Tag Archives: church

Alistair Begg – Who Do You Trust?

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In whom do you now trust? Isaiah 36:5

Reader, this is an important question. Listen to the Christian’s answer, and see if it is yours. “In whom do you now trust?” “I trust,” says the Christian, “in a triune God. I trust the Father, believing that He has chosen me from before the foundations of the world; I trust Him to provide for me in providence, to teach me, to guide me, to correct me if need be, and to bring me home to His own house where there are many rooms.

I trust the Son. He is very God of very God—the man Christ Jesus. I trust in Him to take away all my sins by His own sacrifice and to clothe me with His perfect righteousness. I trust Him to be my Intercessor, to present my prayers and desires before His Father’s throne, and I trust Him to be my Advocate at the last great day, to plead my cause, and to justify me. I trust Him for what He is, for what He has done, and for what He has promised still to do.

And I trust the Holy Spirit—He has begun to save me from my inbred sins; I trust Him to drive them all out; I trust Him to curb my temper, to subdue my will, to enlighten my understanding, to check my passions, to comfort my despondency, to help my weakness, to illuminate my darkness. I trust Him to dwell in me as my life, to reign in me as my King, to sanctify me completely, spirit, soul, and body, and then to take me up to dwell with the saints in light forever.”

What blessed trust—to trust Him whose power will never be exhausted, whose love will never weaken, whose kindness will never change, whose faithfulness will never fail, whose wisdom will never be overruled, and whose perfect goodness can never be impaired! You are happy, reader, if this trust is yours! So trusting, you will enjoy sweet peace now and glory later, and the foundation of your trust will never be removed.

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The family reading plan for October 7, 2014 * Ezekiel 40 * Psalm 91

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

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Conversion

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“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

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

Obeying Scripture brings spiritual blessing.

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 – Staying in Peace

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So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord. —Acts 3:19

Peace with God is maintained by a never attempting to hide sin. Hiding sin just causes condemnation and guilt, and neither of those are productive in any way. God knows everything anyway, so it is useless to think we can hide anything from Him. When we make mistakes, we shouldn’t withdraw from God, but we should come near to Him, thankful that He promises to restore us.

To repent meant to turn away from sin and return to the highest place. God is not surprised by our weaknesses and failures. Actually, He knew about the mistakes we would make before we made them. All we need to do is admit them because He is faithful to forgive us continually from all sin (see I John 1:9). God is waiting for you with open and outstretched arms-always run to Him!

Prayer of Thanks I am grateful, Father, that You forgive my sins and You bring healing and restoration into my life. I choose to reject the condemnation of any enemy and come to You when I sin and fall short. Thank You that You forgive me and love me through it all.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Bread of Life

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“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; C.H. – Is it True?

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People everywhere are seeking truth and the meaning of life – but are they finding it? A Gallup poll conducted earlier this year revealed only 28 percent of Americans believe the Bible is the actual Word of God and should be taken literally. That’s odd when another 77 percent of Americans identify themselves as Christian.

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

I Corinthians 1:18

In today’s verse, Paul wrote about how some will think the good news of Christ is foolishness. Maybe in the privacy of your thoughts you’ve experienced doubt, wondering, “Could the gospel really be true?” It can, and it is! “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31) As it says in the second half of the key verse, the Bible is “to us who are being saved…the power of God.”

Let the truth of God’s Word sink into your heart. Believe wholeheartedly in the power of the cross, and let it bring you salvation. Ask God to replace your doubt with the assurance only He can bring. Then pray for Him to show President Obama and his cabinet the truth of the gospel.

Recommended Reading: II Timothy 3:14-4:2

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – Fresh Courage

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I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. —Philippians 1:6

Are you discouraged today? Afraid of an uncertain future? The Bible tells the story of a time when Jesus’ disciples were not only discouraged, but they were actually in terror for their very lives.

Jesus had told them to get into a boat and go over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, and they obeyed. But when they were a considerable distance from land, a fierce storm arose that terrified them. Jesus, who had been on a mountain praying, went to meet the disciples, walking on the water. Thinking He was a ghost, the disciples cried out in fear. So Jesus immediately told them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:27, NIV).

There are two simple reasons the disciples didn’t have to be afraid: First, Jesus would help them weather the storm. And second, He had told them to go to the other side, which meant they would reach the other side. Where God guides, God provides.

Jesus knows where you are at this very moment. As complicated and tangled as your situation might seem to yourself right now, it’s all perfectly clear to Him. He knows what you are thinking, feeling, experiencing. He’s telling you to be courageous because He is with you, and there is a brighter tomorrow for you. Even if you’ve failed, even if you’ve made a mistake, it isn’t over. You can still learn from that mistake and get out of the situation in which you find yourself.

God has a future for each of us. Jeremiah 29:11, one of my all-time favorite verses, says, “For I know the plans I have for you . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV). God will complete the work He has begun in your life. Take courage!

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

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Walking With God for a Fruitful Life

October 6, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

John 15:4-8

Here’s a conversation with several more lessons about fruitfulness:

Child, there’s a third thing I want you to know: I’m bringing others along on the journey with you. Look out for them.

But, Lord, I have enough to do—taking care of my stuff, reading Your Word, and overcoming obstacles.

Child, you need to let go of your preoccupation with yourself and help others make the journey.

I can’t do more. I’m too busy.

I’ll sort through your priorities.

I’m too weary.

I’ll give you rest. Now, here’s the fourth lesson: You need to submit to My plan whether you like the plan or not.

Will You explain what You are doing?

Sometimes, though not always.

But what if Your plan makes no sense to me?

Do not rely on your own understanding; just keep walking where I direct.

But, Lord, what if I don’t want to go that way? What if it makes me too uncomfortable?

Ah, now we are at the heart of the matter, lesson five: A fruitful life is found only in a life surrendered to Me. It is characterized by an ever-increasing resemblance to Jesus in His fullness. In other words, the fruitful life is one filled with the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). In this relationship, I, the Lord, am in charge. Your part is to cooperate and submit to My plan. Now that you know the instructions, do you still want to follow? Think carefully.

Yes, Lord. To whom would I go? I believe You and want You as my guide.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — A Faithful Helper

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Jeremiah 20:7-13

The LORD is with me as a mighty, awesome One. —Jeremiah 20:11

As a young boy, my father had to deliver slop to hungry pigs on the farm where he grew up. He hated this job because the hogs would knock him over when he entered their pen. This task might have been impossible except for a faithful helper who accompanied my dad—a German shepherd named Sugarbear. She would maneuver herself between my father and the pigs and hold them back until my dad finished his chore.

The prophet Jeremiah had the difficult job of proclaiming God’s messages to the Israelites. This required him to endure physical abuse, verbal attacks, imprisonment, and isolation. Although Jeremiah struggled with deep discouragement, he had a Helper through all of his trouble. God promised him, “I am with you . . . to deliver you” (Jer. 1:19).

God did not desert Jeremiah, and He will not desert us. We have His continual aid through the power of the Spirit who lives inside every believer (John 14:16-17). The Helper gives us hope (Rom. 15:13), steers us toward spiritual truth (John 16:13), and pours out God’s love in our hearts (Rom. 5:5). We can trust that God faithfully helps us as we endure hardship. We can say with Jeremiah, “The LORD is with me as a mighty, awesome One” (Jer. 20:11). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

You, God, have been our help forever.

And You are our hope now and into eternity.

We thank You that You will never desert us.

You will be faithful.

Our greatest hope here below is help from God above.

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

Insight

Knowing that God called him to a difficult ministry, Jeremiah endured much persecution while striving to remain faithful to his calling (Jer. 20:1-6). His suffering caused him to question that calling (vv.7-10), but he was quick to reaffirm God’s sovereignty (vv.11-13).

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Christ’s Surprising Choice

October 6, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

He had married a Cushite woman. Numbers 12:1

Moses made a strange choice, but not as surprising as the choice of Him who is a prophet like Moses but greater than him—even our Lord Jesus! It is the wonder of angels that the love of Jesus should be set upon poor, lost, guilty men. Each believer must, when filled with a sense of Jesus’ love, also be overwhelmed with astonishment that such love should be lavished on an object so utterly unworthy of it. Knowing as we do our secret guiltiness, unfaithfulness, and halfheartedness, we are dissolved in grateful admiration for the matchless freeness and sovereignty of grace.

Jesus must have found the cause of His love in His own heart; He could not have found it in us, for it is not there. Even since our conversion we have been poor, though grace has made us rich. Holy Rutherford said of himself what we must each subscribe to: “His relation to me is that I am sick, and He is the Physician of whom I stand in need. Sadly how often I play fast and loose with Christ! He binds, I loose; He builds, I tear down; I quarrel with Christ, and He agrees with me twenty times a day!”

Most tender and faithful Husband of our souls, pursue Your gracious work of conforming us to Your image, until You will present even us in our poverty to Yourself without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Moses met with opposition because of his marriage, and both himself and his spouse were the subjects of disapproval. Can we be surprised if this empty world opposes Jesus and His church, and particularly when notorious sinners are converted? For this is always the basis of the Pharisee’s objection: “This man receives sinners.”1 Of course He does; after all, He did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.

1) Luke 15:1

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The family reading plan for October 6, 2014 * Ezekiel 39 * Psalm 90

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

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

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“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).

Scripture equips you for spiritual service.

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 – It’s Not About You

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The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me…He has sent Me to… proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. —Isaiah 61:1

Dave and I have been married almost forty-five years, and I am appalled at how selfish I was during the early years of our marriage. I can honestly say I did not know any better. In the house where I grew up, all I ever saw was selfishness and “taking” instead of giving.

So when I became an adult, I was a selfish person who knew very little about giving to others. I was always on my mind, and nothing changed until I got weary of my entire life being about me, me, and more of me. According to today’s Scripture, Jesus came to open prison doors and set captives free. He has set me free from many things, the greatest of which is myself. I have been set free from me! I continue to grow daily in this freedom, but I am thankful to realize that real joy is not found in getting my way all the time.

Perhaps, like me, you also had poor examples in life and need to “un-learn” some things you learned growing up. Be honest: How do you respond when you don’t get what you want? Do you become angry? Do you grumble and complain? Are you able to trust God to take care of you or do you live in fear that if you don’t take care of yourself, no one will take care of you? Believing you have to take care of yourself leads to selfishness, which leads to an unhappy life.

The Holy Spirit is a great teacher. He will help you learn the lessons you need to know in order to truly value, care for, and love others.

Love Others Today: “Lord, help me un-learn every bad lesson I have learned in the past and set me free to learn to love others they way You want me to love them.”

Campus Crusade for Christ

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

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“For everyone who tries 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; A.W. – Faith in His Ability

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Recently a sailing championship was held off the coast of Northern Ireland. More than 87 dinghys were in the water when a powerful squall with winds over 60 miles per hour caused several boats to capsize. Many of those rescued said they feared for their lives, but one sailor said the danger was blown out of proportion. He knew the sailors were experts; they were experienced in handling such storms. He had faith in their abilities.

And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Matthew 8:26

In today’s scripture, Jesus had just finished the Sermon on the Mount and healed many. He and the disciples were crossing over the Sea of Galilee and Jesus went to sleep. A storm hit and the disciples, afraid for their lives, woke Jesus – who immediately calmed the winds and waves. The disciples learned you don’t have to fear storms in life if you have faith in the abilities of the One who controls everything.

Pray today for God to conquer the fears of many Americans during the ongoing storm of current events, and that both leaders and citizens will trust in Him.

Greg Laurie – In His Hands

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Since his days are determined, the number of his months is with You; You have appointed his limits, so that he cannot pass. —Job 14:5

The Bible says that our days are numbered, which means there is a day coming (we don’t know when) when we are out of here. We can worry about that, or we can simply trust that God knows when that day will be. It doesn’t mean that we take up bungee jumping off of bridges or try swimming with sharks, putting our lives at unnecessary risk. But it does mean that we recognize the fact that our lives belong to God. We are in His hands.

This is a very comforting thought because it means that until God is finished with us, nothing will happen to us. That’s great to know. But it also means that when our number is up, it’s up. When that day comes, there is nothing we can do to turn the clock back.

So what are we to do? As we have already read in these pages, the apostle Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). So we should praise God for each new day, thank Him for the opportunities He provides, for the blessings He gives us, and for our family and friends. We should take time to smell the flowers and bounce a little one on our knees. We should savor the sight of a rainbow or a tree painted with the colors of autumn or the blue surf rolling in across a sandy beach. And of course we should be available and willing to serve Him in whatever plans He has for us.

God values you. He loves you. But if death came for you today, would you be ready? If not, you would face a certain judgment. That’s the last thing God wants to happen to you. That’s why He sent Jesus to die on the cross and shed His blood for every sin you have ever committed.

Only the person who says, “To live is Christ” can then say, “To die is gain.” That is a person whose soul is right with God.

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

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Lord, Teach Us to Pray

October 6, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

We can’t even get the cable company to answer us, yet God will? The doctor’s too busy, but God isn’t? We have our doubts about prayer!

Jesus raised people from the dead. But a “How to Vacate the Cemetery” seminar? His followers never called for one. But they did want Him to do this: “Lord, teach us to pray.” Might their interest have something to do with the jaw-dropping promise Jesus attached to prayer? “Ask and it will be given to you.” When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray He gave them a prayer. Could you use the same?

Father, You are good. I need help. Heal me and forgive me.

They need help. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Before amen—comes the power of a simple prayer. Punctuate your day with it!

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Thy Redeemer

October 5, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“And thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:14

Suggested Further Reading: Psalm 118:5-14

Hear Jehovah, the everlasting Father, saying, “I will help thee.” “Mine are the ages: before the ages began, when there were no worlds, when nothing had been created, from everlasting I am thy God. I am the God of election, the God of the decree, the God of the covenant; by my strength I did set fast the mountains; by my skill I laid the pillars of the earth, and the beams of the firmament of heaven; I spread out the skies as a curtain, and as a tent for man to dwell in; I the Lord made all these things. I will help thee.” Then comes Jehovah the Son. “And I also, am thy Redeemer, I am eternal; my name is wisdom. I was with God, when there were no depths, before he had digged the rivers, I was there as one brought up with him. I am Jesus, the God of ages; I am Jesus, the man of sorrows: ‘I am he that liveth and was dead, I am alive for evermore.’ I am the High Priest of thy profession, the Intercessor before the throne, the Representative of my people. I have power with God. I will help thee.” Poor worm, thy Redeemer vows to help thee; by his bleeding hands he covenants to give thee aid. And then in comes the Holy Spirit. “And I,” saith the Spirit, “am also God—not an influence, but a person—I, eternal and everlasting co-existent with the Father and the Son—I, who did brood over chaos, when as yet the world was not brought into form and fashion, and did sow the earth with the seeds of life when I did brood over it,—I, that brought again from the dead your Lord Jesus Christ, the Shepherd of the sheep, I who am the Eternal Spirit, by whose power the Lord Jesus did arise from the bondage of his tomb—I, by whom souls are quickened, by whom the elect are called out of darkness into light—I, who have power to maintain my children and preserve them to the end—I will help thee.”

For meditation: 2 Corinthians 13:14: what a mighty benediction!

Sermon no. 157

5 October (Preached 4 October 1857)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Longing for the Word

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“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).

Scripture is our source of spiritual growth.

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.

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Take a Stand

October 5, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! —Matthew 5:10

In our world today most people compromise rather than take a stand for what is right. Jesus said we would be persecuted for righteousness’ sake, and most people are not up for that. Jesus also promised a reward; however, the majority of people want reward without commitment. If we do what God has asked us to do, we will get what He promised us we could have. Salvation is free, and its only condition is to “believe,” but the benefits of being a Christian do come with conditions. God simply said, “If you will, I will.” Most Christians live far below their God-ordained destiny and privileges because they compromise rather than take a stand.

Take a stand. If you are the only one you know who is willing to do what is right, it may be a lonely walk, there may be persecution along the way, but the rewards are worth it. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you lived your life fully and completely and refused to let fear be your master.

Lord, I am willing to join with You and stand up for what I know is right. My destiny lies with You, and I choose Your kingdom above all. Amen.

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Alistair Begg – Who Do You Trust?

Charles Spurgeon – Conversion

John MacArthur – Enjoying God’s Blessings

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Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Bread of Life

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Is it True?

Greg Laurie – Fresh Courage

Charles Stanley – Walking With God for a Fruitful Life

Our Daily Bread — A Faithful Helper

Alistair Begg – Christ’s Surprising Choice

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Joyce Meyer – It’s Not About You

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Max Lucado – Lord, Teach Us to Pray

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John MacArthur – Longing for the Word

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