Charles Spurgeon – Conversion

October 7, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:19: 20

Suggested Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

The poor backslider is often the most forgotten. A member of the church has disgraced his profession; the church excommunicated him, and he was accounted “a heathen man and a publican.” I know of men of good standing in the gospel ministry, who, ten years ago, fell into sin; and that is thrown in our teeth to this very day. When you speak of them you are at once informed, “Why, ten years ago they did so-and-so.” Brethren, Christian men ought to be ashamed of themselves for taking notice of such things so long afterwards. True, we may use more caution in our dealings; but to reproach a fallen brother for what he did so long ago, is contrary to the spirit of John, who went after Peter, three days after he had denied his Master with oaths and curses. Nowadays it is the fashion, if a man falls, to have nothing to do with him. Men say, “he is a bad fellow; we will not go after him.” Beloved, suppose he is the worst; is not that the reason why you should go most after him? Suppose he never was a child of God—suppose he never knew the truth, is not that the greater reason why you should go after him? I do not understand your excessive pride, that won’t let you go after the chief of sinners. The worse the case, the more is the reason why we should go. But suppose the man is a child of God, and you have cast him off—remember, he is your brother; he is one with Christ as much as you are; he is justified, he has the same righteousness that you have; and if, when he has sinned, you despise him, in that you despise him you despise his Master. Take heed! You also may be tempted, and may one day fall.

For meditation: Discipline should not be lax or non-existent (1 Corinthians 5:1-2). But it is possible to go to the other extreme and overdo it.

Sermon no. 45

7 October (1855)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Enjoying God’s Blessings

October 7, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

“Blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it” (Luke 11:28).

When Scripture speaks of a person’s being blessed, it usually refers to the reception of some temporal or spiritual benefit. It also includes the joy and sense of well-being that comes with knowing that God is at work on your behalf.

The psalmist wrote, “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers” (Ps. 1:1-2). Those who know and obey God’s Word will be blessed. The psalmist likened them to a strong, productive, prosperous tree.

James added, “One who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty [God’s Word], and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25). Again, the very act of obedience brings blessing.

John opens the book of Revelation with this promise: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it” (Rev. 1:3). Jesus closed the Revelation with the same promise: “Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book” (Rev. 22:7). Obedience and blessing always go hand-in-hand.

As a Christian, you’ve been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). Every spiritual resource is yours. Even in times of sorrow and persecution, God’s blessing rests on you (1 Pet. 4:14). But you can forfeit His blessings by neglecting His Word or committing other sinful acts. So guard your heart carefully and continue in the Word. As you do, your joy will be boundless!

Suggestions for Prayer:

Make a list of specific ways in which the Lord has blessed you in recent days. Praise Him for each one.

For Further Study:

Read James 1:12, 1 Peter 3:14, and 1 Peter 4:14. How does God’s blessing apply when you’re suffering unjustly?

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Only God Knows the Future

October 7, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

There shall not be found among you anyone who…uses divination, or is a soothsayer, or an augur, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or a medium, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord.—Deuteronomy 18:10-12

Today many people go to fortunetellers or psychics, or consult horoscopes, or watch movies and read books that make casting spells and other occult activities seem attractive. These activities were once geared mostly to adults, but have now become extremely popular with children.

The Bible has much to say about witchcraft, consulting mediums and other activities that offend God and that He considers off-limits.

God’s Word has been attacked more than any other book in history, and it is still around. It is actually a compilation of 66 books written by different authors, yet it all coincides and makes sense. That couldn’t have “just happened.”

I know from personal experience and decades of ministry that God’s Word is powerful. It can completely change, heal, restore and set free people who will live according to it.

The Bible tells us God is the only one who knows the future and that His Holy Spirit is the one who leads us into truth (see John 16:13). If you want to know what’s ahead for you, read the Book by the one who can tell you and cultivate an intimate relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit. I can’t say what all God will tell you about your future, but I guarantee that seeking to know it any other way will cause problems. God will tell you what you need to know, but in His mercy He will conceal what He knows is best to reveal at a later time.

People who have sought to know the future using means that God deems “an abomination” often find themselves tormented. But when you trust God with your future and believe He will tell you what you need to know at the proper time, you can live in peace.

Love God Today: Seek God for your future and trust Him to bring it about in His timing.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Bread of Life

October 7, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“Jesus replied, ‘I am the Bread of Life. No one coming to Me will ever be hungry again. Those believing in Me shall never thirst'” (John 6:35).

What would it be like never to be hungry – never to be thirsty?

Even in affluent America, you and I – and perhaps most people – have felt pangs of hunger and thirst, if only for a brief period. Jesus is telling us here that, spiritually speaking, we need never be hungry or thirsty again.

But how is that possible?

As the bread of life – the support of spiritual life – His doctrines give life and peace to the soul.

In Eastern countries, especially, there are vast deserts and often a great lack of water. By nature, the soul is like a traveler wandering through such a desert. Thirsting for happiness, seeking it everywhere and finding it not, he looks in all directions and tries all objects – in vain.

St. Augustine expressed this hunger for God in the following prayer, “Thou hast made us for Thyself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.”

When we drink of the water that is Christ, we become satisfied – and need never thirst again. As we continue to grow in grace, which comes only by feasting on His Word, we find a never-ending pattern of satisfaction with Him and all that concerns Him.

The principle is clear: As you and I feed on the Word of God and its rich truths, we are satisfying a spiritual hunger and thirst that could never be satisfied otherwise. Hungering and thirsting after righteousness, on the other hand, is also a necessity if we are really to grow in grace. The truths are not contradictory, but are complementary.

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1-6

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: My daily manna and drink shall come from the living Word, our Lord Jesus Christ, and His holy inspired written word, the Bible, enabling me to live the supernatural life.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Personally Significant

October 7, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

When the angels announced the birth of Jesus, they didn’t tell royalty, the government, politicians or the richest people in society. They appeared to shepherds watching their flocks near Bethlehem. Shepherds weren’t esteemed in society. They weren’t wealthy or important. They smelled like sheep, lived outside and slept on the ground. Most people didn’t think much of them. But God chose to reveal His Son’s arrival to them first.

Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people.

Luke 2:10

The angels announced the “good news” was for “all the people.” God’s free gift of salvation given through Christ is available to everyone (Acts 2:21). The announcement to the shepherds fulfills prophecy and also demonstrates that, no matter how low, insignificant, cast aside or powerless you feel, God chooses you. There’s no need to fear. Like a shepherd watching his sheep, He will keep you under His care and protect you.

Do you feel unimportant or forgotten? Remember, He desires fellowship with you, and you are personally significant to Him. As you pray, ask that your country’s leaders in Washington DC and elsewhere will recognize this truth and experience God’s fear-free, joy-filled love.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 1:4-9, 26-31

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – Built to Last

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For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. —1 Corinthians 3:11

Spending time on the beach, I have watched people construct some very elaborate sandcastles that took hours and hours to build. I have admired their work. But I also knew those impressive structures wouldn’t be around for very long. It was only a matter of time until either a tide came in and swept them away or a toddler appeared out of nowhere and demolished them.

Some couples will build a marriage on sand, like those momentary sandcastles. They build it on fleeting emotions or sex or some other thing. But a marriage must be built on something stronger that will sustain it.

Jesus concluded the Sermon on the Mount with an illustration of what we should build our lives on—and it is also a perfect picture of what to build a marriage on:

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24–25)

Notice that Jesus did not say if a storm comes but when a storm comes. Marriages go through changes. They go through trials. So build your marriage on the right foundation. If you do, then you will come to know the truth of Proverbs 18:22: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD.”

Is your marriage on the Rock or on the rocks? If it is built on the Rock, then it will stand the test of time. If it is built on the Rock, then it will weather the storms. If it is built on the Rock, then it is built to last.

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – God is in All Days

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Suppose I invited you to experience the day of your dreams. Twenty-four hours on an island paradise with your favorite people, food, and activities? The only stipulation? You’ll need to begin the day with one millisecond of distress. Would you accept my offer? I think you would.

A moment is nothing compared to twenty-four hours. Compared to eternity, what is seventy, eighty, ninety years? A finger snap compared to heaven. We point to our sick child, crutches, or famine and say, “This makes no sense!” Yet of all of his creation, how much have we seen? Of all his work, how much do we understand? Perhaps a doorway peephole. What if God’s answer to the question of suffering requires more megabytes than our puny minds have been given?

Let God finish his work. The forecast is simple. We’ll have some good days. And some bad days. But God is in all days.

From You’ll Get Through This

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Strengthening God’s Church

October 6, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

The church is in danger of growing weaker every day. False doctrine, apathy, and a lack of discipline work together to diminish the local congregation’s influence in the community and the world. But the apsotle Paul reveals three simple ways to strengthen the church.

1.Be alert to false doctrine. There is no more effective church-killer than wrong spiritual beliefs. We are living in a culture of immorality and iniquity, and some philosophies mix a bit of truth with falsehood. Believers not firmly planted in God’s Word are susceptible to those lies. Standing firm requires that pure Scripture must be preached from the pulpit and studied by individual church members.

2.Appreciate God’s servants. Too often church members criticize their leaders more than encourage them. Certainly ministers and others in authority can make mistakes or fall into sin—they are human. But these Christians have devoted themselves to ensuring that people hear and understand Scripture.

The congregation is responsible to show support and love; those who know the Lord most deeply will appreciate the pastor. God will not reveal Himself to those who can’t be bothered with caring for His chosen servant.

3.Accept one another. Since we are a fellowship of believers, we are to develop a spirit of oneness. Everyone is loved by God and shouls be welcomed. This truth is based not on performance, but on the fact that each believer is the Lord’s child with a unique role in this life.

The church’s great potential lies in its members. Begin today to practice these strength-building exercises

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — A Dangerous Challenge

October 6, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

2 Chronicles 20:1, 15-22

The battle is not yours, but God’s. —2 Chronicles 20:15

While millions watched on television, Nik Wallenda walked across Niagara Falls on a 1,800-foot wire that was only 5 inches in diameter. He took all the precautions he could. But adding to the drama and danger of both the height and the rushing water below, a thick mist obscured Nik’s sight, wind threatened his balance, and spray from the falls challenged his footing. Amid—and perhaps because of—these perils, he said that he “prayed a lot” and praised God.

The Israelites also praised God in the middle of a dangerous challenge. Theirs involved a large group of warriors who had gathered to fight them (2 Chron. 20:2). After humbly asking God for help, King Jehoshaphat appointed a choir to march out into battle in front of the Israelite army. The worshipers sang: “Praise the LORD, for His mercy endures forever” (v.21). When they began to sing, the Lord caused the enemy forces to attack and destroy each other.

Praising God in the midst of a challenge may mean overriding our natural instincts. We tend toward self-protection, strategizing, and worry. However, worshiping can guard our hearts against troubling thoughts and self-reliance. It reminds us of the lesson the Israelites learned: “The battle is not [ours], but God’s” (v.15). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Lord, I praise You, for Your mercy is everlasting.

Help me to remember that every battle in

this life is Yours. The outcome belongs to

You because You are sovereign.

No matter what is in front of us, God is always behind us.

Bible in a year: Isaiah 26-27; Philippians 2

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Never Be Thirsty

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But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever.

John 4:14

The person who believes in Jesus finds enough in his Lord to satisfy him now and to content him forevermore. The believer is not the man whose days are weary for lack of comfort and whose nights are long on account of the absence of heart-cheering thought. The believer finds in faith such a spring of joy, such a fountain of consolation that he is content and happy. Put him in a dungeon, and he will find good company; place him in a barren wilderness, and he will eat the bread of heaven; drive him away from friendship, and he will meet the “friend who sticks closer than a brother.”1 Destroy all his shade, and he will find shadow beneath the Rock of Ages; erode the foundation of his earthly hopes, but his heart will still be fixed, trusting in the Lord.

The heart is as insatiable as the grave until Jesus enters it, and then it becomes a cup full to overflowing. There is such a fullness in Christ that He alone is the believer’s sufficiency. The true saint is so completely satisfied with the provision of Jesus that he no longer thirsts-except perhaps to drink more deeply at the living fountain.

In that sweet manner, believer, you will thirst; it will not be a thirst of pain, but of loving desire; you will find it a sweet thing to be longing for a deeper enjoyment of Jesus’ love. An old saint once declared, “I have been lowering my bucket into the well so often, but now my thirst for Jesus has become so insatiable, that I long to put the well itself to my lips and drink right out of it.”

Is this the feeling of your heart now, believer? Do you feel that all your desires are satisfied in Jesus and that you have no need now except to know more of Him and to have closer fellowship with Him? Then come continually to the fountain, and take the water of life freely. Jesus will never think you take too much but will always welcome you, saying, “Drink; yes, drink abundantly, loved one.”

1Proverbs 18:24

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Fast-day service

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“Hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.” Micah 6:9

John MacArthur – Preparing for Spiritual Service

October 6, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable . . . that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Each week I have the privilege of interacting with more than one hundred students at The Master’s Seminary. One of my greatest joys is seeing their determination to do God’s work in God’s way.

That attitude is the key to success in ministry, as Joshua learned when he assumed leadership over the Israelites after Moses’ death. At that point, God said to him, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Josh. 1:8).

This is how Paul described spiritual success to Timothy: “In pointing out [the things I have said] to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following” (1 Tim. 4:6).

“Servant” speaks of one who oversees and dispenses the goods and property of another. A good spiritual servant is one who knows and dispenses God’s Word. Whatever level of ministry you pursue, you must conform to biblical teaching. To do that, you must know what God says about ministering to His people.

I’ve met many people who love the Lord and want desperately to serve Him effectively, but haven’t taken time to learn the principles that govern spiritual ministry. Consequently they’re ill-prepared and in some cases unwittingly participating in activities that actually violate God’s Word.

Don’t let that happen to you. God’s Word supplies all the strength, instruction, and comfort you need to serve Christ properly. Study it thoroughly and follow it closely.

Suggestions for Prayer:

Thank God for every ministry opportunity He gives you.

Ask Him to help you see any areas of your service that might need to be corrected, and then respond accordingly.

For Further Study:

According to Philippians 1:12-18, is it possible to minister with impure motives? Explain.

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – We Are His Hands

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If one member suffers, all the parts [share] the suffering; if one member is honored, all the members [share in] the enjoyment of it. Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function].—1 Corinthians 12:26–27

Some individuals pass quietly and fearfully through life and never do anything to make the world a better place. They are so concerned with self-preservation that they never reach out to those around them who are crying out for help. Think about the neighbor who just found out she has terminal cancer or the family you heard about at church who is in danger of losing their home because the husband lost his job. The bank is ready to foreclose on their loan, and they really have nowhere to go. They are desperate and don’t know what to do. Everyone tells them that God will provide, but no one is doing anything.

We must realize that God works through people. We are His hands, feet, arms, mouth, eyes, and ears. God does miracles, but He does them through people with uncommon courage. Those who forget about themselves long enough will notice that God has placed someone in their path who is hurting and needy. We pray for God to use us, and when He tries, we are often too busy to be bothered.

Lord, help me to be Your hands and to reach out to those in need around me. Help me to do all that I can. Amen.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – He Honors the Humble

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“For Everyone who tires to honor himself shall be humbled: and he who humbles himself shall be honored” (Luke 14:11).

At times I am respectfully amused at the repetition of certain themes in the Word of God – repeated over and over again so that you and I will not forget the importance of the message. This is one of those principles.

Many missionaries have given up honor, acclaim, and success at home in obedience to God’s call upon their lives. Perhaps to their surprise, God has honored them in many ways despite the fact that they purposely gave up all rights to such honor.

In every field of endeavor, the principle is true. Most men who seek genuine acclaim are thoroughly humbled along the way. Conversely, most people who humble themselves as a part of their commitment to Jesus Christ and His service are eventually honored.

I have seen this truth fulfilled on numerous occasions in the work of Campus Crusade for Christ to which the Lord has called me. Many young people have stepped into unsung roles of service for their Master. God has honored them not only with fruit for their hire, but also with a measure of acclaim they never would have achieved otherwise.

It is part of God’s plan to abase the proud and raise up the humble. Our goal should be committed service for the Savior. We should let Him take care of the honoring and the humbling.

Bible Reading: Matthew 23:5-12

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I’ll recognize anew today that the only good thing about me – and about any believer – is the reality of my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ through the indwelling person of the Holy Spirit.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Snap a Pic

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The photo history of America’s war efforts is a dichotomy. There are the official photos showing battalions of polished, poised and starch straight warriors, and then are the unofficial, more candid shots recording the day-to-day realities of active duty. Many times the second record depicts ragged, tired and dirty soldiers going about their jobs. Neither one of these journals, however, gives any insight into the most critical ingredient in any military operation; no one has figured out how to take a picture capturing the condition of a soldier’s heart.

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear.

Psalm 27:3

“Heart” is another word for the holding place inside of a man or woman: the place where the will and emotions are stored. In battle, a heart full of fear is a devastating crippling condition. Fear keeps good soldiers from managing their responsibilities, fulfilling their duties, and faithfully executing their mission.

What if you could snap a picture of the condition of your heart today? Are you confident and courageous, knowing God hears your prayers? Or are you crippled by fear? Before you pray for America’s leaders today, ask the Lord to replace your fear with faith…and see how the picture changes.

Charles Stanley – When We Cry Out to God

October 5, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

Psalm 57:1-3

Crying out to God is the spontaneous response to an urgent need. It differs from typical prayer, which involves

periods of worship, petitioning, and intercession; this distraught call focuses entirely on one difficulty. The problem can be heartbreaking news, a dangerous situation, physical pain, or spiritual confusion. Whatever the cause, we seek immediate relief from God.

Like Peter sinking into the sea, we’re saying, “Lord, save me!” (Matt. 14:30). We call out desperately when bad news comes, because we acknowledge that only God has power to change circumstances. And when we are walking obediently with Him, He will respond: if He does not alter the situation, He will replace fear with courage and confidence.

A cry to the heavenly Father is rooted in faith that He will answer His children. Believers expect God to respond with clear direction, and without fail; He is trustworthy to answer. Exodus 17 details how the Lord demonstrated His faithfulness at Horeb. When the wandering Israelites again grumbled against their leader—this time because of thirst—Moses called out to God, “What shall I do to this people?” (v. 4). Instantly, the Lord replied with a solution that satisfied both the Israelites’ thirst and Moses’ despair.

Whether we are sinking in a sea of pain or anxiously seeking a taste of God’s living water, the Lord hears our cries. And He says again, “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him” (Ps. 91:15).

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — The Value Of One

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Luke 15:1-10

What man . . . having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost? —Luke 15:4

Only hours before Kim Haskins’ high school graduation, an auto accident took the life of her father and left Kim and her mother hospitalized. The next day, Joe Garrett, Kim’s high school principal, visited her at the hospital and said they wanted to do something special for her at the school. The Gazette (Colorado Springs) article by James Drew described the outpouring of love and support as the teachers, administrators, and classmates—deeply touched by Kim’s loss—filled the high school auditorium a few days later at a graduation ceremony just for her.

Principal Garrett said, “We talk a lot in education about no child left behind. In the military, they talk about no soldier left behind. Today, this is about no graduate left behind.”

Jesus underscored the importance of every person to God with three stories about something lost—a sheep, a coin, and a son (Luke 15). In each story, a person has lost something of great value. When it is found, friends and neighbors are called to celebrate and rejoice together.

The point is clear: We are all of great value to God, who offers us forgiveness and new life through Christ. And He faithfully pursues us with His love and grace. There is great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (v.7). —David McCasland

I was lost but Jesus found me—

Found the sheep that went astray,

Threw His loving arms around me,

Drew me back into His way. —Rowley

Our value is measured by what God has done for us.

Bible in a year: Isaiah 23-25; Philippians 1

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Meant for Service

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And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights.

1 Kings 19:8

All the strength supplied to us by our gracious God is meant for service, not for indulgence or pride. When the prophet Elijah found the cake baked on the coals and the jar of water placed at his head as he lay under the juniper tree, he was not being given a special treat that he could lie back and enjoy–he was being sustained so that he could fulfill his responsibilities for the next forty days and forty nights. When the Master invited the disciples to come and eat with Him, after the meal was over He said to Peter, “Feed my sheep,” then added, “Follow me.”

It is the same for us; we eat the bread of heaven so that we can expend our strength in the Master’s service. We come to the table and eat of the paschal lamb in a spirit of readiness, so that we may leave as soon as we have satisfied our hunger.

Some Christians are for living on Christ but are not so anxious to live for Christ. Earth should be a preparation for heaven; and heaven is the place where saints feast most and work most. They sit down at the table of our Lord, and they serve Him day and night in His temple. They eat of heavenly food and offer perfect service.

Believer, in the strength you daily gain from Christ, work for Him. Some of us have a lot to learn concerning the design of our Lord in giving us His grace. We are not to hide the precious grains of truth without giving that truth an opportunity to grow: We must sow it and water it. Why does the Lord send the rain upon the thirsty earth and give the sunshine? Is it not in order that sun and rain may help the fruits of the earth to yield food for us? Even so the Lord feeds and refreshes our souls so that we may use our renewed strength in the promotion of His glory.

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Longing for the Word

October 5, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

“Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Pet. 2:2).

A newborn baby was abandoned in a pile of trash in a city alley. The mother had obviously left it there to die. The infant was near death when someone heard its faint cry and summoned medical help. The child survived, but not until it had received the attention and nourishment it needed.

That situation has a spiritual parallel, which Peter used to illustrate the believer’s dependence on God’s Word. If a baby is deprived of nourishment, it will soon die. Similarly, if a Christian doesn’t feed on the Word, he or she will languish spiritually and become ineffective for the Lord. On the positive side, a believer should long for God’s Word as intently as a newborn baby longs for its mother’s milk.

Scripture draws on the parent/child metaphor in other ways, referring to Christians as being born again (John 3:7; 1 Pet. 1:3), children of God (Rom. 8:16; 1 John 3:1), and adopted sons (Rom. 8:14; Eph. 1:5). Just as it is natural for biological children to grow and mature, Christians also have the capacity for spiritual growth. In fact, we’re commanded to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).

The Word of God is the mainstay of your spiritual diet. It’s your primary source of nourishment. Paul said, “As you . . . have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed” (Col. 2:6-7). “Your faith” in that context refers to the content of Christianity–the doctrines of Scripture. As your knowledge and application of biblical principles increases, you will become more and more grounded in truth and steadfast in Christ.

Suggestions for Prayer:

If you’ve lost your appetite for God’s Word, it may be because of sin (1 Pet. 2:1). If so, ask God to cleanse your heart and give you a renewed longing for His truth. Then commit yourself to daily time in the Word.

For Further Study:

Read Acts 20:32 and 1 Thessalonians 2:13, noting the effect Scripture has on believers.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M.- Fear Not

October 5, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Everyone fears something. Heights. Big crowds. Terrorists. Robbers. Plane crashes. Losing a job. Losing a child. Being abandoned by a loved one. Death. Some people fear failure while others are afraid of success.

That we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear. Luke 1:74

In the Bible, the Greek word for “fearfulness” refers to a person who fled from battle. In fact, it’s a strong word for cowardice. That means when you let fear run your life, it becomes your enemy. As a result, you allow people and certain circumstances to intimidate you. You often avoid situations that might hurt or make you uncomfortable – including opportunities to serve God and claim His promises. You compromise your effectiveness for God. Yet the Lord knew you would battle with fear and doubt. That’s why He says repeatedly in the Bible: “Fear not.”

As you pray and read God’s Word, allow the power of the Holy Spirit to help you overcome your fears, despite how circumstances appear personally or nationally. Boldly go forth every day, sharing God’s love and praying His best for America and its leaders.

DAILY DEVOTIONS, NEWS AND INFORMATION

Charles Spurgeon – Conversion

John MacArthur – Enjoying God’s Blessings

Joyce Meyer – Only God Knows the Future

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Bread of Life

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Personally Significant

Greg Laurie – Built to Last

Max Lucado – God is in All Days

Charles Stanley – Strengthening God’s Church

Our Daily Bread — A Dangerous Challenge

Alistair Begg – Never Be Thirsty

Charles Spurgeon – Fast-day service

John MacArthur – Preparing for Spiritual Service

Joyce Meyer – We Are His Hands

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – He Honors the Humble

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Snap a Pic

Charles Stanley – When We Cry Out to God

Our Daily Bread — The Value Of One

Alistair Begg – Meant for Service

John MacArthur – Longing for the Word

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M.- Fear Not

Scriptures, Lessons, News and Links to help you survive.