life

Throughout Scripture, men and women who were called to do something significant for God experienced criticism.

When Moses led the children of Israel through the desert, he cried out to God because those who followed him blamed and criticized him (Exodus 17:4). Paul was labeled as overzealous, unimpressive in person and insincere (2 Corinthians 10:10). Every one of the disciples was criticized and, with the exception of John, all were criticized right to their deaths.

Remember this: If we insist on being comfortable by avoiding the criticism of others, we will not fulfill the purposes God has for us.

In his book The Believer’s Armor, John MacArthur writes,

“You have all the resources, power and principles to live the Christian life. . . Even though power is available to follow godly principles, the enemy wants to withstand any good thing that God sets out to do. He will attempt to thwart God’s divine purpose for your life.”

The Adversary likes to stop God’s children from fulfilling God’s plans for their lives through the fear criticism. But God wants to provide you with the courage to say no to the fear of criticism and yes to Him. Isaiah 53:4 says that Jesus was despised, rejected, and not esteemed. He is well acquainted with the battle we face with criticism.

Can you imagine what Christ’s life would have been like if He had feared criticism, and therefore been self-protective?

After being mocked by political groups, old and young men, and spiteful Pharisees, He would have determined who He would associate with, what He would say in His final hours on earth. And, rather than keeping His mouth shut when He was falsely accused, He would have defended Himself. When His enemies spit in His face, He would have retaliated. When they called Him names, He would have called down a legion of angels. When they marched Him to Golgatha, He would have run. And rather than laying down His life to give His all to those He loved, the redemption of the human race would have been lost in His misguided passion of self-protection and the fear of criticism.

If you allow the fear of criticism to rule you, you can miss out on being a gift to others. You see, the purposes God has planned for you aren’t just about you. They are about people God wants to influence and help through you. So, if you struggle with fearing criticism, ask God to give you the courage to move forward with what He has called you to in the face of criticism. And remember, you are living your life for the approval of just One.

 

GUARD YOUR MIND

GUARD YOUR MIND: “Guard your heart above all else, 4 it determines the course of your life.”Prov4:23 wp.me/p29yfQ-DY #watchout #mind

God Is Faithful To Care For Us

God Is Faithful To Care For Us

“God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:9



God is completely faithful to do what He has promised.

We live in a day of unfaithfulness, don’t we? Some husbands and wives are unfaithful to their marriage vows. Children are often unfaithful to the principles taught by their parents. Parents are often unfaithful to meet the needs of their children. And all too frequently we are unfaithful to God. Only God is always faithful, a fact often celebrated in Scripture: “Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God” (Deut. 7:9). “Thy lovingkindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Thy faithfulness reaches to the skies” (Ps. 36:5). “Great is Thy faithfulness” (Lam. 3:23).

Let’s look at several areas in which God is faithful to us. First, He’s faithful in taking care of us. Peter says, “Let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right” (1 Peter 4:19). The word translated “entrust” is a banking term that speaks of a deposit for safekeeping. We’re to give our lives to our “faithful Creator,” who is best able to care for us because He created us. “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).

God is also faithful in helping us resist temptation: “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13). No believer can legitimately claim that he was overwhelmed by temptation or that “the Devil made me do it.” When our faithfulness is tested, we have God’s own faithfulness as our resource. “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thess. 3:3).

Suggestions for Prayer:
Thank God for His faithfulness in taking care of you and protecting you from temptation.

For Further Study:
God had promised Abraham a son, and He finally gave him Isaac. But God made a strange request. Read Genesis 22:1-18 and Hebrews 11:17-19. How did Abraham demonstrate his trust? In what areas do you have trouble trusting God?



From Strength for Today by John MacArthur Copyright © 1997. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.

TASTE & SEE:

TASTE & SEE: “Oh, taste & see that the Lord is good...!" Ps34:8 wp.me/p29yfQ-DU #tryGod #Godisgood #savior #help #Safeplace

Understanding God’s Will

Understanding God’s Will – Dr. John MacArthur

"We have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Col. 1:9).

Paul's prayer for the Philippians (Phil. 1:9-11) is closely paralleled by his prayer for the Colossians (Col. 1:9-12). Both epistles were written from the same Roman prison at about the same time in Paul's life. Both prayers focus on godly living, but each approaches it from a slightly different perspective.

The Philippians were gracious people who needed to exercise greater knowledge and discernment in their love. The Colossians also were gracious but their devotion to Christ was being challenged by heretics who taught that Christ is insufficient for salvation and godly living. True spirituality, the false teachers said, is found in Christ plus human philosophy, religious legalism, mysticism, or asceticism. Paul encouraged the Colossian believers and refuted the false teachers by showing the utter sufficiency of Christ.

At the outset of his prayer Paul stressed the importance of being controlled by the knowledge of God's will (which is revealed in His Word). That's the meaning of the Greek word translated "filled" in verse 9. "Knowledge" translates a word that speaks of a deep, penetrating knowledge that results in behavioral change. "Spiritual wisdom and understanding" refers to knowledge that cannot be known through human reasoning or philosophy. It is imparted by the Holy Spirit Himself.

In effect Paul was saying, "I pray that you will be continually controlled by the life-transforming knowledge of God's will, which the Holy Spirit imparts as you prayerfully study and meditate on God's Word."

Scripture supplies the principles you need to live a godly life. The Spirit gives you the power to do so. Many false teachers will try to divert you from the simplicity of devotion to Christ by offering you philosophy, psychology, and a myriad of other hopeless alternatives. Don't be victimized. In Christ you have everything you need!

Suggestions for Prayer:

• Thank God for His all-sufficient Son and for the resources that are yours in Him.
• Ask for wisdom to apply those resources to every situation you face today

 

Meet Richard

My name is Richard McElrath.  I am 28 years old.  I am only alive because of God’s goodness and mercy.  I am only saved by God’s saving grace.  I was a hopeless case in the eyes of humans.  My mother would tell me about nightmares she had about me lying dead, so when the phone would ring she was scared to answer because this might be the time she must come claim the body of her dead son. 

I am here though to tell the story of how Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross can save lives.  I was addicted to meth since I was 16. I was injecting it into my veins.  This addiction landed me in jail 54 times and prison 4 times.  I also overdosed 4 different times.  See prison could not break me, addiction could not break me, but Jesus Christ’s saving power broke me and put me back together.  The greatest thing that ever happened was being broken and calling out to the great “I Am”, my true Savior, my Shepherd, Jesus Christ. 

Psalm 23 says thy rod and thy staff comfort me.  And I have found peace in that scripture.  I cried out and found forgiveness, peace, life, and light in the Lord Jesus Christ.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:  The old has gone, the new is here!”  That is me, a new creation!  We have to realize that we have been crucified with Christ.  Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”  The best advice I can give is to surrender.  The world has nothing to offer but through Christ we have something to offer the world, our testimony and His Word.

OUR GUARDIAN

OUR GUARDIAN: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil....”Ps23:4 wp.me/p29yfQ-DQ #guardian

Be God Centered

Be God Centered –Dr. Neil Anderson

 

Luke 9:1, 2 

He [Jesus] called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons, and to heal diseases. And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God, and to perform healing

 

Notice how Jesus equipped His disciples for ministry. He knew that when they began preaching the kingdom of God and healing the sick, demonic powers would bring opposition. So He specifically gave them power and authority over demons.

 

Later Jesus sent out 70 of His followers on a similar mission, and they "returned with joy, saying 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name'"(Luke 10:17). These missionaries were spiritually in tune enough to know that demons existed and that they were a force to be reckoned with in their ministry. Jesus' followers had been eyewitnesses as the evil spirits opposed the Master, and they probably anticipated the same treatment. Perhaps they even started out on their mission with pangs of fear and doubt about encountering demonic resistance. But they came back astonished at the victory they experienced over evil spirits.

 

But Jesus quickly brought the issue of spiritual conflicts into perspective: "Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven" (Luke 10:20). Jesus sent out the 70 to preach the gospel and to heal, but all they could talk about when they came back was how they sent the demons running. "Don't be demon-centered," Jesus replied. "Be kingdom-centered, be ministry-centered, be God-centered."

 

That's a good warning. As you learn to exercise authority over the kingdom of darkness in your life and in the lives of others, you may be tempted to see yourself as some kind of spiritual freedom fighter, looking for demons behind every door. But it's truth which sets you free, not the knowledge of error. You are not called to dispel the darkness; you are called to turn on the light. You would have no authority at all if it weren't for your identity as a child of God and your position in Christ.

 

Prayer: Lord, Your light is strong enough to overcome the deepest darkness. Praise You!

 

IN THE FIRE:

IN THE FIRE: “…But I see 4 men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, & they are not hurt....”Dan3:25 wp.me/p29yfQ-DM #fire #God

God will lavish grace upon sinners who are truly repentant

God will lavish grace upon sinners who are truly repentant.

Did you ever sin so terribly that you felt, I really blew it this time. There’s no way God would want to forgive me now? It’s easy sometimes to let our past sins be a constant burden to us, even after we’ve confessed and repented. Paul has comfort for those who feel this way, and that comfort is founded on the power and measure of God’s grace to us. Before his conversion, Paul (then known as Saul) persecuted the church mercilessly (see Acts 8:3 and 9:1-2). He was “a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor” (1 Tim. 1:13; see also Gal. 1:13). If anyone could be beyond grace, it was Paul.

But God intervened and saved him (Acts 9:3-19). Why? “For this reason,” Paul says, “I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost [sinner], Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience, as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life” (1 Tim. 1:16). If God would forgive Paul, He will forgive anyone who will confess their sins and repent. If He would show abundant grace to a violent unbeliever, He will also shower grace upon His penitent children.

God is not stingy with grace. Paul celebrates God’s saving “grace, which He freely bestowed on us” (Eph 1:6), and “the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us” (vv. 7-8). Speaking of sustaining grace, Paul says, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed” (2 Cor. 9:8). Notice the words Paul uses: “all grace,” “abound,” “all sufficiency,” “everything,” “abundance,” “every good deed.” God’s grace is inexhaustible and is given so freely that words cannot express it fully.

Great sins require great grace, but God will give super-abundant grace to those who seek forgiveness, for “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Rom. 5:20). Don’t let your past sins weigh you down; learn to rest upon God’s super-abundant grace.

Suggestions for Prayer:
Ask God to teach you to understand His grace more fully and help you forget “what lies behind” (Phil. 3:13).

For Further Study:
Read Romans 6. What is Paul’s argument here? How are we to live now that we have received God’s grace?

 

 

Sid Stewart

Executive Director

864 226-6193

www.havenofrest.cc

In His Fold

In His Fold
WRITTEN BY: ADMIN - FEB• 19•14
Psalm 23:1 (NIV): “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

A shepherd’s job is never ending. He is responsible for the daily care of his sheep. He leads them to green pastures and clean waters. He corrals them back to himself when they start to stray. The shepherd must be sober-minded and alert; ready to guard and protect his fold from predators that a...re always lurking in the shadows. The shepherd even sacrifices his own personal safety and comfort for the good of his sheep. Understanding the great commitment that a shepherd has to his sheep, how precious to know that Christ is the Good Shepherd, and we are the sheep of His fold. He pledges to take care of our daily needs (Philippians 4:19). He draws us close to His side when we wander astray. He is our protector and our vindicator; we have nothing to fear (Psalm 18:1-3). Christ suffered and died so that we could thrive and live (1 Thessalonians 5:10). Because Jesus is our Shepherd, we can go through our days with confidence knowing that He is lovingly and faithfully watching over us.

Rest peacefully…you are in the Shepherd’s care today!

The Meaning of Grace

The Meaning of Grace by John MacArthur

“The Lord, the Lord God, [is] compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth.”
- Exodus 34:6



God’s grace is His undeserved favor shown to sinners.

God’s grace has always been a focus of praise for believers. Today’s verse is quoted several times in the Psalms and elsewhere in Scripture (for example, Neh. 9:17, 31; Ps. 86:15; 103:8; 145:8). Paul is grateful for God’s abundant grace in 1 Timothy 1:14, and John writes, “For of His fulness we have all received, and grace upon grace” (John 1:16). Today some of our favorite hymns are “Amazing Grace,” “Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord,” and “Wonderful Grace of Jesus.”

What exactly is grace? It is simply God’s free, undeserved, and unearned favor. It is a gift given by God not because we are worthy of it, but only because God, out of His great love, wants to give it.

Grace is evident to Christians in two main ways. The first is electing, or saving, grace. God “has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity” (2 Tim. 1:9). “By grace [we] have been saved through faith” (Eph. 2:8). This is God’s grace to sinners, for “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Rom. 5:20).

Another grace in our lives is enabling, or sustaining, grace. We didn’t just receive grace to be saved; we now live in grace. It is the grace of God that enables us to live the Christian life. When Paul asked that some debilitating “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7) be removed, the Lord told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (v. 9). Paul elsewhere says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Remember, we have earned neither saving nor sustaining grace. Nothing we can do can make us worthy of one more bit of grace. God says, “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious” (Ex. 33:19). This truth should make us all more grateful because He saved us and sustains us despite our sin. It should also make us humble because we have no worthiness to boast about (Eph. 2:9).

Suggestions for Prayer:
Thank God for His grace in saving and sustaining you.

For Further Study:
Read Genesis 9:8-19. How did God extend grace to Noah and his family? What was the visible sign or symbol?

 

Always Right

Always Right
WRITTEN BY: ADMIN - FEB• 18•14
Deuteronomy 32:4 (NASB) “The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.”

Many people think that they are always right. But, how many of us can honestly say that we are actually always right? The answer is easy: “No, not one!” (Romans 3:10). God, on the other hand, is n...ot human. He knows no limits, and He is ALWAYS right. He does not do what is good and right some of the time or most of the time. He does what is good and right all of the time. What’s more, He has no hidden agendas for what He does. The Scripture teaches that God is always working for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). He is a rock; a strong and stable foundation that we can always depend on. When you have fears or uncertainties or insecurities, take them to the Rock. He will always lead you in the good and right direction!

Rely on the Lord today!

The Power of the Holy Spirit

The Power of the Holy Spirit – Dr. Charles Stanley

Luke 24:44-53

The principle we will explore today is basic but so powerful that it determines whether we experience victory in our lives.

You are probably familiar with the book The Little Engine That Could, in which a small engine keeps repeating the words "I think I can." By using sheer willpower, she pulls an entire train over the mountain. That's a nice children's story, but the truth of the Christian life is very different. In the real world, our efforts and determination often fall short. Only by walking in the power of the Holy Spirit can the godly life be achieved.

Throughout the Old Testament, God's Spirit would temporarily come upon saints for a particular work. However, after Jesus ascended to heaven, He sent the Spirit to dwell permanently within each believer. Consider what this means: If you're a Christian, God is living inside of you, available to help all through life by providing guidance, comfort, and empowerment.

Obedience to Christ is too difficult for anyone relying on his own strength. And discerning what to do in every situation is far too complicated for a fleshly mind. For some reason, though, Christians often try to live life by depending on their own energy and reasoning. Defeat and failure are unavoidable without His power in our lives.

Do you recognize your need for the Lord? Begin each day confessing your dependence upon Him. Ask to be filled with His Spirit so that all you think, do, and say will be an overflow from Him. Then trust Him to work in mighty ways through you. Watch what almighty God can do.

Good Hope

Good Hope
WRITTEN BY: ADMIN - FEB• 17•14
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV): “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”

If we are God’s children, there is never a reason for us to feel hopeless. Why? Because Jesus Christ Himself has given us good... hope. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 15:4, “Whatever was written in former times was written for our instruction that by the endurance and encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.” The Bible was written to give you and me assurance in Christ Jesus. We are assured that suffering will not last. We are assured that our sins are forgiven. We are assured that our needs will be met. We are assured that God’s purpose and plan for our lives is perfect. We are assured that Jesus Christ is coming again to gather His children to live with Him eternally. The Bible is a book of promises meant to strengthen and encourage each one of us. If you feel discouraged today, open the Bible and remind yourself of God’s numerous thoughts towards you. Be filled with the love, grace, and good hope of our Savior.

Place your hope in Christ today!

A STRUGGLING SAINT

A STRUGGLING SAINT –Dr. Neil Anderson

Romans 7:15
I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate

Perhaps the most vivid description of the contest with sin which goes on in the life of the believer is found in Romans 7:15-25. In verses 15 and 16, Paul describes the problem: "For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I woul...d like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not wish to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that it is good."

Notice that there is only one player in these two verses--the "I," mentioned nine times. Notice also that this person has a good heart; he agrees with the law of God. But this good-hearted Christian has a behavior problem. He knows what he should be doing but, for some reason, he can't do it. He agrees with God but ends up doing the very things he hates.

Verses 17-21 uncover the reason for this behavior problem: "So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which indwells me. . . . If I am doing the very thing I do not wish, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me." How many players are involved now? Two: sin and me. But sin is clearly not me; it's only dwelling in me. Sin is preventing me from doing what I want to do.

Do these verses say that I am no good, that I am evil, or that I am sin? Absolutely not. They say that I have something dwelling in me which is no good, evil, and sinful, but it's not me. If I have a sliver in my finger, I could say that I have something in me which is no good. But it's not me who's no good. I'm not the sliver. The sliver which is stuck in my finger is no good. I am not sin and I am not a sinner. I am a saint struggling with sin which causes me to do what I don't want to do.

Romans 6:12 informs us that it is our responsibility not to allow sin to reign in our lives. Sin will reign if we use our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness (Romans 6:13). We must renounce every such use and submit our bodies to God as instruments of righteousness.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that I don't have to sin. You made it possible for me to control sin's power over me. You delivered me from the wages of sin and blessed me with the gift of eternal life in Christ.

Do You Love Me?

Do You Love Me?
WRITTEN BY: ADMIN - FEB• 14•14
John 21:16 (NIV): “Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’”
When we consider all that Christ has done for us, our hearts should be eager to serve Him. Genuine gratitude should motivate us to ask the question, “What can I do for you, Lord?” While we cannot do anything to earn Christ’s love or His gift of salvation, we can demonstrate our love and gratitude for Him by “feeding His sheep.” We should actively tell others the good news of the Gospel. People need to know that there is a Savior who loves them and wants to reconcile them back into the family of God. We are the Body of Christ, and He wants to love others through us. If we love Him, we will love others (Matthew 22:36-40).
Allow Christ to love others through you today!

The Joy of Glorification

The Joy of Glorification by John MacArthur

God will perfect His work in you "until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:6).

For Christians there's an element of truth to the bumper sticker that reads, "Please be patient, God isn't finished with me yet." We aren't what we used to be, but there's much to be done to make us all He wants us to be. Yet God's work within us is so sure and so powerful, Scripture guarantees its completion.

Pondering that guarantee led Bible expositor F.B. Meyer to write, "We go into the artist's studio and find there unfinished pictures covering large canvas, and suggesting great designs, but which have been left, either because the genius was not competent to complete the work, or because paralysis laid the hand low in death; but as we go into God's great workshop we find nothing that bears the mark of haste or insufficiency of power to finish, and we are sure that the work which His grace has begun, the arm of His strength will complete" (The Epistle to the Philippians [Grand Rapids: Baker, 1952], p. 28).

The completion of God's work in you will come at a future point in time that Paul calls "the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:6). Scripture also speaks of "the day of the Lord," which is the time of God's judgment on unbelievers, but "the day of Christ Jesus" refers to when believers will be fully glorified then rewarded for their faithful service (cf. 1 Cor. 3:10-15). All your earthly cares will be gone and God's promise to keep you from stumbling and make you stand in His presence blameless with great joy will be fully realized (Jude 24).

Concentrating on what is wrong in your life might depress you, but focusing on the glorious day of Christ should excite you. Don't be unduly concerned about what you are right now. Look ahead to what you will become by God's grace.

Suggestions for Prayer:

• Reflect on the joy that is yours because you belong to an all-powerful God who is working mightily in you. Express your joy and praise to Him.
• Read 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 as a prayer of praise to God.

For Further Study:

Read Revelation 7:9-17 and 22:1-5. What glimpses do those passages give you of the activities of glorified believers in heaven?

A Friend Indeed

A Friend Indeed
WRITTEN BY: ADMIN - FEB• 13•14
Ecclesiastes 4:10, 12 (ESV): “If one falls down, his friends can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has not one to help him up…Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Many songs and poems have been written in honor of friendship. Did you know that the Scriptures teach us that ...friendship is an important and even necessary part of our lives? It’s true. We were not meant to live this life in isolation, separated from others. Instead, God designed mankind with a need for relationships; an interdependency where you look out for me and I look out for you. It is in this mind-set that we are able to guard one another against the enemy of our souls. The Bible describes satan as a prowling lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). The person he usually attacks is the one that is trying to stand alone, and be independent from others, but there is strength in numbers. Try this experiment: take a twig from your yard and see how easy it is for you to snap it in half. Then, find several more twigs, of the same size and width, hold them together and see how difficult it is for you to snap the bunch. A house of unity cannot be quickly overtaken, and a cord of three strands cannot easily be broken. Embrace healthy friendships. Brothers and Sisters in Christ are to be faithful friends, looking out for the wellbeing of one another.

Be a true friend to someone today!

In the Fire

In the Fire
WRITTEN BY: ADMIN - FEB• 12•14
Daniel 3:25 (ESV): “…But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”

Many of us are familiar with the Bible story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These were three Hebrew teenagers who were taken into captivity in Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar was the evil... ruler in that land. One day the king had a large golden statue built and commanded that everyone in the land bow down and worship it. These three young men, however, were determined to worship the One true God only, and thus were reported to the king. When the king received word that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not worship the idol, he had the men tied with strong cords and thrown into the fire.

When the king looked into the fiery pit, he was amazed to see FOUR men freely walking around. The king had Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego pulled out of the fire. Upon close inspection, the men were unharmed and did not even smell like smoke. The only thing that was burned were the cords that evil men tried to bind them with!

What happened to the fourth man? Well, He is still in the fire. When the enemy rages, when people try to ensnare you, or when life’s circumstances try to consume you, do not be afraid. Jesus is in the heat of the blaze, and He will deliver you!

Be fearless in Christ today!

Your Journey Toward Christ

YOUR JOURNEY TOWARD CHRIST – Dr. Neil Anderson

John 10:10 
The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy

How do evil spirits interfere with our lives? Let me answer with a simple illustration. Imagine that you are standing at one end of a long, narrow street lined on both sides with two-story row houses. At the other end of the street stands Jesus Christ, and your Christian life is the process of walking down that long street of maturity toward Him. There is absolutely nothing in the street which can keep you from reaching Jesus. So, when you receive Christ, you fix your eyes on Him and start walking.

But since this world is still under the dominion of Satan, the row houses on either side of you are inhabited by beings who are committed to keeping you from reaching your goal. They have no power or authority to block your path or even slow your step, so they hang out of the windows and call to you, hoping to turn your attention away from your goal and disrupt your progress by tempting you, accusing you and deceiving you.

What is the enemy's goal in having his demons jeer you, taunt you, lure you, and question you from the windows and doorways along your path? He wants you to slow down, stop, sit down, and, if possible, give up your journey toward Christ. He wants to influence you to doubt your ability to believe and serve God. Remember: he has absolutely no power or authority to keep you from steadily progressing in your walk toward Christ. And he can never again own you, because you have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and you are forever in Him (1 Peter 1:18, 19). But if he can get you to listen to the thoughts he plants in your mind, he can influence you. And if you allow him to influence you long enough through temptation, accusation and deception, he can control you.

If I could influence you to believe a lie, could I control your life? Yes. Let's fix our eyes on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2) and take "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

 

 

Our Inseparable Relationship

Our Inseparable Relationship – Charles Stanley

Romans 8:31-39

Far too many relationships in today's world are uncertain. Disunity is found in marriages, churches, and international alliances. Yet there's one relationship that is sure and permanent.

The Lord designed people for intimate fellowship with Him. His love toward each of us is evident throughout the Bible. In fact, there is nothing tangible, intangible, past, present, or future that can separate believers from the Father's love. John 10:14 draws a comparison between Jesus and a good shepherd—a man whose ultimate task is providing for and protecting the flock. Christ's character is one of passionate care for His people. First John 4:16 clearly states, "God is love." If we believe the Bible, then we cannot deny this fact about His nature.

We also see evidence of divine love through the Lord's gifts and actions. For example, He created us in His image (Gen. 1:26). He sent His only Son to die in our place, and He forgives us of our sin debt (1 Cor. 15:3). John 15:15 tells us that Christ calls us His friends—and what's more, when we trust in Jesus, God adopts us and considers us His children (Rom. 8:15). He even blesses us with an Intercessor and Helper—the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). The Word is clear: God loves us passionately.

The affection we experience in our families is only a glimpse of the great compassion and care that God has for you. Think about the people you treasure most. Imagine what you would be willing to do if they experienced a need. How much more will our heavenly Father be devoted to you! 

 

^“Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7

Commit Your Work

Commit Your Work

WRITTEN BY: ADMIN - FEB• 11•14

Proverbs 16:3 (ESV): “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

 

God is a good God. He wants to see His children succeed in life. Mankind’s definition of success, however, often times differs from God’s definition. For the most part, man thinks of success as having a high profile career with a lucrative salary, a large home, a fancy car, brand-name clothes, and the best toys and gadgets that money can buy. From God’s perspective, though, these things can often be curses instead of blessings because they distract us from our first love…God. The successful person in God’s eyes is the one who puts God first and seeks His will in all things. The person who works hard to bless others and glorify God instead of promoting self is the one that God takes joy in blessing. The Bible says, “Give and it shall be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap” (Luke 6:38). We will never bless ourselves more than what God can bless us, and we will never give more away than God will return to us. So, let us be obedient children and commit all that we are and all that we have to Him. In doing so, God will delight in blessing our lives.

 

Commit your all to Christ today!

God is always with us

God is always with us – John MacArthur

“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
to all who call upon Him in truth.”
- Psalm 145:18



Understanding God’s omnipresence should encourage us in times of distress and keep us from sinning.

It is a great comfort as a Christian to know that God is always present in me both essentially and relationally. No matter what the trial, He is there. Sometimes He might seem faraway, but He’s really no further away than He’s ever been. His promise to us is, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).

God is always with us to support our service to Him. When God called Moses to proclaim His message and lead Israel out of slavery, Moses protested because of his lack of speaking abilities (Ex. 4:10). But God said, “I . . . will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say” (v. 12). Jesus commands us, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . . and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:19-20). If you doubt you have the power to witness, remember that you have the same resource as any evangelist—the presence and power of God!

God’s continual presence is also a shield against sin. “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13). Nothing will ever tempt us without His giving us the strength to resist.

The omnipresence of God should also motivate us to holiness. Most of us prefer to sin with no one else watching. But when we sin—whether in thought, word, or action—we sin in the presence of God. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good” (Prov. 15:3). “His eyes are upon the ways of a man, and He sees all his steps. There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves” (Job 34:21-22). Don’t do anything you wouldn’t want God to see, because He’ll see it anyway!

Suggestions for Prayer:
Thank God for the comfort He brings to you through His continual presence.

 

Do Not Be Dismayed

Do Not Be Dismayed

WRITTEN BY: ADMIN - FEB• 10•14

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

It is in the difficulties and challenges of this life that we build perseverance. Perseverance leads to character building, the spiritual foundation focused on the light of hope, knowing without a shadow of a doubt that we will not be desolate. It is in the difficulties where we find the spiritual strength afforded by our Creator. God assures us that He will not allow more to come upon us than we can take, and He promises to be with us always. Let us turn affliction into light, His light that illuminates our being, the light that clears the darkness of confusion, the torch that illuminates His way. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8-9).

Have no fear today!

Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek

WRITTEN BY: ADMIN - FEB• 07•14

Luke 19:10 (NIV): “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

The Garden of Eden was a place of perfection and complete freedom. Adam and Eve lived in peace. They knew no fear, no shame, no guilt, no hiding. The introduction of sin, however, changed all of that. Scripture reveals that when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, mankind went into hiding from God. Genesis records that God came looking for man in the cool of the day and He called out for His children. Adam’s response? “I heard you in the Garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid” (Genesis 3:10). This is the travesty of sin. It separates us from God and sends us into hiding from His holiness. God’s great love for mankind, though, refuses to allow our story to end there. Even though we may hide, He is always seeking. God loves you today. No matter what your story is…no matter what your sins are, do not hide from the One who can help and heal you. Expose yourself to God, and He will clothe you in His righteousness and love.

Run to God today!

Fixing Our Eyes On The Unseen

Fixing Our Eyes On The Unseen – Randy Alcorn, www.blueprintforlife.com

 

Even though as Christians we affirm the reality of the spiritual realm, sometimes we succumb to naturalistic assumptions that what we see is real and what we don’t see isn’t. Many people conclude that God can’t be real, because we can’t see Him. And Heaven can’t be real, because we can’t see it. But we must recognize our blindness. The blind must take by faith that there are stars in the sky. If they depend on their ability to see, they’ll conclude there are no stars.

Sitting here in what C. S. Lewis called the Shadowlands, we must remind ourselves what Scripture tells us about Heaven. We will one day be delivered from the blindness that obscures the light of God’s world.

For many people—including many believers—Heaven is a mysterious word describing a place that we can’t understand and therefore don’t look forward to. But Scripture tells us differently. What we otherwise could not have known about Heaven, God says He has revealed to us through His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10). God tells us about our eternal home in His Word, not so we can shrug our shoulders and remain ignorant, but because He wants us to anticipate what awaits us and those we love, and because it has the power to transform the way we live today.

Life on earth matters not because it’s the only life we have, but precisely because it isn’t—it’s the beginning of a life that will continue without end. It’s the precursor of life on the New Earth. Eternal life doesn’t begin when we die; it has already begun. With eternity in view, nearly any honest activity—whether building a shed, driving a bus, pruning trees, changing diapers or caring for a patient—can be an investment in God’s kingdom.

God is eternal. His Place is eternal. His Word is eternal. His people are eternal. Center your life around God, His Place, His Word, and His people, and reach out to those eternal souls who desperately long for His person and His place. Then no matter what you do for a living, your days here will make a profound difference for eternity—and you will be fulfilling the biblical admonition to fix your eyes on what is unseen.

 

Grounded in Truth

Grounded in Truth – Dr. Charles Stanley

Psalms 25:4-10

If we'll let the truths of Scripture fill our minds, guard our emotions, and influence our conduct, God will richly reward us. I'm talking about spiritual blessings here (though He at times chooses to bless materially as well). By reading and meditating on His Word, you'll learn to understand His ways. This isn't something we can figure out on our own, because His ways are unlike ours—they are higher, bigger, and eternal.

Also, your relationship with the Lord will grow increasingly more intimate because He chooses to reveal Himself to those who seek Him and obey His instructions. When you see that God always keeps His promises, your confidence in His faithfulness will soar. No matter what the situation, you'll know you can trust Him. Then He'll transform your worries into joyful anticipation about what He's going to do next in your life. Even if hard times await, you'll be convinced that the Lord will work them out for good.

A life grounded in truth is powerful. Those who live by the Word develop spiritual discernment, which guides their choices and guards against deception. Because they demonstrate wisdom and godliness, the Lord enables them to impact others greatly. Since He knows they can be trusted, He also gives them greater responsibilities and opportunities for service in His kingdom.

With all this available to us, wouldn't it be wise to invest our time and energy in building the truth of God's Word into our lives? The other activities which clamor for our attention seem so important or pleasurable, but none of them can offer us the spiritual riches of a life grounded in truth.

 

Green Pastures

Green Pastures

WRITTEN BY: ADMIN - FEB• 06•14

Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV): “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul….”

 

“There aren’t enough hours in the day!” Does that statement sound all-too familiar? Life is busy. It is easy to become overbooked, overworked, and overwhelmed! For this reason, Christ makes us lie down and rest. Notice the language in the passage from Psalm 23. It is not a request or a choice. Instead, the Good Shepherd places His hand gently, but firmly, on our shoulder and says, “Now sit.” And, oh, isn’t it nice to just sit and rest sometimes? Our loving Savior longs to refresh our weary souls. He knows that we are such “doers,” but there are times when He insists that we rest in what He has already “done.” Thank goodness for the Cross; thank goodness for our Shepherd; and thank goodness for the green pastures of His tender mercies.

 

Rest in Christ’s finish work of the Cross today!

THE ESSENCE OF TEMPTATION – Neil Anderson

THE ESSENCE OF TEMPTATION – Neil Anderson

 

Hebrews 4:15 

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin

 

I have found that many Christians struggle with the distinction between temptation and sin. Bombarded by tempting thoughts, they conclude that there must be something pretty sick about them. But even Jesus was "tempted in all things as we are." But finish the verse: "Yet without sin." As long as we are in the world, we are exposed to temptation just like Jesus was. But He didn't sin, and we don't have to sin either (1 Corinthians 10:13).

 

The basis for temptation is legitimate human needs. We will either look to the world, the flesh and the devil to have our needs met, or we will look to Christ who promises to meet our needs (Philippians 4:19). The essence of temptation is the invitation to live independently of God.

 

The power of temptation depends on the strength of the strongholds which have been developed in our minds as we learned to live independently of God. If you were raised in a Christian home where magazines and television programs of questionable moral value were not allowed, the power of sexual temptation in your life will not be as great as for someone who grew up exposed to pornographic materials. Why? Because your legitimate need to be loved and accepted was met by parents who also protected you from exposure to illegitimate means of meeting your needs. The person who grew up in an environment of immorality may experience a greater struggle with sexual temptation simply because that stronghold in the mind was well-established before he was born again.

 

Jesus was tempted to meet His own physical needs by using His divine attributes independently of the Father to turn a rock into bread. But instead He responded, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). We also must respond to temptation by relying on God to meet our needs.

 

 

Gospel in the Garden

Gospel in the Garden

WRITTEN BY: ADMIN - FEB• 05•14

Genesis 3:15 (NASB): “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.”

 

Many people mistakenly believe that the idea of a Messiah who would save mankind from our sins did not enter the mind of God until the New Testament. The truth is, though, that the Gospel, which means “Good News,” is first revealed in the Book of Genesis. Jesus dying on the cross for you and me was not God’s “Plan B” when man messed up. God knew from the beginning of time that we would need Jesus. And, when satan launched his attack against God’s own, in one powerful statement God gave satan a lethal warning and made mankind a loving pledge – a Redeemer is coming! Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Christ fulfilled the words of His Father (John 19:30); sealed the fate of satan (Revelation 20:10); and joined you and me with Himself for all eternity (Ephesians 2:6).

 

Share the Good News of our Redeemer today!

The Joy of Faithful Service – John MacArthur

The Joy of Faithful Service – John MacArthur

"Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:1).

The metaphor of Christians as slaves to Christ is common in Paul's writings. It is one his readers would have readily understood because of the prevalence of slavery in the Roman Empire.

Peter, James, John, and Jude used the same metaphor of their own ministries, as did Jesus in Mark 10:45: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." In Philippians 2:7 Paul refers to Christ as a bond-servant who set aside the glory He was due and humbled Himself to the point of death.

The Greek word translated "bond-servant" in Philippians 1:1 was commonly used of those who, out of devotion to their masters, chose to remain as slaves when having the opportunity to be released. They were also known as love slaves because they served out of love, not compulsion.

That is a beautiful picture of the believer. We are God's bond-servants (Rev. 1:1), having been freed from sin and enslaved to Him (Rom. 6:22).

While slavery brings to mind deprivation and inhumane treatment of one's fellow man, slaves in the Roman Empire usually were treated with dignity and respect. Although most had no personal possessions, their masters supplied everything they needed for life and health. Additionally, many were entrusted with significant responsibilities in their master's home.

A disobedient or self-willed slave was of no use to his master, but faithful slaves, who set aside their personal interests to accomplish their master's will, were a precious possession.

Jesus said, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work" (John 4:34). As God's bond-servant that should be your goal as well. Be faithful so God can use you mightily.

Suggestions for Prayer:

• Thank God for the privilege of serving Him.
• Seek wisdom to appropriate your spiritual resources as you perform the tasks God has entrusted to you.