Engraved

ENGRAVED: “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Is 49:16 http://wp.me/p29yfQ-fc

 

 

Theresa C. Allen, M.A., LPC-I

Women's Ministry Director

864.226.8514 / 864.231.9874 (fax)

www.havenofrest.cc

The Secret of Self-government

The Secret Of Self-government

When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us . . . self-control (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT).

Dear friends:

Founding Father and second U.S. President, John Adams, made a most astonishing statement that is so relevant today. He said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other."

What is the basis of such an extreme statement?

America has been a great experiment in self-government. Self-government, of course, requires "government of self." Government of one's self requires control over one's selfish, carnal drives that can harm others. The early Americans knew this spiritual principle from the Bible -- that self-control is a fruit and outer working of the Holy Spirit in one's life, and that the indwelling and influence of the Holy Spirit comes when one receives, trusts and obeys Christ.

In 1852, statesman, Congressman and Senator Robert C. Winthrop said it this way: "All societies must be governed in some way or other. The less they may have stringent state government, the more they must have individual self-government ... Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled either by a power within them, or by a power without them... "

This is how America was born: (1) commitment to God, (2) commitment to one another, and (3) self-control. This is the fledgling nation birthed by our Founding Fathers in 1776. This is what caused them to lay their lives on the line, sacrificing everything, to declare our independence and form our first national government. It is what birthed the greatest missionary sending nation in history, enabling us in just the last few years alone to communicate the gospel to literally billions of people worldwide.

But back to President John Adam's statement about our Constitution made only for a moral and religious people. As America has abandoned our spiritual roots and has become increasingly morally degenerate, we can already see the truth of that statement. The wicked are taking advantage of our Constitution and with the help of the anti-Christian lawyers are using it against us and in their favor. Even foreign terrorists and drug dealers are trying to exploit our constitutional rights, provided by the sacrifices of our Founding Fathers.

America desperately needs a spiritual awakening and revival. Let us continue to fast and pray to that end.

Yours for fulfilling the Great Commission

each year until our Lord returns,

Bill Bright

 

Grace

GRACE: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...it is the gift of God..." Eph 2:8-9. http://wp.me/p29yfQ-eN

 

 

Theresa C. Allen, M.A., LPC-I

Women's Ministry Director

864.226.8514 / 864.231.9874 (fax)

Identifying A Christian Leader

IDENTIFYING A CHRISTIAN LEADER – Dr. Neil Anderson

2 Peter 2:1

There will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves

What comes to mind when you hear the terms false prophets and false teachers ? Many people tend to thing of Eastern mystics and gurus, the spokespersons for nonbiblical religions or dynamic cult leaders--people who are recognizably outside the boundaries of the Christian church. But the apostle Peter devoted an entire chapter in one of his letters (2 Peter 2) to false prophets and teachers who operate within the church. False teachers may operate in our churches disguised as workers of righteousness.

Notice that the lure of false teachers is not primarily their doctrine: "And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned" (verse 2). What does Peter mean by "follow their sensuality"? He is talking about Christians who evaluate a ministry based on the outward appearance and charm of its leaders. We say, "He's such a nice guy"; "She's a very charismatic person"; "He's a real dynamic speaker"; "She's so sweet and sounds so sincere." But is physical attractiveness or a syrupy personality a biblical criterion for validating a ministry or a teacher? Of course not! The issue is always truth and righteousness . A Christian leader should be identified by his commitment to the truth, his righteous life and his servant's heart.

Prayer: Dear God, keep me from playing to the grandstand; I want only to live for You. Keep me accountable as a person of truth, righteousness, and love, ever fearful of discrediting Your name.

 

Understand your Spiritual Resources -John MacArthur

Understand your Spiritual Resources -John MacArthur

"God...has blessed us with every spiritual blessing" (Eph. 1:3, emphasis added).

The story is told of a wealthy London businessman who searched many years for his runaway son. One afternoon he was preparing to board a train to London when he spotted a man in ragged, dirty clothing begging money from passengers along the station platform. His first impulse was to avoid the beggar but there was something strangely familiar about him.

When the beggar approached and asked if he could spare a few shillings, the businessman realized he had found his long-lost son. With tears in his eyes and joy in his voice he embraced his son, crying, "A few shillings? You are my son--everything I have is yours!"

That pictures many Christians who are ignorant or negligent of their spiritual resources. They are children of the King, yet live like spiritual paupers.

Paul repeatedly emphasized our sufficiency as believers. In Colossians 2:10 he declares that in Christ "you have been made complete." In Philippians 4:13 and19 he says, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" and "my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Peter added that God's "divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1:3).

The word translated "spiritual" in Ephesians 1:3 speaks of the work of the Holy Spirit. Every blessing you receive, whether material or immaterial, has God as its source.

As a Christian, you possess every spiritual resource you need to fulfill God's will for your life. You needn't pray for more love, for example, because His love is already poured out in your heart through the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5). The same is true of joy (John 15:11), peace (John 14:27), strength (Phil. 4:13)--and every other resource you need. The key to spiritual progress and victory is learning to apply what you already have, not seeking more.

Suggestions for Prayer:

• Praise God for His abundant spiritual resources.
• Ask Him to help you apply them with wisdom and consistency.

From Jesus Calling- Sarah Young

From Jesus Calling - Sarah Young

Refresh yourself in the Peace of My Presence. This Peace can be your portion at all times and in all circumstances. Learn to hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties in the world. I am both with you and within you. I go before you to open up the way, and I also walk alongside you. There could never be another companion as devoted as I am.

Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others. Do not be weighed down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your burden-bearer. In the world you have trials and distress, but don’t let them get you down. I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to harm you. In Me you may have confident Peace.

Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
—Psalm 31:19–20 nasb

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”
—John 16:33 amp

 

Our True Identity – Dr. Charles Stanley

Our True Identity – Dr. Charles Stanley

Ephesians 1:3-8
When I hear a believer announce, “I’m just a sinner,” I feel like saying, “That’s what you used to be.” A lot of folks cling to a view of themselves as a patched-up, slightly-better-than-before version of their old self. The Bible contradicts that opinion: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away, behold, new things have come” (2 Cor. 5:17). In fact, according to Scripture, we’re dramatically different once we are complete in Christ.

The question is whether people will trust in what they feel or believe what God says about them. His Word calls us saints (Rom. 1:7), disciples (Matt. 28:19), and fellow heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:17). If your opinion is that you are “just a sinner,” then you cannot fully experience and enjoy your identity in Christ.

Believing what God says about our new self is a choice. Satan certainly conspires to convince believers that God’s Word doesn’t apply to them. He knows that people held captive by spiritual poverty back away from opportunities to share the gospel and serve the Lord’s kingdom. It’s much easier to spiritually bankrupt someone who already thinks of him- or herself as “just a sinner” than it is to conquer a disciple who knows God is his loving Father.

Our true identity is defined not by our past actions but by the Savior’s. Jesus purchased our lives with His blood and brought us into relationship with God the Father, who adopted us as beloved children. We have every reason to hold our heads high, stand firm, and courageously proclaim the gospel.