Tag Archives: Jesus

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Side Selection

November 10, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

In little more than a month, he would be dead. But on this, the day of his second inauguration, President Abraham Lincoln had reason to be hopeful. The long and bloody Civil War was reaching its conclusion and victory was in sight. Yet Lincoln’s speech was marked not by hubris but by profound humility. “Both read the same Bible,” he said, speaking of the Union and the Confederacy, “and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other…the prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes.”

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31

Lincoln understood the foolishness of either nation lobbying God to be their side. It was and is the duty of every individual to conform to God’s will, not the other way round. There are many politicians who maneuver and shape their religious positions around polls and popular culture. And then there are those who acknowledge that “the Almighty has His own purposes.”

Today, pray for more leaders who understand this absolute: “For I the Lord do not change.” Malachi 3:6

Greg Laurie – My Determined Purpose

November 10, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity. —Romans 12:2

With the world the way it is today, with things getting darker and darker and going from bad to worse, it seems to me the only way to live these days is as a completely sold-out Christian—not as a fence-sitter trying to blend in, but as someone who says, “I want to walk with God and live a real Christian life.”

Paul said that his determined purpose in life was to know Christ (see Philippians 3:10-14). What is your determined purpose in life? When you get up in the morning, what do you live for? What are your goals? What are your priorities?

If you don’t have a goal, you’re in serious trouble because, as it has been said, if you aim at nothing, you’re bound to hit it. Can you say with Paul, “My determined purpose in life is to know Him”? I hope so.

Think of the way that God used Paul. He had led countless people to faith, established churches out on the frontiers of his world, and wrote letters that we regard today as the very inspired Word of God. Yet Paul realized he had so much to learn and so far to go.

It’s hard for us to think that someone like Paul would face the struggles and temptations we all face. But indeed he did. How much more should we be saying that we need to change radically in this coming year? We need to become more like Christ in this coming year—and don’t let anyone pull the wool over your eyes . . . all of us have a long, long way to go.

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

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Not Eloquent Prayers–Honest Ones

November 10, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

For two years, I’ve asked God to remove the pain in my writing hand. After writing thirty-plus books in longhand, the repeated motion has restricted my movement. I stretch my fingers. I avoid the golf course. But most of all, I pray.

Better said, I argue. Shouldn’t God heal my hand? So far he hasn’t healed me. Or has he? These days I pray more as I write. Not eloquent prayers, but honest ones. “Lord, I need help. . .Father; my hand is stiff.” The discomfort humbles me. I’m not Max, the author. I’m Max, the guy whose hand is wearing out. I want God to heal my hand. Thus far he has used my hand to heal my heart!

Here’s my challenge to you! Join me at BeforeAmen.com—then every day for 4 weeks, pray 4 minutes. It’ll change your life!

From Before Amen

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Key to Continued Peace

November 9, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Life Principle 12

Peace with God is the fruit of oneness with God.

Psalm 4:8

Every now and then we do well to take stock of our situations, so I’d like to ask you to look around. What’s happening in your life and in your family?

You may not be experiencing a difficult time. From your perspective, everything may seem sunny and clear. Storms come, however. At times, they roll into our lives with bounding blows. How do we maintain a sense of peace and spiritual balance when trials strike?

The answer is found in a close, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. The words of Helen Lemmel’s classic hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” contain a vital and exciting truth: an unshakable peace is available to all who turn the eyes of their hearts to Jesus.

Chances are when adversity strikes, one of the first things you do is to wonder why. Then you may question what kind of impact it will have on your life. While reactions such as these are normal, we also need another response, and that is to turn to the One who holds all comfort and security firmly within His grasp.

No one, outside of God, is equipped to handle our problems. He never meant for us to be strong on our own. He wants us to find courage, hope, and strength in Him and His Word.

Many wonder what they can do to change the feelings of anxiety they feel when they come under pressure. One of the first steps is to recognize anxiety for what it is—the opposite of peace. It is the fan that flames the fires of doubt and confusion, and it has the ability to leave us helplessly bundled up in worry and fear. When we cave into thoughts of anxiety, we lose our spiritual focus and mindset. The key to overcoming anxiety is found only in the presence of God.

Paul admonishes us: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6, 7).

Accepting God’s timetable and the limitations He places on a given situation help to dispel rising anxiety. Therefore, let Him provide for you in His timing. When you accept life as a gift from the hand of God, then you will do what Helen Lemmel’s song says—you will turn your eyes toward Jesus. You will look full into His glorious face and there find mercy and grace, forgiveness and hope, peace and everlasting security.

What would you give to experience the peace of God? Are you willing to lay down the anger that haunts your soul because someone has done something to wound you? God knows the hurt you have experienced. Will you trust Him in quietness, knowing He has not forgotten you but stands ready to heal you?

God’s peace is unshakable because there has never been a time or an event when God has felt disturbed. His peace and presence are sure. They are immovable. You will accomplish many things—great and mighty—when you keep your focus on God.

At one of the most difficult points in his life, David wrote Psalm 57, which begins: “Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by. I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me. He will send from heaven and save me; He reproaches him who tramples upon me. God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth” (vv. 1–3).

How could David write such trusting words, especially with King Saul trying to kill him? David had a divine, unshakable peace within his heart that God would protect his life and fulfill His promises to him.

The safest place for you when trials come is in the everlasting arms of Jesus. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and said to them, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). This was not a trite greeting; the Lord had a specific purpose in mind. He spoke of God’s peace, immovable and eternal—the peace He had paid for on the cross (John 14:27; Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:13–16)—the peace you need today.

Does something trouble you? Has a conflict, sorrow, or situation escalated beyond your control? Hear His word to you: “Peace be with you.”

Let His peace invade your heart. Tell Him all you are feeling. He understands and knows life can be difficult—but He has a solution. Our peace resides in our Savior, who loves us unconditionally. He has promised to keep us and deliver us into the Father’s loving arms.

Back to 30 Life Principles

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Tear Down The Wall

November 9, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Genesis 50:15-21

He comforted them and spoke kindly to them. —Genesis 50:21

The years following World War II were labeled the Cold War as nations exchanged threats and jockeyed for power. The Berlin Wall, built in August 1961, stood for almost 3 decades as one of the most powerful symbols of the smoldering animosity. Then, on November 9, 1989, it was announced that citizens could cross freely from East to West Berlin. The entire wall was demolished the following year.

The familiar Old Testament story of Joseph follows a favorite son whose brothers hated him (Gen. 37–50). Yet Joseph refused to build a wall of hatred between himself and his brothers who sold him into slavery. When a famine brought them face to face after many years, Joseph treated his brothers with kindness, saying, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good . . . . And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them” (50:20-21), helping to restore the relationship between them.

Twenty-five years ago today, an oppressive man-made barrier was opened, offering freedom and reuniting families and friends.

If we’ve built walls of anger and separation between ourselves and others, the Lord is willing and able to help us begin tearing them down today. —David McCasland

Heavenly Father, examine my heart; reveal to

me where I have erected walls in relationships.

Show me the way to start tearing them down

that there might be reconciliation.

Anger builds walls; love breaks them down.

Bible in a year: Jeremiah 46-47; Hebrews 6

Insight

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, forgotten by people he helped, falsely accused, and unjustly imprisoned. But he overcame all these setbacks to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. Earlier in Genesis 45:5-8, and again here in Genesis 50:20, Joseph acknowledged God’s sovereignty and purpose in his life—that God overrules human sin for His glory and the ultimate good of mankind. Paul succinctly summed up the same truth in Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Do Not Doubt

November 9, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; His bread will be given him; his water will be sure. Isaiah 33:16

Christian, do you doubt whether God will fulfill His promise? Will the fortresses of rock be swept away by a storm? Will the storehouses of heaven fail? Do you think that your heavenly Father, even though He knows that you need food and clothes, will forget you? When not a sparrow falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge, and the very hairs of your head are all numbered, will you mistrust and doubt Him? Perhaps your affliction will continue upon you until you dare to trust God, and then it will end.

There have been many who have been tried and troubled until at last they have been driven in sheer desperation to exercise faith in God, and the moment of their faith has been the instant of their deliverance; they have seen whether God would keep His promise or not. So I urge you, doubt Him no longer! Do not please Satan, and do not trouble yourself by indulging any more those hard thoughts of God. Do not imagine that it is a small matter to doubt Jehovah. Remember, it is a sin; and not a little sin either, but in the highest degree criminal. The angels never doubted Him, nor the devils either.

We alone, out of all the beings whom God has fashioned, dishonor Him by unbelief and tarnish His honor by mistrust. Shame on us for this! Our God does not deserve to be so poorly treated; in our past life we have proved Him to be true and faithful to His word, and with so many instances of His love and of His kindness as we have received and are daily receiving at His hands, it is base and inexcusable that we allow a doubt to lodge within our heart. From now on let us resolve to wage constant war against doubts of our God—enemies to our peace and to His honor—and with an unstaggering faith believe that what He has promised He will also perform. “I believe; help my unbelief!”1

1) Mark 9:24

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The family reading plan for November 9, 2014 * Joel 1 * Psalm 140, 141

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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 – The ship on fire—a voice of warning

November 9, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

‘Escape for thy life; … Thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life.’ Genesis 19:17,19

Suggested Further Reading: Luke 17:28–33

This alarm demands of every one of us who are unsaved, an undivided attention. You have fifty things to think about. You tell me you have a thousand cares. O sirs, a man whose life is in danger, has no other care than to save his life. Did those who were rescued from the ‘Amazon’ have time to save their money and their gold? We are told that they were utterly destitute when they landed at Margate, and what does it matter? Would not a flush of joy be on their cheeks because their lives were preserved? If one said to his fellow, ‘Where is your purse?’ ‘Oh,’ would say the other, ‘never mind my purse; I am in the lifeboat; my life is saved.’ And what is the loss after all, if you lose the world and gain your soul? Those on board the ship had not time to save their clothes. They ran just as they were, half-naked, to the vessel’s deck, and so must you. I know you will tell me you are not living to make money; if you could just make ends meet, keep your family—that is all—are you not to think of this? It is well and good; far be it from me to discourage prudent carefulness in all matters; it is your business to see to temporal matters, but still your paramount business must be your soul; even necessaries must not come between your soul and your most serious thoughts. You must see to this first and foremost, and remember there is a promise about it—‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’

For meditation: We are horrified by fires on earth; how much more should we dread the everlasting fires of hell (Isaiah 33:14). It’s far better to have Christ and lose out on earth than to end up in hell without Christ (Mark 9:43–48).

N.B. This sermon was preached following the burning of the ship Amazon off Broadstairs on the Kent coast. All the passengers and crew were saved. The captain was in Spurgeon’s congregation on this occasion as was his custom when on shore.

Sermon no. 550

8 November (1863)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Walking by Faith

November 9, 2014 broboinhawaii 2 Comments

“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God” (Heb 11:5).

When you walk by faith, you enjoy intimacy with God.

Our second hero of faith is Enoch. Genesis 5:21-24 records that “Enoch lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Methuselah. Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years after he became the father of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.”

What a wonderful epitaph: “Enoch walked with God.” His life exemplifies the walk of faith. Adam and Eve had walked with God in the Garden of Eden, but their sin separated them from such intimacy. Enoch experienced the fellowship with God they had forfeited.

Enoch’s faithful walk pleased God greatly. And after more than three hundred years on earth, Enoch was translated to heaven without ever experiencing death. It’s as if God simply said, “Enoch, I enjoy your company so much, I want you to join me up here right now.”

Like Enoch, there is coming a generation of Christians who will never see death. Someday—perhaps soon—Jesus will return for His church, “then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up . . . in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:17). Enoch is a beautiful picture of that great future event, which we call the rapture of the church.

As you walk with God, He delights in you. You’re His child and your praises and fellowship bring Him joy. Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.” Even death itself simply ushers you into His presence for all eternity.

Let the joy of intimacy with God, and the anticipation of seeing Christ face to face—either by rapture or by death— motivate you to please Him more and more each day of your life.

Suggestions for Prayer

Thank God for the promise of Christ’s return.

For Further Study

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

What events surround the rapture of the church?
How were the Thessalonians to respond to Paul’s teaching about the rapture?
How should you respond?

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

November 9, 2014 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

Now about the spiritual gifts (the special endowments of supernatural energy), brethren, I do not want you to be misinformed. —1 Corinthians 12:1

Much has been written about the gifts of the Spirit throughout Christian history. The Bible itself teaches us the importance of the gifts of the Spirit and the importance of our not being ignorant of them. Yet, in spite of all the information available today on the subject, many people are totally ignorant of these gifts. I, for one, attended church for many years and never heard one sermon or lesson of any kind on the gifts of the Spirit. I didn’t even know what they were, let alone that they were available to me.

There are many varieties of “gifts” or “endowments,” as they are called in the Amplified Bible, which also refers to them as “extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians” (1 Corinthians 12:4). The gifts vary, but they are all from the same Holy Spirit. When we let God lead us in the use of these gifts, they add a wonderful dimension of power to our lives. First Corinthians 12:8–10 (KJV) lists the gifts as: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, the gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers (different) kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.

These are all abilities, gifts, achievements, and endowments of supernatural power by which the believer is enabled to accomplish something beyond the ordinary, and they are available to all believers. We cannot force the operation of any spiritual gift. We are to earnestly desire all the gifts, but the Holy Spirit chooses when and through whom they operate. Ask for and expect God’s leading concerning the gifts of the Spirit.

God’s word for you today: You don’t have to live in weakness because God’s power is available to you today and every day.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Chosen to be Glorified

November 9, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“And having chosen us, He called us to come to Him; and when we came, He declared us ‘not guilty,’ filled us with Christ’s goodness, gave us right standing with Himself, and promised us His glory” (Romans 8:30).

A famous Christian leader insisted to me that anyone could lose his salvation. I asked him if he felt that he would ever lose his. Quickly, he replied, “Absolutely not. I am sure I will not lose my salvation.”

Can we lose our salvation? Personally, I believe there is too much controversy over this issue. Some fear that the individual who has assurance of salvation and knows that he will spend eternity with God might have a tendency to compromise his conduct, which would result in disobedience to God and would be an insult to Christ and His church. Others think that the individual who does not live like a Christian – although he professes faith in Christ – has never experienced the new birth, does not have eternal life and will be forever separated from God.

It is quite likely that the person who insists on “doing his own thing” – going his own way while professing to be a Christian – is deceived and should be encouraged to look into the mirror of God’s Word. For if his salvation is real, the evidence should proclaim it.

The caterpillar which goes through a metamorphosis to become a butterfly, lives like a butterfly, not a caterpillar. In the same way, the man or woman who has experienced new life in Christ will witness to it in his life.

Our beginning Scripture deals with seven marvelous truths:

He chose us.

He called us.

We came.

He declared us not guilty.

He filled us with Christ’s goodness.

He gave us a right standing with Himself.

He promised us His glory.

For centuries, man has been mystified by predestination and eternal security. One famous theologian put it this way: “How would it be a source of consolation to say…that whom God foreknew, He predestinated, and whom he predestinated, He called, and whom He called, He justified, and whom He justified might fall away and be lost forever?”

We should praise and worship God because of His promises to all who receive Him that He will never leave them nor forsake them (Hebrews 13:5).

Bible Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will meditate upon the truths in this marvelous Word from God. And as an expression of my gratitude for the privilege of living a supernatural life, I will praise and thank God constantly for His goodness and will encourage other believers to do the same

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Choices

November 9, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

George Washington said, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable.” The United States has a rich history of leaders yielded to God – and citizens have reaped the benefits. “Making choices is like buying tickets to future events,” Abraham Lincoln said. “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.

Ruth 1:16

Ruth of the Bible had a choice. She and her sister-in-law were following Naomi when Naomi told them to return to their families. Orpah chose to go back, but Ruth insisted on staying with Nomi. Ruth’s decision led to a blessed life in God and to the honor of being in Christ’s lineage.

Be thankful for past leaders (governmental and religious) and the rich heritage which God has used to make America a great nation. Pray that God will have His way in the lives of newly-elected leaders and that their decisions will make a better life for the next generations. Then ask the Lord to guide you to make choices that will have benefits for you and those around you.

Charles Stanley – How to Develop a Solid Faith

November 8, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

1 Peter 1:6-7

Every one of us will go through troubling times, and when those times come, it’s easy to get disheartened. But the Bible indicates that even during periods of challenge and adversity, God expects His children to respond correctly. And His Word equips us to do so.

Today’s passage teaches us to rejoice during difficulty. Of course, this does not mean that we must be glad about the hardship. But we can be joyful because we know that God is using the circumstances to prepare and grow us. Although having a positive attitude during a negative situation does not seem logical, here are two reasons why doing so makes sense.

First, the Lord teaches us endurance through the difficult experiences we encounter. Our natural reaction to pain is to run in the opposite direction—and as fast as possible. However, God wants us to “hang in there” so we can derive the full benefit of whatever lesson He has for us.

Second, the heavenly Father uses trials as a refining fire to purify His children and bring them to greater spiritual maturity. He has a plan for each believer, and hardship is one of the necessary tools that prepare us to do His will. In the process, we will find that our faith has been strengthened.

As we realize God brings benefit from our adversities, we’ll begin to face challenging times with confidence that He always has our best interest in mind. We can rejoice in the fact that He is building our endurance, purifying our hearts, and making us people with unshakable trust in Him.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Oranges Or Milk?

November 8, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Hebrews 5:5-14

Solid food belongs to those who are of full age. —Hebrews 5:14

When I told my young daughter that a 3-month-old baby boy was coming to our house for a visit, she was delighted. With a child’s sense of hospitality, she suggested that we share some of our food with the baby; she thought he might enjoy a juicy orange from the bowl on our kitchen counter. I explained that the baby could drink only milk, but that he might like oranges when he was older.

The Bible uses a similar concept to describe a believer’s need for spiritual food. The basic truths of Scripture are like milk—they help new Christians thrive and grow (1 Peter 2:2-3). In contrast, “Solid food belongs to those who are of full age” (Heb. 5:14). Believers who have had time to digest and understand the basics can move on to investigate other biblical concepts and begin to teach others these truths. The rewards of spiritual maturity are discernment (v.14), godly wisdom (1 Cor. 2:6), and the ability to communicate God’s truth to others (Heb. 5:12).

Like a loving parent, God wants us to grow spiritually. He knows that feeding only on spiritual milk is not in our best interest. He wants us to move on so we can enjoy the taste of solid food. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Dear Lord, please deepen my understanding

of Your Word. Let Your Holy Spirit guide

me and enlighten my heart as I pursue Your

truth so that I might walk in Your ways.

Spiritual growth occurs when faith is cultivated.

Bible in a year: Jeremiah 43-45; Hebrews 5

Insight

Today’s passage encourages readers toward maturity in Christ. Far from urging detailed knowledge of difficult Bible passages or in-depth understanding of doctrine, the writer says that “full age” is characterized by something straightforward and practical. It is being able “to discern both good and evil” (v.14).

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Invite Him In

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‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ Mark 14:14

Jerusalem at the time of the Passover was one great inn; each householder had invited his own friends, but no one had invited the Savior, and He had no dwelling of His own. It was by His own supernatural power that He found Himself an upper room in which to keep the feast. This is still the case today—Jesus is not received among the sons of men except when by His supernatural power and grace He makes the heart anew. All doors are open enough to the prince of darkness, but Jesus must clear a way for Himself or lodge in the streets.

On account of the mysterious power exerted by our Lord, the householder raised no question but at once cheerfully and joyfully opened his guest room. Who he was and what he was we do not know, but he willingly accepted the honor that the Redeemer proposed to confer upon him. In similar fashion we can still discover who are the Lord’s chosen and who are not, for when the Gospel comes to some, they fight against it and will not have it; but where men receive it, welcoming it, this is a sure indication that there is a secret work going on in the soul and that God has appointed them to eternal life. Are you willing, dear reader, to receive Christ?

Then there is no difficulty in the way. Christ will be your guest; His own power is working with you, making you willing. What an honor to entertain the Son of God! The heaven of heavens cannot contain Him, and yet He condescends to find a house within our hearts! We are not worthy that He should come under our roof, but what an unutterable privilege when He condescends to enter! For then He makes a feast and causes us to feast with Him upon His royal provision; we sit at a banquet where the food is immortal and provides immortality to those who feed on it. Blessed among the sons of Adam is he who entertains the angels’ Lord.

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The family reading plan for November 8, 2014 * Hosea 14 * Psalm 139

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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 – The first and great commandment

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“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” Mark 12:30

John MacArthur –The First Disciple

November 8, 2014 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

“Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. And Abel . . . brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard” (Gen. 4:3-5).

True discipleship is characterized by obedience to God’s Word.

In John 8:31 Jesus issued an important statement to a group of people who were showing an interest in Him: “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine.” Sadly, they rejected His words, proving themselves to be less than true disciples. Jesus went on to explain why: “He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God” (v. 47). They listened but didn’t really hear. They were interested but not truly committed. They were hearers of the Word but not doers (James 1:22).

In contrast, Abel did what God told him to do. He was, in effect, the first disciple. He was probably a better person than Cain—more friendly, moral, and dependable—but that’s not why God accepted his sacrifice and rejected Cain’s. Abel trusted God, and his faith was counted as righteousness. Like Abraham, whose faith was evidenced by his willingness to obey God and sacrifice his son Isaac (James 2:21-22), Abel’s faith was evidenced in his obedient offering. He didn’t rely on his own goodness but acknowledged his sin and made the prescribed sacrifice.

Perhaps God indicated His acceptance of Abel’s sacrifice by consuming it with fire, as He did on other occasions in Scripture (Judg. 6:21; 1 Kings 18:38). But whatever means He used, God made his pleasure known to Abel.

Abel’s brief life conveys a simple three-point message: we must come to God by faith; we must receive and obey God’s Word; and sin brings serious consequences. If you hear and heed that message, you’ll walk the path of true discipleship and be assured of God’s pleasure.

Suggestions for Prayer; Make it your goal to please the Lord in everything you do today. Seek His wisdom and grace to do so faithfully.

For Further Study; Read these verses, noting what they say about pleasing God: 2 Corinthians 5:9; Ephesians 5:6-10; Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 11:6; and Hebrews 13:15-16, 20-21.

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Do You Worship or Worry?

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And the Lord said to Moses, Make a fiery serpent [of bronze] and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live. —Numbers 21:8

In Numbers 21, we see that when the Israelites were out in the wilderness, they were dying in large numbers because of a plague of snakes that had come upon them as a result of their sin. Moses went and fell down before God and worshiped Him. He turned his attention immediately to God, not to himself or anyone else, to solve the problem.

I have discovered that throughout the Bible when people had a problem, they worshiped. At least the ones who were victorious did. They didn’t worry—they worshiped. I would ask you today: Do you worry or worship? Moses sought God about how to handle the snakes. He didn’t make his own plan and ask God to bless it; he didn’t try to reason out an answer, nor did he worry—he worshiped. His action brought a response from God.

We know that the pole with the bronze serpent on it represented the cross and Jesus taking our sin upon Himself on it. The message is still the same today: “Look and live.” Look at Jesus, at what He has done, not at yourself and what you have done or can do.

The answer to your problem, whatever it may be, is to not worry but worship. Begin to worship God because He is good, and His goodness will be released in your life.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Claiming the Promise

November 8, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in You. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting Him, what can mere man do to me?” (Psalm 56:3,4).

Raymond and Martha were active church members and gave generously to the needs of the fellowship. But their real security, as Raymond shared, was largely in monetary holdings. After working hard for many years to build a financial empire, they had nothing to worry about. They were on “Easy Street” and could do anything for the rest of their lives, confident of being able to pass on a sizable fortune to their children and grandchildren.

But at this point, Raymond turned over the reins of his business to a trusted employee who, through mismanagement and embezzlement, coupled with a severe economic depression, was able to destroy in approximately two years what had taken Raymond more than thirty years to accumulate.

Devastated and fearful, Raymond and Martha turned to God and His Word. As they claimed God’s promises, the Savior whom they had professed to know but had not really known, became a reality in their lives. They became joyful, radiant and victorious. Though they had lost almost everything materially, they had, in the process, gained all that was really important. Now their trust was in the Lord who filled their lives with His love and grace. They passed on God’s blessing to others, including me.

Bible Reading: Psalm 25:4-10

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will not wait until personal tragedy, physical illness, financial reverses, heartache or sorrow cross my path, but will place my confidence in the Lord and in his Word and begin now to draw upon His supernatural resources to live a full and meaningful life for His glory

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – A Grateful Heart

November 8, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

George Washington knew the importance of being grateful to God for His blessings. He once said, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice.

Luke 17:15

Unfortunately, gratefulness is not high on many people’s priority list. Luke tells a story about ingratitude. As Jesus was traveling between Samaria and Galilee, He encountered ten men with leprosy. They called to Jesus to have mercy and heal them. Jesus granted their request and told them to go show themselves to the priest. On the way, the men realized they had been made whole, but only one man came back to thank Jesus.

While America receives great mercy from God every day, few citizens and leaders return thanks and show gratefulness to Him. Many take His blessings for granted. Are you sending up grateful prayers today? As you do, pray also for the nation’s leaders to cultivate a heart of thankfulness and lead by example.

Greg Laurie – Stop Seeking Happiness

November 8, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. —Psalm 4:6–8

Only humanity has a longing for meaning in life. I can assure you that my dog doesn’t sit around pondering the reason for his existence. He won’t be looking back on his life and saying, “You know, I tried it all as a dog. I chased cats. I drank toilet water. I tried bones. But deep inside of me, there was a void.” Dogs don’t think that way. They mainly think, Food . . . sleep.

Dogs, you see, aren’t made in the image of God. But you and I have been created in His image. We are living souls, designed to know God and to live above this mundane existence that we call life. From the time of our birth, we have been on a quest, and the answer to all of our questions is found in a relationship with Him. God can give us pleasure that far surpasses the puny, fleeting pleasures this world offers. And the good news is there is no hangover in the morning. There is no guilt that accompanies it. As Psalm 16:11 says, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” There is pleasure in knowing God, not in chasing after happiness.

I have discovered that I never will find happiness by chasing it. But what we will find is that as we chase God, if we will, as we pursue God and walk with Him, then one day we will realize we became happy people. Happiness doesn’t come through actively seeking it but by getting our lives into proper balance. Happiness and joy are the byproducts of that balance.

It’s like the Lord Jesus said. If you seek God and His plan first, everything else in life—including happiness and peace—will fall into place.

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

DAILY DEVOTIONS, NEWS AND INFORMATION

Tag Archives: Jesus

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Side Selection

Greg Laurie – My Determined Purpose

Max Lucado – Not Eloquent Prayers–Honest Ones

Charles Stanley – The Key to Continued Peace

Our Daily Bread — Tear Down The Wall

Alistair Begg – Do Not Doubt

Charles Spurgeon – The ship on fire—a voice of warning

John MacArthur – Walking by Faith

Joyce Meyer – The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Chosen to be Glorified

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Choices

Charles Stanley – How to Develop a Solid Faith

Our Daily Bread — Oranges Or Milk?

Alistair Begg – Invite Him In

Charles Spurgeon – The first and great commandment

John MacArthur –The First Disciple

Joyce Meyer – Do You Worship or Worry?

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Claiming the Promise

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – A Grateful Heart

Greg Laurie – Stop Seeking Happiness

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