We must not rest without a desperate struggle to clasp the Saviour in the arms of faith, and say, "I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him."
Charles Spurgeon
God is faithful even when our friends and closes companions are not. Christians and family are not infallible. Forgive and forget. And if God tells you to or closes the door move on with out regret. The Lord has provided Himself a living sacrifice.
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Submission comes when the submisser sees a model but there is no excuse when the model for the church is not the believers in the pews but the Lord Jesus Christ and his word.
It is not enough to pray God lead us. We must contend and take action.
Does it make sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying in the thing that lies before us today?
How many momentous events in Scripture depended on one person's seemingly small act of obedience!
Rest assured: Do what God tells you to do now, and, depend upon it, you will be shown what to do next. -- Elisabeth Elliot (from Quest for Love: True Stories of Passion and Purity)
I put the scriptures above all the sayings of the fathers,
angels, me and devils. Here I take my stand.
~Martin Luther~
When we come to Christ, God not only forgives us, he also adopts us! It would be enough if God just cleansed your name, but he does more. He gives you his name. It would be enough if God just set you free, but he does more. He takes you home.
The bravest thing you can do is to admit your mistakes and be responsible for them."
"Those who make the worst use of their time are the first to complain of its shortness." ~ Jean De La Bruyere
Optimists see failures as learning experiences, as challenges to modify their approach. Pessimists take failures personally, interpreting them as evidence of some deep-seated character flaw. Because their identity is tied so closely to the problem, they feel overwhelmed.
The most important things in life, aren’t things.
To be a successful leader you must look at leadership as a series of levels that you move through by intentional actions. Leading is a verb, not a noun.
Whom God sends He employs, for He sends none to be idle.
~Matthew Henry~
In Galatians 6:14, Paul said, “The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is my only reason for bragging!” So if you need to brag—brag about that!
Humility is an invisible virtue.
~Thomas Philippe~
Be not proud of race, face, place or grace.
~C. H. Spurgeon~
We need to make the right choices in life because it can affect the entire course that our lives take.
we should conduct ourselves as though we are walking in heaven itself.
Don't walk like the people of this world who are on the broad path to destruction. Don't walk like the people filled with smut and filth. As Christians, you and I are to walk as though we are walking on the streets of gold in that city whose builder and maker is God.
No amount of riches can atone for poverty of character.
“On the last day, Jesus will look us over not for medals, diplomas, or honors, but for scars.”
― Brennan Manning
It is easier to crush an acorn than uproot an oak tree.
Facing suffering is more of a matter of posture than a plan.
The important spiritual principle is that the fear of the Lord conquers every other fear.
As a leader, I am always thinking about the future. I contemplate where the Kingdom is headed. How does the work that I do fit into this larger picture of God’s work? How can I grow the vision God has given me? How am I investing in my team for where they are headed? While all these questions are important, this last question has been a recurring thought over the years. I have become sensitive to the reality that vision building is meant to be a mutually beneficial experience between leadership and their team members.
Pray for your team members in your private prayer time.
Invest in their vision. You will never be blessed by what you refuse to honor. When they share their vision with you, find creative ways to support and propel them on their journey. Their success is not at your expense. In fact, their success in their vision could complement and enhance your vision.
Many people are still in the dark today. Isn’t it time for Christians to cry out to all who would hear the news of a Savior?
The hour has come for you to look beyond the wall of your past and to gaze upon His eternal plan for you. What has held you bound should no longer hold you as a captive. God has been preparing you for this very moment and what people have planned against you for harm, God will turn around to use for your good.
According to the TED website, Simon Sinek’s TED talk, “How great leaders inspire action,” has been viewed 38,544,304 times. It’s the third most popular TED talk of all time. Sinek’s main point is that great leaders start with the why, not the what, but the WHY. If you can get clear on your why, then you can be a great leader, and people will follow you (if, of course, your why is compelling). God start's with the what, the amazing things God has done in Christ… and the bible also gives us God’s why.
The cycle is broken with one moment of surrender, of swallowed pride, and abandoning oneself to the love of God.
Sometimes we don't understand why we are going through something difficult. It's comforting to know that God is working in all things (even those that are difficult or confusing) to bring about good.
"If you go looking for a friend, you're going to find they're very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you'll find them everywhere." - Zig Ziglar
We are better together. Everyone longs for meaningful relationships.
From the LA Times..... “The fact is that we miss the friendships we no longer have, and we know that Facebook or emails cannot possibly compensate for the loss. So we sit in front of our television sets and enjoy the dream of friendship instead: a drama where we need never be alone, where there is a group of people who would do anything for us, and where everyone seems to understand us to our very core, just like Jerry and George, Chandler and Joey, Carrie and her girls, or the members of the McKinley High glee club. It is a powerful dream, and it is one that may now be the primary pleasure of television.”
Neal Gabler
None are more unjust in their judgments of others than those who have high opinions of themselves.
~Charles Spurgeon~
…he [sinful man] must repent and believe. He must forsake his sins and then go on to forsake himself. Let him cover nothing, defend nothing, excuse nothing. Let him not seek to make terms with God, but let him bow his head before the stroke of God’s displeasure and acknowledge himself worthy to die.
~A.W. Tozer~
Be aware of those around you who need help.
The blood of Christ can cleanse away all sin. But we must ‘Plead guilty’ before God can declare us innocent.
~J. C. Ryle~
Although we may have our priorities in order, many of us are so tightly booked that it would literally take an act of God to make a schedule change. It is always interesting to watch the building anxiety of Godly men and women who want to serve in a ministry but can't find the time.
When I first became a Christian I had to let a lot of old friendships go because my old friends didn't understand that the new "Phil" wasn't interested in the old activities. They still thought I was the old "Phillip", so despite my protests, the invitations kept coming, and as a result I still had the temptations of my old life. On the other hand, any new acquaintances instantly recognized what I am now about because I carry my Bible with me and read it constantly. They never consider inviting me to "party" with them. In fact, the people I now attract are like-minded and recognize who I am instantly (a Christian), by the signs I display -- "from the first day" they meet me. Do people know the difference in your life?
To repent is to change one’s attitude toward self, toward sin, toward God, toward Christ.
~H.A. Ironside~
Your greatest prayer partner is and will always be your spouse.
“Here stands a man all guilty. The moment he believes in Christ, his pardon at once he receives, and his sins are no longer his; they are cast into the depths of the sea.” Spurgeon
If I never spoke of hell, I should look on myself as an accomplice of the devil.
JC Ryle
We glorify God by laboring to draw others to God; by seeking to convert others, and so make them instruments of glorifying God.
Thomas Watson
Wars are planned in the war room and fought on the battlefield. We are Christan soldiers in Christ's army, put on the full armor of God, and get into the fight.
The Bible is still relevant. The tomb is still empty. The Gospel still works. The Spirit still empowers. The Church still lives. Jesus still saves. God is still good all the time.
“I sometimes wonder if all pleasures are not substitutes for joy.” - C.S. Lewis
Every blessing we receive from him is a token of his favour, and a pledge of that far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory which he has reserved for us. - John Newton
This was the design of Christ, that the Church should be as it were admitted into the society of the blessed Trinity. Edwards
"When God himself is our Comforter no anguish can long abide." — Charles Spurgeon
"You are worrying and troubling yourself, and you can do nothing; go to sleep." — Charles Spurgeon
"We are hell-deserving creatures. If we are not humble we ought to be." — Charles Spurgeon
"Christ does no stand in need of you half as much as you do of him." — Charles Spurgeon
"We cannot see an hour before us, but the Lord Jesus will lead us even to our journey's end." — Charles Spurgeon
"Grace is the best medicine for a languishing patient." — Charles Spurgeon
"A dauntless faith in God brushes fear aside like the cobwebs in a giant's path." — Charles Spurgeon
"The star of hope is still in the sky when the night is blackest." — Charles Spurgeon
"Nothing is a stumbling block to the man who has the Word of God dwelling in him richly." — Charles Spurgeon
"Love for God coming into your soul will expel love for sin." — Charles Spurgeon
"This world is dark as midnight; Jesus has come that by faith we may have light." — Charles Spurgeon
"Read good books and so feed the appetite with healthy food." — Charles Spurgeon
"If our prayer is God's delight, let us not be stingy in that which gives him pleasure." — Charles Spurgeon
"Bad men delight in carnal objects; do not envy them. Look to a better delight." — Charles Spurgeon
"If we fear God, we have nothing else to fear." — Charles Spurgeon
"Our money we may lose, but our treasure is safe." — Charles Spurgeon
"Much is done for the devil in the name of God!" — Charles Spurgeon
"We believe in a God of purposes and plans. He has not left a blind fate to terrorize the world." — Charles Spurgeon
"The gospel is all about Christ from beginning to end." – Charles Spurgeon
What was lost in Adam, can only be recovered in Christ. Thomas Manton
I cannot read God’s mind. However, I can read God’s Word. R.C. Sproul
He reminds us to rejoice in our sufferings and to be sorrowful yet always rejoicing. Though tears, sorrows, and groans are real, in the darkness of suffering, God calls us to sing. - Tim Conway
"If the service of God is worth anything, it is worth everything." — Charles Spurgeon
Value God’s spiritual blessings and do not envy the wicked “God gave the Spirit to the rest of the apostles, but he gave the purse to the son of perdition.” —Puritan Thomas Manton, Works 7:249
Many men owe the grandeur of their lives to tremendous difficulties. Charles Spurgeon
To own and stand up for a hated and despised truth will bring more comfort to our souls than all the pleasure the wicked have in their sensual delights. —Puritan Thomas Manton, Works 7:249
There is no greater joy than to live in harmony with God’s people. If you can receive this message, you will discover greater joy, peace, and fulfillment in your church, family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers—even in your marriage or dating relationships. Ray Bentley
Christ becomes purity and grace and strength in you. You do not try to attain unto these things, but you know you have obtained them in Him. It is glorious rest with the Master. AB Simpson
"Churches live, grow, and flourish by the Word of God. And they languish and even perish without it." - John Stott
"We are to be newsboys and not editors of the Gospel." - Adrian Rogers
Jerry Bridges
We can begin each day with the deeply encouraging realization that I am accepted by God, not on the basis of my personal performance, but on the basis of the infinitely perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ
Saving faith and real converting grace will always produce conformity to the image of Jesus. J. C. Ryle
The sermon which does not lead to #Christ...will make the devils in #hell laugh, but make the #angels of #God weep. -C.H. Spurgeon -
Human will does not by liberty obtain #grace, but by grace obtains liberty. -John Calvin -
"The expositor should not communicate his own central idea, nor his own outline, nor his own title. He is, rather, to teach the central idea, outline, and theme of the author." -Donald McDougall
The infinite God must take away the infinite filth of his people’s sin. Charles Spurgeon
My chains fell off, my heart was free I rose, went forth, and followed Thee - Charles Wesley: conversion 21 May 1738
“If Christ crucified has not his rightful place in your sermons, and sin is not exposed as it should be, and your people are not plainly told what they ought to believe, and be, and do, your preaching is of no use.” - J.C. Ryle
"When I can not pray, I always sing." -Martin Luther.
"Christ does no stand in need of you half as much as you do of him." — Charles Spurgeon
Scripture "is the writing of the living God; each letter was penned with an Almighty finger" C.H. Spurgeon
He who has the Holy Spirit in his heart and the scriptures in his hands has all he needs. Alexander MacLaren (1826 – 1910)
“I love prayer. It is that which buckles on all the Christian’s armour.” Matthew Henry
"The impression that a praying mother leaves upon her children is life-long. Perhaps when you are dead and gone your prayer will be answered." D.L. Moody
"Scripture alone is absolute truth, essential truth, decisive truth, authoritative truth, undiluted truth, eternal, everlasting truth." Charles Spurgeon
Awake, thou sleeper, and begin to do something for thy God. George Whitefield
God's grace is His active favor bestowing the greatest gifts upon those who have deserved the greatest punishment. William Hendriksen
No man understands the Scriptures, unless he be acquainted with the cross. Martin Luther
Till sin be pardoned, you have no true comfort. Thomas Manton
There is one thing in a true Christian which is eminently peculiar to him. That thing is love to Christ. J. C. Ryle
“Solus Christus, meaning “Christ alone” There is no other mediator between God and sinful humanity than Christ. He alone, based on his work on the cross, grants access to the Father.” Stephen Nichols
What happened on the cross was something God had planned and foreordained before the foundation of the world. The cross is not an accident. Martyn Lloyd Jones
"Christianity is an upside down Kingdom. Those who die to self live, but those who live for themselves die." Steven Lawson
"How can you say you've had an encounter with God and not be changed?" Paul Washer
“Biblical descriptions of God’s rule world all-or-nothing control.” — Mike Abendroth, Cancer Is Not Your Shepherd, 22.
Find out what He says through His Word. The Truth of His words will take you through all the illusions, dreams, and wishful thinking. His Word will expose all the lies, distortions, and half-truths. Ray Bentley
Had an encouraging morning at the bus station with another Presbyterian brother. We set up at 8am for open-air preaching followed by tract distribution. “Let every one strive to attract and win over to Jesus Christ those whom he can." —John Calvin, Letters of Calvin, 3:134
A truly humble man is sensible of his natural distance from #God -Jonathan Edwards -
The #church of #Christ is the multitude of all those who believe in Christ for the remission of sins -William Tyndale -
“… even when his enemies oppose him, David finds hope in God as his ever-present covenant Lord.” — Christopher Morgan, Christian Theology, 4.
“His life of suffering began long before the cross, though it culminated there in His dying, enduring the agony of the wrath and curse of God, being buried, and being under the power of death until He rose from the dead.” — Glorifying and Enjoying God
@RHB_Books
If you don’t measure up — if you can’t measure up — then you’re constantly asking for Jesus to make up the difference. That’s good news! Wimber
Oh, the rest from sin and self and cankering care which true consecration brings! AB Simpson
Based on the finished work of Calvary, every sin you’ve ever committed, are committing, or will commit is forgiven, forgotten, and out of sight.
Jon Courson
OSWALD CHAMBERS
Beware of isolation; beware of the idea that you have to develop a holy life alone. It is impossible to develop a holy life alone; you will develop into an oddity and a peculiarism, into something utterly unlike what God wants you to be. The only way to develop spiritually is to go into the society of God’s own children, and you will soon find how God alters your set. God does not contradict our social instincts; He alters them.
Don’t take the Gospel into the world without the armor of God.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. — Ephesians 6:14-17 Are you armed for your mission today? Let’s memorize Ephesians 6:14-17 today and practice girding ourselves to thrive in ministry!
We don’t have to agree on the details of styles of worship, traditions, or even nuances of interpretation. God asks for unity, not uniformity.