The entire Christian walk is designed to be lived by faith. "The just shall live by faith." In every step of every day, in every issue that we face, we are to rely upon the Lord. This path of trust accesses grace. Faith allows us to receive and respond to the grace that God desires to shower upon us. Remember, faith is what corresponds with grace. "Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace" (Romans 4:16). Trying our hardest does not ensure God's grace working in and through us. Attempting to be passive does not bring forth a display of His grace. However, humbly trusting in the Lord, whether taking action or patiently waiting, will always result in His grace undertaking for us.
“If you want your life to flow more smoothly—if you want to be more productive, and learn to be more selective, and your prayers to be more effective—then live in the zone: Abide in Christ.” —Steve May
God gives us examples, like in nature. Mature trees send their roots into the earth to draw minerals and water. The most important part of a tree is what you cannot see—the root system.
OSWALD CHAMBERS
The great point of Abraham’s faith in God was that he was prepared to do anything for God.
God didn’t design us to carry our burdens.
If you’re lugging around heavy burdens (your own or others’), give them to Jesus. He wasn’t teasing when He said that He cares for us and will ease the load! He didn’t build you for anxiety and to feel overcome. Let Him do His job!
The highest calling is what God has called us to be. There is nothing higher. Therefore, we need to be faithful to what God has set before us.
Each of us has a part to play. Maybe you think that preaching is a higher calling. Granted, it is a high calling and a privilege. But don’t feel as though you’re a second-class Christian if you’re not in full-time ministry.
God, according to His will, called Paul to be an apostle. In the same way, God might call someone to be an accountant according to His will or a police officer according to His will or a doctor according to His will.
Not many people were called to be apostles, and indeed Paul was in a position of significant leadership. But we also need to realize something. Paul’s Hebrew name was Saul. No doubt his parents named him after the first king of Israel. King Saul was known for his attractiveness and his remarkable height.
For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.Today I have a friend who suffered from the lose of a friend, her kitty cat and as tears where shed I felt compassion for her lose. Jesus always move with compassion. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.
You will never experience the power of the Spirit unless you release control.
Though the world is full of disorder, confusion, and uncertainty, believers in Christ have the wonderful assurance that God is in absolute control of every situation. When He created the heavens and the earth, He had a purpose and a plan, which He carried out with precision and order. Nothing was haphazard, late, or uncertain. The Lord also has a plan for each one of us, and every aspect of our lives is not only under His scrutiny, but also under His care.
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. (John 1:4, NIV84) Live today in the fullness of Jesus… in response to His grace and goodness. Colossians 2:6-7 says, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Let’s determine to live each day filled with purposed thankfulness as we worship God and point others to Him in love. ~ Gwen Smith
A Bible study group I remember consisted of doctors, attorneys, CEOs, vice presidents, entrepreneurial geniuses and a street sweeper. In the initial meeting, the group leader asked each to identify himself. “I am a physician,” said one. “I’m an attorney,” another responded. “I’m vice president for operations,” answered a third. “I am a son of the King,” the street sweeper said. He had no identity in the world in which he could boast, but he knew his core identity. The others were clouded by their earthly titles, but the street sweeper knew he was chosen by the King of Kings to be a son, with all the privileges, promises and honors of that high position.
Love is the binding power which holds the body of the
Christian church together.
~Stephen Olford~
We cannot operate in the Spirit when we are allowing carnality to rule our lives. God will not empower us with spiritual gifts, if we do not have love for one another. You just cannot have the one without the other.
We can either put down our roots in the soil of the landfill of fleshly pursuits, or into the cool refreshing stream of the person of Jesus Christ. The fruit of our lives is the outward evidence of our inward motivation.
Check your priorities by answering this question: “Where do you prefer to be every Sunday morning, in God’s house to worship the King? Or do you prefer to remain in the comfort of your own home?” Understandably some people have to work, but if not, your answer should tell you where your true priorities lie.
Kids need their parents to nurture them and point them to Christ. Live godly and show your kids what real love looks like.
He is Sovereign
When we seek God with our whole heart (purity of purpose), the Lord will always manifest Himself to us. In Habakkuk 1:2a, Habakkuk asked of the Lord: "How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?" The real truth is -- although Habakkuk couldn't see it -- God was working the whole time. And the same is true for us in our lives as believers. So if it seems like nothing is happening on whatever is troubling you, trust that God is working. He is sovereign over all the details!
Amen...!
Grace is powerful enough to erase your guilt.
Grace is big enough to cover your shame.
Grace is real enough to heal your relationships.
Grace is strong enough to hold you up when you’re weak.
Grace is sweet enough to cure your bitterness.
Grace is satisfying enough to deal with your disappointment.
Grace is beautiful enough to redeem your brokenness.
Grace explained is necessary, but grace experienced is essential.
Noah had to jump
Abraham had to jump
Joseph had to jump
Moses had to jump
Caleb and Joshua had to jump
Esther had to jump
Disciples had to jump
Sometimes the the most terrifying places teach us the greatest truth,That He Is Faithful!!
So here is my challenge: Go ahead and jump!
Reach that friend
Enter that new season
Restore that relationship
Spend that hour
Go see that friend
Make that move
Whatever you do, do it with all you got. He is worthy.
Do you remember? The excitement, the anticipation, the expectancy, the urgency?
You were standing at the edge of the High dive, all eyes were watching to see if you would really jump or climb back down the ladder. Fear surged in your heart, it was as if your heart was placed in your throat. You could feel every beat and pulse running through your veins. Do you jump into the unknown, or climb back to what is familiar? You decided to climb up, but it was a whole different decision to jump off and jump in. What happens between the ladder and the edge of the board is crucial. Either emotion will over power you with why you can't, or your resolved decision will direct you on how you can.
Our own excuses can lead us to a place where we are missing moments of experiencing the depth of God, and the width of His faithfulness.
Excuses; I hate them. I find people use them to often to keep the peace. There is no room for them in the kingdom of God. We should either apologize or repent or both but to make an excuse is hurtful. A marriage that is full of excuses will not grow. You can't have transparency if there is an excuse.
Let us not confuse an explanation with an excuse but rather seek wisdom from God and grow.
“He who obeys the command ‘rejoice in the Lord,’ has a hallelujah in his soul every minute of the day and night.” —A. C. Dixon
Any time an organization wants to get you off there back they tell you, It is under investigation.
Know your rights.
“The self-sufficient do not pray, the self-satisfied will not pray, the self-righteous cannot pray. No man is greater than his prayer life.” —Leonard Ravenhill
Television pastors tell their congregations to expect favor from the Lord – and it’s not a bad expectation to have. But what is God’s favor? Is it as simple as God’s blessing upon your life? What “favor” do you have the right to expect? An easy path? Prosperity? Or how about a closer walk with Him…and firm knowledge that He is in control of your life, building up your faith?
The most powerful witness you can give the world is your personal testimony and how you live it.
If God blesses you with particular talents, you use them for God’s purposes in the world, working for God’s glory and for the love of your neighbor. Blessings lead to a life of stewardship.
The life of discipleship can only be maintained as long as nothing is allowed to come between Christ and ourselves, neither the law, nor personal piety, nor even the world….
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer~
ake the homeless poor into your own houses. This is challenging for me. After all, I lock my doors at night. I lock my car. I give to charities, and sometimes even to those on the street who ask, but—in my own house, Lord? Now I have done this for a day or to but it is still challenging to me and takes much faith.
“He let us crucify Him to show us how much we push everyone away, even the Son of God. As the dust settled on Calvary, some of us realized what we were missing. We realized how much we wanted to love and how much He wanted us. And so we invited Him to come back and live in our hearts...and something wonderful happened. We began to wake up to how badly we’d been treating people and how much we missed each other. We began to want one another with deep, pure love. And so the church was born.”
Mike Mason,
Those prayers that awaken God must awaken us.
~Thomas Goodwin~
Most Christians who pray know this “all prayed out” feeling. We know what it’s like to have asked God for something a hundred times without receiving the answer we desire. We pray for a loved one to be healed but that person just gets worse. We pray for a marriage to be mended but see only further division. We pray for God’s justice to fill our world but watch as injustice prevails. Though we know we’re supposed to keep on praying, we want to give up.
Too often when someone comes out of difficulty (or is in the middle of one) they need and seek desperately the encouragement of others. Why? I believe it's because during the trials they did not rely fully on the Lord for their strength, but instead learned to depend on the emotional support of others.
Do you want to be great? If so, Jesus would urge you not to seek your own greatness, but rather choose the way of humility, service, and dependence on God. Value those in this world who are considered the “least.” Don’t be preoccupied with your own accomplishments. Rather, focus on serving others, knowing that as you do, you are serving Jesus.
God’s word isn’t chained (even when his people are) and our endurance can help others to experience the saving work of Jesus Christ. This is one reason Christians can hold to hope, and also an exhortation to be more concerned for our Christian witness and for the spread of the Gospel than for our personal comfort.
Those who follow Christ are not immune to suffering and can expect persecution. The way of the world is to grasp power and wealth in order to avoid hardship. The way of Christ, by contrast, is not to pursue worldly power and comfort in order to avoid suffering, but rather to endure hardship and to see in suffering and persecution an opportunity for the spread of the Gospel. Christians today should also be more concerned for our witness than for our comfort: more concerned for the spread of the Gospel than for the avoidance of suffering.
Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem.” He had a clear sense of purpose that guided his life. Clarity of purpose helps us to flourish as we live, not primarily for ourselves, but for something much larger than ourselves. When our lives are shaped by God’s purposes, we thrive even as we make a difference that matters in the world.
In life, we have people with whom God trusts us with and people whom God trusts with us. Our investment in each other truly can pay dividends in God’s Kingdom.
Rest tonight knowing that whatever is on your mind is in God’s hands.
Jason Robinson
Hey Pastor, in a world never short of controversy let’s keep our eye on the ball: - Call a hurting church member - Spend time with a young leader - Write a note of gratitude - Study hard for an upcoming sermon - Pray to the God of the harvest We have good kingdom work to do.
"The worst thing that can happen to a man is to succeed before he is ready." -Martyn Lloyd Jones
"Eternity hangs in the balance as the preacher proclaims the Word." - Richard Baxter
"The Gospel cannot be preached and heard enough, for it cannot be grasped well enough." - Martin Luther
"The three miserable consequences introduced by sin—ignorance, guilt, and bondage to sin—required Christ to fulfill three roles for us. Ignorance is healed by Christ the Prophet; guilt by Christ the Priest; the tyranny and bondage to sin by Christ the King." — Francis Turretin
"Lord, help me believe that the most important thing about me is the Jesus I proclaim." - Matt McCullough
"There is no excuse for fear if God is the foundation of our trust." — Charles Spurgeon
"God will make room for us in heaven when there is no room for us here." — Charles Spurgeon
"If you cannot rest in poverty, neither would you in riches." — Charles Spurgeon
"Since the Lord made me, he can put me right and keep me so to the end." — Charles Spurgeon
"Never did God's love begin, and never can it cease. It is from eternity and shall be to eternity." — Charles Spurgeon
"God would sooner unmake the earth than abandon his people." — Charles Spurgeon
"I hate sin. Not because it damns me, but because it has done God wrong." — Charles Spurgeon
"If a student should learn a thousand things, and yet fail to preach the gospel acceptably, his college course will have missed its true design." — Charles Spurgeon
"Within the Scripture there is a balm for every wound, a salve for every sore." — Charles Spurgeon
"The nearer a man lives to God, the more intensely has he to mourn over his own evil heart." — Charles Spurgeon
"If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled." — Charles Spurgeon
"Hope is like a star: not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity." — Charles Spurgeon
"When the believer gets near to God and eats the bread of heaven, all the feasts of earth, its amusements and glories, seem very flat, stale, and unprofitable." — Charles Spurgeon
"All our infirmities, whatever they are, are just opportunities for God to display his gracious work in us." — Charles Spurgeon
"I fear that some men would sooner be damned than be laughed at." — Charles Spurgeon
"Think not of the sinner or of the greatness of his sin, but think of the greatness of the Savior." — Charles Spurgeon
"Get a hold of a promise of God and you may pray with great boldness, for the Lord will not run back from his own Word." — Charles Spurgeon
"But if perilous times should come in these last days make us faithful. Raise up in our nation, men who shall hold the truth firmly as their fathers did." — Charles Spurgeon
"Begin early to teach, for children begin early to sin." — Charles Spurgeon
"The gospel is all about Christ from beginning to end." – Charles Spurgeon
"God's guarantee is worth more than human oaths." — Charles Spurgeon
“There are only two kinds of people: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then, have it your way.’” - C.S. Lewis
“To walk out of his will is to walk into nowhere.” - C.S. Lewis
The gospel is all about Christ from beginning to end." – Charles Spurgeon
“The Bible says, ‘Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’ (2 Pet. 3:18). But how do we do that? How does God actually change us? The basic point of this little book is that change is a matter of going deeper.” — Dane C. Ortlund
“Aslan,” said Lucy, “you’re bigger.” “That is because you are older, little one,” answered he. Not because you are?” “I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.” — C. S. Lewis, Prince Caspian
Because Christ’s righteousness is the sole basis for justification, believers enjoy the forgiveness of all sins—past, present, and future. — Dr. Nathan Busenitz
Set a watch upon your eyes, that sin break not in upon your heart. —Thomas Manton, Works 6:394
“The living God is so glorious and kind, he cannot be known without being adored. Those who truly know him will love him, and without that heartfelt delight in God, we are nothing but hollow hypocrites.” — Michael Reeves
“The Gospel promises eternal life for Christ’s perfect obedience.” — John Colquhoun
The Bible is God preaching. - J.I. Packer
Without compassion, we do not really see people.
“No church, and no Christian, merely has a creed or a code or a cult. All three are inseparable facets of the one Christian faith.” — Carl Trueman
It is a good rule never to look into the face of a man in the morning till you have looked into the face of God -C.H. Spurgeon -
We must allow the Word of God to correct us the same way we allow it to encourage us. -A.W. Tozer -
God's true church has always been a place where people hunger for the truth from the Bible. John MacArthur
"Self must not only be dead but buried out of sight, for the stench of the unburied self-life will frighten souls away from Jesus." -John Hyde.
The principle of true love to the brethren, is the LOVE OF GOD - John Newton
Christ wept over sinners, and so must we. If we trifle with men, or be careless about their salvation, or deal forth with damnation with an unfeeling heart, we do not preach “as we ought.” —Andrew Fuller, Works 2:406
Be of good cheer, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole. John Bunyan
The man who does not know the nature of the Law, cannot know the nature of sin. John Bunyan
Hey Pastor, in a world never short of controversy let’s keep our eye on the ball: - Call a hurting church member - Spend time with a young leader - Write a note of gratitude - Study hard for an upcoming sermon - Pray to the God of the harvest We have good kingdom work to do.
The Lord forever helps those who are his and guides them by his Spirit John Calvin
The Lord never wills to deceive his own, or to fill them with empty expectations. John Calvin
"The worst thing that can happen to a man is to succeed before he is ready." -Martyn Lloyd Jones
The true Christian is the only happy man, because he has sources of happiness entirely independent of this world. -J.C. Ryle -
Pride is that actor which can play every part and yet which is faithful 2 no 1 object or purpose but 2 exalt and glorify self-J.C. Philpot -
Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition. Jeremiah Burroughs
“In the name of the eternal God, I beseech you, if you love him, get to work for him.” - Charles
Spurgeon
“To affirm a way of life that excludes people 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 the kingdom of God, is to stand opposed to the cross of Christ which aims to save people 𝘧𝘰𝘳 the kingdom of God.” — John Piper
"Pray that I may be less like myself, and more like my heavenly Master." -Robert Murray M'Cheyne.
Prayer is the spiritual pulse of the renewed soul; its beat indicates the healthy or unhealthy state of the believer. —Octavius Winslow, Personal Declension, 102
The other eleven disciples didn't completely reject the faith, and stop believing in Jesus for the rest of their life, because of the actions of Judas. If the actions of others wreck your faith, then you must honestly ask yourself, "Was I worshiping Jesus or people?"
The most important part of a Christian’s life is the part only God sees—the profound relationship between a believer and God and the inner strength that our heavenly Father gives us to handle the demands of life. Ray Bentley
Ed Taylor
If God’s going to use you publicly… He must first deal with you privately. AND very deeply.
And, indeed, this is one of the greatest mysteries in the world; namely, that a righteousness that resides in Heaven should justify me, a sinner on Earth! John Bunyan
He is exactly just, and exactly merciful. He so shows mercy, as it must be done without injury to his justice. Justice must be fully satisfied, that mercy may be fully and comfortably manifested. —Richard Sibbes, Works 7:267
When the soul desires forgiveness of sin, and not the grace to lead a new life, that desire is hypocritical; for a true Christian desires power against sin as well as pardon for it. If we have not sanctifying grace, we have not pardoning grace. —Puritan Richard Sibbes, 7:221
"For the overseer must be . . . sensible." - Titus 1:7-8 "[1] in body, using moderation in diet and dress; and [2] in mind, being prudent, modest, and humble, and thinking soberly of himself, and others, as he ought." - John Gill
Run when I can, walk when I cannot run, and creep when I cannot walk. John Bunyan
What we are afraid to speak before men, and to do for fear of danger, let us be afraid to think before God. —Richard Sibbes, Works 7:189
How fast we learn in a day of sorrow! Scripture shines out in new effulgence; every verse seems to contain a sunbeam. -Horatius Bonar -
The smallest measure of real faith will take the soul to heaven. -Octavius Winslow -
The various arguments for the truth of our holy religion, have been sufficient to satisfy the wisest, and the best, and the ablest of men. - William Wilberforce
May the habit of consistently prioritizing seeking God in any and every circumstance become ingrained in me.
I am content with what I have, little be it, or much. John Bunyan
A man's greatest care should be for that place where he lives longest; therefore eternity should be his scope. -Thomas Watson -
What is godly living? ...to have our character and conduct formed and regulated by the Word -A.W. Pink -
It is a destructive addition to add anything to Christ. Richard Sibbes
If God’s mercy might be overcome by our sins, we should overcome it everyday. —Richard Sibbes, Works 7:198
Let no man despair or be discouraged. If there be in thee height and depth, and length and breadth of sin, there is also much more the height and depth, and length and breadth of mercy in God. —Puritan Richard Sibbes, Works 7:214
Remember. When God denies us something, even when we have the best of motives, He has an even greater plan. Ray Bentley
1) walking love (Eph. 5:2). 2) speaking love (Eph. 4:!5). 3) protecting love (2 Jn 8)
Let evangelical motives lead you to the practice of [repentance]. Acts as drawn by the cords of love. The goodness of God should lead you to it. Horror, despair, terror of conscience will drive Cain and Judas to strange fits of legal repentance. —David Clarkson, Works 1:19
Jesus Christ doesn't want to keep our relationship with Him a secret. Don't be afraid or hesitant to sound the alarm in your home or work. I thank God Almighty, King of the universe, that He didn't keep His relationship with us a secret. He sent his only begotten Son down here to die on a cross out in the open for everybody to see. I think the least we can do is to show others that same love that He showed to us.
Jesus' call to come and follow Him can only be received by those who will say, "No to self" and "Death to self." This is humiliating to the self-life, to think it is not good enough, to admit that it belongs on the cross. This is especially humbling when we see that these are to be our daily confessions. The rest of the discipleship issue is settled by faith, trusting in Jesus each step of every day.
Give and you will always have room to receive. Give of your time, money, and self.
Lee Strobel reminds us that in 1st century Israel, a great teacher able to solve problems with Scripture was considered an “uprooter,” or “pulverizer” of mountains.1 “Moving” a mountain symbolized getting rid of a difficulty or obstacle. A mustard seed, says Strobel, is 39/1000th of an inch across, but produces a fast-growing plant that can reach 12 feet in one season. God’s promise is that Christ’s faith, operating in you and me, is as vital as that mustard plant. It shoves aside doubts, difficulties, obstacles and barriers to the accomplishment of the will of God in our lives.
Learn from David to take no step without God. Christian, if you would know the path of duty, take God for your compass; if you would steer your ship through the dark billows, put the tiller into the hand of the Almighty. Many a rock might be escaped if we would let our Father take the helm; many a shoal or quicksand we might well avoid if we would leave it to His sovereign will to choose and to command.
The Puritan said, "As sure as ever a Christian carves for himself, he'll cut his own fingers."
God's promise to His people. Let us, then, take all our perplexities to Him and say, "Lord, what will you have me do?" Do not leave your house this morning without inquiring of the Lord.
LEGGOOOOOOOO!
If there is no connection there is no relationship!
Drawing from the well of religion will keep you thirsty...
“Generals in God’s Army”
The chief danger of the 20th century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and Heaven without Hell.
William Booth
Going through the motions will turn a few day's journey into 40 years. As it was in the wilderness...
You have everything you want of God. The question is, are you hungry and thirsty for more?
Be purposeful in desire, devotion, love, and life!
When the channel has been cleared to the inflow of God’s Spirit, the outflow and overflow will be assured.
By Vance Havner
Get under the spout where the Glory spills out!
If you doubt you do with out!
Sin blocks the flow of the Spirit like a dam blocks the flow of water to a river.
It is not feelings but filling of the Holy Spirit that will keep you from falling.
Feelings don't last.....
The Spirit is flowing so we have to have a release by giving of ourselves to do God's will.
Don't be a sponge but rather a river of life...
"Let us learn the high authority of the Bible, and the immense value of a knowledge of its contents. Let us read it, search into it, pray over it, diligently and with perseverance. Let us strive to be so thoroughly acquainted with its pages, that its text may abide in our memories, and stand ready at our right hand in the day of need." ~ J.C. Ryle
NOTICE JESUS DID NOT SAY, " I AM FINISHED". AS A FRIEND ALWAYS SAYS HE IS UP ALL NIGHT. JESUS IS NEVER DONE WITH YOU TILL YOU ARE HOME WITH HIM.
We need a prayer of grace-based confession, like David’s. After a year of denial, he finally prayed, “God, be merciful to me because you are loving. Because you are always ready to be merciful, wipe out all my wrongs. Wash away all my guilt and make me clean again. I know about my wrongs and I can’t forget my sin…You are right when you speak and fair when you judge” (Psalm 51:1-4 NCV).
The process of being made broken bread and poured-out wine means that you have to be the nourishment for other peopleÕs souls until they learn to feed on God. They must drain you completelyÑ to the very last drop. But be careful to replenish your supply, or you will quickly be utterly exhausted.
“In any relationship, there will be frightening spells in which your feelings of love dry up. And when that happens you must remember that the essence of marriage is that it is a covenant, a commitment, a promise of future love.
We lose heart when we lose hope.
It will never change, They will always be like that, What I am doing is not making a difference. I have been doing this for a long time and have not seen any progress.
Do not let what you see determine how you will serve.
Obedience is the highest practical courage.
~C. H. Spurgeon~
Crises reveal who people really are. I’m sure you’ve experienced it in your relationships at work and at home. Someone you care about does something terrible. It evokes a variety of emotional responses in us. Invariably, these reactions during a time of crisis tell us something about ourselves.
A January 2005 article in TIME magazine reported: “Studies show that the more a believer incorporates religion into daily living—attending services, reading Scripture, praying—the better off he or she appears to be on two measures of happiness: frequency of positive emotions and overall sense of satisfaction with life.”
With faith and focus on Christ, God can change our hearts even when He doesn’t change our circumstances.
“He who obeys the command ‘rejoice in the Lord,’ has a hallelujah in his soul every minute of the day and night.” —A. C. Dixon
We should no more tolerate false doctrine than we would sin.
~J.C. Ryle~
Encourage the people God has put in your life, and receive encouragement from them and from God Himself. In these turbulent times, everyone can use some encouragement.
The world thinks -- if we make God less than He is by our words, definitions, thoughts, and attitudes, then by doing so we render Him powerless over us. Unfortunately, denying God's existence won't reduce His grandeur or authority by one iota.
"God I believe in you -- now give me what I want!" He is God and we're not. He knows things we don't and He sees things we can't. We must place our cares and concerns upon Him -- then trust Him. We honor and glorify God, not with just our words, but also our faith.
“If you want your life to flow more smoothly—if you want to be more productive, and learn to be more selective, and your prayers to be more effective—then live in the zone: Abide in Christ.” —Steve May
If there be ground for you to trust in your own righteousness, then all that Christ did to purchase salvation, and all that God did to prepare the way for it, is in vain.
~Jonathan Edwards~
Isn't it a sad commentary on our country when we are so over-fed, filled, and content -- we don't find it necessary to say, "Thanks!" to God any more -- that it is the exception, not the rule when people pause for a moment before a meal to offer thanks to God?
There are many humble, faithful Christian leaders. Unfortunately, there are also leaders who seek attention. Pride sets them up for a fall and dishonors the Lord. Jesus calls us to be light directing people to Him, not shining a spotlight on ourselves.
Randy Alcorn
True fulfillment in marriage comes when we place a higher priority on honoring God, abiding in his Word, and serving our spouses than we do on getting our own way.
Any other pursuits apart from Jesus leave us empty.
“Depend upon it, my hearer, you never will go to heaven unless you are prepared to worship Jesus Christ as God.”
~C.H. Spurgeon~
Dwight L. Moody, the great evangelist, preached on many subjects, but according to his biography, “He had one central message to share with people: Men and women are all created to be friends and lovers of God. We are made for no other end. Until we realize this we will live lives of turmoil, confusion, and even desperation.”
I don’t like suffering. Nor am I called to seek it. But when we bend over backward to avoid it and value comfort over commitment, we’re not acting like Christ’s disciples.
Randy Alcorn
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