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Post by mommadee48 on Jan 28, 2022 13:34:14 GMT -5
IN TOUCH WITH; CHARLES STANLEY. READ (2THESSALONIANS 2:13-17).
A PERSON OF CONVICTION feels certain that his beliefs are true. However, it's often the case that the things people believe are based on the current conditions or situations of their life. Then, when circumstances change, their convictions do as well. In other words, it's not uncommon to find someone go back and forth on issues that require a firm resolve.
Contrast this wishy-washy approach with the mindset of the devoted followers of GOD described in Scriptures. Despite many years of unfair treatment, Joseph didn't waver in commitment to the LOER (Gen.39:1-9). Daniel was a righteous man who earned the trust of foreign kings in an idolatrous land by standing firm in his beliefs (DAN. 6:8-28). His friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego also refused to compromise their beliefs despite the threat of death. As a result, their resolve caused the king to recognize the LORD as the one true GOD (3:13-30).
The godly convictions of these biblical heroes withstood the changing winds of opinion and the persuasive arguments of opponents. Unshakeable trust in JEHOVAH GOD and HIS WORD is what grounded their beliefs. Today more than evet, we need men and women who stand firm against philosophies and ideas that threaten the church. WILL you commit to be bold for the LORD?
WHY DO BELIEVERS STILL SIN? READ (ROMANS 7:14-25).
ONCE WE'RE SAVED, it doesn't take long to discover that we still sin. This can be confusing because 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away". If that verse is true, why do we have the same old sin problem we had before following Christ?
In today's passage, the apostle Paul describes this struggle in his own life and at one point says, "If I do the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me" (v. 20).
Although we truly have been made new in our spirit, we continue to live in a fallen world and have a disposition toward sin. What we must understand is that our redemption, which began at salvation, will not be completed until JESUS returns and transforms these sinful bodies to be glorious like HIS own. (Phil. 3;20-21).
At our conversion, we were set free from the penalty of sin, through justification. Now, through sanctification, we are being progressively delivered from the power of sin. But only when we are glorified will we be free from the presence of sin forever.
THE MESSAGE the WORLD NEEDS to HEAR. READ (MARK 16:15-20).
SUPPOSE I ASKED WHAT THE MISSION OF THE CHURCDH IS--- HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Although the church accomplishes many tasks, the most important is to share the gospel of Christ. Everything else is merely an extension of that. Never outdated or in need of correction, the good news of Jesus Christ is sufficient to meet humanity's greatest need: salvation from bondage to sin, through reconciliation with the FATHER.
The message has remained the same throughout the centuries, but there are many methods of making it known, including the spoken word, music, written material, and the media. But all these avenues of communication require the individual involvement of GOD's people.
Some Christians think the role of sharing the message and making disciples, known as the Great Commission, belongs only to pastors or missionaries. But every one of us has the responsibility to be involved---we all can give, pray, and tell friends and family what the Lord has done for us.
When you're truly committed to getting the gospel out, GOD will reveal what work HE is calling you to do. HE has a place for every one of HIS children---nobody is insignificant or without purpose. The limiting factor is not the LORD's ability to use us but our availability to HIS call.
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Post by mommadee48 on Jan 28, 2022 15:09:14 GMT -5
THE DAILY WORD: READ 1 KINGS (8:37-45).
HEARING US FROM HEAVEN.
4) AT EIGHTEEN MONTHS OLD, little Madison had never heard his mother's voice. Then doctors fitted him with his first hearing aids and his mom, Lauryn, asked him, "Can you hear me"?
The child's eyes lit up. "Hi, Baby"! Lauryn added. A smiling Maison responded to his mother with soft coos. In tears, Lauryn knew she'd witnessed a miracle. She'd given birth to Maison prematurely after gunmen shot her three times during a random home invasion. Weighing just one pound, Maison spent 158 days in intensive care and wasn't expected to survive, let alone be able to hear.
That heart -warming story reminds me of the GOD who hears us. King Solomon prayed fervently for GOD's attuned ear, especially during troubling times. When "there is no rain" (1kings 8:35), during "famine or plague", disaster of disease (v.37), war (v.44), and even sin, "hear from heaven their prayer and their plea," Solomon prayed, "and uphold their cause" (v.45).
In HIS goodness, GOD responded with a promise that still stirs our hearts. "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land' (2 CHRONICLES 7:14). Heaven may seem a long way off. Yet Jesus is with those who believe in HIM. GOD JEHOVAH hears our prayers, and He answer them.
When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when enemy besieges them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, and when a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people Israel---being aware of the afflictions of their own hearts and spreading out their hands toward this temple---then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name.
When your people go to war against their enemies, wherever you send them, and when they pray to the Lord toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name, then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause.
5) LOVE OF LEARNING: READ, (PROVERBS 1:1-7).
WHEN ASKED HOW HE BECAME A JOURNALIST, a man shared the story of his mother's dedication to his pursuit of education. While traveling on the subway each day, she collected newspapers left behind the seats and gave them to him. While he especially enjoyed reading about sports, the papers also introduced him to knowledge about the world, which ultimately opened his mind to a vast range of interests.
Children are wired with natural curiosity and a love for learning, so introducing them to the Scriptures at an early age is of great value. They become intrigued by God's extraordinary promises and exciting stories of biblical heroes. As their knowledge deepens, they can begin to comprehend the consequences of sin, their need of repentance, and the joy found in trusting God. The first chapter of Proverbs, for instance, is a great introduction to the benefits of wisdom (Proverbs 1: 1-7). Nuggets of wisdom found here shine a light of understanding on real-life situations.
Developing a love of learning---especially about spiritual truths---helps us to grow stronger in our faith. And those who have walked in faith for decades can continue to pursue knowledge of GOD throughout their life. Proverbs 1:5 advises, "Let the wise listen and add to their learning". God Jehovah will never stop teaching us if we're willing to open our heart and mind to HIS guidance and instruction.
POEM: The proverbs of Solom on son of David, King of Isael:
for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young---
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance---
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
6) HIDING FROM GOD: READ (GENESIS 3:1-10).
I SQUEEZED MY EYES SHUT AND STARTED COUNTING ALOUD. My fellow third-grade classmates tore out of the room to find a place to hide. After scouring every cabinet, trunk, and closet for what felt like hours, I still couldn't find one of my friends. I felt ridiculous when she finally jumped out from behind a lacey, potted fern hanging from the ceiling. Only her head had been eclipsed by the plant---the rest of her body had been in plain sight the entire time!
Since GOD is all-knowing, when Adam and Eve "hid from [HIM]" (Genesis3:8) in the garden of Eden, they were always in "Plain Sight". But they weren't playing any childhood game; they were experience the sudden awareness---and shame---of their wrongdoing, having eaten from the tree GOD told them not to eat from.
Adam and Eve turned from GOD and HIS loving provision when they disobeyed HIS instructions. Instead of withdrawing from them in anger, however, HE sought them out, asking, "WHERE ARE YOU? (v.9). It's not that HE didn't know where they were, but HE wanted them to know HIS compassionate concern for them.
I couldn't see my friend hiding, but GOD always sees us and knows us-0-- to HIM we're always in plain sight. Just as HE pursued Adam AND Eve, Jesus sought us out while we were "still sinners"---dying on the cross to demonstrate HIS love for us (ROMANS 5:8). We need no longer to hide.
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Post by mommadee48 on Jan 28, 2022 17:53:12 GMT -5
FIRST LETTER: FROM PASTOR CHARLES STANLEY.
When I was 17 years old, I spent some time visiting my grandfather. I'm not sure he realized how much our time together impacted me. Observing his trust in biblical principles created a turning point in my life. That's because I realized it's not only possible, but vital, to guide our lives by Scripture. At the start of this new year, I'd like to share with you some lessons I've learned, from my grandfather as well as from my own experience in a lifetime of walking with Christ.
In case you're wondering why knowing and living by biblical principles is so important, let me tell you what's at stake. If your mind isn't grounded in these truths, you'll be more influenced by your environment than by the HOLY SPIRIT. At times you may feel like a Ping-Pong ball being bounced from one circumstance to another, never recognizing what GOD is doing in your life. You'll react to the pressures of the moment and make decisions based on fluctuating emotions.
That's not how the LORD intends for HIS children to live. HE knows we need help responding to situations wisely, so HE's given us HIS WORD filled with teachings to guide us through every circumstance of life. And I'm so grateful that over the years HE's patiently, but persistently, worked HIS truths into my heart and mind.
The first principle I want to share is this one my grandfather taught me---obey GOD and leave all the consequences to HIM. In order to obey GOD, you must know what HE wants you to do. That means time in prayer and HIS WORD should be the priority of your life. Next, you must trust HIM to handle whatever happens as a result. One of the biggest obstacles to obeying GOD is fear of the outcome. We want to know what's being set in motion so we can decide whether we want to proceed. But that's not how the LORD works.
GOD alone knows the future, and HE calls us to trust HIM and walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corn.5:7). It takes courage to obey when you don't know the outcome, and that is exactly what GOD wants to build in our lives. Our responsibility is to step out in faith and obedience, knowing that the LORD holds us and the future in HIS omnipotent hand. HE's responsible for the outcome and will use it for HIS purpose and glory, even if it's not at all what we had hoped for or expected.
There have been times in my life when I truly believed I did exactly what the LORD wanted, and it seemed to bring about disaster. I faced one spiritual attack after another, and the trials and difficulties multiplied. Yet these experiences drove me to my knees in complete dependence on my heavenly FATHER. He'd always been faithful to me in the past, and that made it easier to trust HIM again, no matter what happened.
The next principle I want to share is that GOD JEHOVAH is in absolute control of every circumstance of life.
This is foundational to our success with the first principle. If we don't trust that the LORD is sovereign over the results of our obedience, we have a good reason not to do what HE says. But Romans 8:28 says, "We know that GOD cause ALL things to work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are called according to HIS purpose".
If you belong to CHRIST, nothing can happen to you outside HIS will. If HE allows difficulty and hardship, HE has a good purpose for it. But we don't always know what that is. We want everything to work out for good right now, but the LORD's priorities are eternal. And HE promises that the momentary sufferings we experience are not worthy to be compared with the glories that await us in heaven (2 Corn. 4:17).
We live under the canopy of divine omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. If we didn't believe this, we'd have to conclude we're victims at the mercy of the world. But since the LORD is sovereign over every circumstance in our lives, we're not victims. HE takes the bad situations and uses them to "PERFECT, confirm, strengthen, and establish" us (1 Peter 5:10).
The last principle I have for you today is to trust the LORD for every need in your life. If we 're going to live contented lives in every circumstance, we need to know GOD is trustworthy---and HE is (1 Thess. 5:23-24). We can rest in the absolute confidence that if HE makes a promise, He'll keep it. If we don't trust HIM, we'll be anxious, worried, and fearful, when all the while, HE has deep peace just waiting for us.
I pray that you'll apply these principles to your mind and heart and live in the fullness GOD intends for each of us. As you depend on the HOLY SPIRIT, He'll make scriptural truths a reality so you can live wisely---thus glorifying and honoring the LORD.
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Post by mommadee48 on Jan 28, 2022 20:37:12 GMT -5
SECOND LETTER: FROM PASTOR TODD LEVINE; KEEPING UP APPEARANCES.
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE WE OVER-SEASONED A MEAL WHILE COOKING IT?
Perhaps there's too much salt, garlic, oregano, or some unusual spice. The dinner was fine on its own, but we felt it needed more of something. In our attempt to figure out what that something was, we end up ruining the dinner by trying to make it taste like something that it was never supposed to be. On this subject, I'd like to speak to you today about the dangers of keeping up appearances.
Have you ever tried to make yourself look good in front of others?
It's not uncommon for people to put another person down in order to lift themselves.
Case and point: "Did you notice how slow Fred is on the computer? Why, by the time he figures out how to send an email, I could have written a book".
Certainly, this is not a very nice thing to say but people are constantly looking out for number one, which is us.
If we want to follow Christ and represent HIM to others, then our relationship with the LORD must be real.
What difference would it make if someone pretends to care about the spiritual well-being of others and then does nothing to help make a difference?
Have we so easily forgotten the golden rule?
In Luke 6:31, Jesus said, " do to others as you would have them do to you".
If we only look out for ourselves, then the world around us will never know or experience GOD's love.
Isn't it true that believers are the only JESUS that anybody may ever meet?
Isn't it true that the LORD expresses his love through his body, the Church?
I'm saying all this because it's time to quit playing church and start BEING the church.
In Jonn 13:34-35, JESUS said, "A new commandment I give unto you: that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are MY disciples: If ye have love one for another". It is very important that Christians remember they're not the only ones with needs, concerns, and battles that have to be fought.
Have some become so preoccupied with themselves or their need to impress people that they fail to realize that others are hurting too?
Could their words and actions serve as a parachute for someone who is about to hit ground zero?
Or would HE reach out and try to rescue as many people as would allow him to?
Let me call your attention to a few statements that JESUS made in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6. There were many areas that JESUS addressed in this chapter, and many of them had s similar underlying point: DON'T DO THINGS JUST TO IMPRESS OTHERS. (Specially read 6:1-4).
GIVING, (J.B. PHILLIPS)
"Beware of doing your good deeds conspicuously (obviously) to catch men's eyes or you will miss the reward of your Heavenly Father. "So, when you do good to other people, don't hire a trumpeter to go in front of you---like those play-actors in the synagogues and streets who make sure that men admire them. Believe me, they have had all the reward they are going to get! No, when you give to charity, don't even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be secret. Your Father who knows all secrets will reward you".
I remember sitting in a church service on one occasion. Just before the meeting was handed over to me to minister, the leader wanted to thank the church members individually by name, from the pulpit, by reading out loud specific amount of money that each of the "noble" saints had given for the year. I'm not kidding. I could hardly believe my ears. The funny thing is that no one seemed surprised by this experience as it unfolded. I had the impression that this was a custom that everyone was familiar with, and based on their facial expressions, it appeared like they were all enjoying the moment. I had the feeling that some members were hoping to be named as the church's largest donor. Surely, this was the appearance or position that they were looking for, otherwise, what was the point?
I'm not sure exactly where the words of JESUS fit into this equation -Don't even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing". I suppose for some folks, this is the one reward that they esteem the most-i.e., the approval of others.
PRAYER, (J.B. PHILLIPS) MATTHEW 6:5-6.
And THEN, WHEN YOU PRAY, don't be like the play-actors. They love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at street-corners so that people may see them at it. Believe me, they have had all the reward they are going to get. But when you pray, go into your own room, shut your door and pray to your FATHER privately. Your FATHER who sees all private things will reward you".
The desire of wanting to be noticed is common. Even in some Christian circles there tends to be an elevated status and visible recognition if one is a minister, elder, deacon, bishop, or pastor. The danger of this is loving the preeminence. Now regarding what JESUS said, what possible benefit could praying so loudly have besides (a) the hope of inspiring others to pray, or perhaps (B) trying to impress them by appearing spiritual?
I've been in prayer meetings where I wasn't sure who the person was next to me due to their sudden voice change and the emotional dynamics that they demonstrated in prayer. Please do not misunderstand me, I realize that prayer can get fairly intense and loud at times, especially when you pray, if you're quiet-mannered person in general, one wouldn't expect you to suddenly sound like the fiery legendary Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke.
Let's go back to what JESUS said. "When you pray, go into your own room, shut your door and pray to your FATHER privately.... then He'll reward you openly".
The most spiritual people that I've ever met or been around, have also been the quietest and most peaceful. They certainly weren't in a popularity contest, hoping to get the most votes by the way they acted or prayed.
FASTING, (J.B. PHILLIPS) MATTHEW 6:16-18.
"THEN, WHEN YOU FAST, don't look like those miserable play-actors! For they deliberately disfigure their faces so that people may see that they are fasting. Believe me, they have had all their reward. No, when you fast, brush your hair and wash your face so that nobody knows that you are fasting---let it be a secret between you and your FATHER. And your FATHER who knows all secrets will reward you".
Remember that fasting isn't supposed to change GOD; it's meant to change us. On that note, the changes that should be taking place should be internal---within us. There is no need to inform those around us that we're fasting (with the exception of your spouse and children at home, of course). If Christians feel compelled to let others know that they are fasting, then if defeats the purpose. They should not be seeking the approval of others or their praise; otherwise, they've missed the whole point.
Being anything less than genuine is a lie. A lie is meant to deceive someone.
Why on earth would we want to live a lie?
No matter what kind of appearance we try to put on, there's always going to be that someone who sees right through us. If we want to be effective witnesses for the LORD, then we must be transparent.
Let me encourage you, friend, by saying the LORD accepts us exactly as we are. Sure, there are things that he's still working on in our lives. None of us are perfect. However, this doesn't mean that we should try to pretend to be something that we're not. Just be YOU and in the relationship that you have with HIM. (IF IT'S REAL, THEN THERE'S NO NEED TO PRETEND)!
Ask the LORD to help you today to become all that he's called you to be. Nothing more and nothing less. At the end of the day and the end of our lives, the only one whom we shall give account to is the LORD. The only approval that we should want to hear is HIS! So, be encourage, and let's make sure we're not pretending, but rather, being genuine among others and with HIM.
GOD BLESS.
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