Monthly Archives: March 2015

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – Easter Brings Hope

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Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” —John 11:25

Easter is not about brightly colored eggs, wearing pastels, or enjoying a big meal, although it could include these. Easter is about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

For some, Easter will be a great day, spent surrounded by family and friends. But for others, it will be a sad day, because Easter is a reminder of a loved one who has died and is now desperately missed.

Death seems so cruel, so harsh, and so final. That is what the disciples were feeling when they saw their Lord, whom they had left everything to follow, hanging on the cross. They were devastated. Death had crushed them. But if they would have gone back in their memories, they would have recalled an important event and statement Jesus had made.

They would have remembered Jesus standing at the tomb of his close friend Lazarus. They would have remembered that Jesus did something completely unexpected: He wept (see John 11:35). Jesus wept, because He knew that death was not part of God’s original plan. Humanity was not meant to grow old, to suffer with disease, or to die. But because of the sin of Adam and Eve, sin entered the human race, and death followed with it. And death spread to all of us. Jesus wept, because it broke His heart.

But standing there at Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus also delivered these hope-filled words: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25). Death is not the end. And the resurrection of Jesus Christ proves it.

If you have put your faith in Christ, then Easter means that you will live forever in the presence of God. Easter brings hope to the person who has been devastated by death.

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Far From Christ

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Imagine the scene at the cross. Soldiers huddled in a circle, dice-throwing—casting lots for the possessions of Christ. Common soldiers witnessing the world’s most uncommon event. To them he is just another criminal; the cross is forgotten.

It makes me think of us. The religious. Those who claim heritage at the cross. All of us. The strict…the loose…the simple…spirit-filled…evangelical. All of us! We’re not so unlike these soldiers. We too, play games at the foot of the cross. We compete for members. We scramble for status.  Competition. Selfishness. Personal gain. It’s all there. We major in the trivial, we split into little huddles. Another name. Another doctrine. So close to the cross but so far from the Christ. “May they all be one,” Jesus prayed. One. Not one in groups of two thousand. One church. One faith. One Lord. No hierarchies. No traditions. Just Christ.

From On Calvary’s Hill

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE PRAYER

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Read: James 5:15-16

Each of us has prayed about situations and for other people without seeing results. When that happens, it’s easy to become discouraged. Rather than give up, we should review our lives to see if we need to alter something.

  1. Our prayers must flow from a heart that is in step with God. If we want our prayers to be effective, we must be open to His Spirit and be compassionate, forgiving, and sincere as we intercede. Therefore, pray that you will have His love and compassion for others and that you will forgive fully—just as He has forgiven you (Eph. 4:32).
  2. Our prayers are a link between our needs and God’s inexhaustible resources. Ask the Lord to reveal your or your loved one’s true needs and His power to meet those needs so that you can intercede in faith.
  3. Identify with the need of the other person. To be truly compassionate in our supplication, we must see others through Jesus’ eyes. When we realize that people are truly hurting on the inside, our mercy for them is released, and we can intercede for them with greater zeal, understanding, and emotion.
  4. Desire the highest good in the person’s life. We should pray to stay in the center of God’s will and that whomever we are praying for will do so as well. The Father knows what is absolutely best for each person and what it will take to bring him or her closer to Him.
  5. Be open to meeting the person’s need. Are you willing for God to use you to meet another person’s need? Will you allow Him to glorify Himself through you? Jesus did not back away from those who were hurting, and neither should we. We are to follow His example and always remember that God blesses us so that we might bless others.
  6. Persevere. We must continue praying, regardless of whether we see immediate results or not, because the longer we intercede for a situation or another person, the more tightly our hearts will be knit to God. That in itself is a comfort to those in need. Prayer binds us together with the Father and with others in love and fellowship—with a spiritual bond that lasts into eternity and will certainly be a blessing to us and to others.

Therefore, endure in your loving, compassionate, hopeful supplication for others, and always be confident that: “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16). God is listening, friend. Trust Him.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Who Are You?

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Read: Matthew 21:1-11
Bible in a Year: Judges 7-8; Luke 5:1-16

 

When [Jesus] had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” —Matthew 21:10

From time to time, we read of people who are offended at not being treated with what they consider due respect and deference. “Do you know who I am?” they shout indignantly. And we are reminded of the statement, “If you have to tell people who you are, you probably really aren’t who you think you are.” The polar opposite of this arrogance and self-importance is seen in Jesus, even as His life on earth was nearing its end.

Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of praise from the people (Matt. 21:7-9). When others throughout the city asked, “Who is this?” the crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee” (vv.10-11). He didn’t come claiming special privileges, but in humility He came to give His life in obedience to His Father’s will.

The words Jesus said and the things He did commanded respect. Unlike insecure rulers, He never demanded that others respect Him. His greatest hours of suffering appeared to be His lowest point of weakness and failure. Yet, the strength of His identity and mission carried Jesus through the darkest hours as He died for our sins so that we might live in His love.

He is worthy of our lives and our devotion today. Do we recognize who He is? —David McCasland

Lord, I am in awe of Your humility, strength, and love. And I am embarrassed by my desires for self-importance. May knowing You change every self-centered motive in my heart into a longing to live as You did in this world.

When once you have seen Jesus, you can never be the same. —Oswald Chambers

INSIGHT: The disciple of Christ should be preoccupied with exalting Him instead of self. The words “My utmost for His highest,” taken from Oswald Chambers’ classic devotional, express the goal of the follower of Christ.
Ravi Zacharias

Ravi Zacharias Ministry – ISIS, MURDER, AND MARTYRDOM: A REFLECTION FROM RZIM IN THE MIDDLE EAST

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by Maher Samuel / RZIM BLOG  March 23, 2015

Although the scenes of slaughter and murder are not new or alien to Christians in Egypt, the ISIS beheading of the 21 Coptic Christians (as seen in the video released in February) was one of the most devastating tragedies Egyptian Christians have ever witnessed.

Though several weeks have passed, our minds are still perplexed and our hearts broken. The old question of “where is God amidst all this evil?” emerges again to denote a great challenge for Christian leaders in this region and particularly for those of us here in RZIM Middle East.

The final words we heard on the ISIS beheading video were “Lord Jesus” as the 21 were butchered, only to remind us of what we read in the Word of God about Stephen, the first martyr.

Of the 21 murdered, only one was non-Egyptian. Of all the very encouraging stories is that of the non-Egyptian: he was originally a Muslim and accepted the Lord while living with the kidnapped Christians. When the murderers tried to persuade him to go back to Islam, to escape slaughter, he refused and was martyred with his brothers.

The difficult aspect of the story is the puzzlement of many believers, who were expecting God’s miraculous intervention. However, the bright part is that the blood of the martyrs was not shed in vain. The beheading shook many hearts and minds among Muslims, causing them to question their beliefs. It also emphasized the importance of the Egyptian President’s call for a religious revolution against all beliefs that call for killing people.

Two months prior to this painful incident, I gave a sermon at Kasr El Dobara Evangelical Church, titled “ISIS and Jesus–The Culture of Death and the Culture of Life.” Approximately 2,000 people attended this sermon and it was broadcasted live on SAT7 (a Christian satellite station), during which I mentioned ISIS is religiously, not politically, oriented.

The core of ISIS’s belief is to establish Allah’s rule, with death to all who refuse this rule. On the contrary, Jesus called for the kingdom of God by giving life. The kingdom of God is to be accepted, not imposed. This is the vast distinction between Jesus and ISIS.

In my sermon a few months ago, I challenged the audience with three significant truths. First, we are created in the image of God, however the image has been tarnished (though not erased). Second, God loves us and desires salvation for our souls, inviting us turn from falsehood to truth. Third, the Christian history teaches us that many who were similar to ISIS were saved and became servants of the Lord.

That day, when I preached these words, I had not known that a terrible death was right at the door and that ISIS would brutally slaughter loved ones, some of whom were known to us.

After the ISIS beheading, I reviewed these three truths and must admit it was difficult for me to accept that God loves the members of ISIS and that He yearns for their salvation. Nevertheless, this is what the Bible says and we must recognize that no one is beyond the grasp of God’s grace and redemption.

In light of this tragedy, we at RZIM Middle East are faced with two massive challenges: the first is how to deal with Christians’ broken hearts, and second, how to deliver the truth to those minds that are now open and thirsty for the truth in the aftermath of this massacre. We need your prayers for our team in the region, for our brothers and sisters in Iraq and Syria, and for all who have yet to turn from darkness to light.

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – He Learned Obedience through what He Suffered

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Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Hebrews 5:8

We are told that the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering; therefore we who are sinful and who are far from being perfect must not wonder if we are called to pass through suffering too. Shall the head be crowned with thorns while the other parts of the body enjoy only comfort and ease? Must Christ pass through seas of His own blood to win the crown while we walk to heaven dry-shod in silver slippers? No; our Master’s experience teaches us that suffering is necessary, and the true-born child of God must not, would not, escape it if he could.

But there is one very comforting thought in the fact of Christ’s “being made perfect” through suffering–it is that He can have complete sympathy with us. He is not a high priest who is “unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.”1 In this sympathy of Christ we find a sustaining power. One of the early martyrs said, “I can bear it all, for Jesus suffered, and He suffers in me now; He sympathizes with me, and this makes me strong.” Believer, grasp this thought in every agonizing experience. Let the thought of Jesus strengthen you as you follow in His steps. Find a sweet support in His sympathy; and remember that to suffer is an honorable thing–to suffer for Christ is glory. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to do this. Just so far as the Lord shall give us grace to suffer for Christ, to suffer with Christ, just so far does He honor us.

The jewels of a Christian are his afflictions. The regalia of the kings whom God has anointed are their troubles, their sorrows, and their griefs. Let us not, therefore, shun being honored. Let us not turn aside from being exalted. Griefs exalt us, and troubles lift us up. “If we endure, we will also reign with him.”2

1) Hebrews 4:15 2) 2 Timothy 2:12

Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – The snare of the fowler

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“Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler.”Psalm 91:3

Suggested Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:1-20

It was once said by a talented writer, that the old devil was dead, and that there was a new devil now; by which he meant to say, that the devil of old times was a rather different devil from the deceiver of these times. We believe that it is the same evil spirit; but there is a difference in his mode of attack. The devil of five hundred years ago was a black and grimy thing, well portrayed in our old pictures of that evil spirit. He was a persecutor, who cast men into the furnace, and put them to death for serving Christ. The devil of this day is a well-spoken gentleman: he does not persecute—he rather attempts to persuade and to beguile. He is not now the furious Romanist, so much as the insinuating unbeliever, attempting to overturn our religion, whilst at the same time he pretends he would but make it more rational, and so more triumphant. He would only link worldliness with religion; and so he would really make religion void, under the cover of developing the great power of the gospel, and bringing out secrets which our forefathers had never discovered. Satan is always a fowler; whatever his tactics may be, his object is still the same—to catch men in his net. Men are here compared to silly, weak birds, that have not skill enough to avoid the snare, and have not strength enough to escape from it. Satan is the fowler; he has been so and is so still; and if he does not attack us as the roaring lion, roaring against us in persecution, he attacks us as the adder, creeping silently along the path, endeavouring to bite our heel with his poisoned fangs, and weaken the power of grace and ruin the life of godliness within us. Our text is a very comforting one to all believers, when they are beset by temptation.

For meditation: We should be on our guard against falling into the snare of the devil (1 Timothy 3:7), but take courage from the fact that God is able to enable us to escape from it (2 Timothy 2:26).

Sermon no. 124
29 March (1857)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Seeking God’s Protection

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“Do not led us into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:13).

Have a healthy sense of self-distrust.

At the moment of your salvation, judicial forgiveness covered all of your sins—past, present, and future. Parental forgiveness restores the joy and sweet fellowship broken by any subsequent sins. But concurrent with the joy of being forgiven is the desire to be protected from any future sins. That’s the desire expressed in Matthew 6:13: “Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

That petition seems simple enough at first glance, but it raises some important questions. According to James 1:13, God doesn’t tempt anyone to commit sin, so why ask Him to protect us from something He apparently wouldn’t lead us into in the first place?

Some say the word “temptation” in Matthew 6:13 means “trials.” But trials strengthen us and prove the genuineness of our faith. We are to rejoice in them, not avoid them (James 1:2-4).

The solution to this paradox has to do with the nature of the petition. It is not so much a technical theological statement as it is an emotional plea from one who hates sin and wants to be protected from it. Chrysostom, the early church father, said it is a natural appeal of human weakness as it faces danger (Homily 19.10).

I don’t know about you, but I have a healthy sense of self-distrust. That’s why I carefully guard what I think, say, watch, read, and listen to. If I sense spiritual danger I run into the presence of God and say, “Lord, I will be overwhelmed by this situation unless You come to my aid.” That’s the spirit of Matthew 6:13.

We live in a fallen world that throws temptation after temptation our way. Therefore it’s only natural and proper for us as Christians to continually confess our sins, receive the Father’s forgiveness, and plead with Him to deliver us from the possibility of sinning against Him in the future.

Suggestions for Prayer; Thank the Lord that He loves you and ministers through you despite your human weaknesses.

Ask Him to protect you today from any situation that might cause you to sin.

For Further Study; Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 and James 1:13-16.

To what degree will God allow you to be tempted?

What is a common source of temptation?

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Refuse to Lose

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Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. – Deuteronomy 1:21 KJV

All of us become disappointed when we have plans that fail, hopes that don’t materialize, and goals that are not reached. When this continues for a while, we become discouraged, a condition that can lead to depression if not handled properly.

When you get discouraged, you must make a decision to adapt and adjust, to take a new approach, to just keep going despite your feelings. That’s when you must remember the Greater One resides within you and decide you won’t let discouragement keep you from realizing your dreams and goals.

When you feel discouraged it is sometimes difficult to be positive. That’s when you must rise above the discouragement through He who lives in you. He is always available to help you find renewed direction and hope.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – As a Man Thinketh

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“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…. (Proverbs 23:7, KJV).

“Every day in every way I am becoming better and better,” declared the French philosopher Emile Coue. But it is said that he committed suicide.

Positive thinking by a nonbeliever without a biblical basis is often an exercise in futility. Though I agree with the basic concept of positive thinking, so long as it is related to the Word of God, there is a difference between positive thinking and supernatural thinking. We do not think positively so that we can know Christ better; we come to know Christ better, which results in supernatural thinking. The basis of our thinking is God’s Word; supernatural thinking is based upon the attributes of God.

When a man says, “I am going to be enthusiastic, by faith, as an act of the will,” or “I am going to rejoice, by faith, as an act of the will,” he is simply drawing upon his rights as a child of God, according to the promises of God.

In supernatural thinking, we apply the promises of God, knowing with certainty that if we ask anything according to His will, He will hear and answer us.

Some well-known Christian leaders emphasize “positive thinking” and “possibility thinking.” They are men whom I admire and with whom I agree basically in this regard because the Christian life is a positive life. “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

But I prefer to use what I believe to be the more scriptural definition of the Christian life – supernatural thinking, which includes – but goes far beyond – both positive thinking and possibility thinking.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 23:1-6

TODAY’S ACTION POINT:  Today I will claim by faith a promise or promises from God’s Word which will help me to live a supernatural life.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Vision for America

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Helen Keller, probably the best known blind person who has ever lived, once said, “What would be worse than being born blind? To have sight without vision.” Recent polling among American college students reveals the majority have no vision for their lives, their families, or their communities. A George Barna survey recently reported that three-quarters of all churches in America have either peaked in attendance and influence or are on the decline.

Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint.

Proverbs 29:18

In Hebrew, “vision” includes “divine communication.” Could it be that the loss of vision among the youth – and among the churches – is because God is no longer their prime communicator?

God’s vision has always been for the welfare of His children, and that begins with a reconciliation of the world to Him. The part of that vision He entrusts to you will differ from that given to your neighbor, just as the way He equips you both won’t be the same. Do you trust Him enough to do what He has called you to do? Ask for His blessed reassurance today. Intercede for members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus to hold up God’s vision for America as they serve Him and you in the high chambers of the nation.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 5:11-21

 

Night Light - James & Shirley Dobson

Night Light For Couples -The Trouble Paradox

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“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

When troubles line up in what seems like an endless parade, feelings of despair or helplessness can be overwhelming. One way out of this downward spiral toward depression is to reach out to someone else. Our own difficulties seem less threatening and all‐consuming when we are busy helping someone else handle theirs. The possibilities for helping others are limitless. Visit the sick. Bake something for your neighbors. Do household chores for an elderly shut‐in. Use your car for those without transportation. And, perhaps most important, be a good listener. Sometimes what a person needs most of all is simply a friend who will share his or her life for a few moments.

This is one of the powerful paradoxes of the Christian life: When we share someone else’s pain, we often shed some of our own. When we help others, we end up helping ourselves. When we lift another’s burdens, ours lighten.

Just between us…

  • What do you do when you’re discouraged or depressed?
  • Am I helpful to you when you’re feeling down?
  • In what ways did Jesus minister to the downhearted? Is there someone in a difficult situation who could use our help?

Dear God, thank You for Your goodness during trouble. Increasingly, make us Your instruments to help others in need. Help us to share Your comfort and testify to Your great faithfulness. Thank You that we’ll be blessed in doing so. Amen.

  • From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Our Humble King

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Philippians 2:3-13

Typically, as the world’s kings entered their capital city, they were decked out in silver armor, riding pure white warhorses to signify their power. But the way God’s King rode into Jerusalem was similar to how He arrived in Bethlehem the night He was born. Jesus balanced on the back of a donkey, demonstrating humility and peace. Remarkably, the donkey was borrowed, just like Jesus’ first bed—a feeding trough.

He was an unemployed, homeless man without an army or any other visible sign of power. Isn’t it surprising that Jesus, the Creator of all things, had no possessions? Earlier on, He’d borrowed a boat and a boy’s lunch. One He used as a podium for teaching; the other, for miraculously feeding a huge, hungry crowd. And before this week ended, His dead body would be laid in a borrowed tomb.

This is the type of king who rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. His fame was soaring on the wings of perhaps His greatest miracle—raising His friend Lazarus from the dead—and when the crowd heard He was coming to Jerusalem, excitement reached fever pitch.

Because of the Passover, more than a million people had converged upon the Holy City. Jesus was surrounded by pilgrims, some spreading their garments on the road while others cut tree branches to place in His path. As He passed, the crowd shouted; “Save now, Son of David! Save now!”

Jesus had previously rejected all attempts to make Him king. However, this Passover was wildly different. He’d instructed His disciples to secure a donkey for His ride into the city, indicating He was the king foretold by Zechariah (9:9). From that moment on, there was no turning back or away. After this very public demonstration, the religious elite would be forced to either accept Him or reject Him—to seat Him on the throne of their hearts or nail Him to a cross.

Jesus knew that before week’s end, He’d endure the mockery of a kangaroo court, receive a merciless beating, and be forced to carry a cross through the streets of Jerusalem. He knew there’d be no cheering crowds that day. Yet this would be a week that changed the world. He knew that after He was dead and gone, He would rise again.

Thinking of Jesus riding on a donkey toward a certain and cruel death, I wonder, What does this have to do with me on Palm Sunday 2015? Then I recall the words, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,” the one who said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Phil. 2:5; Luke 9:23).

I have my answer: I am to follow Jesus to the cross, die to myself and become alive in God, then love the world and redeem it by loving and serving.

—Fil Anderson

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Trail Trees

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Read: Isaiah 53:4-12
Bible in a Year: Judges 4-6; Luke 4:31-44

 

They pierced My hands and My feet. . . . They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots. —Psalm 22:16-18

In recent years, my daughter has become fascinated with the history of the indigenous people in northern Michigan where she lives. One summer afternoon when I was visiting, she showed me a road that had a sign designating “Trail Trees.” She explained to me that it’s believed that long ago the Native Americans bent young trees to point the way to specific destinations and that they continued to grow in an unusual shape.

The Old Testament serves a similar purpose. Many commands and teachings of the Bible direct our hearts to the way the Lord wants us to live. The Ten Commandments are great examples of that. But in addition, the prophets of the Old Testament pointed the way to a coming Messiah. Thousands of years before Jesus came, they spoke of Bethlehem—Jesus’ birthplace (see Micah 5:2 and Matt. 2:1-6). They described Jesus’ death on the cross in striking detail (see Ps. 22:14-18 and John 19:23-24). And Isaiah 53:1-12 points to the sacrifice Jesus would make as the Lord “laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (v.6; see Luke 23:33).

Millennia ago, God’s Old Testament servants pointed to God’s Son—Jesus—the One who has now “borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isa. 53:4). He is the way to life. —Cindy Hess Kasper

Thank You for the simple message of salvation. Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life. Thank You for giving Your life for me. I love You.

Jesus sacrificed His life for ours.
Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Here is Love!

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…the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. Ephesians 3:19

The love of Christ in its sweetness, its fullness, its greatness, its faithfulness passes all human comprehension. Where can we find the words to describe His matchless, His unparalleled love toward the children of men? It is so vast and boundless that, as the swallow simply skims the water without diving into its depths, so all descriptive words merely touch the surface, while immeasurable depths lie below. Well might the poet say, O love, thou fathomless abyss!

For this love of Christ is indeed measureless and fathomless; no one can fully comprehend it. Before we can have any right idea of the love of Jesus, we must understand His previous glory in its height of majesty, and His incarnation upon the earth in all its depths of shame. But who can tell us the majesty of Christ? When He was enthroned in the highest heavens He was very God of very God. By Him the heavens were made, and all its inhabitants. His own almighty arm upheld the spheres; the praises of cherubim and seraphim perpetually surrounded Him; the full chorus of the hallelujahs of the universe flowed without ceasing to the foot of his throne. He reigned supreme above all His creatures, God over all, blessed forever. Who can tell His height of glory then? And who, on the other hand, can tell how low He descended? To be a man was something; to be a man of sorrows was far more. To bleed and die and suffer–these were much for Him who was the Son of God; but to suffer such unparalleled agony–to endure a death of shame and desertion by His Father–this is a depth of condescending love that the most inspired mind must utterly fail to fathom.Herein is love! And truly it is love that “surpasses knowledge.”

O let this love fill our hearts with adoring gratitude and lead us to practical demonstrations of its power.

Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – The great revival

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“The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” Isaiah 52:10

Suggested Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40

In the old revivals in America a hundred years ago, commonly called “the great awakening,” there were many strange things, such as continual shrieks and screams, and knockings, and twitchings, under the services. We cannot call that the work of the Spirit. Even the great Whitefield’s revival at Cambuslang, one of the greatest and most remarkable revivals ever known, was attended by some things that we cannot but regard as superstitious wonders. People were so excited, that they did not know what they did. Now, if in any revival you see any of these strange contortions of the body, always distinguish between things that differ. The Holy Spirit’s work is with the mind, not with the body in that way. It is not the will of God that such things should disgrace the proceedings. I believe that such things are the result of Satanic malice. The devil sees that there is a great deal of good doing; “Now,” says he, “I’ll spoil it all. I’ll put my hoof in there, and do a world of mischief. There are souls being converted; I will let them get so excited that they will do ludicrous things, and then it will all be brought into contempt.” Now, if you see any of these strange things arising, look out. There is that old Apollyon busy, trying to mar the work. Put such vagaries down as soon as you can, for where the Spirit works, he never works against his own precept, and his precept is, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” It is neither decent nor orderly for people to dance under the sermon, nor howl, nor scream, while the gospel is being preached to them, and therefore it is not the Spirit’s work at all, but mere human excitement.

For meditation: The Holy Spirit produces self-control, not loss of control (1 Corinthians 14:32; Galatians 5:22,23; 2 Timothy 1:7).

Sermon no. 185
28 March (1858)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Forgiving As You Are Forgiven

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“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. . . . For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions” (Matt. 6:12, 14-15).

An unforgiving Christian is a contradiction in terms.

It’s possible to confess your sins and still not know the joy of forgiveness. How? Failure to forgive others! Christian educator J. Oswald Sanders observed that Jesus measures us by the yardstick we use on others. He didn’t say, “Forgive us because we forgive others,” but “Forgive us even as we have forgiven others.”

An unforgiving Christian is a contradiction in terms because we are the forgiven ones! Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” God forgave us an immeasurable debt, saving us from the horrors of eternal hell. That should be motivation enough to forgive any offense against us, yet some Christians still hold grudges.

Here are three practical steps to dealing with the sin of unforgiveness. First, confess it and ask the Lord to help you mend the relationship in question. Second, go to the person, ask for forgiveness, and seek reconciliation. You might discover that he or she wasn’t even aware of the offense. Third, give the person something you highly value. This is a very practical approach based on our Lord’s teaching that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matt. 6:21). Whenever I’ve given a book or other gift to someone who has wronged me, I’ve felt a great sense of liberty in my spirit. In addition, my joy is compounded because I feel the joy of giving as well as the joy of forgiving.

Don’t ever let a grudge stand between you and another person. It will rob you of the full joy of God’s forgiveness.

Suggestions for Prayer

Before praying, examine your heart. If you harbor bitterness toward another person, follow the procedure given above. Then pray, thanking the Lord for the joy of reconciliation.

For Further Study

Read the parable of the servant in Matthew 18:21-35.

  • What question prompted the parable?
  • How did the king respond to his servant’s pleading?
  • What did the servant do later on? Why was that wrong?
Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – God Will Brighten Your Day

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He set himself to seek God … and as long as he sought (inquired of, yearned for) the Lord, God made him prosper. – 2 Chronicles 26:5

Jesus got up early in the morning, long before daylight, and went out to a de¬serted place, and prayed — He got alone (see Mark 1:35). There were so many people who followed Jesus everywhere He went that He probably wouldn’t have had any time alone if He hadn’t gotten up really early.

If you aren’t a morning person, the thought of getting up early may make you nervous. But you can decipher for yourself what “early” means for you. Nine o’clock is early if you are used to staying in bed until noon. Even if you only get up fifteen minutes earlier than usual to have some time alone with God, you will still honor Him, and that time with Him, will make your whole day brighter.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – The Holy Spirit Enlightens

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“But the man who isn’t a Christian can’t understand and can’t accept these thoughts from God, which the Holy Spirit teaches us. They sound foolish to him, because only those who have the Holy Spirit within them can understand what the Holy Spirit means. Others just can’t take it in” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Though I have been a Christian for more than 35 years, I still have much to learn. I am far from perfect. And I do not ever expect to be – in this lifetime. Only our Lord Jesus Christ was without sin.

However, I know from experience that the more time I spend with God through reading, studying, memorizing and meditating on His Word, with the help of the Holy Spirit to interpret God’s truth to me, the more I become like our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son.

When you spend time daily in Bible reading and study, your life will change. After reading God’s Word consistently for several months, you will be amazed by the things God has done in your life.

How can we understand the Bible? How can we experience its life-changing influence in our lives?

The non-believer and the disobedient, carnal Christian have difficulty in understanding the Bible because they must rely on their human faculties in their attempt to understand things that are of a spiritual nature in God’s Word.

As Paul writes to the church at Corinth,” …the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (KJV).

Bible Reading: I Corinthians 2:9-13

TODAY’S ACTION POINT:  Since the Holy Spirit inspired holy men of old to record God’s Word, the Bible, I will ask Him to interpret God’s message to my own life, and today I will encourage someone, or several others, to depend upon the Holy Spirit and to join me in living a supernatural life for the glory of God.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Strong and Courageous

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Kayla Mueller, a 26-year-old aid worker from Arizona, dedicated her life to helping those in need of freedom, justice and peace. In August 2013, Kayla was kidnapped in Syria by ISIS, also known as Islamic State. Tragically, ISIS recently claimed she was killed by a Jordanian air strike.

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1

In a newly-released letter written by Kayla in the spring of 2014 from a Syrian building, she wrote, “I have a lot of fight left inside of me. I am not breaking down and I will not give in no matter how long it takes. I know you would want me to remain strong. That is exactly what I am doing. Do not fear for me, continue to pray as will I and, by God’s will, we will be together soon.”

When God commissioned Joshua, He told him three times to be strong and courageous. As a result, Joshua found the power to be bold from his relationship with God. Ask your family and friends to join you in prayer for America’s leaders to seek God for the strength and the courage to make righteous decisions. Pray that they, like Kayla, will not give in—no matter what.

Recommended Reading: Joshua 1:10-18