Scriptures, Devotionals and Prayer - Where is God Ministries

Scripture:

God’s Response To Our Concerns:

You say: “It’s impossible”
God Says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: “I’m too tired”
God Says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: “Nobody really loves me”
God Says: I Love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: “I can’t go on”
God Says: My grace is sufficient (II Cor. 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: “I can’t figure things out”
God Says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: “I can’t do it”
God Says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You say: “I’m not able”
God Says: I am able (II Cor. 9:8)

You say: “It’s not worth it”
God Says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)

You say: “I can’t forgive myself”
God Says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: “I can’t manage”
God Says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: “I’m afraid”
God Says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

You say: “I’m always worried and frustrated”
God Says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: “I don’t have enough faith”
God Says: I’ve given everyone a measure of FAITH (Romans 12:3)

You say: “I’m not smart enough”
God Says: I give you wisdom (I Cor. 1:30)

You say: “I feel all alone”
God Says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Be encouraged knowing that God is with us always (Matthew 28:20).

— Unknown contributor

Father’s Love Letter:

My Child…

You may not know me, but I know everything about you…Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up…Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways…Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered…Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image…Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being…Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring…Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived…Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation…Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book…Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live…Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made…Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother’s womb…Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born…Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me…John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love…1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you…1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father…1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could…Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father…Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand…James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs…Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope…Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love…Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore…Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing…Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you…Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession…Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul…Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things…Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me…Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart…Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires…Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine…Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager…2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles…2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you…Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart…Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes…Revelation 21:3-4
And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth…Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus…John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed…John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being…Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you…Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins…2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled…2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you…1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love…Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me…1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again…Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen…Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father…Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child?…John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you…Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad. Almighty God

Emergency Numbers:

When in sorrow – – – – call John 14
When men fail you – – – – call Psalm 27
If you want to be fruitful, – – – – call John 15
When you have sinned – – – – call Psalm 51
When you worry – – – – call Matthew 5:19-34.
When you are in danger – – – – call Psalm 91.
When God seems far away – – – – call Psalm 139.
When your faith needs stirring – – – – call Hebrews 11.
When you are lonely and fearful – – – – call Psalm 23.
When you grow bitter and critical – – – – call 1 Cor. 13.
For Paul’s secret to happiness – – – – call Col. 3:12-17.
For idea of Christianity – – – – call 1 Cor. 5:15-19.
When you feel down and out – – – – call Romans 8:31-39.
When you want peace and rest – – – – call Matt. 11:25-30.
When the world seems bigger than God – – – – call Psalm 90.
When you want Christian assurance – – – – call Romans 8:1-30.
When you leave home for labor or travel – – – – call Psalm 121.
When your prayers grow narrow or selfish – – – – call Psalm 67.
For a great invention/opportunity – – – – call Isaiah 55.
When you want courage for a task – – – – call Joshua 1.
How to get along with fellowmen – – – – call Romans 12.
When you think of investments/returns – – – – call Mark 10.
If you are depressed – – – – call Psalm 27.
If your pocketbook is empty – – – – call Psalm 37.
If your loosing confidence in people – – – – call 1 Cor. 13.
If people seem unkind – – – – call John 15.
If discouraged about your work – – – – call Psalm 126.
If you find the world growing small, and yourself great – call Psalm 19.

These Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance is necessary. All lines are open to Heaven 24 hours a day! Feed your faith, and doubt will starve to death!

— Unknown contributor

Misc. Scripture:

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-7

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Psalm 46:1-3

“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Scripture Cake:

1st Kings 4:22 – four and a half Cup
Judges 5:25 – One Cup
Jeremiah 6:20 – Two cups
1st Samuel 30:12 – Two cups
Nahum 3:12 – Two cups
Numbers 17:08 – Two cups
1st Samuel 14:25 – Two Tablespoon
Leviticus 2:13 – One-fourth teaspoon
Judges 4:19 – One-half cup
Amos 4:5 – Two Tablespoon
Jeremiah 17:11 – Six, medium

Wonder if it really makes a cake – have fun looking up the
ingredients……

Devotionals:

Faith and Perseverance

March 4 Morning

“If none of God’s saints were poor and tried, we would not know half so well the consolation of divine grace. We may find a wanderer who has no place to lay his head, but who can say, ‘Still will I trust in the Lord.’ We may see a pauper starving on bread and water, but he still glories in Jesus. We may see a bereaved widow overwhelmed in affliction yet still believing in Christ. What honor the reflect on the gospel! God’s grace is illustrated and magnified in the poverty and trials of believers. Saints bear up under every discouragement, believing that all things work together for their good. They believe that out of apparent evils a real blessing will ultimately spring- that their God will either work a deliverance for them speedily or most assuredly support them in the trouble. This patience of the saints proves the power of divine grace. The master-works of God are those men who stand, in the midst of difficulties, steadfast and unmovable. He who would glorify his God must set his account on meeting with many trials. No man can be illustrious before the Lord unless his conflicts are many. If, then, yours is a much-tried path, rejoice in it, because you will better show forth the all-sufficient grace of God. Never dream of His failing you. The God who has been sufficient until now can be trusted to the end.”

God is Unchanging

February 27 Morning

‘Yet’ says Moses, ‘though we are always changing, Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place throughout all generations.’ The Christian knows no change with regard to God. He may be rich today and poor tomorrow; he may be sickly today and well tomorrow; he may be in happiness today, tomorrow he may be distressed– but there is no change with regard to his relationship to God, If He loved me yesterday, He loves me today. He is my strong habitation whereunto I can continually resort (See Psalm 71:3). I am a pilgrim in the world, but I am at home in my God.”

Heavenly Watering

February 24 Morning

“What is your season this morning? Is it the season of drought? then that is the season for showers. Is it a season of great heaviness and depression? Then that is the season for showers. ‘As thy day, so shall they strength be.’ And here is a varied blessing. ‘I will give thee showers of blessing.’ The word is in the plural. God will send all kinds of blessings. All God’s blessings go together, like links in a golden chain. If He gives converting grace, He will also give comforting grace. He will send ‘showers of blessing.’ Look up today parched plant, and open your leaves and flowers for a heavenly watering.”

Never Give Up Hope

“From 2 Corinthians 4: I found three reasons Paul did not give up hope. He was hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (vv. 8-9). In all this he did not give up, because God had shined the light of gospel truth in his heart, in his earthen vessel he had the treasure of God’s power and though the outward body was perishing, the inward person was renewed day by day. He looked not at the things which were seen and temporal, but at those that are unseen and eternal and the sufferings of this present time were not worthy to be compared with the eternal glory ahead.

I am counting on you not to lose hope.”

Taken from a personal letter to Sherri from a dear friend.

Put It Into Practice

Paul’s letter to the Philippians is 104 verses filled with encouragement and joy. Paul didn’t write this letter to explain deep theology or to deal with any particular sin. Rather, his purpose was to express love for his friends and to encourage them (and us) to live a joy-filled Christian life.

In Chapter one, Paul encourages us that God’s work in us will continue: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6). In Chapter two, we are encouraged to “do everything without complaining or arguing.” (Philippians 2:14).

In Chapter three, Paul inspires us to be forward-looking in our Christian walk: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal.” (Philippians 3:13-14). Finally, in Chapter four, Paul writes some of my personal favorites: “Rejoice in the Lord always,” (Philippians 4:4), and: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).

But buried within these wonderful words of encouragement is probably the most valuable and applicable message for our daily journey with Christ.

Philippians 4:9 “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

It’s good and wise for us to study God’s Word. Scripture memory and Bible studies provide us with a better understanding of God’s character. However, His peace will not reside in us until we apply His Word to our daily life.

Let’s begin to live by the truths which God has already revealed. If we understand the need for thankfulness, prayer, forgiveness, repentance, or a Christ centered love for others, let’s begin to “live up to what we have already attained.” (Philippians 3:16). Let’s continue to strive to know Him better – but let’s never forget to take what we know and put it into practice.

Have a Great Day!

~ By Steve Troxel, God’s Daily Word Ministries www.godsdailyword.org

“Our heart shall rejoice in him” (Psalm 33:21).

The fact that Christians can rejoice, even in the deepest distress, is a blessing. The waves may roll over them, but their souls soon rise to the surface and see the light of God’s countenance. They have a buoyancy about them which keeps their head amid the tempest. Trouble does not necessarily bring consolation with it to the believer, but the presence of the Son of God in the trial with him fills his heart with joy. He is sick and suffering, but Jesus visits him. The cold, chilly waters of Jordan are gathering about him up to his neck… “Fear not; I am with the; be not dismayed; I am they God” (Isaiah 41:10).

Promoted to Servant

In the business world, a job title can be extremely important. We often evaluate one another and evaluate our own level of “success” by the significance of our title. Many employees have even been known to trade an increase in pay for a more important title.

The Apostle Paul received his call into the Kingdom of God in a very dramatic fashion. While on his way to Damascus, “a light from Heaven flashed around him.” (Acts 9:3). Jesus spoke directly to Paul and told him exactly who He was. A few days later Jesus said of Paul: “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15).

With this endorsement, Paul could have chosen any title he wished – maybe “God’s Chosen Instrument” or “Chief Name Bearer of God.” After all, his new boss was the Creator of the Universe.

But once Paul developed a close relationship with Jesus, he saw Him as “being in very nature God” (Philippians 2:6), but at the same time as one who “made Himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant.” (Philippians 2:7). With this understanding of his “boss,”

Paul was proud to receive his new title.

Romans 1:1 “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.”

There is no greater title in God’s Kingdom than: “Servant of Christ Jesus” – no more significant job description than: “Set Apart for the Gospel.” There are many openings in the Kingdom of God, but there is only one available title. Our Heavenly Father is offering us a grand promotion. Let’s put aside our desire to be in charge and proudly be promoted to Servant.

~ By Steve Troxel, God’s Daily Word Ministries www.godsdailyword.org

“The Difference”

“I got up early one morning, and rushed right into my day;
I had so much to accomplish, that I didn’t take time to pray.

Problems just tumbling about me, and heavier came each task;

“God, why don’t you help me, He replied: ‘You did not ask.’

I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn’t show me, He said: ‘But you didn’t seek’

I tried to come into God’s presence, I used all my keys on the lock;
God gently and lovingly chided: ‘My child, you didn’t knock.’

I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish, that I had to take time to pray!”

— Grace L. Naessens

Faith that Triumphs in Adversity

November 12 Morning

“The trial of your faith” (1 Peter 1:7).

“Faith untried may be true faith, but it is sure to be little faith. It is likely to remain stunted as long as it is without trials. Faith never prospers as well as when all things are against her. Tempests are her trainers, and lightnings are her illuminators. When calm reigns on the sea, spread the sails as you will, the ship will not move to its harbor. But let the howling winds rush forth and rock the vessel until her deck is washed with waves and her mast sways under the pressure of the full and swelling sail. It is then that she makes headway toward her desired haven. No faith is so precious as that which lives and triumphs in adversity. You could not have believed your own weakness had you not been compelled to pass through the rivers. You would never have known God’s strength had you not been supported amid the flood waters. Faith increases in solidity, assurance, and intensity the more it is exercised with tribulation. Faith is precious, and its trial is precious too.“

What is Faith?

To have faith is not to merely believe that God exists. Faith is believing in God, His word and His plan. According to Rojet’s College Thesaurus, descriptions of the word believe are: “confide in, believe in, put one’s trust in; take one’s word for, take at one’s word; pin one’s hope on” (1985).

Many who claim to have faith in God, falsely believe that their faith is some kind of ticket to a healthy, financially prosperous, trouble-free life; so, they measure someone else’s faith by their outward success. Sadly, when they come across someone who is experiencing adversity, they judge that person as not having enough faith. Unfortunately, they are blinded by their desire to avoid personal difficulty and are failing to study the true Word of God.

The Bible is very clear that this earth is full of sin, disease and trials. Yet, many who suffer from chronic illness are told that their illness is a sign that they are lacking faith. Instead of being seen as courageous in the midst of a storm, they are looked upon as failures due to their situation. However, “no faith is so precious as that which lives and triumphs in adversity” (Spurgeon, 1991).

How lovely is a person to our Lord, who is battling an illness, but continues to praise Him and study His word? It is a travesty when our brothers and sisters do not see their faith through the eyes of God; He sees us loving and praising Him, through the pain, loss and tears. What faith is shown during such times of raging storms! After all, how difficult is it to exalt Him when our waters are calm?

Faith is not a magic combination of words, emotions and positive thoughts that grant us our every wish. Faith is not a guarantee that we will sail smoothly throughout our days. Faith cannot be measured by worldly success and fleshly conditions.

Faith is tried as tribulations arise and it is those very trials which make us choose to trust in our Lord and grow closer to Him. Yes, we may mourn our losses and even be hurt or angry. Sometimes, we may even have a tantrum or give God the silent treatment for a while. But, ultimately, we fall on bended knee in reverence.

As our faith grows strong, the road away from God is not even an option. We may still be saddened by a tragedy, but we run to Him for our every comfort, strength to persevere and gift of courage to triumph. It is our faith in God’s purpose, plan and His hand that helps us to get through the storms of this temporary existence. We know that we cannot prevail without God’s hand and we know that He gives us that power.

Society tells us that we must be self-sufficient, independent and to lean on no-one. In its attempt to avoid God, it claims that self-faith is supreme, as it measures our character by our material possessions and physical condition. Is this the rule by which we should evaluate our own faith?

A heartbreaking tragedy occurs when even Christians gauge faith by worldly prosperity! They think their faith must come from their own stature, assertiveness and desire for success. They think their faith is somehow a fruit of their own power, self assuredness and personal accomplishment. They think that people who are suffering are somehow doing so, because they lack willpower and determination.

However, a true, Biblical test of faith does not measure our accomplishments, health and lack of affliction. Faith does not = success. Instead, it is measured when tribulations occur and the person continues to praise and follow God. Faith = perseverance in adversity.

So, how do we get our faith? God wants us to be solely dependent upon Him for our every fortification. He wants our every strength, peace and purpose to come from Him. We must read His word, be in His teachings and pray without ceasing. We must come to God with a humble disposition and void of self in order to be lifted by His hand. Further, we must have an awareness of our unworthiness and be willing to admit our weakness without Him.

The world says the weak shall be devoured in its grip, as it strives to derive its strength from within, only creating selfishness and self-centeredness. God wants us to seek Him in our weakness, devoid of pride, self-exaltation and boast so that He can be the soul provider of our fortitude.

Jesus said, “my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). When we come to Him with no strength of our own, He fills us with His might and our faith is multiplied by His grace. Only then, will we know the true supplier of all our strength is not of ourselves. After all, what better than to be filled with courage, perseverance and confidence in our Lord, rather than leaning on our own self-serving human-ness!

Grow in Grace, Love, Humility and Knowledge

January 4 Morning

“Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and

Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

“Grow in grace. Grow in that root-grace, faith. Believe the promises more firmly than you have done. Let faith increase in fullness, constancy, and simplicity. Grow also in love. Ask that your love become extended, more intense, more practical, influencing every though, word, and deed. Grow likewise in humility. As you grow in humility seek also to grow nearer to God in prayer and experience more intimate fellowship with Jesus. May God the Holy Spirit enable you to “grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.” He who does not grow in the knowledge of Jesus, refuses to be blessed.”

Blessed Are Those Who Need God

February 12 Morning

“For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:5).

“….When the black clouds gather most, the light is more brightly revealed to us. It is a blessed thing, that when we are most cast down, then it is that we are most lifted up by the consolations of the Spirit….When the barn is full, man can live without God. When the purse is bursting with gold, we try to do without so much prayer. But take our food away, and we want our God. Cleanse the idols out of our house, and we are compelled to honor Jehovah. ‘Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord’ (Psalm 130:1). There is no cry as good as that which comes from the bottom of the mountains; no prayer half as hearty as that which comes up from the depths of the soul, though deep trials and afflictions.”

Love the Lord When All Is Well and During Difficulties

December 15 Morning

“Orpah kissed her mother-in-law; but Ruth clave unto her” (Ruth 1:14).

“….It is one thing to love the ways of the Lord when all is fair and quite another to cleave to them under all discouragements and difficulties. Where do you stand? Is your heart fixed on Jesus? Have you counted the cost, and are you solemnly ready to suffer all worldly loss for the Master’s sake? Worldy treasures are not to be compared with the glory to be revealed.”

We Toil and Suffer on Earth

January 18 Morning

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9).

How different the state of the believer will be in heaven from what it is here! Here he is born to toil and suffer weariness. In the land of the immortal, fatigue is never known….The harp abides unrusted, the crown unwithered, the eye undimmed, the voice unfaltering, the heart unwavering, and the immortal being is wholly absorbed in infinite delight. It will be a happy day when mortality will be swallowed up!

Glorify God in All You Say and Do

February 15 Morning

“To Him be glory both now and forever” (Peter 3:18).

“….Will you make it your prayer today? ‘Lord, help me to glorify You. I have talents; help me to extol You by using them for You. I have time; Lord, help me to redeem it, that I may serve You. I have a head to think; Lord, help me to think of You. You have put me in this world for something. Lord, show me what that is and help me to work our my life-purpose. I cannot do much; but as the widow put in her two mites, which were all her living, I cast my time and eternity, to, into Your treasure. I am all Yours. Take me and enable me to glorify You now, in all that I say, in all that I do, and with all that I have.”

Meditate on God’s Word

October 12 Morning

“I will meditate on thy precepts” (Psalm 119:15).

“There are times when solitude is better than society and silence is wiser than speech. We would be better Christians if we spent more time waiting on God and gathering , through meditation on His Word, spiritual strength for labor in His service. We ought to meditate on the things of God, because we thus get the real nutrition out of them. Truth is something like the cluster of the vine. If we would have wine from it, we must bruise it. We must press and squeeze it many times. So we must, by meditation tread the clusters of truth if we would get the wine of consolation from it. Our bodies are not supported by merely taking food into the mouth. The process which really supplies the muscle, nerve, sinew, and the bone is the process of digestion. It is by digestion that the outward food becomes assimilated with the inner life. Our souls are not nourished merely by listening awhile to this and then to that and then to the other part of divine truth. Hearing, reading, marking, and learning all require inward digesting to complete their usefulness.”

Do Not Try to Cheer Your Brother. Let God Comfort Him

February 20 Morning

“God, that comforteth those that are cast down” (2 Corinthians 7:6)

Often when a person is hurting, we go to them with Scripture in effort to “cheer” them up. We attempt to make their sorrows fall, by telling them how happy they should be. But why doesn’t this work? Why don’t they listen to our wise words?

“Who comforts like Him? Go to some poor, melancholy, distressed child of God. tell him sweet promises, and whisper in his ear choice words of comfort; he is like the deaf adder; he does not listen. He is in despair, and comfort him as you may, it will be only a sigh of resignation that you get from him. You will bring forth no psalms of praise, no hallelujahs, no joyful sonnets. But let God come to His child, let Him lift up His countenance, and the mourner’s eyes glisten with hope. You could not have cheered him, but the Lord has done it” (Spurgeon, 1997).

The Bible says we should come up along side of those who are hurting and cry with them. It does not say that we need to make them forget their trouble, only to hold their hand and mourn with them. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation” (Romans 12: 15 & 16).

God is the one we look to in order to comfort them and raise them up in joy. Only our Lord can fill their hearts with song again. When we try to “cheer them up,” we end up minimizing what they are going through and telling them they must not have enough faith.

“Do not go to acquaintances, for you will find them Job’s comforters after all. Go first and foremost to your ‘God, that comforteth those that are cast down’ (2 Corinthians 7:6). You will soon say, ‘In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul’ (Psalm 94:19)” (Spurgeon, 1997).

Gossip is Poisonous

November 29 Morning

“Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people….thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him” (Leviticus 19:16-17).

“Tale bearing emits a threefold poison. It injures the teller, the hearer, and the person concerning whom the tale is told. Whether the report is true or false, we are by this precept of God’s Word forbidden to spread it. The reputations of the Lord’s people should be very precious in our sight, and we should be ashamed to help the devil dishonor the Church and the name of the Lord. Some tongues need a bridle rather than a spur. Many Glory in pulling down their brethren, as if thereby they raised themselves. We ourselves may one day need forbearance and silence from our brethren, so let us render it cheerfully to those who require it now. Speak evil of no man. The Holy Spirit, however, permits us to censure sin and prescribes the way in which we are to do it. It must be done by rebuking our brother to his face, not be railing behind his back. This course is manly, brotherly, Christlike, and under God’s blessing. Remember, hundreds have been saved from gross sin by the timely, wise, affectionate warnings of faithful ministers and brethren.”

And Then, The End

Ultimately, when we have fought a good fight and finished our course, and even if need be suffered death for the name of Christ, we shall emerge from the great tribulation and suffer no more.

The King of the universe will grant us refuge in the shelter of His throne, where we may see Him and worship Him day and night in His temple, and the lamb turned Shepherd will lead us with the rest of His sheep to fountains of living water, where we make slake our thirst for ever at the eternal springs.

–John R. W. Stott in
What Christ Thinks of the Church

Constantly?

I have set the LORD always before me … “The LORD is with you, while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you” … Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his presence continually …

Ps.16:8 (KJV); 2Chron.15:2 (RSV); Ps.105:4 (RSV)

~ By Robert Graham www.betterway.org

12 Steps to Sanctification

Step 1

Admit that, by yourself, you are powerless in your attempt to overcome sin. (Romans 7:21-25) (Philippians 4:13)

Step 2

Believe that God, through Jesus Christ, can make you holy. (Romans 8:1-2) (I Thessalonians 2:13)

Step 3

Make a decision to turn your will over to God’s will through Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:1-2) (Galatians 5:16-26)

Step 4

Commit yourself to God and desire that He remove patterns of sin from your life. (Psalm 37:5) (I Peter 12:14-16)

Step 5

Humbly ask God to renew your mind so that your sinful patterns can be transformed into patterns of righteousness. (I Thessalonians 4:3-8) (James 4:6-8)

Step 6

On a daily basis, examine your heart and take a fearless moral inventory of yourself, promptly admitting when you are wrong. (II Corinthians 13:5)

Step 7

Confess to God, yourself, and a trusted friend (if possible) the exact nature of your wrongs. (James 5:16) (I John 1:8-10)

Step 8

Make a list of all persons that have hurt you and choose to forgive them. Also, make a list of all persons you have harmed and become willing to make amends to them all. (Psalm 34:14) (Colossians 3:15) (Hebrews 12:14-15)

Step 9

Eliminate needs of the flesh in your life that draw you away from God’s grace and create an impure servant. (Philippians 2:5-8) (Joshua 3:5) (I Corinthians 3:17)

Step 10

Replace the needs of the flesh with needs of the spirit. (II Corinthians 7:1) (James 4:7-8) (Gal. 2:19-20)

Step 11

Seek to know Christ more intimately through prayer and meditation, praying only for the knowledge of His will and the power to carry that out. (Colossians 3:1-3) (Jude 1:19) (Matthew 6:21)

Step 12

Attempt to carry the message of Christ’s grace and sanctifying power and practice these principles in every aspect of your life. (Mark 16:15) (Joshua 1:8) (Mark 12:28-31) (John 15:7)

~ Author unknown, Compliments of K-Love Radio www.klove.com

No Shortcuts

God’s way through the jungle is along a well trodden path designed to keep us moving toward a closer relationship with Himself. “As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is flawless.” (Psalm 18:30). However, by God’s sovereign design, we are given the freedom to choose our own way.

Many times we see what appears to be shortcuts through the jungle and we leave the path. These shortcuts are filled with weeds that slowly wrap around our arms and legs and slow us to a crawl. They are a snare, set by the world to entangle our lives and pull us from the path: “But the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22).

Psalm 1:1-3

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight in the law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.”

To remain on God’s path we must be wise regarding the counsel we seek. There are many who have the appearance of success but who’s heart is far from God. We must seek Godly counsel and not surround ourselves with those who ridicule God’s path.

Staying free of the weeds requires an active pursuit of God: “on His Law he meditates day and night.” If we do not consume ourselves with the ways of God, we will (by default) become consumed by the ways of the world. Jesus made a similar statement to His disciples: “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5). Remaining in the vine is a process by which we cling to Christ and love Him with ALL our heart.

As we consume ourselves with God’s Word and truly worship Him as Lord, our lives will develop deep roots – a solid foundation which will not be shaken in the storm and will not be swayed by the winds of temptation. God’s path is perfect and His burden is light – but staying free of the weeds requires perseverance, discipline, and a strong reminder… there are NO shortcuts!

~ By Steve Troxel, God’s Daily Word Ministries www.godsdailyword.org

*******

Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourself, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in you faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 1 Peter 5:6-9

********

I asked for Strength………
And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom………
And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity………
And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for Courage………
And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love………
And God gave me Troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors………
And God gave me Opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted ……..
I received everything I needed.

–Anon

And we know that all things work together for
good to them that love God, to them who are
the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 KJV

*******

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts…
God knows how hard you have tried.

When you’ve cried so long and your heart is in anguish…
God has counted your tears.

If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by…
God is waiting with you.

When you’re lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call…
God is by your side.

When you think you’ve tried everything and don’t know where to turn…
God has a solution.

When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated…
God has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope…
God has whispered to you.

When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for…
God has blessed you.

When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe…
God has smiled upon you.

When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow…
God has opened your eyes and called you by name.

Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing…
GOD KNOWS!

I asked God

I asked God to take away my habit.

God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.

God said, No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary

I asked God to grant me patience.

God said, No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.

God said, No. I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.

God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.

God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.

God said, No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.

God said…Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

Prayer:

“The Lord’s Prayer”

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy
kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but
deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power
and the glory forever. Amen.

–Matthew:6:9

*******

“….show thy power by my frailty, so that the more feeble I am, the more fit to be used, for thou dost pitch a tent of grace in my weakness. Help me to rejoice in my infirmities and give thee praise, to acknowledge my deficiencies before others and not be discouraged by them, that they may see thy glory more clearly. Teach me that I must act by a power above my strength, and bear evils beyond my strength, acting for Christ in all, and have his superior power to help me.”

Excerpt from a Puritan Prayer taken from the book, VALLEY OF VISION.

*******

“Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens” (Lamentations 3:41).

“The act of prayer teaches us our unworthiness, which is a very beneficial lesson for such proud beings as we are… The most healthy state of a Christian is to be constantly depending on the Lord for supplies, rich in Jesus, and mighty through God to do great exploits… As the runner gains strength for the race by daily exercise, so for the great race of life we acquire energy by the hallowed labor of prayer… An earnest pleader comes out of his prayer closet rejoicing like a strong man to run his race.”

*******

Make me to know your ways O Lord; teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my Salvation; for you I wait all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5
(THe Book of Daily Prayer,R Webber)

*******

Almighty God, whose Son had nowhere to lay his head: Grant that those who live alone may not be lonely in their solitude, but that,
following in his steps, they may find fulfillment in loving you and their neighbors; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

*******

Give us a pure heart, That we may see Thee,
A humble heart That we may hear Thee.
.
A heart of Love, That we may serve Thee.
A heart of faith that we may live Thee.

Amen.
( Prayers from the heart)

*******
Jesus, Lord, I love you
More than I can tell
Not from want of heaven
Not from fear of hell
Not for what you give me
Not for what you bring
But for you, All Holy Father,
Just for you I live.

*******

In fear your are my fortress.
In darkness you are my light.
In doubt, you are my hope.
In weakness you are my strength.
In the shelter of your love, I am secure.
I rest my mind, my heart, my soul
upon your care.

*******

I call upon you, O Lord and in the morning you hear me. In the morning I offer you my prayer, watching and waiting. I lift my heart to you, O Lord, to be strengthened for this day. Be with me in all I do, my God; guide me in all my ways. I will carry some burdens today; some trials will be mine. So I wait for your help, Lord, lest I stumble and fall. I will do my work, Father, the work begun by your Son. He lives in me and I in him; may his work today be done.

*******

O Child, Child!

“Abide in Me, and I in you … for apart from Me you can do nothing” … Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of our selves; but our sufficiency is of God … Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and ransom from sin … For I know thatin me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not … Jn.15:4,5 (NAS); 2Cor.3:5 (KJV); 1 Cor.1:30 (Beck); Rom.7:18 (KJV)

Whatever I command, O child, of thee thou cannot truly do apart from Me. Self simply does not have sufficiency! God sends by Me all that thou need to be! Child, I’m, in thee, all Wisdom, Righteousness — all Love and Goodness, and all Holiness. Dost dare to look within and true confess that there is no good thing within thy flesh? Child, Romans 7:18 memorize! ‘Twill help thee fend off Satan’s claims and lies — so thou wilt not be taken by surprise when finding Self is neither good nor wise but willing be to turn from Self – let go! -and cleave to Me, thy Lord, Who loves thee so!

Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men … You think as men think, not as God thinks … In my inmost self I delight in the law of God, but I perceive in my bodily members a different law, fighting against the law that my reason approves … I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it … O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? … thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ … Matt.16:23 (KJV,NEB); Rom.7:22 (NEB); 7:18 (RSV); 7:24 (KJV); 1 Cor.15:57 (KJV).

~ By Robert Graham

Spurgeon, Charles (1997). Excerpts from Morning & Evening. New Kensington, PA: Whitaker House. Copyrighted material printed here with permission from Whitaker House 5/31/2001. You must get permission from Whitaker House to reproduce in any way! Publisher’s note: Morning & Evening is available at Christian Bookstores and many online book sellers!

Share this: