The Cooling Stream: 2012

Saturday, December 29, 2012

The Joy of The Lord

When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’
- Matthew 20:8 -

God is a good paymaster. He pays His servants while at work as well as when they have done it.

There is great comfort in doing something for Jesus.

There is great reward in watching the buddings of conviction in a soul! Oh, the joy of hope! The joy of unspeakable success! The overwhelming joy! It is a hungry thing. We pine for it more and more.

To be a soul winner is the happiest thing in the world. With every soul we bring to Christ, we get a new heaven upon earth.

But who can conceive the bliss which awaits us above, when we shall enter into the joy of the Lord!

When the heavens ring with "Well done, well done," we shall partake in the reward!

We have toiled with Him. We have suffered with Him. We shall now reign with Him.

We have sown with Him. We shall reap with Him.

Oh! The joy of the Lord!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Walls Of Precious Stones

I will make your pinnacles of rubies,
Your gates of crystal,
And all your walls of precious stones.
- Isaiah 54:12 -

The church is symbolized by a building erected by heavenly power, and designed by divine skill.

All the walls are of precious stones.

The church of God and of Heaven is to be held in the highest esteem.

Faith is one of these precious stone walls.

Experience is another of these precious stone walls.

Sanctification, that conforms us to our Lord, is another precious stone walls.

Only when we become heavenly can we comprehend heavenly things.

The pure in heart shall see a pure God.

Only those who are like Jesus shall see Him as He is.

The walls are of precious stones because we are precious to Him.

We are His precious stones.

Let us thank God for what we have, and let us long for more.

Precious are the saints in God's sight.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Daily Walk With God

"knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."
- Colossians 3:24 -

The apostle Paul was speaking to Christian believers.

He was speaking to the servants and slaves of Christ.

He reminded them, "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."

This saying makes Christian works and services worth doing.

This teaching makes Christian living worth having.

As Christians, we are doing a royal service for the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are to do it heartily.

We are to do it all to the glory of God.

We will receive our reward from the Lord.

But our divine services must not be only for a few hours or for a few places only.

All of our time and all that we have are for the glory of God.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Walk With Christ In White

You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
- Revelation 3:4 -

"They shall walk with Me in white."

(1) They shall walk with Christ in white.

They shall be reminded that they are justified by grace through faith in Christ.

They shall know that it is the righteousness of Christ that is imputed to them.

They shall understand that they have been washed clean in the blood of Christ.

(2) They shall walk with Christ with joy and gladness.

Their faces shall always be bright.

They shall do all things with a merry heart.

They know that God has accepted their works.

They shall walk in sweet communion with the Lord Jesus Christ.

(3) They shall walk with Christ in white before the throne of God.

They shall sing perpetual hallelujahs to the Most High.

They shall possess joys inconceivable.

They know that the Lord Jesus Christ has made them worthy.

In His sweet company, they shall drink of the living fountains of waters.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Our Generous God

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)

Jesus Christ so love sinners that He abundantly provides for them.

When they are hungry, He supplies their wants.

When they are filthy, He washes away their stains.

He even clothes them from head to foot.

And He gives them spiritual armor.

Nothing good will He denies them.

He provides all their needs and wants.

And He will give them an eternal heritage of glorious treasure when they enters into His rest.

All that is required of them is to knock at the mercy's door.

Let us knock hard and ask large things from our generous Lord.

Let us leave not the throne of grace till all our wants have been spread before the Lord.

Let us pray until by faith we have a comfortable prospect that they shall be all supplied.

Let us daily worship our gracious, merciful, and generous God.

Let us serve Him only.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Winter Of Affliction

You have set all the borders of the earth; You have made summer and winter. (Psalm 74:17)

The cold snows and the piercing winds remind us that God keeps His covenant with day and night.

It assures us that God will keep His covenant He made with us in Christ Jesus.

God is true to His Word.

He is faithful to His beloved Son.

Winter may not be a comfortable season for some of us.

But the Lord makes it.

Let us not murmur.

Let us remain faithful.

Losses, heaviness, sickness, poverty, and many other things may come to us at a bad time.

But the Lord allows them.

They come to us for some good purposes.

Let us hope that some good results may follow our winter of affliction.

Let us continue to draw near to God.

He is the constant source of warmth and comfort in times of trouble.

Let us find in Him the joy and peace in believing.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Live By The Truth

For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. (3 John 3)

The truth was in Gaius. Gaius walked in the truth.

The first must come first, before the second can take place.

Truth must first enter the soul, before it is of any value.

In every Christian believer, truth must be a living force, an active energy, and an indwelling reality of their being.

The inward will affect the outward.

Therefore, when the truth is kindled from within, its brightness will soon beams forth in the outward life and conversation.

To walk in the truth is to live a life of integrity, holiness, faithfulness, and simplicity, in accordance to the principles of the gospel and the teaching of the Holy Spirit.

Let us desire to live by the truth.

Let us walk in the truth, so that nothing false or sinful may reign in our hearts, and influence our daily walk with God.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Liberty Comes From Jesus

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
(Luke 4:18)

Real liberty comes from Jesus only. Only Jesus can give liberty to the captives.

It is a liberty righteously bestowed. Jesus, the Heir of all things, has a right to make men free. He had secured their salvation.

It is a liberty dearly purchased. Jesus bought it by his blood.

It is a liberty freely given. Jesus saves us just as we are, without our help or merit.

It is a liberty done forever.

Let our liberty be practically exhibited in our serving God with gratitude and delight.

Friday, November 30, 2012

The Good Shepherd

Jacob fled to the country of Syria;
Israel served for a spouse,
And for a wife he tended sheep.
(Hosea 12:12)

Jacob toiled for his wife.

Even more toilsome was the Lord Jesus Christ while on earth to save His people.

The Lord Jesus Christ watched over all His sheep.

He had lost none of them.

And he was always found in prayer wrestling for them.

Laban was harsh and hostile to Jacob.

If the sheep were lost or died, Jacob was to bear the loss.

The Lord Jesus Christ was sent by His Father to take care of His sheep.

The Lord Jesus Christ willingly toils for His Church.

He makes sure that His people were safe.

The Lord Jesus Christ tends His sheep like a good shepherd.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Man's Greatest Need

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)

Man's greatest need is religion.

Science, education, material possessions or physical pleasure can never bring ultimate satisfaction to any man.

Man's greatest need is to be brought into touch with God.

Man greatest's need is to get right with God.

But there is a problem.

God is the Creator and Sovereign of the universe.

God is holy and righteous.

God cannot even look upon sin.

But men are born away from God.

Men inherit a corrupt, fallen nature, affecting every part of their being.

Men are dead spiritually and dying physically.

Before a holy and righteous God, men are responsible for every sin that they have ever committed, guilty of deliberate disobedience.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

But there is one solution.

There is the one Savior, the man Christ Jesus.

Jesus came to save us from our sins.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

To Whom Be Glory Forever

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)

"To whom be glory forever. Amen." This should be the single desire of all Christians.

We are not acting as we ought to do if we are moved by any other motive.

We may desire to attain more gifts and more graces, but it must only be for the glory of God.

As Christians, we are of God and through God and live to God.

Let us make God our only object.

And let our desire for God's glory be a growing desire. Let us give him more as He has given us more.

Let us praise him by stronger faith.

Let us sing more sweetly.

Let us give Him more honor.

Let us serve Him more and increase in holiness...

Friday, November 23, 2012

God's People

For the LORD's portion is His people; Jacob is the place of His inheritance. (Deuteronomy 32:9)

How are they His?

(1) By His own sovereign choice

He chose them, and set His love upon them. This He did apart from any goodness in them, or any goodness which He foresaw in them. He had mercy on whom He would have mercy.

(2) By purchase

He bought and paid for them with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

(3) By conquest.

He conquered them by His omnipotent love.

Christians are special people.

They are God's people.

They are chosen, purchased, and subdued by God's love through His Son.

Friday, November 9, 2012

How Were You Healed?

One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.

- John 9:25 –

The Bible is filled with accounts of people telling what God has done for them.

Here in the Gospel of John in chapter 9, we have the account of the Lord Jesus Christ encountered a man blind from birth.

The Lord Jesus Christ miraculously healed him, enabled him to see (John 9:1-7).

The skeptical local religious leaders were not happy.

They repeatedly questioned him as to how he was healed.

The man told them the Lord Jesus Christ had healed him.

But they were not satisfied with his answer.

Finally the man told them, “One thing I know: that I was blind, now I see.”

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Sometimes it is difficult to convince others of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

It may take time and effort.

But it is no secret what God can do.

Let us rest in Him and speak truthfully.

And let Him do the rest.

Monday, October 22, 2012

God Sees Everything

And we know that all things work together

for good to those who love God,

to those who are the called according to His purpose.

- Romans 8:28 -

It may take us some time to realize.

We may have to go through many hardships before we learn this truth.

But eventually we will know that God is in control of our lives.

God is sovereign. He sees and knows all things. He is all powerful. Nothing escapes His attention.

Nothing is hidden from Him.

It is a promise for those who love God.

God promises to turn everything to good. God will bring the best out of every good or bad situation.

All things work together for good. Whether good or bad, sad or happy, great or small, they are there for our good.

Some people see it right away.

Some people have trouble realizing it.

For those who love God and seek to do His will, this promise gives them the confidence and encourages them to persevere and keep the faith.

God is in control. Who can be against Him? Whom shall I fear?

God calls His people to faith in His own time, according to His purpose.

God’s eternal plan will be completed. His plan for His people can never be stopped.

All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Beware Lest We Fall

Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. — 1 Corinthians 10:12

Paul drew a somber lesson from Old Testament history.

The people Moses led from slavery in Egypt toward freedom in the Promised Land kept turning their backs on God who had delivered them.

Idolatry, immorality, and grumbling were among the things that brought them down.

Paul pointed to their collapse as an example to us.

Let us beware lest we fall from our "steadfastness" in faith and practice.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

No One Knows

Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven,
but My Father only. - Matthew 24:36 -

God the Father has kept us from knowing the actual time of Christ’s return.

But this helps keep us motivated in Christian service and spiritual growth all the time.

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Let us be assured, Christ’s personal return will take place.

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As we wait for that day, let us live our lives with holy conduct and godliness.

Let us be found waiting and watching for Christ’s return every day.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

When Trouble Comes

I will not leave you nor forsake you.

- Joshua 1:5 -

The nation of Israel was in big trouble.

But the Lord promised the nation’s new leader: “I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5).

Joshua was taking over leadership of the Israelites after Moses’ death, just before they were to enter the Promised Land.

Trouble was on the horizon with numerous military campaigns against their enemies.

Without God’s presence, they couldn’t begin to acquire the land.

God graciously gave Joshua the reminder, so that he could be courageous because of His presence.

God promises the same to His children today (Heb. 13:5-6).

The Lord is always with us, even when we’re in much trouble.

When troubles call on us, call on God.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Live And Walk In Faith

"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

- Galatians 5:25 -

For Christians, there are two important things in life: the life of faith and the walk of faith.

And they must be cultivated together

A truly holy life must have its root in a living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

And a true faith must be attended by true godliness.

There are some who cultivate faith and forget about holiness. They are good in orthodoxy, but do not live a godly life.

There are others who chase after holiness of life, but they deny the faith, like the Pharisees of old.

Like building a house, we must have faith as our foundation, and holiness of life as our superstructure.

Let us have our faith and our life put together.

Let us live and walk in faith.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Family Togetherness

Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
- Ephesians 4:3 -

It’s not always easy to maintain unity in the family of God.

We are all unique; we have different needs, abilities, and viewpoints.

But we are called to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Harmony with other Christians is important; it reflects the unity between Jesus and His heavenly Father.

Jesus prayed this for believers: “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You” (John 17:21).

When problems arise within the family of God, we are to respond with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love” (Eph. 4:2).

Keep the Family together in the bond of peace.

Friday, September 14, 2012

The Jouney Ahead

I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me.
- John 14:6 -

The journey ahead is never an easy one.

As Christians, we need to give accurate direction as to how a person can get to heaven by having a relationship with Christ (John 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-5).

We need to help people see that following their own religious systems, such as good works or hoping to be good enough, won’t get them to heaven.

And as we share the true gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, we must be sensitive to people’s beliefs.

Jesus is the way of salvation.

Let us share the gospel with love and truth.

Salvation is achieved by Christ’s atonement,
never by our attainment.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Forgiveness Is Not An Option

And when you stand praying,
if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them,
so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
- Mark 11:25 -

Forgiveness is the very core of the gospel message.

We are Christians only because God forgave us everything.

There is no other ground on which we stand.

It was not our repentance.

It was not our praying the sinner’s prayer.

Nothing made us children of God except God forgave.

And God did it through His Son on the cross 2000 years ago.

Jesus took all that sin and nailed it to the cross.

And He commanded us to do the same.

We must keep to Jesus’ teaching.

We must learn to forgive.

Let us learn to let go of our right for revenge.

Let us try not to be bitter.

Let us forgive others their sins just as God had forgiven ours.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Seek Love

Seek love. Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8; James 5:20).

The law can't stop us from sinning.

But love toward God can motivate us to do what the law can't.

If we exercise God's love, we will keep the commandments.

Love can motivate us to do the right things.

And if we really love another person, we cannot possibly injure him. Love stifles any thought that leads to adultery, murder, theft, or any form of covetousness because love cannot harm.

Love is supreme in providing the right kind of persuasion.

Seek love. Love covers a multitude of sins.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Becoming A Christ-Like Servant

Serve the Lord with gladness.
- Psalm 100:2 -

Christians should have a combination of a quest for excellence mixed with an enjoyable personality.

They should learn to work hard and love life.

They should strive to teach God’s Word with integrity while living their lives with joy.

People around are watching.

They can tell if Christians are serving “the Lord with gladness” (Ps. 100:2), and if their love for Jesus is coming through in their good works (Eph. 2:10).

Let us serve well, and serve with joy.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Where To Invest Our Lives

Whoever desires to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. (Luke 9:24)

Satan tells us to live only for the present, but he knows it will result in our eternal loss.

The Lord Jesus Christ, on the other hand, called us to self-sacrifice and identification with Him.

He said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it” (Luke 9:23-24).

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There are two voices telling us where to invest our lives.

It’s a risky business to follow the wrong one.

Who do you follow?

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Light Of The World

Matthew 5:14-15

You are the light of the world.
A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand,
and it gives light to everyone in the house.

Jesus is the great light of the world (John 8:12).

Those who believe in Him are brought out of darkness into His light (Colossians1:12-13). They in turn become lights also.

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What does light do?

It exposes dirt. It lights up the way so that we do not stumble. It discourages works of darkness. It dispels fear. It enables discernment to be made. It enables work to be done.

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What does the light of the gospel do?

It blesses in many different ways.

Christians who walk in it can in turn help others by sharing the knowledge they have concerning life, death, sin, salvation, God, the devil, heaven and hell.

These are important issues that have plagued man on a wide scale. And many are striving to find adequate answers.

The light will then be recognized, not just in words, but also in good deeds, which lead others to praise our Father in heaven.

Let us be determined to shine for Jesus — the true light of the world!

Oh Lord,
I want my life to count for You and Your kingdom.
Help me be a lighthouse for You.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Forgiveness Is For Ourselves Too

Matthew 6:12

Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Forgiveness can stop the cycle of blame, pain as well as vengeance and violence.

Forgiveness is to release, to hurl away, and to free ourselves.

The only way to break the chain or cycle of hurtfulness
is to stop and ask for forgiveness.
This allows a relationship to start over and begin anew.

The only thing harder than forgiveness is the alternative.

What a weight we have to carry spiritually
when we refuse to forgive.

Forgiveness is not just a gift to the other person;
it is for ourselves as well!

Let us give ourselves the gift of forgiveness. Is there someone we need to forgive?

Oh Father,
I pray for the power of Your Holy Spirit
to enable me to release any cycles of hurtfulness
in my life by forgiving others.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Poor In Spirit

Matthew 5:3

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Acknowledging our poverty in spirit is humility.

It occurs when we realize our own utter lack of resources to meet life and finds our strength in God.

Such an attitude leads us away from attachment to things to attachment to God and heaven.

The word “poor” here means absolute, abject poverty.

Blessed are those who have realized their own utter helplessness and inadequacy and who have put their whole trust in God.

Such a person will humbly accept the will of God and thus become a citizen of the kingdom.

Let us acknowledge our helplessness and inadequacy and place our complete trust in God.

Oh Lord,
help me express true humility in practical ways today
and show that my trust is in You alone.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Speak On Behalf Of Those Who Suffer

2 Timothy 4:16

At my first defense, no one came to my support,
but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them.

The Apostle Paul knew exactly what it was like to be alone, to be deserted by all who called themselves brothers and sisters.

Christians are the largest persecuted group in the world today.

But this is so seldom mentioned in our gatherings and church services.

Very few Christians know the names of their fellow believers who are in prison.....

Let us speak on behalf of those who suffer.

Let us not desert those that belong to
the same body that we belong to
and who desperately need the encouragement
of our intervention on their behalf.

Oh Lord,
broaden my awareness of the needs of
my suffering brothers and sisters.
May I not be known for my silence.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

A Better Tomorrow

Hebrews 4:16

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence,
so that we may receive mercy and
find grace to help us in our time of need.

Ages ago the prophet Jonah saw it happen.

The population of the city of Nineveh (in the north of present day Iraq) repented from sin.

A radical change came because Jonah preached and God’s Spirit worked.

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Through church prayer and preaching, the difficult situations around us can change for the better. Life can be more tolerable.

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We must rejoice in the ability we have to take every issue we face to the Lord and trust Him for the answer.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

God Cares

John 15:7
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask whatever you wish,
and it will be done for you.

God is concerned about even the small things in our lives.

Let us talk to Him about them.

Let us talk to God about every detail of our life and trust Him with the answers.

Thank You Lord that You care about my every need.
I will Trust You to take care of every detail.

Friday, July 13, 2012

More Precious Than Gold

Psalm 19: 10

They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.

Let us treasure God’s Word as more valuable than any precious metal or gem.

Thank You, Lord that Your precious Word
is being made available in countries
where it is not valued by those in authority.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Patient and Persistent Prayer

1 Samuel 12:23a
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin
against the LORD by failing to pray for you.

An important aspect of prayer is to pray patiently.

God meets our needs “at the proper time” (Galatians 6:9).

Too often Christians weary of praying, and give up. This is often justified on the basis that God's failure to answer means the request is not according to His will.

Remember, God can:

Deliver whatever we ask in His name;
Delay to fit His perfect timing (only He sees the end from the beginning);
Deny and say ‘No’ because we ask amiss or give a
Different and better answer.

Jesus urges us to be persistent in prayer (Luke 11:5-8).

This does not mean that God does not want to meet our needs and that we need to try to persuade Him.

It simply means that only God, who completely understands the whole situation, can know when and how to answer.

Only when we have assurance in our hearts from the Lord, should we remove a matter from our prayer list.

Many times Christians lose heart in prayer because they do not recognize when the Lord does answer their prayers.

Sometimes this is due to the fact that they did not pray specifically enough.

Sometimes because they have decided in advance how God must answer. Perhaps they think that only a great miracle can meet their need.

But the Lord may change the circumstances so that the need seems to be supplied naturally.

Mature believers will recognize that the events of everyday life also come from the Lord.

Our daily bread and safety are miracles of God in this troubled world.

Let us not presume to tell God how to answer, and let us praise Him for His daily care.

Let us acknowledge that God gives His best to those who leave the choices to Him.

Oh God, help me to be patient and persistent
and leave the answers to my prayers in Your hands.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

The Written Word Of God

1 Peter 1:22-23

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth
so that you have sincere love for your brothers,
love one another deeply, from the heart.
For you have been born again,
not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,
through the living and enduring word of God.

The Bible is an important resource to Christians.

We are born again through the teaching of God in the Bible.

Let’s cherish our Bible.

Let’s know our Bible as much as possible.

Let's obey its teaching.

Let’s us develop sincere love for our brethren.

Let’s us love one another deeply, from the heart.

Let's Share The Bible We Love!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Three In One

The Bible repeatedly affirms that there is only one true God.

But the New Testament indicates that Jesus and the Holy Spirit, as well as the Father, are divine.

How do we reconcile those two claims?

Historically, the concept has been termed the “Trinity,” though that term does not appear in the Bible.

While this truth is a mystery, the Biblical evidence for it has been embraced as a fundamental teaching of Christianity.

There is only one true God—existing as three persons.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Spiritual Warfares

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.
(Daniel 10:12-13)

There is considerable interest and teaching about territorial spirits today, that is spiritual warfare waged against high-ranking principalities and powers assigned to a locale.

The Scripture passage here indicates that a particular evil spirit was assigned to Daniel’s human government or territory.

Daniel prayed to his God who sovereignly directs angels to war against the territorial rulers.

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The Apostle Paul taught that demonic emissaries who attack the church and hinder its mission can be overcome only through reliance on the power of God.

That same power of God is much needed in the world today.

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Let us not underestimate the power of God to defeat all that Satan throws against us.

Oh Lord,
may Your mighty power overcome
the evil united against Your church.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Violence Is Not The Answer

When they kept on questioning him,
he straightened up and said to them,
“Let any one of you who is without sin
be the first to throw a stone at her.”
(John 8:7)

Some of us think violence is the only solution to our problems.

Nevertheless, our problems are not solved with violence.

Each day is still one long struggle to live.

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Some of us turn to God for help when things become too much for us.

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God answers our prayer.

He changes our lives.

He is there by our side.

He is ready to help us when we cry to Him.

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Those who love God are truly blessed in the enjoyment of God.

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But we are told not to judge and condemn other people.

Instead, we must have compassion for them and help them.

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Let us pray for those caught in Satan’s lie that violence is the solution to their problems.

Let anyone who is without sin
be the first to throw a stone.

Monday, May 28, 2012

God Raised Up Moses As A Deliverer

(Exodus 2:1–10)

In response to Pharaoh’s plan to kill the newborn Hebrew boys, God put into motion the selection of Moses as a deliverer.

God had promised that the Israelites would return to the Promised Land (Genesis 15:13–16), and whatever He promises, He accomplishes.

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God promises us many things that may seem remote or unlikely.

But if God makes a promise, He will fulfill it, regardless of how bleak circumstances look now.

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God is working out His purposes in our lives, conforming us into the image of His Son, giving us opportunities to bear much fruit, answering our prayers etc.

He has promised us all of these things, and He will do them.

Remember:

Our God will always honor His word.

Friday, May 25, 2012

A Second Chance

Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. (Genesis 44:33)

Sometimes we get a second chance.

When we do, it is important to seize the opportunity.

That was what Judah did.

When his brothers wanted to kill Joseph, Judah didn’t rescue Joseph. Instead he suggested that they sell him as a slave (Genesis 37:26–27).

His second chance came when Benjamin’s life appeared to be in danger.

This time Judah put his own life on the line to protect his half brother, Rachel’s other son.

Perhaps this commitment was taken into account in the blessings that God inspired Jacob to give his sons; eventually the Messiah came through Judah’s descendants (Genesis 49:10).

God often gives us second chances in life.

When he does, we need to take advantage of the opportunity and set things right.

Oh God, give me another chance to change for the better.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Materialism

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
(1Timothy 6:10)

Satan subtly promotes materialism. Materialism is the attitude that says money, property, possessions, physical comforts, as well as worldly fame and honor, are the most important things in life.

God does not condone our allowing things and money to usurp His first place in our lives.

Our prosperity is a blessing from God until it takes the place of God. Materialism is to say, “I don’t have any need for God!”

Many Christian believers pass the test of external persecution, but many fail the test of prosperity.

Satan is ecstatic when he succeeds in luring us into this trap. This is the dark side to money and possessions that many Christians are either unaware of, or unwilling to face. As a result, the spiritual vitality of many has been sapped and the church as a whole has been weakened spiritually.

If the church is to survive this challenge, there is an urgent need to be aware of the true nature of materialism. Unfortunately, it has become such a vital part of our culture that Christians are often unaware of its control.

Let us be alert to Satan’s attack on the materialism front.

Oh God, Thank You Lord for all Your material blessings. Help me to use them for Your glory and Your kingdom.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Syncretism

For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools… (Romans 1:21-22)

Satan has led many religious groups to unite around a mixture of religious teachings and then brand honest Christian believers as bigots for clinging to salvation in Christ alone.

Many people today no longer believe in absolute truth. The widely held view is that there is good in every religion and all roads lead to heaven. Individuals then choose the elements they wish to believe from whatever faith and mix them all together. This is syncretism.

Satan is delighted when people believe and expound on his lies.

He does not want anyone to know the truth and come to a personal relationship with Jesus.

Jesus is the way and the truth and the life (John14:6).

Jesus is the only way.

Let us guard carefully against the deceptions of Satan leading to syncretism.

Oh Lord, help me to fix my eyes on You and Your Word today so that I will not stumble.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Abraham Chose To Obey God

If we are struggling with obedience in an area of our lives,
We can ask God to help us uncover our unbelief.
Let us choose to embrace His goodness
and wholeheartedly do what He says.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

The Cost In Following Jesus

Let us be an example to our children and
Teach them the cost in following Jesus.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Be Still, And KNow That I Am God

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
(Psalm 46:10)

Monday, April 16, 2012

The Confusion Of Nicodemus

“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” (John 3:4)

*******

Nicodemus confused the things of God with those of the flesh.

He thought that Jesus was referring to a return to his mother's womb.

A thing that would be an absolute impossibility.

*******

There are many around who do not understand the plan of salvation.

When someone tries to think about it in human terms, it makes absolutely no sense at all.

*******

The plan of salvation is a thing that is spiritually discerned.

Unless the Spirit of God awakens the mind to the truth of God's plan, there can be no understanding and no salvation.

*******

That is why Jesus stressed the need for the Father to draw men to the truth.

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. (John 6:44)

He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.” (John 6:65)

*******

Nicodemus was confused about the new birth!

So are many of us!

Saturday, April 14, 2012

The Challenge From Jesus

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." (John 3:3)

Jesus ignored Nicodemus' compliments and pious platitudes.

He chose to address the need of his heart.

*******

Jesus told Nicodemus that his religion wasn't sufficient to save his soul.

He told him that he must experience the new birth.

*******

Birth is a universal experience.

Everyone has been through it.

However, there is something different about this birth to which Jesus referred.

*******

The Nature Of The New Birth

No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.

The new birth comes from a higher place; it comes from God alone.

Man cannot accomplish it.

It is a work of God and of none other!

*******

The Necessity Of The New Birth

A person has no others choices in the realm of salvation.

We either come God's way or we do not experience His salvation at all.

In other words, it's Jesus or nothing!

*******

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Nicodemus Complimented Jesus

John 3:2

Nicodemus addressed Jesus With Respect

He called Him "Rabbi."

He referred to Him as a teacher. He held Jesus in high regard.

********

He Addressed Jesus With A Realization

He acknowledged that Jesus was sent from God to the world.

He understood who Jesus really is.

*******

He Addressed Jesus With Human Reasoning

He gave Jesus honor and respect for His miraculous power.

But he stopped short in his estimation of who Jesus really is.

To Him, Jesus is nothing more than a teacher, or some prophet whom God had sent!

*******

This is the problem with religion!

It stops short in its approach to Jesus Christ.

Jesus is necessary, but you have to add baptism, confirmation, church membership, communion, and a combination of many other things!

Faith in Jesus is never enough a religious system!

*******

If your religion stops short of receiving Jesus Christ as the sole means of salvation, then you have no salvation!

It is Jesus, plus nothing, minus nothing.

It is Jesus and Jesus alone that saves the soul from sin (John 14:6; Eph. 2:8-9)!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Nicodemus, The Seeker Of God

John 3:1

Nicodemus was a member of the Jewish ruling council.

He was a ruler. He was among the most powerful of men in that day.

He was a judge, much like a member of the Supreme Court.

*******

Nicodemus was a Pharisee.

He was religious.

He adhered to the strictest of religious and ethical standards.

He did his best to live before the Lord in true holiness.

*******

Nicodemus was sincere in his search for the truth.

He was real.

His approach to Jesus indicated that he was a man who wanted to find true peace for his soul.

He probably came by night, so that he could have an uninterrupted conversation with Jesus.

*******

Nicodemus, the seeker of God!

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Jesus, The Divine Teacher

John 3:1-21

Jesus is the Divine Teacher.

When He came to this earth, He came to teach men how to flee darkness and come to the light.

He came to teach men how to flee death and enter into life.

*******

When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus, He was teaching the teacher of Israel.

*******

Nicodemus was a man who was at the pinnacle of success.

He had it all.

He was a respected man.

He had money, power, position and all the things that are considered the trappings of a successful life.

*******

But he lacked that one thing that would guarantee him a pleasant eternity experience.

He lacked a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

*******

This great lack in the life of Nicodemus became the topic of Christ's lesson.

*******

In these verses, Jesus, The Divine Teacher explains salvation to Nicodemus.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

What Made The New Birth Possible?

John 3: 9-15

When Nicodemus heard about the new birth, he wondered how it was possible.

Jesus explained to him how the new birth became a reality!

*******

Jesus told Nicodemus that the Savior must leave Heaven above, and come into this world, to die for sin!

And that was what Jesus did! He left Heaven, took upon Himself a human body, lived without sin, and died a horrible and awful death upon the cross.

Jesus reminded Nicodemus of the time Israel sinned. God sent serpents among them to bite them. Many of them died (Num. 21:4-9). After that tragic event took place, God commanded Moses to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole.

Jesus was like that snake! He came to this world to be put upon a cross. He came to die a sacrifice for sin. He came to die that we, through His death, might live!

And when Jesus died on that cross, He paid our sin debt in full!

*******

What must the lost, hell bound sinner do to be saved? Believe!

Just like those people in ancient Israel who had been bitten by the fiery serpents. All they had to do was look and live!

If we want to be saved, we must believe in Jesus and receive His finished work at Calvary as the payment for our sins (Romans 10:9).

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and we shall be saved!

*******

Like Nicodemus, We can be born again.

We can be born into the family of God and become God's children.

We can be born again right now if we will turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in Him.

*******

Nicodemus got saved.

He stood up for Jesus before the Sanhedrin (John 7:45-53).

He helped Joseph of Arimathaea bury the body of Jesus after the crucifixion (John 19:38-42).

Nicodemus was born again!

*******

If we will come to the Lord Jesus Christ, He will also save us by His grace.

We will be born again too!

Monday, March 26, 2012

The New Birth Is Like A Breeze

Jesus compared the mystery of the new birth to a breeze (John 3:8).

Jesus told Nicodemus that just as the wind could be felt and measured, and the effects of it could be seen, where it came from and where it went to remained a mystery.

We cannot see God do His work in a heart.

But we can see the effects of the Spirit in a life!

When we see a wicked and hateful man turns into a sweet, loving, and holy saint, we know the Spirit has been working in his soul.

We do not see how it happens.

But we can see the effect of the power of God in the human heart.

*******

The wind of the Spirit was blowing in the soul of Nicodemus.

But he could not control that wind.

And it might be gone in an instant, never to return.

The time for Nicodemus to heed God’s call was when the wind was moving in his heart.

*******

If the wind of the Spirit is blowing in our soul, the time to be saved is now!

Remember, God will not always deal with us (Gen. 6:3).

We must come to Him when He is near and calling (Isa. 55:6; 2 Cor. 6:2).

We can come to him only when He is calling us (John 6:44).

The New Birth Is Like The Physical Birth

John 3:4-7

The mystery of the new birth is like that of a physical birth.

When Jesus said “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit”, He was talking about physical birth and spiritual birth.

He was saying that for a man to get to heaven he must have two births.

He must be born into the kingdom of men and he must be born into the kingdom of God!

*******

There are a few ways physical birth can be used to illustrate spiritual birth:

Physical birth provides life. Likewise, spiritual birth provides a person with spiritual life.

Physical birth only happens once. Likewise, spiritual birth is a one time event.

Physical birth happens because of the suffering on another. A mother suffers to bring life into this world. Jesus suffered so that we might be born again.

Physical birth gives the infant a brand new start. Our past is wiped away; our future lies in front of us!

The new birth is a mystery!

It is like our physical birth!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

The Mystery Of The New Birth

John 3: 4-8

When Jesus told Nicodemus that he had to be born again, Nicodemus could not grasp how that could be.

He imagined himself going back into his mother’s womb to be born a second time.

He wanted to know how this could happen.

So he asked Jesus about the “How?” of the new birth.

Nicodemus knew that he was in the presence of a mystery and he wanted the answers.

*******

The new birth is a mysterious thing.

None of us truly understands everything there is to know about it.

It is still a mystery even to those of us who have experienced it!

*******

But the fact that it is a mystery should not cause us to avoid it altogether!

There are many things in life that we do not understand, but we still believe in them.

So, we must not allow the mystery of the new birth keep us from being saved!

We Need God's Nature

The new birth is a must!

We need the heavenly nature!

*******

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3)

*******

The new birth gives us a new nature when we are saved.

We receive God’s nature; a nature from Heaven!

*******

The new birth prepares us for life in a new kingdom!

If we go to heaven with a lost and fallen nature, we will be miserable there!

We will never enjoy heaven unless we have a new nature!

All the worship, the praise, the glories of Heaven will be offensive to us if we go there lost!

*******

We need a new birth.

It prepares us to enter and enjoy heaven!

We need a new birth, a birth from Heaven to provide us with a new, spiritual nature.

*******

We must be born again!

It is not an option!

The new birth is a must!

We need God's nature to enjoy God's kingdom.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Unable To Save Ourselves

The new birth is a must!

We are unable to save ourselves!

*******

When Nicodemus came to Jesus, he came humbly.

He came with some serious questions, but he did not expect the answer he received. Jesus told him, “You must be born again!” (John3: 3, 7).

*******

Nicodemus must have thought that this was a mistake.

*******

Nicodemus was a very rich man. He had a lot of money.

But what we have does not change what we are!

We are still a sinner in need of a Savior! Our money can buy us nothing in Heaven!

*******

Nicodemus was a respectable man. People knew who he was. He was held in great esteem.

But what we achieve in life does not change what we are!

It cannot provide us a place in Heaven!

*******

Nicodemus was a religious man. He was a Pharisee! He kept the Law. He was morally pure. He did everything the Law said to do. He kept the written Law and the traditions of the elders. He was a holy man!

But what we do does not change who we are!

We are still in need of a Redeemer! Our religious activities cannot save us.

*******

We can never buy our way to Heaven!

We can never gain our way into Heaven!

We can never do enough to enter Heaven!

Salvation only comes through the new birth!

No matter what we have, no matter what we do, and no matter who we are, we are still a sinner in need of a Savior!

The new birth is not an option; it is a must!

Our sinful nature demands it!

The New Birth

John 3:1-7

The New Birth Is A Must

We need to be born again.

What does it mean to be born again?

It means to be born from above.

It means getting a fresh start, a new life from Heaven.

It means being saved or being born again.

It means regeneration.

It means more than just reformation!

It means more than just turning over a new leaf.

It means more than just getting a new lease on life.

It means to be born from Heaven above!

And the new birth is important.

It is necessary, if we want to get to Heaven!

Jesus Taught Nicodemus

John 3:1-15

Jesus has a personal encounter with a man called Nicodemus.

Nicodemus was one of the most powerful and influential men in all Israel during this time.

Nicodemus is a wealthy, powerful, and religious man.

Jesus referred to Nicodemus as “Israel’s teacher”. Nicodemus was an educated man.

But despite his learning, there were some things Nicodemus did not know.

So one night, this rich, powerful, educated man found himself alone with the Lord Jesus Christ.

What Nicodemus learned that night would prove to be the greatest lessons of his life!

*******

Jesus shared great truths with Nicodemus.

Nicodemus came to Jesus for some answers about religion. But he received some answers about redemption.

He came to Jesus with questions about Jesus. He went away with more knowledge about Jesus and about himself.

He came to Jesus to ask questions about life. He left with information about the new birth.

*******

Jesus taught Nicodemus the truth about salvation.

He shared with him the new birth that we all need to hear.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

John And His Message

"He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.” (John 1: 7-8)

John the Baptist did not preach to build up his name and reputation. He preached to point the people to the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Message Of A Humble Servant (7). When John the Baptist began to talk about Jesus, He became very humble. He told the people that compared to the Lord Jesus Christ, he was a nobody! He wasn’t even worthy to do the job of the lowest household slave. That is a humility that we must have.

People often compare themselves to the wrong standard. We often compare ourselves with someone who lives worse than we do. And we think we are not too bad. But if we would honestly compare our lives to Jesus, we would see how bad we really are.

When John the Baptist saw Jesus, He saw how needy he was! When He saw Jesus, he saw that he was nothing and Jesus was everything. That is why He was willing to step aside so that Jesus might shine in him (John 3:30).

John the Baptist magnified Jesus! He knew that if the people could just see Jesus, they would see themselves as they really were. They would then see their need of Jesus. They would then want Him to be their Savior and Lord.

That’s the message people need today! If they can see Jesus, they would desire to humble themselves before Him. They would bow to Him in salvation, surrender and service.

The Message Of A Holy Savior (8). John the Baptist told the people that when Jesus came, He would do a spiritual work in their hearts. He was using a material element, water, to baptize their bodies. But Jesus would use a spiritual element, the Holy Spirit, to baptize their souls. He was taking them and placing them under the water in a symbol of their repentance. But Jesus would take them and wash their sins away in His blood and give them a new life.

John the Baptist was pointing the people to a Savior Who could save their souls, forgive their sins and change their lives.

If we will come to Jesus and repent of our sins and call on Him by faith, He will save our soul, forgive our sins and change our lives.

"He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

John And His Manner

John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. (John 1: 6)

His Fashion. John did not wear fine robes. His clothing was as rough as his message. He was a man of the desert and he dressed like a man of the desert.

His Food. John favored the food of the desert dwellers. He lived on such things as he could trust the Lord to provide. His diet was balanced. Locusts are protein and honey is carbohydrates. John the Baptist was a balanced man who was satisfied with the basics of life.

John the Baptist stepped out of the wilderness dressed in the rough garments of a prophet. He came to the people of Israel preaching with power!

John came with a strange appearance. He came with a strong message. He was out of step with his times. But God was with him. God used Him in an amazing way to carry out a powerful ministry.

*******

It is all right to be different. We can dress differently. We can talk differently. We can live differently. The main thing is we walk with the Lord and honor Him.

It is all right if we don’t live as the world lives. It is all right if we don’t do the things the world does. It is all right to be different if the Lord Jesus has made us different!

*******

We should never allow the world to force us into its mold (Rom. 12:1-2).

We should rather yield ourselves to the Lord, separate from this world (2 Cor. 6:17), and allow Him to mold us into His image!

*******

We must never be ashamed of who we are.

And we must never be ashamed of who we are not!

John And His Methods

John 1:4-5

*****

John’s Preaching. “Preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (4b).

John's message was a message of confrontation. He confronted sin and calling on people to repent. They had sinned and they must change their minds regarding sin. They must clean up their lives in preparation for the advent of Jesus!

John's message was a message of change. He told the people that their repentance would result in the forgiveness of sins. Their repentance would result in God’s forgiveness!

Preachers of our day must preach like John the Baptist! They must confront sin and call people to repentance for the forgiveness of sin. They must tell the people the truth!

John’s Practice. “Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River” (5b).

John baptized people. He did not baptize people to make them right with God. People were not being baptized to have their sins forgiven; they were being baptized because their sins had been forgiven.

They went to John and were immersed into the river Jordan to declare publicly that their lives had been changed by the power of God. They were baptized to give glory to the God Who had forgiven their sins and made them whole.

This baptism was about a change of life! It is a picture of a person dying to the old life of sin and rising again to a new life of holiness.

John’s Power. “The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him” (5a).

Many people came to John to be baptized by him. Some traveled many miles on foot.

They made a break with their past and were changed by the power of God. They responded to the preaching of John and they came to him confessing their sins and turning from their sinful lifestyles.

*******

People still need to be told they are sinners.

They still need to be confronted with the need for genuine repentance.

Then they will come confessing their sins and turning from their sinful lifestyles. They will want to be baptized!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

John And The Heavenly Mandate

John 1:2-3

John the Baptist came to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. He cleared and opened the route for Him. He let the people know that the Savior was coming.

John the Baptist’s coming was in fulfillment of two important Old Testament prophecies:

Isaiah 40:3 – “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”

Malachi 3:1 –“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to His temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.

John the Baptist came with a divine mission; it was a heavenly mandate:

It Involved Preparation (2). He was to clear the way for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ by appealing directly to the people. He came preaching to them, calling on them to repent because the Lord Jesus Christ was coming to deliver them.

It Involved Proclamation (3). John the Baptist was a lone voice against the dead legalism of the Jews. He was a hard preacher in a dark day and God used him to touch a generation.

*******

John the Baptist preached during a period when the Jewish religion had become a dead orthodoxy. Legalism and ritual ruled the day. The Jews were in desperate need of a spiritual revival. The Gentiles had given up on religion and viewed most religious beliefs as superstition and foolish tales. Both groups needed just what John preached: the Truth!

We are living in similar day! We have to stand up, open our Bibles, open our mouths and preach the Word of God. The Lord Jesus Christ is coming soon! We are to prepare the way of the Lord Jesus Christ and proclaim His return.

We still hold the same heavenly mandate: We are to preach the Word (2 Tim. 4:2).

The Beginning Of The Good News

Mark 1:1

Mark called the Lord “Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God”.

The Lord is called Jesus, which means “Jehovah is Salvation”. This is His human name. This declares His Person. It reveals the reason why the Lord came into this world. He came to save lost sinners (Matt. 1:21; Luke 19:10).

The Lord is called “Messiah or Christ”, or “the Anointed One”. This declares His Position. Jesus is the One Who will deliver His people from their enemies.

The Lord is called “the Son of God”. This declares His Power. Jesus is a man, but not an ordinary man. He is God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14).

*******

Jesus is truly human. He has a human name, “Jesus”.

Jesus is truly divine. He is the promised Messiah. He is the Son of God.

Jesus is truly unique. He is both humanity and deity in one Person.

Jesus is the true source of Good News.

Jesus alone is the source of salvation!

Monday, March 5, 2012

When Jesus Reigns

John 2:10-11

*******

When Jesus Reigns, He Provides Our Immediate Needs. He changed water into wine! He gives us all we need to face our immediate circumstances (Phil. 4:19).

When Jesus Reigns, He Provides Our Spiritual Needs. "His Disciples believed in Him" (11). What has happened during our hour of crisis will strengthen our faith.

When Jesus Reigns, He Provides Our Future Needs. “He revealed His glory” (11). What has happened in our hour of crisis will give us hope for tomorrow. We will learn not to doubt what the Lord can do. When we see Jesus come through for us today, we will have hope for tomorrow’s trials.

*******

Jesus Is Tied To The Events Of Our Lives. He cares about the smallest details of our lives (Matt. 10:29-31), and He waits for us to call Him into our times of need so that He can minister to us.

What is your need today? Do as Mary did, bring it to a Lord who cares. Bring it to Jesus!

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Turning Water Into Wine

John 2:3-9

When Problem Comes (9). Sometime during the festivities, they ran out of wine. To the Jews, it could be ruinous! First, it was a matter of honor. The bridegroom was responsible for providing adequate supplies. If something ran out before the party was over, it meant that he hadn't planned well and hadn't provided for all his guests. Secondly, to run out of wine would cause public embarrassment for the groom and his family.

Steps Taken (3-5). Jesus’ mother showed us 2 steps we should do in troubled times:

Flee To Jesus. When problem arises, we should take it to the Lord. (Phil. 4:6-7)

Follow His Commands. We should do what Jesus says!

Jesus At Work. He turned water into wine!

It Was Unconventional. Jesus will help us, but He may not do things our way.

It Was Uncommon. The governor of the feast was surprised at the quality of the new wine (10b).

It Was Unbelievable. The governor didn't know it, but the servants did! (9)

*******

Nobody in this world may understand what we are going through. But Jesus does!

And when He moves in our time of need and turns our darkness into day; when He lifts our burden and shoulders our load, we know it and we will never forget it!

To everyone else, it was just wine, but to all who knew the truth, it was a miracle!

Turning Water Into Wine - Jesus' first miracle.

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