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