Thomas Hooker, the English preacher who came to the new world and founded the state of Connecticut, lay dying. Gathered around him were well-meaning people who sought to comfort him. “You are going to your rest,” they said. The old preacher turned and responded, “I go to receive mercy.”
Mercy is its own reward.
At the Lord's Supper, the resurrection was implied. "I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes" (Luke 22:18). At the tomb, the resurrection was documented. "He is not here, but is risen!" (Luke 24:6). With the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, the resurrection was proclaimed. "Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, and put to death; whom God raised up" (Acts 2:23-24)
Heaven would be far away and unreachable if we were held accountable for our sins. But God is good to us. He gives us love, joy, and forgiveness. His Holy Spirit comforts us. He grants us abundant lives of adventure, discovery, and faith. He gives us prophecy to understand the future and prayer as a source of power. He loves us as His cherished children. He gives us eternal life.
Mercy, tender mercy.
Undeserved favor from God. Nothing we can do will earn it. We can only receive it.
The maker of the stars would rather die for you than live without you.
If you feel overlooked or unseen, God sees you! If you feel unheard or ignored, God hears you! No matter what your circumstances are today, you are dearly loved by God.
OSWALD CHAMBERS
The great point of Abraham’s faith in God was that he was prepared to do anything for God.
Have you ever thought there was no future for you, that it was just too late? If so, then you need to know more about the power of God and what can take place through prayer.
One thing that certainly stands out in the pages of Scripture is that prayer can dramatically change situations, people, and, on occasion, even the course of nature itself. But what prayer changes the most is us.
God will allow hardship and difficulties in our lives so that He can reveal Himself and put His power and glory on display for those who are watching. When we pray, we’re acknowledging our need for God’s help. Maybe that is why we don’t pray as much as we ought to.
Prayer is an admission of weakness on our part, and some people don’t like to admit weakness. However, we’re foolish if we think we don’t need God.
It isn’t always a bad thing to complain to God or to bring your concerns, your questions, your pain, and your sadness to Him.
We repeatedly read in the Gospels that Jesus prayed, and He prayed a lot. He would spend the night in prayer, and He would rise early while the disciples were still sleeping and pray.
We should get into a habit of prayer. We tend to make prayer a very formal matter, and we become hung up on that. But when a burden hits us, we should pray right then. When something troubles us or concerns us, we should turn it into a prayer right away. We need to develop a lifestyle of prayer.
Philippians 4 reminds us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (verses 6–7 NLT).
What do you do with your heartache? Pray. Commit it to the Lord. Cry out to God in your sorrow and pain. Call on God for His provision, protection, and guidance. And give thanks to Him for your joys.
Let's not grieve God's heart. He loves us too much and has given us so much. As His children, let's live our lives in thankfulness to Him. If Pre K'ers can grasp this I know we can.
Throughout the Old Testament are numerous accounts of how God deals with faithlessness, sin, pride, hypocrisy, etc. God is patient but He knows our hearts, and as a loving Father He also knows that discipline -- even severe discipline is sometimes needed. Sometimes a new believer doesn't fully understand his responsibility when he accepts Christ and is welcomed into the family of believers. As in an earthly family, we assume and accept a new level of accountability and leadership from the head of our family -- Jesus. This is not a commitment we should take lightly or expect God to take lightly. Thankfully, God only makes such dramatic demonstrations against sin in the body of believers at certain times in church history. If you or I were struck dead the next time we spoke or did something hypocritical, I doubt we would survive the day. Hypocrisy like many sins, begins with a lie. It ends as all sin does in death. Maybe not actual death like Ananias and Sapphira, but it kills your witness (does do as I say not as I do work for you?); it kills your joy (in order to justify your own hypocrisy you judge others to make yourself feel better); it kills your peace (if you're living in hypocrisy you must always keep your guard up, constantly fearing someone will discover the real you).
The risen Christ was the constant message of the early church. In Peter's Spirit-empowered message at Pentecost, he repeatedly proclaimed the resurrected Lord Jesus. "Him…you have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up
…You will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption…he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ…
The word compassion in Isaiah 54:10 is the Hebrew word racham, which means “to soothe; to cherish; to love deeply like parents; to be compassionate, be tender…This verb usually refers to a strong love which is rooted in some kind of natural bond, often from a superior one to an inferior. Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
While trouble may surround us, we are not alone. When we feel hedged in by doubt, we can remember we have a Helper, Who is our great support
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, crying, or pain.
Everything we do must be done in order, not chaos, so people will see Jesus Christ.
Spiritual gifts are not toys with which to play; they are tools
of the Spirit with which to do the Lord’s work effectively.
~G. Raymond Carlson~
When times get hard, when people don’t listen, when tears come, when disappointment is your bed partner, when fear pitches its tent in your front yard, when death looms, when shame weighs heavily… always remember Jesus!
People don’t care what you know, until they know you care.
Not all guilt is bad. God uses appropriate doses of guilt to awaken us to sin! God’s guilt brings enough regret to change us! Satan’s guilt, on the other hand, brings enough regret to enslave us. Don’t let Satan lock his shackles on you!
Colossians 3:3 reminds us, “your life is hidden with Christ in God.” When God looks at you, he sees Jesus first. In the Chinese language the word for “righteousness” is a combination of two characters, the figure of a lamb and a person. The lamb is on top, covering the person. Whenever God looks down at you, this is what he sees: The perfect Lamb of God covering you.
Wrath … is the expression of God’s holy,
loving displeasure with sin.
~Arthur Skevington Wood~
Truly Worth Something
Often, when a country’s government is overthrown, all the former paper currency is declared worthless, and a new currency issued. How tragic to have spent your life amassing the old, worthless currency!
When we get to heaven, we may find the same tragedy -- the things we worked so hard for on earth and valued so much are now worthless and useless.
Set your priorities on things of eternal value!
- - Anonymous
Your Character and Destiny
Be careful of your thoughts,
For your thoughts become your words.
Be careful of your words,
For your words become your deeds.
Be careful of your deeds,
For your deeds become your habits.
Be careful of your habits,
For your habits become your character.
Be careful of your character,
For your character becomes your destiny.
-- Anonymous
At the Lord's Supper, the resurrection was implied. "I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes" (Luke 22:18). At the tomb, the resurrection was documented. "He is not here, but is risen!" (Luke 24:6). With the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, the resurrection was proclaimed. "Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, and put to death; whom God raised up" (Acts 2:23-24).
James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Not everyone that you speak to believes instantly what you share. Sometimes people are just ready to receive: "Yes, I need that. How do I get it?" But others need quite a bit of explanation to remove the roadblocks that they have with the Christian faith. Some need a great deal of apologetics, where you have to present the Christian worldview, the evidence of creation, the evidence of Scripture, etc. We need to present that in some cases, but it's best to just start with the basics—the person of Christ, the nature of Christ, and the love of God—and then deal with the roadblocks as they come up.
It doesn't matter who you are or what your social or occupational status is; being raised with Christ means that we have the awesome task of simply going about our day with Jesus in mind. Not our agendas, and not our plans, but His plans. Paul says, "whatever" you do. Whatever you set your mind on, make sure you think what Jesus is thinking. Whatever you set your hands on, make sure you do what Jesus wants you to do. And whatever you talk about with your friends or co-workers, make sure you say what Jesus wants you to say.
Paul tells us leadership is to be performed "diligently". It comes from the Greek word spoude and means "earnestness in accomplishing, promoting, or striving after anything." So what is the leader to strive after? No man can truly exercise leadership over others unless he is conscious of the fact that he himself is ruled. When the Centurion requested that Jesus heal his servant in Luke 7:8, he said, "For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." In other words, he said to Jesus, "You do not have to come, I understand the chain of command. I have those above me, but I also have those below me. I am in a chain of authority and I can say I know what authority is all about."
The Bible establishes many chains of command or levels of authority. But God is always at the top. Unless a man is aware that he is governed by God, is responsible to God, and will have to answer to God, that man is not qualified to lead. When authority is given to anyone who is not governed by God, they will soon take advantage, make mistakes, and pervert authority to their own benefit. Crisis and catastrophe will become the norm.
God opens and shuts doors therefor we do not strive with man but to enter through the narrow gate. To have a conscience without offense toward God and men. To strive together in prayers to the Lord. And not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.
Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12
Pay attention that you do not glory in your graces, but let all your glorying and confidence be in Christ and His strength, for only in this way can you be kept from falling. Be much more diligent in prayer. Spend longer time in holy adoration. Read the Scriptures more earnestly and constantly. Watch your lives more carefully. Live nearer to God. Take the best examples for your pattern. Let your conversation be full of heaven. Let your hearts be perfumed with affection for men's souls. Live in such a way that men may recognize that you have been with Jesus and have learned of Him; and when that happy day shall come, when He whom you love shall say, "Come up higher," may it be your happiness to hear Him say, "You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, and henceforth there is laid up for you the crown of righteousness that doesn't fade."
by Alistair Begg
We are not called to just serve the people, but to serve our families first and then others. If we serve others but dishonor our parents, we are not true servants, we are hypocrites.
A severe test of a man’s essential nature is how he appears to the members of his own family.
~Maldwyn Edwards~
The true depth of understanding comes when our hearts are bound together in love. A mere intellectual understanding of Jesus will not bring a full understanding of the mystery of God. Much of what God desires for us to know—the “hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge”— comes from the love we give to one another, and the maturing that occurs as we learn to deny ourselves and care for others.
Ray Bentley
If you are attempting to live your life without fellowship, I encourage you to seek out companions who share your faith, and who can encourage you, love you, and with whom you can share the mysteries and knowledge of God. Being able to talk to others about your faith, your struggles, and your victories will bless and encourage you. That is what God intended!
Whatever mechanics you use, the Bible holds to these truths: Romans 8:26 says the Holy Spirit helps you pray. In Mark 11:24, Jesus says to pray in faith. In Mark 9:29, Jesus says some cases require prayer and fasting. In “The Lord’s Prayer,” Jesus gives a pattern for prayer. Whenever, wherever, and in whatever way…pray for your president and the leadership of your United States of America. Ask that God’s name will be honored and His will be done!
Nobody can have their agenda. God will bring together a unified team with one vision and purpose––to get the job done!
If ten men are carrying a log — nine of them on the little end and one at the heavy end — and you want to help, which end will you lift on?
~William Borden~
I love illustrations. I herd this one yesterday by Pastor Greg. He says" Christians are like tea bags, you don't know what's in them till they are in hot water.
Another by Mile Tyson, he says " everyone is a boxer until they get hit.
As a boxer / Christian we have to keep moving forward no matter the hot water or the hit
No release or escape from it will ever come from any human power, but only through the power of redemption. You must yield yourself in utter humiliation to the only One who can break the dominating power in your life, namely, the Lord Jesus Christ.
How can we say such a strong and absolute statement? Let's clear the air.
Yes, non-believing husbands can love their wives–just as they can breathe fresh air and enjoy seeing a beautiful landscape. One theological term for this is "common grace". All are free and able to enjoy the goodness God gives in various forms because He is good and His goodness spills over onto all humanity (see James 1:17). But for believers, there's so much more...particularly for marriage. A husband whose heart has been captured by Christ has a deeper, truer understanding of love and grace. He understands that he is saved and loved only by God's grace in Christ and is therefore compelled to love his wife similarly. He knows a different, heart-changing love and he extends the same to his wife. He is patient, kind, and gentle. He is faithful. A wife who is a believer will be profoundly impacted by a husband led by Christ. That's how marriage was designed to work. "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her..." ~ Eph 5:25.
There is nothing more relieving to a wife than a husband who loves her well and leads as he himself follows Christ.
In our relationships: we cannot seek to withdraw where we have not deposited.
You will never have enough time, we must make the time. Those few minutes just might change someone else's eternity.
"So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own
lives, because you had become dear to us. Paul
What has the Church gained if it is popular but there is no conviction, no repentance, no power?
~A.W. Tozer~
Before we were saved we weren't just part-time in darkness -- we were lost all of the time -- even when doing "good". Conversely, now that we are saved we are full-time children of light. It's just who we are; however, our nature in Christ must also be our experience.
Spiritual babies that don't grow up die in the wilderness...
Paul Washer
A biblical church is under the headship of Christ and must be governed by His Word.
The soul that has wandered from God will search heaven and earth in vain for rest. Charles Bridges
A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t. Charles Spurgeon
Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom. Charles Spurgeon
Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength. Charles Spurgeon
Give yourself unto reading. The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own. You need to read. Charles Spurgeon
Nothing teaches us about the preciousness of the Creator as much as when we learn the emptiness of everything else. Charles Spurgeon
Visit many good books, but live in the Bible. Charles Spurgeon
You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled. Charles Spurgeon
When you offer your body to God as an instrument willing to be used for His work, when you desire God’s plans above your own, then your life will become a progressive manifestation of God’s will. Chuck Smith
Receive Him. Accept His love. Then you will know what it means to live under the protective arm of God’s tender mercy. Ray Bentley
A mind that trusts in the Lord is in the best condition to acquire knowledge and understanding. Spurgeon
We have become so learned and so worldly and so sophisticated and so blasé and so bored and so religiously tired that the clouds of glory seem to have gone from us. Tozer
“The door on which we have been knocking all our lives will open at last.” - C.S. Lewis
An effective Church prioritizes Biblical-correctness over political-correctness, holiness over coolness, God-pleasing over people-pleasing, and reverence over relevance. Stick to the Bible!
You can't be spiritually "born again" one day, then be “spiritually dead again" the next day. If there is nothing you can do to "save yourself", then there is also nothing you can do to “un-save yourself". Jesus saves. the Holy Spirit seals.
No sin is so great, but the satisfaction of Christ and his mercy is greater. —Puritan Richard Sibbes, Works 7:202
Though it be lawful to read other men’s holy works, yet the holy Scriptures must still have the pre-eminence, they must be firstly, chiefly, and mostly read. —Puritan Thomas Brooks, Works 4:228
The Holy Book of the living #God suffers more from its exponents today than from its opponents -Leonard Ravenhill -
What we take in by the Word we digest by meditation and let out by #prayer. -Thomas Manton -
"The same thing should happen here in the Christian Church; none other should be preached or taught except the Son of God alone. Of Him alone it is said, ‘This is My beloved Son; listen to Him’ [Matthew 17:5] and no other, be he emperor, pope, or cardinal." - Martin Luther
"The greatest anointing of the Spirit of God comes upon my life when I am sitting before the Lord and outlining my message" - Chuck Smith
“Change happens not just by giving the mind new arguments but also by feeding the imagination new beauties.” -Tim Keller
"We must put away all notion of self-importance. God will not bless the man who thinks himself great." — Charles Spurgeon
"The Lord will surely grow those who are relying upon him for eternal life." — Charles Spurgeon
"He who fears God has nothing else to fear." — Charles Spurgeon
"One man with God on his side is in the majority." — Charles Spurgeon
"You cannot fail to be wise if you commune with Incarnate Wisdom." — Charles Spurgeon
"God has gone so far in blessing us that it is not possible for him to run back." — Charles Spurgeon
"You are Christ's and Christ is yours." — Charles Spurgeon
"Perhaps nothing brings more glory to God than that calm peace the saints enjoy during trouble." — Charles Spurgeon
"If we are found faithful, it will be because God is faithful." — Charles Spurgeon
"The gospel is all about Christ from beginning to end." – Charles Spurgeon
"As Adam stood for his descendants, so does Jesus stand for all who are in him." — Charles Spurgeon
The early church persistently proclaimed the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was not an option for them; neither is it an option for us. The grace of God that is available in the gospel for both justification and sanctification requires a risen Lord. The resurrection is essential to the gospel, which is the new covenant of grace.
OSWALD CHAMBERS
The main characteristic which is the proof of the indwelling Spirit is an amazing tenderness in personal dealing, and a blazing truthfulness with regard to God’s Word.
The God who created every atom and molecule in the entire universe walked on earth as a man.
“I was like a stone lying in deep mire, and He that is mighty came and in His mercy raised me up and, indeed, lifted me high up and placed me on top of the wall. And from there I ought to shout out in gratitude to the Lord for His great favours…” —St. Patrick, from the Confession of Saint Patrick— 450 A.D.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we have a relationship with the Creator of the universe. And we have complete access to Him through prayer.
We are God’s children, and He loves us. He wants to hear from us. He wants to talk to us and spend time with us. It’s never a drudgery; it’s always a delight. And the same should be true for us when we spend time with Him.
We know from the Scriptures that He is a good Father. For instance, in the story of the Prodigal Son, Jesus presented God the Father as a dad who missed his wayward son and longed for his return. Then, when his son made his way back home, he ran to him and threw his arms around him.
Jesus was approachable. Little children were drawn to Him, and He blessed them. Tears streamed down His face as He stood at the grave of His friend Lazarus. In the upper room, He got down on His hands and knees and washed the feet of His disciples, including the feet of Judas Iscariot.
God is omnipresent, which means that He is present everywhere. And is Heaven really that far away? Perhaps in a sense it is. But in another sense, Heaven is closer than we may realize. Heaven is another dimension. It’s a supernatural realm.
God is deeply involved in and deeply concerned about what you’re facing right now. If it concerns you, then it concerns Him.
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