Tag Archives: christianity

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Bring Forth Much Fruit

June 3, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24, KJV).

Alex was distressed over his constant failure to live the Christian life victoriously.

“I am always failing,” he said. “I know what is right, but I am simply not able to keep the many commitments, resolutions and rededications that I make to the Lord almost daily. What is wrong with me? Why do I constantly fail? How can I push that magic button which will change my life and make me the kind of person God wants me to be, and the kind of person I want to be?”

I turned with him to review Romans 7 and 8, and discussed with him how all of us experience this conflict when we walk in our own strength. But the victory is ours as we walk in the Spirit. It is impossible to control ourselves and be controlled by the Holy Spirit at the same time.

Perhaps you have had that same problem and wondered why your life was not bringing forth much fruit. Christ cannot be in control if you are on the throne of your life. So you must abdicate – surrender the throne of your life to Christ. This involves faith.

As an expression of your will, in prayer, you surrender the throne of your life to Him, and by faith you draw upon His resources to live a supernatural life, holy and fruitful. The command of Ephesians 5:18 is given to all believers: We are to be filled, directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit, continually, moment by moment, every day. And the promise of 1 John 5:14, 15 is made to all believers: When we pray according to God’s will, He hears and answers us.

The person who walks by faith in the control of the Holy Spirit has a new Master. The Lord Jesus said, “He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:38, NAS). “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24, NAS).

Bible Reading: John 12:25-31

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: Because my deep desire is to “bear much fruit,” I will surrender afresh to God’s Holy Spirit so that He might endow me with supernatural life and enable me to bear much fruit for His glory.

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – Ready for Your Reward?

June 3, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

When you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

—Matthew 6:3–4

Maybe you were a great achiever academically. As a young boy or girl, you were winning the spelling bees. You always got As on your report cards. Maybe you were given some special honor, such as a scholarship to attend a great college, because of your incredible abilities. Or perhaps you were a big sports star. You always excelled in sports, and you have plenty of trophies and ribbons to prove it.

Me? I always had those honorable mention ribbons. Do you know what those are? They are the ribbons they give you when you really do poorly, but they don’t want you to feel too bad for yourself. You know, after first, second, third, fourth, and fifth have crossed the finish line, and an hour later, someone comes across, they say, “Give him an honorable mention ribbon.” They were usually purple, although I don’t know why that was. I had a room filled with purple ribbons.

But in heaven, there will be many rewards for those who have been faithful to God over the years. Even the smallest and most insignificant gesture on behalf of God’s kingdom will not be overlooked by our Heavenly Father. Jesus spoke of our service to God, pointing out that even though it may not be seen by people, it is indeed seen by Him: “Your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”

One day in our future, when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, the Lord will reward us openly.

Today’s devotional is an excerpt from Every Day with Jesus by Greg Laurie, 2013

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Desperate Dads Go to Jesus

June 3, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

In Mark 5:23 we meet Jairus—a leader of the synagogue—one of the most important men in the community. But the man in this story is a humble man, saying again and again, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” He doesn’t barter with Jesus. He doesn’t negotiate. He doesn’t make excuses. He just pleads!

There are times when everything you have to offer is nothing compared to what you’re asking to receive. What could a man offer in exchange for his child’s life? So there are no games, no haggling. Jairus asks for help. Jesus, who loves the honest heart, goes to give it. And God, who knows what it’s like to lose a child, empowers His Son!

From Dad Time

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – When We Feel Burned Out

June 2, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Isaiah 40:27-31

Almost all of us can recall times when our bodies and minds have felt tired from manual labor and mental strain. If these conditions become constant or extreme, it is very easy for us to become burned out.

Fortunately, we have been provided with specific encouragement for such times of exhaustion. Today’s Scripture reading reveals three reassuring truths about God and His faithfulness in our times of weakness.

First, we learn that the Lord “does not become weary or tired” (v. 28). Therefore, we can call upon a God who won’t ever run out of power. His strength has never decreased and will not decrease in the future. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8).

Second, we find that “He gives strength to the weary” and power to those who are not mighty (Isa. 40:29). Our loving heavenly Father does not frown upon us when we are weak. Instead, He embraces us and lifts us up when we are unable to help ourselves.

Finally, we are given an incredible promise. Verse 31 reads, “Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”

The next time you feel too tired or frustrated to go on, remember this: Our God is not exhaustible. Instead, He is faithful to provide a supply of endless divine strength to those who are willing to wait for His perfect timing. In all things, He gives exactly what we need for the moment at hand.

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – The church of Christ

June 2, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.” Ezekiel 34:26

John MacArthur – Receiving the Word

June 2, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:19-21).

The key word in today’s passage is “receive” (James 1:21). Believers are to receive God’s Word. That’s what distinguishes them from unbelievers. Jesus said to a group of religious unbelievers, “Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. . . . He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God” (John 8:43, 47).

“Hear” in those verses doesn’t refer to hearing with the ear only. Jesus’ audience heard in that sense–even to the point of wanting to kill Him for what He said (v. 59)–but they didn’t receive and obey His words. By rejecting the truth, they proved themselves to be children of the devil, who is the father of lies (v. 44).

Peter called God’s Word the imperishable, living, and abiding seed that brings salvation (1 Peter 1:21). But receiving God’s Word isn’t limited to salvation alone. As a Christian, you have the Word implanted within you. Now you must nurture it by removing the weeds of filthiness and wickedness so it can produce the fruit of righteousness. That isn’t a one-time effort, but a lifestyle of confession, looking into God’s Word, desiring His message, and longing to obey it. That doesn’t mean you’ll be sinlessly perfect, but your life will be marked by ever-increasing spiritual maturity and obedience to the Word. When you are disobedient, you should feel an enormous tension in your spirit until you repent and make things right.

Are you hearing and receiving God’s Word in that way? Do those who know you best see you as a person whose life is governed by biblical principles? Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine” (John 8:31). Receive His truth and abide in it continually!

Suggestions for Prayer: Ask the Lord to keep you sensitive to His Word in every situation you face today.

For Further Study: Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13-14, noting the Thessalonians’ response to God’s Word.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Abound With Blessings

June 2, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 28:20, RSV).

“Years ago when my children were small,” declared a godly Baptist layman in South Carolina, who was secretary and treasurer of a large cotton mill corporation, “my salary was too small for my actual needs. Strive as I would I could not keep out of debt.

“This became a heavy cross to me, and one night I was unable to sleep. I arose and went to my desk, where I spent some time in prayer to God for help and guidance. Then I took a pen and paper and wrote out a solemn contract with my heavenly Father.”

Continuing, the layman said, “I promised Him that no matter what testings or trials came I would never turn back. Also, that no matter how pressing my obligations I would scrupulously tithe my income. Next I promised the Lord that if He would let me make a certain salary I would pay two- tenth, then if I made a certain larger salary I would pay three-tenths.

“Finally I named a larger salary, which was far beyond anything I had ever hoped to earn, and told the Lord if I ever reached such a salary I would give him one-half of my income. For many years it has been my privilege to give one- half of my income to the Lord.”

This verse warns the man who is so determined to accumulate personal wealth that he robs God of that which is rightfully His. That man will not go unpunished. God promises. May He help us to give cheerfully of that which He entrusts to us.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 28:21-28

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: Whatever I give to the Lord, His servants and His work will be done cheerfully and generously, as He has prospered me.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Reasons for Rejoicing

June 2, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

One repentant sinner brings rejoicing to the streets of Heaven. Why? Surely the angels remember the dawn of creation when all Heaven sang, and perhaps they see in the redemption of that wayward one those first days, and thrill that he is now a new creation. Maybe it is a quieter angelic sigh of relief; because they know the future that would have awaited that one had he failed to turn from his wicked ways. Conceivably, the angels are delightfully gleeful watching that person’s name inscribed into the Lamb’s Book of Life and they anticipate greeting him on his blessed arrival.

There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Luke 15:10

Whatever their motives, what is your response? The angels of Heaven celebrate, but do you? Rejoicing is easy when you watch a major revival where throngs come to the Lord, but what about when that young man everyone had written off hangs his head in sorrowful repentance and finds salvation in Christ Jesus? Is not God’s mercy just as great?

As you pray today, examine your expressions of joy. Intercede for the members of government who need to find God’s mercy, grace and salvation – so Heaven’s hosts (and you) can rejoice anew.

Greg Laurie – The Nut Has Gone

June 2, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. —1 Corinthians 15:20

A minister who was conducting a funeral service wanted to speak of some of the wonderful things about the deceased. But this poor guy said the wrong thing. He boldly proclaimed, “What we have here is only the shell,” gesturing toward the coffin. Then he added, “But the nut has gone.” He didn’t want it to come out that way. But that is a pretty accurate statement of what happens when we die.

God will give us new bodies one day — resurrection bodies. And we will need these new bodies because we will be in a new place called heaven. Of course, we wouldn’t think of sending astronauts into space dressed like they are going to the beach. They must have special suits that are designed to allow them to breathe and function in their new environment. Our earthly bodies suit us fine for life on earth. But in heaven, we will need new bodies.

We will need new bodies for our new environment because, to begin with, if we were to see God in the bodies were are living in right now, we would disintegrate on the spot. Why? Because we aren’t perfect people. Our bodies are limited by the effects of sin. The very fact that we age, can get sick, and will one day die (if the Lord does come back for us first) means that we have bodies that are tainted by sin. We need new bodies, made into the image of Jesus.

You will leave the shell, but the “nut,” the real you, will go into the presence of the Lord.

Today’s devotional is an excerpt from Every Day with Jesus by Greg Laurie, 2013

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – A Blessed Man

June 2, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

My daughters are too old for this now, but when they were young, crib-size and diaper-laden—I’d come home, shout their names, and watch them run to me with extended arms and squealing voices. For the next few moments we would speak the language of love. We’d roll on the floor, gobble bellies, and tickle tummies and laugh and play. We delighted in each other’s presence. They made no requests of me, with the exception of “Let’s play, Daddy.” And I made no demands of them, except, “Don’t hit Daddy with the hammer.” In this very special dad time—my kids let me love them!

Psalm 127:3-5 reminds us, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”

I am a blessed man!

From Dad Time

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Setting Goals

June 1, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Unless we give serious thought to our goals and how to reach them, our time, money, and priorities will usually be determined by others. Identifying some life objectives can lead us into deeper intimacy with the Lord. It can also result in healthier relationships with family and friends, and the peace of mind that comes from a well-planned strategy. As Proverbs says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage” (Prov. 21:5).

Goals and motivation

To begin, I encourage you to write down each of your goals. Let me remind you to keep your mind and heart open to God’s desires for you. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” That doesn’t mean you are not supposed to make plans and set priorities. But it does mean that on occasion, you will need to adjust your focus as God reveals His purposes for your life.

Once your objectives are listed, write why fulfilling them is important. That way, you’ll know your motivation for each goal you set. For instance, your plan may be to pay off the mortgage within five years. Why? Perhaps you hope to live without debt or would like the assurance of a paid-for home should anything happen to your health or employment status. The why will motivate you to continue in your efforts when other things come up that could be a temptation to abandon that goal. What’s more, in order to achieve your ambitions, it’s important to have an idea of what your objectives are and why they are worth attaining.

Types of goals

I’d like to suggest a couple of areas to consider when setting goals:

Your spiritual goals are of utmost importance. Perhaps you need to re-examine your quiet time—or start one if you don’t already spend time alone with God. Plan when and where you will meet with the Lord during the week. Don’t leave it to chance. Unless you set aside time, other things will fill your schedule.

Another spiritual goal would be to join a small group within your church—such as a Sunday school class, prayer team, or support group that seeks to find God’s answers to difficult questions. If there aren’t any small groups within your church, you might offer your time and energy to facilitate one.

Serving is another spiritual goal to consider. Perhaps this is the year to stop enjoying the benefits of fellowship without giving back to your faith community—check out church ministries you could join to help your Christian brothers and sisters or people who don’t yet know the Lord. And if you attend a church but have never joined, consider becoming a formal member.

Character goals are vital to your growth as a spouse, parent, child, friend, pastor, boss, or employee. Try asking these questions:

What would I like to become?

What one thing would I like to see God change in me?

What character quality—if developed—would make me a better parent, sibling, friend, etc.?

My son Andy once shared his character goal with me. It has three parts:

1.A husband worth respecting

2.A father worth imitating

3.A leader worth following

And why did he feel those objectives were important? “That is what God has called me to be,” he said. “To move in this direction will lead to a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. To become these things will make my time on earth worth having been here. . . . It will set a pace and direction for my children that, if followed, will ensure for them the best quality of life they can experience as well.” Andy knows why he wants to achieve this goal. That motivation will help him in the choices he makes and will guard him when temptation comes.

Get started

Determine the areas of your life that need specific goals, and go to work. Whether objectives involve finances, relationships, or health, don’t waste time feeling sorry that you didn’t take action sooner. Instead, begin to establish where you want to be six months or a year from now, and ask God to give you the strength to stay on track. Enlist a friend to hold you accountable and periodically check up on your progress.

To ensure that you use your time well, sit down and make a schedule for the coming days. When the year ends, you will be among the minority who ended the year with more accomplished and less left undone.

Adapted from “Charles Stanley’s Handbook for Christian Living” (1996).

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Kangaroos and Emus

June 1, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Philippians 3:12-17

Forgetting those things which are behind . . . I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 3:13-14

Two of Australia’s indigenous creatures, kangaroos and emus, have something in common—they seldom move backward. Kangaroos, because of the shape of their body and the length of their strong tail, can bounce along with forward movement, but they cannot shift easily into reverse. Emus can run fast on their strong legs, but the joints in their knees seem to make backward movement difficult. Both animals appear on Australia’s coat of arms as a symbol that the nation is to be ever moving forward and making progress.

The apostle Paul called for a similar approach to the life of faith in his letter to the Philippians: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (3:13-14).

While it is wise to learn from the past, we shouldn’t live in the past. We cannot redo or undo the past, but by God’s grace we can press forward and serve God faithfully today and in the future. The life of faith is a journey forward as we become like Christ. —Bill Crowder

I’m pressing on the upward way,

New heights I’m gaining every day;

Still praying as I’m onward bound,

“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” —Oatman

I will go anywhere—provided it is forward.

Bible in a year: 2 Chronicles 15-16; John 12:27-50

Insight

Paul the apostle had an interesting writing style. One aspect of this is seen in Ephesians 1, where verses 3-10 form one long sentence. Another element of Paul’s novel approach is found in Philippians 3:13-14. Here Paul declares, “one thing I do”; then he goes on to list not one but three things! His one thing? Forgetting the things behind, reaching to the things ahead, and pressing toward the goal of the upward call of Christ. Though marked by Paul’s unique style, the wisdom of his words regarding spiritual priorities still rings true.

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – In the Wilderness

June 1, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

For the Lord . . . Makes her wilderness like Eden. Isaiah 51:3

In my mind’s eye I see a howling wilderness, a great and terrible desert, like the Sahara. I perceive nothing in it to relieve the eye; all around I am wearied with a vision of hot and arid sand, on which are ten thousand bleaching skeletons of wretched men who have expired in anguish, having lost their way in the pitiless waste. What an appalling sight! How horrible! A sea of sand without boundary and without an oasis, a cheerless graveyard for a forlorn race.

But look and wonder! All of a sudden, springing from the scorching sand I see a well-known plant; and as it grows it buds, the bud expands—it is a rose, and at its side a lily bows its modest head—and, miracle of miracles, as the fragrance of those flowers is diffused, the wilderness is transformed into a fruitful field, and all around it blossoms abundantly like the glory of Lebanon, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon. Do not call it Sahara; call it Paradise. Do not refer to it any longer as the valley of death, for where the skeletons lay bleaching in the sun, a resurrection is proclaimed, and up spring the dead, a mighty army, full of life immortal. Jesus is that well-known plant, and His presence makes everything new.

The wonder is no less in each individual’s salvation. I can see you, dear reader, cast out, an infant, unclothed, unwashed, defiled with your own blood, and left to be food for beasts of prey.

But look, a jewel has been thrown into your bosom by a divine hand, and for its sake you have been pitied and guarded by divine providence; you are washed and cleansed from your defilement; you are adopted into heaven’s family; the fair seal of love is upon your forehead, and the ring of faithfulness is on your hand—you are now a prince to God, though once an orphan and a castaway. Cherish then the matchless power and grace that changes deserts into gardens and makes the barren heart sing for joy.

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

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The family reading plan for June 1, 2014 * Isaiah 33 * Revelation 3

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Indwelling sin

June 1, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“Then Job answered the Lord, and said, Behold, I am vile.” Job 40:3,4

Suggested Further Reading: Galatians 5:13-24

When we believe in Jesus Christ all our sins are pardoned; yet the power of sin, although it is weakened and kept under by the dominion of the new-born nature which God infuses into our souls, does not cease, but still lingers in us, and will do so to our dying day. It is a doctrine held by all the orthodox, that there still dwells in the regenerate the lusts of the flesh, and that there still remains in the hearts of those who are converted by God’s mercy, the evil of carnal nature. I have found it very difficult to distinguish, in experimental matters, concerning sin. It is usual with many writers, especially with hymn writers, to confound the two natures of a Christian. Now, I hold that there is in every Christian two natures, as distinct as were the two natures of the God-Man Christ Jesus. There is one nature which cannot sin, because it is born of God—a spiritual nature, coming directly from heaven, as pure and as perfect as God himself, who is the author of it; and there is also in man that ancient nature which, by the fall of Adam, has become altogether vile, corrupt, sinful, and devilish. There remains in the heart of the Christian a nature which cannot do that which is right, any more than it could before regeneration, and which is as evil as it was before the new birth—as sinful, as altogether hostile to God’s laws, as ever it was—a nature which, as I said before, is curbed and kept under by the new nature in a great measure, but which is not removed and never will be until this tabernacle of our flesh is broken down, and we soar into that land into which there shall never enter anything that defiles.

For meditation: Are there times when you cannot understand your own behaviour? You are in good company (Romans 7:15-25). But the Christian, having received the new nature, need not and should not give in to the old nature as if he could do nothing about it.

Sermon no. 83

1 June (1856)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Examining Your Faith

June 1, 2014 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

“Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22).

Our studies this month center on James 1:19-2:26, which deals with the issue of true faith–a most important consideration indeed. Knowing your faith is genuine is a wonderful assurance, but thinking you’re saved when you’re not is the most frightening deception imaginable. In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus speaks of those who call Him Lord and even do miracles in His name, but aren’t redeemed. Second Timothy 3:5 speaks of those who have a form of godliness but deny its power. They’re religious but lost. Sadly, many people today are victims of the same deception. They think they’re Christians, but they’re heading for eternal damnation unless they recognize their true condition and repent.

Deception of that magnitude is a tragedy beyond description, but you need never fall prey to it because James gives a series of tests for true faith. This month we’ll be applying one of those tests: your attitude toward God’s Word. That’s an especially crucial test because the Word is the agency of both your salvation and sanctification. The Holy Spirit empowered it to save you, and He continually works through it to conform you to the image of Christ. That’s why Peter said, “You have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God. . . . [Therefore] like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Pet. 1:2-2:2).

Jesus Himself characterized believers as those who abide in His Word and obey His commandments. They receive the Word with an attitude of submission and humility. However, unbelievers resist and disobey the Word (John 8:31, 43-45). Psalm 119:155 says, “Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Thy statutes.”

As you study this test of true faith, ask yourself, Do I pass the test? I pray that your answer will echo the words of the psalmist: “I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto the end” (Ps. 119:112).

Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God for clarity and confidence about your faith in Christ.

For Further Study: Read the book of James, noting the instructions he gives regarding Christian living.

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Get Understanding

June 1, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6

I believe marriages, friendships, and business relationships are destroyed due to men and women not understanding the differences that make us unique. In our pride we usually think that we are a shining example of what is right, and we expect everyone to act as we do and like what we like, but that is fantasy, not fact.

In his best-selling book Love and Respect, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs points out that the obvious differences found in men and women can be seen in something as simple as looking into a closet. Eggerichs writes about a couple getting dressed for the day: She says, “I have nothing to wear.” (She means, she has nothing new.) He says, “I have nothing to wear.” (He means, he has nothing clean.)

God made men and women to be different in many different ways. Whether you are married or single, you will encounter and need to deal with men throughout your life. I believe it is important for our confidence level as women to understand ourselves and the differences between us and men. We need to remember that those differences aren’t better or worse, they’re just different. Once we accept those differences, we can understand and appreciate what each gender offers.

Lord, I ask You to help me understand myself as well as to understand men in general. Then help me apply that understanding in practical, helpful ways in my relationships. Amen.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Life-giving Fruit

June 1, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“Godly men are growing a tree that bears life-giving fruit, and all who win souls are wise” (Proverbs 11-30).

“The monument I want after I am dead,” said Dwight L. Moody, “is a monument with two legs going around the world – a saved sinner telling about the salvation of Jesus Christ.”

When a young minister asked the Duke of Wellington whether he did not consider it useless to attempt to evangelize India, the Iron Duke sternly replied:

“What are your marching orders, sir?”

No doubt one of Satan’s greatest weapons of deceit in the world today is that of procrastination. Tomorrow I am going to become a soul-winner. Next month, after an evangelistic training program, I will become a great witness. As soon as I finish seminary or Bible college, I’ll begin sharing the good news of the gospel.

But “today is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time,” declares the Word of God. Sensitivity to God’s Holy Spirit – dwelling within to give me supernatural ability – will enable me to tell others what Christ means to me, and what He has done for me.

In God’s economy, the truly wise person, is that one who is redeeming the time, buying up every opportunity to share his faith, refusing to put off that which he knows should become a natural, every-day, moment-by-moment part of his life. Wonder of wonders, God even promises to put the very words in our mouths, if we ask Him, as we go in His name.

Bible Reading: II Corinthians 5:11-17

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will do what God leads me to do this day to bear life-giving fruit.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Filled With Joy

June 1, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Godliness is rarely mentioned today, but it should be the goal of every believer. Matthew records Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount to give you steps for that journey (Matthew 5:2-12). Acknowledge your sin and spiritual deficiency – be poor in spirit. Grieve over them – mourn and long for God’s forgiveness. Trust Him in every circumstance – show meekness. Long to do right – hunger and thirst for the righteousness of God. Endeavor to do good – show mercy. Desire inward cleansing – seek to be pure in heart. Actively promote peace – be a peacemaker.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

Matthew 5:12

What reward shall come to you? It may be persecution. “Oh, joy!” you say. And it should be! David, the man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) suffered greatly, but in the midst of every calamity, he recounted his joy in the Lord. God’s mighty works in his life encouraged David to trust in the One who had always saved him. Joy filled his heart.

Take his attitude to heart, dear one. The June devotionals will remind you that joy is expected of you. Let your testimony and your prayers for yourself and this nation be filled with it.

Charles Stanley – The Most Important Thing

May 31, 2014 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

Luke 11:1-4

Many of us have redesigned prayer to fit in with the busyness of our lives and to make us more comfortable. We have organized it to suit ourselves and in the process, we’ve forgotten what the heart of prayer really is—our relationship with the Lord.

Prayer is to be a time of separation from the world in order to be with God. It occurs when we surrender our schedules, our priorities, and ourselves to the joy of drawing near to our Father in heaven. It’s a time to experience His love and express ours to Him; to remember that life is centered on Jesus and that our priority is to obey Him. It’s where our souls are nourished and we gain strength to continue.

For us as children of the King, prayer is the means by which we communicate with Him about needs, work, desires, and even our mistakes. It is also one of the primary ways for us to receive His responses. Most importantly, it’s a time to bask in the presence of God our Father and Jesus our Savior—and to be guided by the Holy Spirit in heavenly conversation.

The value of prayer is seen in the life of Jesus. He often withdrew from the crowds and even from His own disciples in order to spend significant time with His Father. What value do you place on praying? Whom or what do you seek through your prayers? How often do you enter the throne room just to spend time with your Father? Commit to seeking a prayer life like the Savior’s—with God Himself as your focus and top priority.

Our Daily Bread

May 31, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Isaiah 1:1-4,12-18 Your sins . . . shall be as white as snow. —Isaiah 1:18 Iwas driving my son home from school one day when snow began to fall. The cottony fluff came down steadily and quickly. Eventually, we slowed to a stop, boxed in by traffic. From inside our vehicle, we watched a transformation take place. Dark patches of soil turned white. Snow softened the sharp outlines of buildings; it coated the cars around us, and accumulated on every tree in sight. That snowfall reminded me of a spiritual truth: Just as that snow covered everything in sight, God’s grace covers our sin. But grace doesn’t just cover sin, grace erases sin. Through the prophet Isaiah, God appealed to the Israelites, saying, “Come now, and let us reason together . . . though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isa. 1:18). When God made this promise, His children had a painful problem with sin. God compared them to a physical body plagued with “wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil” (v.6 niv). As bad as their sin was, God was willing to extend His grace to them. As His children today, we have the same assurance. Sin may stain our lives, but when we repent and confess it, we have “the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of [God’s] grace” (Eph. 1:7). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt Lord, give me courage to confess, To bare my sinful heart to Thee; Forgiving love You long to show And from my sin to set me free. —D. DeHaan The weight of sin is balanced only by the blood of Christ.

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